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Topic: After a Big Sleep - #4612 Rolls Again !!! (Read 1431 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: After a Big Sleep - #4612 Rolls Again !!!

Reply #25 –
Quote from: D.J. Osborn –
The Allison 745 was a 4-speed, non-overdrive transmission (if my memory is correct). I believe those coaches typically turned a significantly higher RPM in "high gear" than do the ones equipped with the 6-speed Allison transmissions (with two overdrive gears). One that I read about showed 1800 RPM @ 63 MPH. That's quite a bit different than our M11 showing about 1500 RPM @ 70 MPH. Therefore, comparing hill-climbing ability in "high gear" between the two significantly-different designs becomes an "apples to oranges" comparison.

With that, I'll do my best to go back "on topic" and comment about how beautiful that big yellow CAT looks in that nicely-remodeled engine compartment!

Rear axle was geared too low.  Designed for 55mph as you surmised.  I sent the new coaches to Unitrax the local axle service center and had the rear end regeared before delivery on my customers 91's.

Went from 3.91's to 3.21. 

Mileage and hill ability was with the 3:21's.  Beaver changed the production coaches after my factory stores good results with the change to the gillig chassis.

Would only go 68 before.  Customers did not like that at all.....

Fixed. 

Was going to regear my m11 but the engine so far does not seem to have enough torque or horsepower to benefit from regearing the coach compared to many other coaches I have driven over the years.

Went to a less power consuming hydraulic fan drive thermostat and installed a bit noisier 5050xl resonator.

Last step after four years of work so far is to take the coach back to the la cummins facility and dyno it again.

Still possible turbo or injector long term issues.  You never know until tested or fixed.
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: After a Big Sleep - #4612 Rolls Again !!!

Reply #26 –
Michael,

You can generally tell when the slack adjusters need adjusting.  Parking brake on and see how many rpm's it takes to move the coach in 1st gear.  Properly adjusted mine takes about 1000 rpm.  You have a different engine so it may be different regards rpm.  If it is less  while stopped with parking brake off 1 or 2 full brake applications usually corrects that.  Of course this test is only for the rear brakes, but should take out any excess slack in the front too since they are automatic slack adjusters.  Great job on the engine compartment.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: After a Big Sleep - #4612 Rolls Again !!!

Reply #27 –
I wondered what became of your coach, glad to see its up and running.
Our coaches must have been following each other down the assembly line.
My 95 U320 is 4614.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: After a Big Sleep - #4612 Rolls Again !!!

Reply #28 –
This is exciting.  I think I had sent a private message once to see how things were going since it was a long time with no posts. 

I will always remember my first time driving a diesel pusher...it was a U300 that we didn't wind up buying.  That drive and this forum (the old Yahoo version) caused us to never again look at anything but a Foretravel.

Rick & Rhonda
2003 U320 4220  Build #6199
Was
91 36' GV 300 Caterpillar, 92 40' U280 300 Cummins, 97 36' U295 300 Cummins, 2002
U320 450 Cummins
(Guess we're hooked)

The selected media item is not currently available.

Re: After a Big Sleep - #4612 Rolls Again !!!

Reply #29 –
Quote from: Lon and Cheryl –
I wondered what became of your coach, glad to see its up and running.
Our coaches must have been following each other down the assembly line.
My 95 U320 is 4614.
I think mine is 4618 - Oct 1994
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: After a Big Sleep - #4612 Rolls Again !!!

Reply #30 –
Quote from: Dave Head –
I think mine is 4618 - Oct 1994

They were pumping them out at a good rate back then. Ours is 4726 - Feb 1995.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186