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trans retarder

I have a 98 u295 and I don't think the retarder is doing much of a job. At the present time I am in Nac but will be traveling to Fl. I am wondering if someone knows of a good Allison shop to take it to and have the retarder checked Thanks for any help
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: trans retarder

Reply #1 –
Being in Nacogdoches, what do the mechanics at MOT or FOT say about your retarder opearation? Do they agree that it's not working as it should?
Don Hay
'92 Grandvilla, U-280
The Hayfever Express
Build #4055
'97 GEO Tracker
Life is like licking honey off a thorn.

Re: trans retarder

Reply #2 –
Red Tractor,

If you would drive two and a half hours down US 59 to Houston and 15 minutes east on I-10 to Channelview, TX, I have the best Allison shop in Texas that will take very good care of you.

Message me or call seven one three 818.3234 if I can help you.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: trans retarder

Reply #3 –
My experience with the retarder was learning how to use it. Just pulling the joy stick back works great as you are slowing and the transmission is down shifting, the lower the gear the more effective it is.  At 70 mph pull it back two notches, it takes awhile to slow unless you use the foot brake also.
My big surprise was how effective it is when using the foot brake. I guess due to the light weight of the 36', it feels like the retarder is too much brake, meaning it stops harder than I like.  Have wondered if a DDC / Allsion shop can reprogram to reduce the effect ? But still work good when you have more air pressure on the pedal.
Know it will stop shorter than any 18 wheeler, by far.
Not complaining, just wondering. 
Yes I love it, after many years with the Jake setup on Detroits, this is wonderful.

Re: trans retarder

Reply #4 –
The retarder joystick is 6 stage, 16.5% per stage, I thinks. The pressure switches on the brakes are 3 stage, so it would be 33% per stage. If you have both, the brake pressure switches override the joystick.

Me, I only have the 2 speed jake wired as one. On or off, thassit (sniff)...
It does the job in the mountains and coming off a short off ramp, tho.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT
 

Re: trans retarder

Reply #5 –
I agree, the first air pressure switch stage is a little more than is needed most times, so you are on/off as you need to slow down but not so quickly.
I normally use the joy stick, but sometimes I use the pedal to make sure it still works and keep it from rusting up.