Tuning 2004 fiat ducato 2.8 jtd 127bhp

[Dermo14]

Hi folks,

Just bought my first motorhome. It's based a 2004 fiat ducato 2.8 jtd 127bhp.
It seems to struggle a bit on hills and snail inclines.
My question is, is it worth getting it remapped?
Have told I'll get 150bhp.
Has anyone had this done or have any advice?

Thanks

 

[Ocwobio]

I'd be a little concerned about the clutch if I did it on mine. As it stands, it's 25bhp/ton, so will never be a roadburner. TBH I have not felt the need in 10 years that I have owned it. But that has been UK use only. Alpine passes may make a difference! I'd be inclined to look at an eco map, beware of too much torque increase, but 150bhp ought to be OK. Don't waste your money on any kind of 'tuning box', they are rubbish. Find a reputable mapper, who will stand behind their service and offer to revert it if problems arise, and keep a copy of the standard map, for just that necessity. Do let us know if/how it goes.

 

[Dermo14]

Was looking at Economy as I would be considered about the extra load on the clutch with the extra torque.

 

[Ocwobio]

Should be ok, methinks, if clutch is all right now or even better been replaced not too long ago perhaps.

 

[Communicator]

Before you embark on remapping, a lack of power on hills could be due to a stuck turbo wastegate.

I have owned a 2.8jtd since new in 2006, and I have not found it struggling with my PVC in the UK. @Ocwobio has I believe, a larger motorhome.

Another point to consider is 5th gear ratio. If you find that you are frequntly changing between fourth and fifth, then this may be the problem. With the standard high ratio fifth gear, there is a large gap between fourth and fifth. You have to be travelling at about 55mph before changing up. There was a Fiat option of a much lower ratio fifth gear for heavier vehicles, but I doubt that this is still available. There ia also a little known unofficial third option, which provides a more flexible intermediate fifth gear ratio.

The more recent x250 Ducatos were fitted with an MLGU6 box. I have read that the extra gear filled the gap between the fourth and fifth on the earlier boxes.

 

[Dermo14]

No warning lights or anything that would indicate a turbo issue.
Maybe it's just with a larger motorhome it can struggle a bit, I have a 6 berth. I just assumed that a 2.8l diesel would have enough power but maybe not.

 

[Communicator]

As well as stuck a stuck wastgate, there is also the possibility of a broken linkage to consider. There were six versions of the 2,8jtd, and the most common seem to be those without EGR. On those models the signal from the manifold pressure sensor is used to control the amount of fuel injected. This will not alarm until max boost is exceeded. If gate is stuck closed, which I agrree is unlikely, full boost, but links have been known to break, and hence no boost.

Ocwobio has reported the performance of his large MH is satisfactory........ In the end its your money.

 

[digger58]

Hi folks,

Just bought my first motorhome. It's based a 2004 fiat ducato 2.8 jtd 127bhp.
It seems to struggle a bit on hills and snail inclines.
My question is, is it worth getting it remapped?
Have told I'll get 150bhp.
Has anyone had this done or have any advice?

Thanks

What weight is it? I have a tag axle about 4 tons with the 2.8 and shes fine, remember it's not a car. Im Limerick BTW

 

[bugsymike]

What engine series? The N version was VVT Variable vane turbo I think so ECU to match.
I had a Iveco 35C13 6 speed 130Hp which had a gross train weight of 7 tonnes (3.5 tonne van + tow 3.5 tonne and could accelerate that at 60Mph up hill, that was the Sofim 8140.43S with standard turbo, mind you average Mpg was 24 every tank fill.

8140.43S​	2799​	127 (93,5)/3600 125 (92)/3600​	300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) /1800 290 N⋅m (214 lb⋅ft)/1800​	R4, DI, Common Rail, turbocharged, intercooled​	OHC/8​	Fiat Ducato Citroën Jumper Peugeot Boxer Iveco Daily Renault Mascott​	2000-2005 2000-2005 2000-2005 2000-2006 2000-2004​
8140.43N​	2799​	146 (107)/3600​	310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft) /1500 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) /1500​	R4, DI, Common Rail, turbocharged, intercooled​	OHC/8​	Fiat Ducato Citroën Jumper Peugeot Boxer Iveco Daily Renault Mascott​	2000-2005 2000-2005 2000-2005 2000-2006 2000-2004​

 

[cris1117]

I had a six berth Dethleffs 2.8jtd 127bhp and that was down to 2nd over the Pyrenees which I considered to be normal for which is essentially a fully loaded lorry.
If you want to fly up hills you need a Mercedes sprinter based motorhome and lots of diesel money.
I personally wouldn't want to remap an older engine, recipe for a blown head gasket.