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VMSpc Parameters for gauges

March 05, 2017, 10:28:33 pm

I did a few searches but am looking for additional feedback on setting parameters in VMSpc for "high yellow line" and "high red line":

What have others decided to set for the following?  I modified a few and have the following - how about you?  Do you advise I lower or raise any?

Edited (twice) for new values:
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Oil temp yellow/red?  205 / 220 

Coolant temp yellow/red?  210 / 220  (I regularly see 200)

Trans temp yellow/red?  220  /  245

Retarder temp yellow/red?  230  /  275

Intake Manifold yellow/red?  130  /  175

Battery low volts yellow/red?  12.8  12.4

Battery high volts yellow/red?  14.8  15.0  (I regularly see 14.6 and 14.7)

My expectations are that in normal daily driving of flat lands, rolling hills, going through towns on back roads, on and off ramps, stop signs and lights, I shouldn't see yellow warning on the VMSpc as the coach, engine, trans, and retarder should not be stressed by this type of daily driving.  (unless mechanical and/or fluid issues)

Mountain climbs and descents I expect to see yellow warning followed by red as I approach limitations of the equipment.

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Re: VMSpc Parameters for gauges

Reply #1 – March 06, 2017, 12:44:44 am

Dan, these are set to your preferences and needs.  They will vary from one engine to another.

Synthetic fluids in the transmission generally can stand higher temps then organic oils.
With synthetic I like 225 for yellow and 265 for red retarder temps.  It is not uncommon to see 235-240. Turning yellow a bit sooner reminds me to gear down, slow down sooner and pay attention to it.  I have never hit 265.

Transmission temps in my U320 are usually about 10'degrees more than coolant..178 and 188 are common.  In the mountains maybe 10° more.

Battery volts are when the batteries are being charged.  If your alternator is only doing 12.7 or 12.8 it is probably a problem.  13.7 - 14.7 is not uncommon.  If you hit 15 probably too much.

Intake manifold normal is maybe 10-15° over ambient.

Oil temps just under 200 is normal, I don't see it much more than that.

Oil pressure on start up 50 psi or more is normal.  What is high ?  34 is pretty typical at normal operating loads.  At temp, come to a stop and 18 is not uncommon and is nirmal.

So my advice is see what it is normal for your engine. +/- 5% for yellow from the top and bottom of what seems normal.  +/- 10% for red.  What you are looking for is a warning indication for out of the normal.

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Re: VMSpc Parameters for gauges

Reply #2 – March 06, 2017, 01:20:41 pm

As a suggestion, Would it be wise to add Vehicle, Year, Engine, trans make and model? or are the settings just in general and not  specific to engine and trans?

Or no? Interested is all.. thanks

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Re: VMSpc Parameters for gauges

Reply #3 – March 06, 2017, 02:54:01 pm

At the set up stage you are asked for engine info etc so that the right parameters (I guess) are used by the program. The transmission ones are not asked for. So maybe what you do is figure into the settings a medium and high range that is know to be the max temp etc that manufacturer recommends.
Think I have it correct.
JohnH

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Re: VMSpc Parameters for gauges

Reply #4 – March 06, 2017, 06:01:52 pm

VMSpc wants to know what engine you have so that it can use the correct HP/Torque/RPM curves for the calculated gauges like Horsepower and Torque. The gauge yellow and red high and low do not change with the engine you select, they are in a parameters file and are initially set with suggested values.  So while the normal temperatures and pressures and the normal ranges may be different for one engine and transmission combinations the suggested VMSpc levels for warnings are there for you to set as you see fit.  Some folks might want to have the coolant temp yellow indicator come on at 180 and red at 185. That is not realistic if you are a mountain driver but might work for a midwest driver.

They are there to let you know you have reached a level that you have decided is a valid warning point for you.

There are gauges for max oil temp, max trans temp, max coolant temp and others that just show you the maximum it ever got to.

Coach brand makes no difference.  I have put kits into other brands but prefer FTs.😜

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