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Topic: Questions on Operation of '97 U320 (Read 956 times) previous topic - next topic

Questions on Operation of '97 U320

I have a few questions concerning the operation of my FT.
1.  Is it true that you should not engage the parking brake with service brakes engaged?
2.  When getting underway, should you release parking brake before shifting from neutral to D or R, or does it really matter?  What about service brake application?
3.  If I were to drive slowly through non-paved grassy terrain for repositioning, would it be best to use a low range, say 2 with retarder engaged in order to accomplish this?
4.  What is the actual engine redline on the M11+ 450 hp Cummins, and why is it not marked on the tach?
Thanks, Mike
Mike Brady
'97 U320 SE. #5137
'13 Honda Fit
Willow Springs, MO

Re: Questions on Operation of '97 U320

Reply #1 –
1- Make sure you are STOPPED before you set parkng brake.
2-Release parking brake before you try to move the coach.
3-Unless you are trying to do a high speed reposition, just leave in 1st gear, and moving slowly the retarder does not engage.
4-Engine is limited to 2100 rpm, no need for a redline on the tach, Just do not over rev going down a hill.

Re: Questions on Operation of '97 U320

Reply #2 –
Mike, I had the same question on our 99 ISM 450 (likely same for M-11). I called Cummins and they gave me the following information for my specific engine:

Peak Power is 456.2 Horsepower; Brake Horsepower is 450
High Idle: 2300 RPM (can hold at that speed without damage)
Maximum Overspeed: 2600 for 15 seconds

I'm following Dave's and others' advice and using 2100 as a mental redline but according to Cummins, you don't have to worry unless you achieve the everythingblowsupandfliesapart speed of 2600.

jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Questions on Operation of '97 U320

Reply #3 –
Quote
Mike, I had the same question on our 99 ISM 450.

Did they sell an ISM 450 and an M-11 450 in 1999? I've thot my 1999 U320 40ft was an M-11

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Questions on Operation of '97 U320

Reply #4 –
I've never heard of an ISM in 1999.  Braking red line is 10% above listed red line on acceleration.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Questions on Operation of '97 U320

Reply #5 –
Quote
Did they sell an ISM 450 and an M-11 450 in 1999? I've thot my 1999 U320 40ft was an M-11

My '99, with a Jan build date, has a M11/450. From some earlier posts, another '99 with just a little bit newer build number has an ISM. I seem to remember seeing info that Cummins shifted to the ISM in late '98.

Re: Questions on Operation of '97 U320

Reply #6 –
Re availability in 99, yes, some have the ISM. There was a thread on this awhile back. When we bought our 99, I thought it was an M-11 and was surprised to see that it's an ISM. Build is 5569.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Questions on Operation of '97 U320

Reply #7 –
Quote
Re availability in 99, yes, some have the ISM. There was a thread on this awhile back. When we bought our 99, I thought it was an M-11 and was surprised to see that it's an ISM.

How can you tell it's an ISM?

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Questions on Operation of '97 U320

Reply #8 –
It's stamped on the valve cover and indicated on the data plate. Here's what mine looks like.
jor

93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Questions on Operation of '97 U320

Reply #9 –
Thanks!  My red valve cover just says "450."  No M-11 or ISM in sight.

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Questions on Operation of '97 U320

Reply #10 –
I was told or read somewhere to first put transmission in neutral whenever shifting from reverse to drive or drive to reverse never directly to the other gear.

This made sense to me so I never questioned but being as Mike asked thought I would mention here and see what everyone thought.

Tony 
Tony Pasquale
SOLD....
'99 U295 36'
WTFE, 04/99, #5572
Toad: 2020 Equinox

Re: Questions on Operation of '97 U320

Reply #11 –
Tony, I never read nor heard of doing that shift, I totally agree, and always do it that way too, I like for the transmission to get out of one direction to neutral then the next direction.  I do no like the idea of going directly from F to R or R to F without a neutral pause.  I feel it reduces the chance of a confused computer for one example.
MO
Dave M

Re: Questions on Operation of '97 U320

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Tony Pasquale –
I was told or read somewhere to first put transmission in neutral whenever shifting from reverse to drive or drive to reverse never directly to the other gear.

This made sense to me so I never questioned but being as Mike asked thought I would mention here and see what everyone thought.

Tony 
I always select neutral first when changing direction.  Then select the desired direction.  Then I have to remember to select "Mode" if selecting forward direction.

Also, select neutral when parking.  I select "N" before applying the Park Brake.  Then simultaneously pull on the Park Brake and release the service brake.

Peter
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH
 

Re: Questions on Operation of '97 U320

Reply #13 –
I have a CD from Alison and that is their recommendation or admonition. Anyhow, they say never to go from d to r or the other way without stopping at neutral.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320