So disappointed in this Diesel platform; wish there was a return policy.

[JackalopeSean]

yep...ask any 392 owner, same thing.
Most never read their manual and so they program it protect its self.

Sponsored

 

[CreepyJeepy]

I run a custom shop and we do a ton of lifts and we have lifted several Diesels and I have been told more than once that after a few thousand miles they can feel an increase in power and their fuel mileage got better.
One JT owner that has 37's and about 300lbs in the bed was on the highway and he felt a kick in power and looked down at his cluster and saw that he just rolled over the mileage to 3000 or 5000
On 37's hes getting 17mpg to 22mpg depending on load and speed

check this out. This is exactly what you are talking about.

Reduced fuel economy and power may be seen during this time.

Anybody know any Jeep ECU programmers that understand the logic here? I’d love to understand if it’s a static value, or a dynamic algorithm, based on engine load / temps.

 

[jsalbre]

Small turbo engines of any type tend to struggle with heat while towing. Especially at altitude where there’s less air mass to cool things. It’s more of a packaging issue (cooling capacity restrictions) than the engines themselves, but the two tend to go hand in hand.

I’ll be towing a small TT with my Gladiator at some point, but I’ve got the gasser so turbo heat soak won’t be a concern.

Just as an interesting (if not necessarily useful) piece of data: I towed an 8500# 30’ Airstream up both sides of that hill probably 5 times last summer with a 2020 Ram 2500 6.4L (gas) at 70mph, and the fans kicked up but the temp never budged. That thing had cooling for days and really never cared how hard you pushed it or for how long. It was rated for towing 17000# though, so 8500 was only half of its capability.

 

[dcmdon]

I noticed the 392 wrangler got a higher wattage cooling fan. I’m wondering if this will be a plug n play for us or maybe some wiring wil be needed but this may be a small upgrade for the diesel

Cooling fan is only really relevant when you aren't moving very fast.

The REAL problem, rather than a bandaid is more cooling area and capacity. That means a larger radiator, made out of Aluminum if possible. (Aluminum conducts heat better than steel). There usually isn't enough room to put in a larger radiator, but often you can get a thicker radiator that serves the same purpose.

The Gladiator isn't a "real" truck like a Ram is, but I'd expect more. That trailer is not terribly big or heavy, though it has much more aerodynamic drag than something like a boat.

People think that diesels are the end all and be all. But the reality in this case is that there isn't enough cooling capacity for this engine to run at high power for extended periods.

Gas engines do fine with towing, you just need to let them rev. Often that means manually holding it in a lower gear and allowing the "cruise" revs to run in the 3500 to 4000 rpm range. This won't hurt it at all.

To the OP - I would do whatever I could think of to help the engine shed heat.

If you are up for the misery, turning on the heat on high with all the windows open can be a big help. I know its not what you were thinking when you bought your $60,000 truck. But it will help.

 

[dcmdon]

I just used the google a bit and found this.

Its for an eco diesel JL. Not sure if it uses the same radiator as the Gladiator, but its an idea.

One other idea is to go to an old school radiator shop. They can build you a radiator custom that will improve cooling.

https://www.extremeterrain.com/cold-case-jeep-wrangler-aluminum-performance-radiator-moj996.html

 

[MPMB]

Says it in the manual. https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2011196/Jeep-Gladiator-2021.html?page=211#manual

Don't tow the first 500mi. And when you do tow, don't exceed 50mph for the next 500mi.

 

[DBT]

Says it in the manual. https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2011196/Jeep-Gladiator-2021.html?page=211#manual

Don't tow the first 500mi. And when you do tow, don't exceed 50mph for the next 500mi.

Exactly... it was fun (?) driving on back roads and constantly pulling over to let people pass for that first 500 miles, but thankfully I did it in a couple days.

 

[PyrPatriot]

as stated before the motors are pretty tight new. my MPG only started to get up to 24/26 after i crested 1000 miles. Looks like you only have 400ish miles. Put 2000 miles on it and if it still sucks buy something else.

Isnt' the break-in period 500mi or so? Nvm, just 300. Do they really say don't go above 50mph for the first 300mi? This is for the gas engine

​

A long break-in period is not required for the engine anddrivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle. Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). Afterthe initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or90 km/h) are desirable.​

I hit the highway home from the dealership. 55-65mph because it was dark and raining. After that I don't think I went above 60mph for the first 500mi just because of local speed limits. I put 1k miles on it in week 1

 

[Caraholic]

That’s what they say….
there’s also threads on ecu changing it’s mapping after higher mileage

 

[brianinca]

That's just hilarious, I missed your /s tag for sarcasm, but it's still funny.

Stupid people that write those break in guidelines for the owners' manual, hahhahahaah!

There is no break in with modern engines that will have any significant, noticeable effect on mileage or power.

 

[brianinca]

Don't feed the troll, please! They're everywhere, not just Taco forums.

There is a block function on this board, as well.

No parking brake was on, look at the images while I was towing. Accidents happen like that, but seriously man, I’m not an idiot.

 

[brianinca]

The logical disconnect is that oil usage is normal for a few thousand miles, but nothing special needs to be observed for the break-in. It IS breaking in, BUT there are no special limitations to be observed. The manual was written to minimize questions, not to explicate.

 

[yolo]

I'm going to try a few things:
1. Relocate the horns that block the top right and left of the radiator.
2. Look at upgrading or possibly adding a secondary oil cooler. (maybe https://www.mishimoto.com/jeep-gladiator-performance-transmission-cooler-2020.html if it fits the ecodiesel)
3. Reducing weight as much as possible.
3.1 Replace my front steel bumper with a stubby aluminum one.
3.2 Try and lighten my trailer as much as possible.
3.3 Remove my back seats on trips.
4. Take it super easy on the throttle, go slow up hills when possible.

If that does not do it and I still find I have the same issues, I'll sell the truck.

 

[Sparty]

I do not care for the rubi hood-open the top vents and rain water will bring the gremlins

You should look at the video that explains how the Rubi Hood works. I'm not worried a bit about gremlins

 

[Mac]

That's just hilarious, I missed your /s tag for sarcasm, but it's still funny.

Stupid people that write those break in guidelines for the owners' manual, hahhahahaah!

I not saying you shouldn’t take it easy during the first miles, I am saying there will be no noticeable difference in power or mileage after the initial period. Engines today are made with very precise tolerances and from materials that do not wear in significantly.

Sponsored