Engine Shutdown When In Regeneration Mode

[HBarlow]

Below is a reply I received from Cummins, Inc. to a question I sent by e-mail asking whether it is acceptable to shut the engine down if it is in the regeneration mode. I was disappointed that Cummins was unable or unwilling to answer the question. The person who replied explained that Dodge, not Cummins, developed the "BlueTech" emission control system and only Dodge can/should answer the question.

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Summary: EveryTime.Cummins.com Comments

Solution:
Thanks for your Email message. You have contacted Cummins, Inc. at our Customer Assistance Center located in Columbus, Indiana. This is our worldwide headquarters and has been our home since Clessie Cummins founded the company February 3, 1919.

Hello Harvey, we aren't trying to avoid your question, but we need you to contact your local Dodge dealer for this type of information. Here's why: Not all of the regeneration systems are made by Cummins. Many of them are BlueTec systems which are made by Mercedes. We do not know the fine points of those system's operation. Also the system that Dodge has in place is different than most other chassis manufacturers.

Notwithstanding when you purchased your Dodge product you also bought into Dodge's customer support. Therefore they should be providing you with answers to your questions. If your current dealer is unable to satisfy you, then it may be time to find a new dealer.

Customer Assistance Center
Cummins, Inc.
Columbus, Indiana, USA
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Here is my question to Cummins, Inc.:

"I am the satisfied owner of a new 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Cab and Chassis truck.

My question concerns whether it is acceptable to shut off the engine while it is in the "regeneration" mode.

On several occasions, often when it is the least convenient for me, I reach for the key to shut off the engine only to discover by looking at my pyrometer that EGT is 600* to 800* at idle. If I allow the engine to continue idling for several minutes the temperature remains in the same range. I assume that is because the ECM has initiated a "regeneration" or cleaning cycle

Over 550,000 miles of driving two previous Dodge Rams with Cummins engines has taught me to always check the pyrometer to make sure the exhaust gas temperature has cooled to 350* or below before shutting down.

Since there is no way for the driver to know that the new truck is in the regeneration mode without an aftermarket pyrometer and there are no warnings about avoiding shut down while in the regeneration mode in the owner's manual, I have to assume that Cummins is not concerned about the likelihood of hot shutdowns while in the regeneration mode.

When this has occurred I change my plans and instead of parking, I return to the highway and run the truck at highway cruise speed for 30 miles in each direction. This is an expensive and wasteful practice and not exactly what I wish to do.

I don't want to shut the truck down when engine and turbo components are hot but I'm not sure if a higher EGT reading while in the regeneration mode is an accurate indicator of piston, valves, cylinder head, and turbocharger temperatures.

Please advise me what to do in order to protect the long service life of my engine.

Thanks,
Harvey Barlow"