Diesel Tuner's Blog

Smarty MM3 Tuning Update! 

We have been testing the new Smarty MM3 Tuning for the 1998.5 - 2016 Cummins. The software/hardware is the newest solution for custom tuning.  Until now, the  limited amount of accessible tables in the 1998.5-2002 tuning platforms made fine tuning challenging for highly modified Cummins trucks leaving them smokey, noisey,  and generally not as smooth as other similarly modified trucks tuned with more advanced software.  Now that we have access to said tables, we will be able to create clean, efficient power with these trucks.

One of the most exciting features to the new Smarty MM3 is Live Tuning.  The live tuning ability allows our tuners to make real-time changes to the calibration on the dyno or during a road test where in the past we had to wait 7-12 minutes to implement one change.  As you might imagine, live tuning will significantly shorten the developement cycle and allow us to quickly  fine-tune a wide variety of modifications on-site at CPS.   The second advantage to the live tuning software is the ability of the customer to change tunes (power levels etc.) on the fly on any of the supported platforms.  These power levels will be supplied along with the base tune to customer at the time of sale (idealy).  

Our discussion with the developers of this software/hardware package lead us to believe that improved scan tool functionality is next on the priority list.  We would expect to see a very high sample rate scan tool along with several dozen of the most important PIDs in the near future for beta testing.   This tool is critical to the development process.  Without a strong scan tool we cannot validate our work, the better the tool - the better the final product and the better we can help our customers troubleshoot accurately if they need to.

• Learn More about the Smarty MM3
• Read our first article about the Smarty MM3
• 500 RWHP, Emissions Intact Performance

Calibrated Power is excited to beta test a new tuning product for the 1998.5 - 2016 Cummins.

#DTCleanSweep 

Shift Up, Throttle Back, What is it?

Many farmers run their large 4WD tractors while performing tillage work. Generally they find a gear that lets them achieve a desired ground speed and run at WOT. This practice will get the job done, no question. However, operators may see the Gallons Per Hour go up while this work is performed. This is a result of the tractor running more RPM than neccessary for the drawbar requirement. The amount of power needed for most drabar activities is probably not the peak power output of the tractor. This excessive RPM operation is the root cause of wasted fuel.  Good news though: Iowa State University, University Extension studied the "Shift Up, Throttle Back" strategy and have given suggestions on how to save fuel.  In fact, during testing some tractors measured up to a 20% reduction in fuel useage.

• ISU Shift Up, Throttle Back Article
• Mark Hana (Co-Author)
• Dana Schweitzer (Co-Author)

Duramax engines have always come with solid turbos. However after miles and miles of whistling and boosting, your turbo may have problems. Or you may have other issues, that make you think your turbo has problems. This is very common as most drivers watch boost, keeping an eye on how much PSI they're making. It stands to reason that if your peak boost drops, your turbo has a problem. This is usually not the case though. More often then not, when we diagnose this symptom we find there are other problems leading to a lower than expected boost number. 

Target boost numbers for the following RPO's are as follows (PSI)

2001-2004 LB7- Stock 20-22, tuned 24-26, tuned with PPE boost valve 28-31.  Failure will occur near 34psi

2004.5-2016 Stock 22-24, Mild tune 27-28, Hot tune 33-35

The factory map sensor which electronically measures boost on a 2001-2004.5 trucks only reads to 22-24 psi, 2006-2016 MAP sensors read to 37 psi.  If you want to read boost numbers higher you'll need an aftermarket gauge. 

REGEN is the burning of soot built up in a DPF. 

 The Emissions Equipment for diesel trucks has changed quite a bit through out the years. In 2004.5 all heavy duty diesel pickups had to install EGR's which is the exhaust gas recirculation system. Basically it turns exhaust into inert gas and directs the gas back into the combustion process. Then in 2007.5 the EPA required pickups to use a DPF. The DPF, or Diesel Particulate Filter, is a filter that catches soot, or unburnt fuel from the exhaust. Once the soot builds up, the exhaust heats up to burn the soot off. Starting in 2011 Diesel Exhaust Fluid is used to treat NOx emissions, in addition to the EGR and DPF treating the carbon emissions. 

The DPF is a crucile part of treating diesel emissions and each OEM utilizes and operates their DPF a little differently. Below, the DPF in the 2011-2016 LML Duramax is explained.

 CHECK OUT THESE OTHER LINKS ABOUT REGEN AND DPF's

• Duramax Thread about Regen Data
• DieselNet Tech Guide to DPF
• How Diesel Particulate Filters Work (JLM Lubricants)

Harvest is one of the busiest times of year for farmers. Trying to get the crop in before the weather turns, managing employees and rushing to get a myriad of tasks done can be daunting. One thing no farmer should have to deal with during this busy time is an under performing combine. Lugging up hills, slowing down the system, and in general costing the operation money.  This does not have to be the situation for you this fall!

Each year, just after harvest, we take an influx of calls inquiring about adding horsepower to combines. Farmers tend to be detail orientated, and have a lot of questions before tuning any equipment. Which is totally understandable, combines are not exactly cheap and they are one of the most crucial components of a successful harvest. 

A few questions come up in every conversation about tuning a combine. Below, I hope to provide answers to the most common questions about combine tuning. 

• Learn More About Emissions Equipment
• See testimonials from actual farmers that have tuned their tractor
• Tractor Tunes in Action! 

Did you know there is no reason to delete the emissions from your 2011-2016 Duramax? 

DuramaxTuner.com's SPADE is capable of adding up to 135HP to your EMISSIONS INTACT LML. 

Actually, more and more people are tuning their 2011 + Duramax (LML) with the emissions equipment intact.  This is a great option for Duramax owners that would like a nice, quiet, reliable, efficient truck that performs well every time. However, many LML Owners have some basic questions prior to pursining emissions intact tuning. 

Diesel Emissions Equipment has changed drastically through out the years and it can be very hard to keep up with what the equipment is and how it works. The EGR was introduced in 2004.5, then the DPF in 2007.5, and our current system rolled out in 2011 which includes DEF. This lack of understanding has lead to many myths, half-truths, and misunderstandings of how emissions equipment impacts your diesel pickup.

• Duramax LML Emissions Overview
• Make over 500 RWHP in your 2010 + Cummins without deleting it
• Check out Clean Sweep, an emissions intact 617 RWHP LML Duramax

Small farmers have a tough time making their passion profitable. Varying market prices, harsh weather conditions and rising cost of goods can become a true strain on the farm. 

Since the beginning of agriculture farmers have been finding ways to cut cost and increase production. This concept is what has driven innovation on the farm. However, with as many advances and "life hacks" that have been established, the cost of fuel is ever rising. Even with today's high tech, computer controlled equipment, the cost of fuel can still be staggering. 

Some other great articles about tractor fuel consumption:

• Predicting Tractor Diesel Fuel Consumption
• 6 Ways to Save Fuel on the Farm
  
  

BEFORE diving into saving fuel, you will want to gather as much detail as you can about how much fuel is currently costing you. This means knowing more than just how much you spend on fuel each year, quarter, or month, but knowing how much fuel each tractor uses for each task. To download a tracker that will help you narrow in on your most costly activities check out the Performance Tracker below.