Diesel cooling options and ideas

[rharr]

Forgot to post my recent towing experience. Recently moved due to wife's job offering her a promo to move to FL. Thankfully they did all the hard work, but wouldn't move any of my "toys". I have a 3000lb 20'x8.5" split axle enclosed cargo trailer, so I loaded up the safe and some other misc goodies like the toolbox they wouldn't take. Total weight was maybe 4500. MAYBE. Wind load is obviously high with the enclosed trailer, so I'm sure that made a difference as well. The trailer was not loaded heavy, it was basically empty to be completely honest. Though it was a little tongue heavy due to loading the gun safe a little too far forward.

Total drive from SC to FL was about 500 miles. Gladiator is on 35x12.5 Faulken MTs, but otherwise unmodified except for the SB hood scoops I bought after hearing about the diesel heat issues. Rubicon bumper, no lights or winch blocking air intake.

Route had some rolling hills early on in parts of SC, but was flat interstate driving after that. Route pictured below for reference.

The feeling of immediate regret and nervousness started the second I got on the interstate. The gladiator was hunting for gears BADLY trying to maintain 65. I try to stay 5 under when towing, and this was my first real time towing since I switched from a RAM Rebel to the Gladiator, so I was being extra cautions as I got a feel for how everything was pulling.

The gear hunting was really, really bad. I can't overstate it. It would down shift, then up shift in one second intervals, over and over and over until I either backed off or accelerated. Down, Up, Down, Up, Down, Up... you get the point. I could induce this gear hunting by putting the truck in a specific speed/rpm range, and took a video to share. I split the drive in to two days due to a late start, and the computer never learned how to overcome it, the gear hunting was present both days.

None of the rolling hills were very big, but I noticed every time I went up one, the temp gauge would climb dramatically. I didn't switch to the oil temp screen often, but saw it regularly in the 265 range at the top of hills. (It was sunny and 70-75 most of the drive). I couldn't imaging taking this truck through the actual mountains with any load at all.

My biggest concern was a FULL loss of power while merging back on to the interstate after a stop. I was starting to get low on diesel, so stopped off at a Pilot only to find they didn't have any "consumer" diesel, and the semi nozzle wouldn't fit. Truck was never turned off. I'm familar with turbo's and understand the need to cool them after load.

As I was merging back on, gaining speed, I got up to about 55MPH and got in between a couple semis, when suddenly I lose ALL ability to accelerate. Truck is in full coast mode, it won't allow any throttle input. ZERO dash notifications, warning lights, etc. No warning, no notice, temp gauge normal, but zero throttle input. I make it down to about 25MPH before I'm fully off the road, still no power, and no warning lights. Flashers on, on the side of the interstate, I take a lap just to see if something is leaking, damaged, etc, but nothing to be found. Put it back in drive and it won't do anything. I'm out of ideas to I try so I attempt the ol' "turn if off, wait a second, and turn it back on" method, and it starts right back up and drives like nothing ever happened.

That was ridiculously dangerous, no warning, and no indication of what was wrong. I have no idea if I was fully derated, or if something else went wrong. I'd think if it was a derate, it would need to cool down, but it started right back up.

I made it the rest of the trip with oil temps occasionally climbing in the 260 range, but no further power loss incidents. I have to say, this one drive made me lose all faith in this truck, I simply don't trust it. I'd never let my wife drive it now, can you imagine having that loss of power during rush hour in the city?

I dropped it off at a dealer once I was settled in and unpacked, unable to replicate, no codes. Typical dealer response. Between the gear hunting, temp issues on very small hills, and the full power loss, I'm basically done with this brand new truck unless this is solvable.

Sounds like you should move on. These are the quirks of the JTD and i doubted they will get fixed without major changes. Take advantage of the strong market right now and find something else if you don't need jeep type things. I had mine do a similar song and dance for me when i first got it. After that, I keep an eye on what i am doing, and changed my driving habits to include more idling time at shut down and start up if the motor is hot. I need mine for jeep stuff.

FYI there is a funnel under the seat that is used for fillup with the bigger nozzles. You can also remove the reducer and have a nice big throat.

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[Brekka]

Sounds like you should move on. These are the quirks of the JTD and i doubted they will get fixed without major changes. Take advantage of the strong market right now and find something else if you don't need jeep type things. I had mine do a similar song and dance for me when i first got it. After that, I keep an eye on what i am doing, and changed my driving habits to include more idling time at shut down and start up if the motor is hot. I need mine for jeep stuff.

FYI there is a funnel under the seat that is used for fillup with the bigger nozzles. You can also remove the reducer and have a nice big throat.

