Altitude Compensation

[rock2610D]

2610D 3T80D engine 3 Cylinder 1.297 Liter displacement.

Do not know factory Compression Ratio, probably 21:1 like the 336D. If anyone knows for sure, I would appriciate the info.

I put a Tripple K (KO3) turbo on this tractor. Its too big for turbocharging most of our tractors but in my High Altitude situation it will work for a little while.

I will post photos this evening.

Turbo is in Surge most of the time. 1000 rpm boost is about 1psi but boost guage bounces back and forth between 2 psi and 0 psi. The surge will eventually kill my turbo bearings and could result in metal shavings going into intake. I get 4 psi at 2600 rpm under load. Perfect for Altitude compensation at my elevation 8000 Ft.

Due to oversize of turbo it takes about 5 seconds for the turbo to spool. During that time massive amouts of black smoke rolls out of muffler. Exhaust is so quiet that I almost cannot hear it over the thump of the intake side at air filter.

Things I have learnd. Boost pressure will push air thru the thermistor and bubble the diesel fuel in thermistor resivor. If your thermistor resivor is fed by the injector return lines it could be a issue. Fortunately mine is not, I have to manually fill my resivor. The turbo adds SUBSTANTIAL heat to oil and will very likely overheat the engine in warm climates. I am fortunate to live in a cool climate and have had no problems.

Engine HP and Torque are definately at or above factory numbers. I do not know how much but I have a hill that in a Naturally Asp. condition (at 8000 ft of elev) my tractor would drop 300 rpm. After turbo was added there were 0 rpms dropped. In 4X4 on same hill only lost 100 rpm.

Definately make sure that the muffler pipe is at least 3 feet above your head while you are sitting in tractor seat. The black smoke will engulf you other wise.

Would like to have a smaller turbo, say a TD025 MHI or equivilant. If anyone knows where I can purchase one please let me know.

 

[mark777]

Not taking you process to overcome performance issues lightly, and the willingness to bolt on HP is intriguing, but let me ask you this:

What tractors, manufacturers and models, comparable in specifications to yours are working at 8000'?

There just has to be someone, somewhere in your area that address the issues of thin atmospheric conditions and has the knowledge and service facilities to add an option or alter an existing setup for the high altitude conditions. Right?? Maybe? Otherwise every owner with a diesel powered tractor would be suffering like problems with hard starting and performance.

Sorry Rock, but what has worked for me in the past is finding a very clean 'independent' diesel repair shop and the low tech "Coffee & Do-Nuts" sincere approach to their parts counter. When you confess your problems and attempts to resolve your issues, you will undoubtedly receive mountains of tips, tricks and what is currently the 'best fix'.

I know we hear how simple a diesel engine is, and that may be very true from oil pan to valve cover...but if you've ever disassembled an injection pump you'll discover it has more moving parts with closer tolerances than a Swiss watch...My thinking is that as complex as your problem may seem, there is a person who probably knows exactly what's wrong.

Good luck!

 

[rock2610D]

Mark, you are very correct. There is a diesel placed in Denver 100 miles away, Central Diesel I believe that will put an altitude compensation device on my tractor for more than I paid for the whole tractor. And its just a turbo that has a special waste gate to presurize the motor to 14.7 psi under load.

They do not address starting issues. I have spoke with several ranchers in my area and was told they have always had issues with starting their tractors. Most buy Kubotas now that are turbocharged and keep their tractors in heated garages. Other than that one rancher said he keeps a can of either in his tool box on tractor!!!!

My concern is that my govenor is allowing too much fuel into cylinders given the thin air up here. That in turn will cause ring problems. Am I wrong? Adding more air will allow the diesel fuel to burn as designed???

 

[rock2610D]

Mark777, I have to give you some credit here!!! You wrote this:

"There just has to be someone, somewhere in your area that address the issues of thin atmospheric conditions and has the knowledge and service facilities to add an option or alter an existing setup for the high altitude conditions. Right?? Maybe? Otherwise every owner with a diesel powered tractor would be suffering like problems with hard starting and performance."

My tractor did have some signifigant compression issues. Bad head, liners and pistons. Was supprised it could run at all. Supprisingly rings looked pretty good.

Hats off to you and your ability to kindly suggest I had engine problems. They are now taken care of and tractor has started with out assistance in 38 degree weather

 

[mark777]

That's great news Rock.

How does the tractor perform without the turbo? Or did you put it all back together with the turbo installed? Either way, glad it's running well.

Mark

 

[rock2610D]

Turbo is still on. Air is thin up here and it will help considerably. The good thing about a turbo is it only boosts when boost is needed.

I am treating the tractor very gently now untill everything gets seated and broke in. Not sure about power but it starts with in a couple of revs of engine and it revs up much faster/quicker now. Because I am babying it the motor has not seen/felt ANY boost yet.

Tractor sounds alot different now. Not so much knocking/pinging at idle. Motor also runs warmer now.