John E Davies
Adventurer
Hi:
I'm new in this forum. I have sort of fallen hard for the EarthCruiser. I crawled around in one at Overland Expo 2012 in Flagstaff, Arizona last week, and I am really impressed with both the cabin and the truck itself. I hope to tour the EC plant in Bend, Oregon, once it is up and running.
I have several concerns, but one of my big ones is the BlueTec system. I am very familiar with delete kits for US made emissions equipped diesels, but I am clueless about the FUSO motor. I have been reading steadily through this forum, but I have a long way to go, so excuse me if this has already been discussed. Can someone tell me:
Does the FUSO ECU go into a shut down or limp mode if the DEF tank runs dry?
Can I fit a larger DEF tank, or would I have to carry loose cans of the nasty stuff?
Can someone explain the DPF regeneration process, and can the driver trigger it manually? I am concerned about perhaps starting a brush fire if the system regens unexpectedly. This is not uncommon with USA spec pickup trucks..... I expect that a moderately loaded, un-aerodynamic truck like an EarthCruiser would not have to regen very often, unlike an empty RAM Cummins pickup idling along and making soot....
Can the engine idle for prolonged periods without DPF issues? The earlier Cummins BlueTec engines had serious issues until Chrysler figured out the software.
Does the FUSO have a digital display that shows the status of regens and other emissions related data?
Finally, is there a tuner that would allow me to eliminate the system "for off road use only"? And can the tuner(s) dial in additional boost, or would I have to open up the intake and exhaust diameters to achieve that?
I have never even driven one of these trucks (it is on my To Do List), but I am worried that the stock power will be disappointing on steep mountain grades at 10,000 feet elevation. If I knew there was significant extra power available, I would not worry so much. I am currently driving a modified Series 80 (1996 LX450) and it is SUCH a heavy slug up high that I don't want to deal with the same situation if I get a new EarthCruiser.
Is there room in the engine bay for a transplant like a bigger four or six cylinder Cummmins?
Can someone give me a link to a good road test or video of the new FG, or of other emissions threads? I did find this one from a few years ago, but it sort of ended inconclusively: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/35722-2011-Diesel-UREA-Exhaust-and-High-Water?highlight=DPF+delete
I am very clueless about commercial diesel trucks and am hoping to learn from the experts here. I do have a solid mechanical background (ex A&P) but I need some Big Truck assistance. Thanks in advance for any links, advice, comments or humor.
John Davies
Spokane WA USA
I'm new in this forum. I have sort of fallen hard for the EarthCruiser. I crawled around in one at Overland Expo 2012 in Flagstaff, Arizona last week, and I am really impressed with both the cabin and the truck itself. I hope to tour the EC plant in Bend, Oregon, once it is up and running.
I have several concerns, but one of my big ones is the BlueTec system. I am very familiar with delete kits for US made emissions equipped diesels, but I am clueless about the FUSO motor. I have been reading steadily through this forum, but I have a long way to go, so excuse me if this has already been discussed. Can someone tell me:
Does the FUSO ECU go into a shut down or limp mode if the DEF tank runs dry?
Can I fit a larger DEF tank, or would I have to carry loose cans of the nasty stuff?
Can someone explain the DPF regeneration process, and can the driver trigger it manually? I am concerned about perhaps starting a brush fire if the system regens unexpectedly. This is not uncommon with USA spec pickup trucks..... I expect that a moderately loaded, un-aerodynamic truck like an EarthCruiser would not have to regen very often, unlike an empty RAM Cummins pickup idling along and making soot....
Can the engine idle for prolonged periods without DPF issues? The earlier Cummins BlueTec engines had serious issues until Chrysler figured out the software.
Does the FUSO have a digital display that shows the status of regens and other emissions related data?
Finally, is there a tuner that would allow me to eliminate the system "for off road use only"? And can the tuner(s) dial in additional boost, or would I have to open up the intake and exhaust diameters to achieve that?
I have never even driven one of these trucks (it is on my To Do List), but I am worried that the stock power will be disappointing on steep mountain grades at 10,000 feet elevation. If I knew there was significant extra power available, I would not worry so much. I am currently driving a modified Series 80 (1996 LX450) and it is SUCH a heavy slug up high that I don't want to deal with the same situation if I get a new EarthCruiser.
Is there room in the engine bay for a transplant like a bigger four or six cylinder Cummmins?
Can someone give me a link to a good road test or video of the new FG, or of other emissions threads? I did find this one from a few years ago, but it sort of ended inconclusively: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/35722-2011-Diesel-UREA-Exhaust-and-High-Water?highlight=DPF+delete
I am very clueless about commercial diesel trucks and am hoping to learn from the experts here. I do have a solid mechanical background (ex A&P) but I need some Big Truck assistance. Thanks in advance for any links, advice, comments or humor.
John Davies
Spokane WA USA