I don't tow very often, and have sold this trailer. I do have dreams of a boat now that I am in FL, but I don't think it would be any heavier than this past load. Towing half the rated capacity safely without issue surely isn't too much to ask. Cool Jeep otherwise.

 

[rharr]

I don't tow very often, and have sold this trailer. I do have dreams of a boat now that I am in FL, but I don't think it would be any heavier than this past load. Towing half the rated capacity safely without issue surely isn't too much to ask. Cool Jeep otherwise.

Yeap, I really like mine I just keep my expectations lower then what is stated on paper.

 

[PJZ]

I was fortunate enough to be able to keep my Ram for towing the travel trailer. Would be great if the JT could live up to the paper as @rharr said, but my main use is for camping and off-road. Towing is a nice to have that I probably won't get. The little off road done so far is much better than the 3.6 imo, will test it more next weekend.

 

[CrazyCooter]

Forgot to post my recent towing experience. Recently moved due to wife's job offering her a promo to move to FL. Thankfully they did all the hard work, but wouldn't move any of my "toys". I have a 3000lb 20'x8.5" split axle enclosed cargo trailer, so I loaded up the safe and some other misc goodies like the toolbox they wouldn't take. Total weight was maybe 4500. MAYBE. Wind load is obviously high with the enclosed trailer, so I'm sure that made a difference as well. The trailer was not loaded heavy, it was basically empty to be completely honest. Though it was a little tongue heavy due to loading the gun safe a little too far forward.

Total drive from SC to FL was about 500 miles. Gladiator is on 35x12.5 Faulken MTs, but otherwise unmodified except for the SB hood scoops I bought after hearing about the diesel heat issues. Rubicon bumper, no lights or winch blocking air intake.

Route had some rolling hills early on in parts of SC, but was flat interstate driving after that. Route pictured below for reference.

The feeling of immediate regret and nervousness started the second I got on the interstate. The gladiator was hunting for gears BADLY trying to maintain 65. I try to stay 5 under when towing, and this was my first real time towing since I switched from a RAM Rebel to the Gladiator, so I was being extra cautions as I got a feel for how everything was pulling.

The gear hunting was really, really bad. I can't overstate it. It would down shift, then up shift in one second intervals, over and over and over until I either backed off or accelerated. Down, Up, Down, Up, Down, Up... you get the point. I could induce this gear hunting by putting the truck in a specific speed/rpm range, and took a video to share. I split the drive in to two days due to a late start, and the computer never learned how to overcome it, the gear hunting was present both days.

None of the rolling hills were very big, but I noticed every time I went up one, the temp gauge would climb dramatically. I didn't switch to the oil temp screen often, but saw it regularly in the 265 range at the top of hills. (It was sunny and 70-75 most of the drive). I couldn't imaging taking this truck through the actual mountains with any load at all.

My biggest concern was a FULL loss of power while merging back on to the interstate after a stop. I was starting to get low on diesel, so stopped off at a Pilot only to find they didn't have any "consumer" diesel, and the semi nozzle wouldn't fit. Truck was never turned off. I'm familar with turbo's and understand the need to cool them after load.

As I was merging back on, gaining speed, I got up to about 55MPH and got in between a couple semis, when suddenly I lose ALL ability to accelerate. Truck is in full coast mode, it won't allow any throttle input. ZERO dash notifications, warning lights, etc. No warning, no notice, temp gauge normal, but zero throttle input. I make it down to about 25MPH before I'm fully off the road, still no power, and no warning lights. Flashers on, on the side of the interstate, I take a lap just to see if something is leaking, damaged, etc, but nothing to be found. Put it back in drive and it won't do anything. I'm out of ideas to I try so I attempt the ol' "turn if off, wait a second, and turn it back on" method, and it starts right back up and drives like nothing ever happened.

That was ridiculously dangerous, no warning, and no indication of what was wrong. I have no idea if I was fully derated, or if something else went wrong. I'd think if it was a derate, it would need to cool down, but it started right back up.

I made it the rest of the trip with oil temps occasionally climbing in the 260 range, but no further power loss incidents. I have to say, this one drive made me lose all faith in this truck, I simply don't trust it. I'd never let my wife drive it now, can you imagine having that loss of power during rush hour in the city?

I dropped it off at a dealer once I was settled in and unpacked, unable to replicate, no codes. Typical dealer response. Between the gear hunting, temp issues on very small hills, and the full power loss, I'm basically done with this brand new truck unless this is solvable.

I also get the gear hunting at time between 5th and 6th, but I just use manual mode to stop that. Some more trans tuning was in order no doubt.

Your power issue was likely caused by elevated oil temperatures especially from heat soak after your fuel stop as most of us have experienced.....I have not had an issue after a stop since I quit shutting the truck off for refueling. Pretty spooky when it happens and traffic is running you over.

