Does anyone know/remember about how to monitor engine and transmission through hooking up laptop with some software. There was a Way I heard about around 10 years ago but now I can't find it.
Thanks
James
Not with your '96 non electronic.
James,
The Cummins 8.3L engine came in pure mechanical and semi-electronic versions. Different model years - different versions of same basic engine. Use the Forum search function (top right corner of each page) and search for terms like "OBD port" or "VMspc" or "Silverleaf" you will find many discussions on this subject. You will need to determine exactly what version of the 8.3 you have, and what the diagnostic port under your dash looks like. Both these factors will determine what, if any, info could be displayed by a monitoring system. See thread linked below to get you started:
VMSpc (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=28527.0)
Im guessing that the transmission may have a data port, but I dont know.
If you want to know what version of the 8.3 you have, look at the engine data plate for the "CPL" number and other good-to-know info.
See below for plate location (QuickServe example is the plate for my engine):
After you find the engine data plate, you can go to Cummins QuickServe Online and register your engine. All you need is your ESN (located top line on the data plate).
There is no charge and you will have access to a wealth of information about your specific engine - exactly the same info the Cummins techs can see on the computer in the repair shop.
Go to the page below and click on "Create An Account" over on left side of page.
Cummins QuickServe Online (https://quickserve.cummins.com/info/index.html)
You probably have a Cummins 6CTAC8.3 315hp which is all mechanical with no data port for the engine. The transmission will be controlled by a computer. As Chuck says, Quickserve knows all about your engine. I had to clean up and then shoot a photo of the engine data plate because it is very difficult to read.