Normal Safe EGT For 5.9 Cummins (Probe Location and Guide)
Modern machinery, especially for cars and trucks, is not the same anymore. In the old days, you could run a vehicle forever without too much maintenance. Today, however, you need to watch out for all the gadgets they place on a diesel engine because if you don’t, you could damage a vital part.
The normal EGT operating level and which comes from a hesitant Cummins representative is between 1200 and 1500. There was no clear answer especially on the topic if the computer would defuel the engine without causing any damage.
To learn more about this topic just continue to read our article. It explores the subject so you get the best possible information. Part of that information is that 1500 is for the 6.7 and the best area to be in is around 1100 to 1150.
What is a Safe EGT For a 5.9 Cummins?
When you step on the gas to enter the freeway you should see levels of 1050 or 1100 EGT. This should be the level when you are reaching 80 mph. The good news is that these are perfectly normal readings.
Some people get a little higher, for example, 1200 when not towing and 1400 when towing. This is when the setting is set to stock. Some people who pull 5th wheel trailers can reach 1450 and they are not worried at all.
The key temperature to watch would be the piston crown temps but even at 1400, those temperatures should be around 1250. That is with advanced injection timing.
Some owners get as low as 600 to 1000 when they are not towing and when they are they can go up to 800 to 1400 with no problems. If you are in that range everything should be normal and you should have nothing to worry about.
If you are running a Smarty 6 then you should bump it to level 7 as that will help lower your EGT.
Normal EGT For Pulling 2nd Gen Cummins
For those unfamiliar with the letters EGT, they stand for exhaust gas temperature. This is how many diesel owners watch their engine’s internal parts and keep them from getting damaged.
When you go too hot, then you run the risk of melting pistons, cracking heads, destroying turbos, and creating serious havoc within your expensive diesel engine. In other words, it pays to watch the EGT levels when you are driving or towing.
The standard levels should be around 1200 or 1300 with exceptions up to 1500 when you are towing up steep grades. The problem you would be facing if you tried to keep your diesel engine cooler is that the parts needed to do this cost thousands of dollars.
Some of those parts may not be available to ordinary drivers. They include the following items- water injection, intercooling, nitrous, or using less throttle to cool things down.
You can check it out and see what you can do to lower your EGT as running over 1400 is taking one big risk.
Where Do You Put The EGT Probe On a 5.9 Cummins?
This is a task that may require some tapping and drilling. It is easier to do if you do not have a turbocharger in the way. Also, use a light lubricant when you do the tapping. Grease is known for trapping and holding those shavings in the manifold so they can’t blow out.
According to one expert, the best position for the EGT probe would be between the 5th and 6th cylinders. The reason for that is that the 6th cylinder runs hotter than the 5th because it gets less coolant.
This location is confirmed by others who have tapped and drilled their probes. You may find some probes on the #3 cylinder but that does not seem like a logical location, as the #6 can run 100 to 200 degrees hotter than the others.
Talk to some experts to help you locate your probe and do not be surprised if you get various opinions on this topic. You want to stay below 1300 on the EGT regardless unless towing uphill. Short-term 1400 to 1500 spikes are okay.
5.9 Cummins EGT Probe Location
There is a possibility that you will get different locations told to you by those who already have the probe installed. Sometimes the probe location is a matter of preference as some people want to monitor the highest levels of heat no matter what.
One location that is recommended is the center of the exhaust flow. That is where the exhaust flange and turbo flange meet. Or you can go to the top of the manifold but the temperatures will be hotter than that other just mentioned location.
The difference is that on top, you may be monitoring only the 1-3 cylinders while in the center, you should be able to monitor all 6 cylinders. Some people prefer to monitor just the 5th and 6th cylinders as that are where the hottest temperatures will be.
One thing you do not want to do is put the probe after the turbo. That is when you may start getting false readings.
How To Lower EGT 5.9 Cummins
Some of the more effective and cost-efficient methods are as follows:
- Water/Methanol injection
- free flow muffler/delete pipe, drop in progaurd 7 filter (Coupled with the previous option)
- straight pipe and new air filter assembly and intake manifold
- 4-5" Turbo back exhaust with high flow muffler
These are just a few suggestions and you should check out the costs, etc. To make sure there are no better options you can use.
Some Final Words
Running a modern diesel engine takes a lot of monitoring work. You have to watch those exhaust gas temperature levels as they do more than harm the environment. Keeping those temperatures below 1300 is the best way to protect your expensive diesel motor and keep its internal parts from being ruined.
