2000 Ford 7.3 Diesel Cat Delete?

[dogtubs]

Hi Folks,

I’ve been struggling with high EGTs on hill climbs. I often reach 1200 F on hills and at times need to crawl at 30 mph to keep the EGTs below 1400 F.

Talking with a friend he suggested that I cut out the catalytic converter. Has anyone else done this to lower EGTs? Does it help to remove the catalytic converter?

My county does not require emissions tests, so that is not an issue. But, I don’t want a continuous Check Engine Light. Further, I’ve heard about removing additional emissions parts, like the EGR.

Thanks for your feedback.

Johnny
2000 Ford 7.3L Diesel Sportsmobile EB
Utah

 

[1der]

Ain't no cat in a 7.3 diesel. EGR ?? pretty sure there is a no EGR issue on a 7.3 as well. I think your friend is thinking 6,0

What is your gearing?
Tire size?
Mileage on engine?
Running a tuner?
Weight of vehicle?
How are you measuring EGT?
Where is the EGT probe?
Is this with OD off?
Oil specs?

 

[dogtubs]

1der,

Thanks for replying. You are correct, I don’t have a cat (checked the engine label)

Regarding your other questions:

What is your gearing? 4.10

Tire size? BFG KO2 LT285/75R16 load range E.

Mileage on engine? 100.000 miles

Running a tuner? Yes, but currently running stock. If tuned to “perf” or “perf tow” makes no difference on the EGTs.

Weight of vehicle? 10,000 lbs.

How are you measuring EGT? Pyrometer gage.

Where is the EGT probe? I think it’s after the turbo.

Is this with OD off? Yes. But, OD off or on doesn’t effect EGTs.

Oil specs? Always ran Amsoil Syn 15W-40 Diesel Marine.

Does this information help? I’d really like to lower those EGTs.

Thanks,
Johnny

 

[1der]

1der,

Thanks for replying. You are correct, I don’t have a cat (checked the engine label)

Regarding your other questions:

What is your gearing? 4.10

Tire size? BFG KO2 LT285/75R16 load range E.

Mileage on engine? 100.000 miles

Running a tuner? Yes, but currently running stock. If tuned to “perf” or “perf tow” makes no difference on the EGTs.

Weight of vehicle? 10,000 lbs.

How are you measuring EGT? Pyrometer gage.

Where is the EGT probe? I think it’s after the turbo.

Is this with OD off? Yes. But, OD off or on doesn’t effect EGTs.

Oil specs? Always ran Amsoil Syn 15W-40 Diesel Marine.

Does this information help? I’d really like to lower those EGTs.

Thanks,
Johnny

Good info.
gearing:tire size ratio is fine. If towing, maybe would go higher numeric.
Oil fine except in winter maybe look at 5w-40

Pyro after turbo is not optimal and may be why your readings are "high". Normal position is before turbo around #8 cylinder.

That you are NOT seeing drops in temps in lower gear or lesser tunes may be due to after turbo sensor location. It worth confirming sensor location.

My pyro reads significant drop in temp after down-shifting or coming off the power/tow tunes.

 

[bisonthecruiser]

I'm in the same situation as OP. We push the scales at 11,000lbs. Temps are similar to OP and we have 245K on the clock. I hate to say it, but your air intake and the lack of an intercooler are the big problem. We have a 6" exhaust, and I'm sure it's better than it would have been, but it likely makes up for the higher gearing than you have.



You might want to run a larger exhaust. Other options include finding a way to run a different intake, but most guys have to remove AC for that from what I've seen.



EDIT --- we run pre-turbo. I highly doubt you're seeing those temps post turbo. If you're seeing 1400 post turbo you're running egts upwards of 1600f probably and you'd be dealing with molten metal.



I've been dreaming of installing an intercooler where my 16.5ti winch should go, just not sure if that's practical or realistic.

 

[1der]

If the EGT is not dropping quickly when backing off or downshifting then something seems wrong and I think it is probably where the probe is in the exhaust stream.

Stock tune, stock exhaust, heavy van 3.73 and 285's we see 1200F max flat going uphill in top gear. If I switch the OD to off and downshift the EGT drops immediately to 900F. EGT probe is in exhaust manifold at cyl #8. This measures true EGT coming out of the cylinder.

 

[bisonthecruiser]

I don't see huge egt reductions until I drop into 2. I doubt the op is really paying that much attention. Downshifting or dropping out of od is going to reduce egts

 

[jkasten]

Sounds like you have a stock exhaust system. Upgrade to a 4 inch system from turbo back will help EGTs. There is one or two companies that make a 4 inch down pipe for the van turbo.

 

[1der]

If upsizing to 4", make sure the system chosen is good at resonance control. Some systems create a very annoying droning.