3.0 duramax observation

Sep 24, 2024
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I have a 2006 LBZ that I use for towing.
when climbing 4 to 6 % grades towing a 18k (conservative #) the engine oil temp never exceeds 235 degrees.
I just installed the Banks gauge setup and I'm shocked at how hot the ZR2 gets. Engine oil. Cooling system ect.
Emissions related I'm sure. Anybody installed an aftermarket engine oil cooler.
 
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I have a 2006 LBZ that I use for towing.
when climbing 4 to 6 % grades towing a 18k (conservative #) the engine oil temp never exceeds 235 degrees.
I just installed the Banks gauge setup and I'm shocked at how hot the ZR2 gets. Engine oil. Cooling system ect.
Emissions related I'm sure. Anybody installed an aftermarket engine oil cooler.
I don't know, but seems like there might be an issue with the truck. Might be hard to find a good location with adequate air flow for the cooler.
 
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I don't know, but seems like there might be an issue with the truck. Might be hard to find a good location with adequate air flow for the cooler.
I'm sure this is emissions related.
Parked, idling it doesn't cool down.

I don't think finding a spot for an oil cooler would be a problem.
The thing I'm questioning is if I'd be fighting the ecm on high temps that were by design.
The earlier 3.0 had a trans temp valve kit available.
Thanks to vw, it's a federal issue to alter ecm tuning for any real performance gain or egr delete.
No one that I'm aware of is offering 3.0 tunes.
 
I just went on a 50 mile ride and my oil temp was from 225-230 and engine temp was around 210 with an ambient air temp of 20 degrees. I know in big trucks (CAT C15’s and Cummins ISX’s), oil temp was 10-15% higher than engine temp. That was always considered normal. I think the 3.0 has an operating temp of 210, so to me it’s in range. I think anything over 250-260 would have me concerned a little for extended periods. Just my $.02.

I did find this on another forum and you can take it for what it’s worth.
 

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