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3208-T Cat RPM

September 01, 2011, 08:25:50 pm

Hi folks, this question Is directed at Brett, but please all knowledgeable chime In.
My wife and I just finished our first long trip in our coach. Just a little over 1400 miles.
It was bitter sweet, as we where taking our youngest daughter back to collage. We towed her F-150 behind us on a tow dolly. The coach preformed like a dream. My only problem was holding the RPM down below 2500. The name plate next to drivers seat is stamped 2600 RPM max load. Is that the maximum or can I exceed that for short periods of time? I feel In the seat of my pants that at around 2300 to 2600 RPM the motor is right In the middle of the power band and pulling well. Your Input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Mitch Sayer

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Re: 3408-T Cat RPM

Reply #1 – September 01, 2011, 08:41:11 pm

Mitch,

Call the Caterpillar RV Hotline with your engine serial number to get THE answer on max governed RPM: 877 777-3126.

And, my first thought when you say 2300 to 2600 is "right in the middle of the power band" is that you need to have your tach calibrated.  I suspect that it is reading very optimistically.  A frequent occurrence when a different alternator is fit on an engine.

Unless the engine has been modified, when it hits the governed RPM, it will not go faster (except down hill!).

Brett

Brett

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Re: 3208-T Cat RPM

Reply #2 – September 01, 2011, 10:17:11 pm

Brett, Do you know where I could have my tach calibrated? I believe the alternator is the original. When I was laying on the motor changing all the belts I notice the tag was dated 1989. But who knows?

Thanks again for your help, Mitch Sayer

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Re: 3208-T Cat RPM

Reply #3 – September 01, 2011, 10:31:31 pm

Most diesel shops have mechanical tachs or strobe tachs they can use to calibrate your tach.

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