I would suggest you file the complaint with the NHTSA link I provided a page back and describe your experiences in detail. Only 2 complaints filed as of today.......Doubt much will happen without further participation. People would rather just bitch about the problem and spend thier own money to fix it than be part of the solution it seems?

 

[ilovebikes99]

Yeap, I really like mine I just keep my expectations lower then what is stated on paper.

Should file a complaint.
Did you recalibrate the truck with 35s? The trans may not know this parameter.
Also with this truck you need to use manual mode for towing accurately otherwise it will lug the engine to death and you will get these high temps. You need to keep it 2000-2500rpm when towing. It's not autoplay unfortunately with this truck. Although I have experienced similar issues with hunting

 

[@californiajeeping]

At this point Mishimoto or someone should be watching and realize we need an external oil cooler kit clearly.

Or just rig up a CO2 sprayer on the radiator :D

Should file a complaint.
Did you recalibrate the truck with 35s? The trans may not know this parameter.
Also with this truck you need to use manual mode for towing accurately otherwise it will lug the engine to death and you will get these high temps. You need to keep it 2000-2500rpm when towing. It's not autoplay unfortunately with this truck. Although I have experienced similar issues with hunting

 

[PJZ]

This may work...

 

[rharr]

Should file a complaint.
Did you recalibrate the truck with 35s? The trans may not know this parameter.
Also with this truck you need to use manual mode for towing accurately otherwise it will lug the engine to death and you will get these high temps. You need to keep it 2000-2500rpm when towing. It's not autoplay unfortunately with this truck. Although I have experienced similar issues with hunting

?????
I don't think you intended to ask me this?

I don't really have a complaint for my use type.

I am running stock faulkon M/t 33's, and have gone so far as to add paddle shifters, i know how to use a trans.

I generally don't have a shift or overheat, or derate issue, but I also don't tow heavy and use mine more as jeep and less like a truck.

But this all goes back to many months ago when i made the argument that the JT is less truck and more jeep and got roasted for it........

 

[Brekka]

?????
I don't think you intended to ask me this?

I don't really have a complaint for my use type.

I am running stock faulkon M/t 33's, and have gone so far as to add paddle shifters, i know how to use a trans.

I generally don't have a shift or overheat, or derate issue, but I also don't tow heavy and use mine more as jeep and less like a truck.

But this all goes back to many months ago when i made the argument that the JT is less truck and more jeep and got roasted for it........

I agree with your use case assumption, more Jeep than truck, but that isn't the way the vehicle is marketed.....
https://www.jeep.com/gladiator/utility.html

Every single photo, pulling a trailer, "best in class towing" "best in class payload"
"EASILY TOW YOUR TOYS"...

 

[rharr]

Marketing is just market. Put it another way; it's a lie wrapped in a little truth. Their goal is to sell product who care if someone gets a little butt hurt because they fell for some embellishment of truth or didn't read the disclaimers, it's your fault for not doing your research.

Buyer beware......

 

[Mr._Bill]

I agree with your use case assumption, more Jeep than truck, but that isn't the way the vehicle is marketed.....
https://www.jeep.com/gladiator/utility.html

Every single photo, pulling a trailer, "best in class towing" "best in class payload"
"EASILY TOW YOUR TOYS"...

The whole marketing campaign was built around the Gladiator with a gasoline engine. The specific numbers in that link refer to a Sport model with the Max Tow option. The marketing is to convince you to look here, not at the competition. It is up to the buyer to make sure the vehicle will accommodate their needs, but many buy without doing that.

 

[PJZ]

@rubicon4wheeler followed your lead and did the hood vents after work tonight. Very easy other than breaking a few clips. I already ordered a few before starting as I assumed my ham fisted approach would have that result. Had some gold tape left over from another project to keep the edges from fraying. As you said easy and free and should create a nice negative pressure flow.

 

[OrangeCJ]

The whole marketing campaign was built around the Gladiator with a gasoline engine. The specific numbers in that link refer to a Sport model with the Max Tow option. The marketing is to convince you to look here, not at the competition. It is up to the buyer to make sure the vehicle will accommodate their needs, but many buy without doing that.

I agree that there is alot of "marketing" and that most of the responsibility falls to the buyer. But I will say that I personally have never experienced a derate while towing... Only driving down the road, with my family and gear for a trip in the bed of the truck. The first big trip were fairly loaded down, and it was really hot... but the other times I have seen it was just going up Mount Hood on a normal cool day.

The vehicle is marketed and rated to carry people and some suitcases i think

 

[Hondo1]

Been a while since I have checked in here. Any new ideas or solutions?

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