SweetLou wrote:
This maybe an ignorant question, but when I had my '97 and '05 cummins, I monitored my exhaust temps closely. If I stayed at 1000 to 1100 degrees and no higher, I could climb any grade at any tme without heating issues. I had a manual trans in both, and I realize that this is not the same animal that the OP is asking, but trans temps are related to how much you have your foot in the truck as well right? Gear down, get the fan to spin higher, and it just goes. 16 miles of the Baker grade at 117 degrees outside was never an issue even with windows open. Like I said, I may not be correct here, but if I am, then possibly adding an exhaust temp gauge is all that is needed along with cleaning the coolers.
EGT gauge is handy, albeit unnecessary for a stock truck.
I'll presume your statement above, the 1000-1100 degrees is a post turbo EGT? If it's preturbo temps then you were limiting your right foot input to about half the safely available output.
