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Topic: First use of VSMpc (Read 1044 times) previous topic - next topic

First use of VSMpc

Last month I bought a VSMpc from Roger, and yesterday and today I was able to play with it.

Pro: LOTS of information available. Not every item is available on every engine/transmission combination, but Roger sets up an initial panel that is likely to cover what you will want/need. Yesterday I saw 256 mpg a couple of times (yes, 256 mpg) on the instant fuel use gauge. Today I was almost 300. Fun to see, but it didn't last more than a few seconds.

Con: Having to deal with Windows on an older laptop. I had to call Roger for some setup help, which he gladly provided. I suspect that any of our three children or their spouses could have had it up and running without calling Roger, but I'm not as smart as they are, nor am I that patient.

Since transmission information is not available on my coach I replaced those gauges with others. One of those was fuel temperature. It was interesting to watch it today, as it started as slightly above ambient temperature, then went up to nearly 120 when we got fuel (ambient was about 70 at that point), then dropped with the addition of almost 50 gallons of diesel. I'm going to see what other gauges I can add tonight and see which are supported for my coach. One more day of travel before we stay put for a few days.

Re: First use of VSMpc

Reply #1 –
Quote from: kb0zke –
Last month I bought a VSMpc from Roger, and yesterday and today I was able to play with it.

Pro: LOTS of information available. Not every item is available on every engine/transmission combination, but Roger sets up an initial panel that is likely to cover what you will want/need. Yesterday I saw 256 mpg a couple of times (yes, 256 mpg) on the instant fuel use gauge. Today I was almost 300. Fun to see, but it didn't last more than a few seconds.

Con: Having to deal with Windows on an older laptop. I had to call Roger for some setup help, which he gladly provided. I suspect that any of our three children or their spouses could have had it up and running without calling Roger, but I'm not as smart as they are, nor am I that patient.

Since transmission information is not available on my coach I replaced those gauges with others. One of those was fuel temperature. It was interesting to watch it today, as it started as slightly above ambient temperature, then went up to nearly 120 when we got fuel (ambient was about 70 at that point), then dropped with the addition of almost 50 gallons of diesel. I'm going to see what other gauges I can add tonight and see which are supported for my coach. One more day of travel before we stay put for a few days.

Whats wild is, there is no oil pressure on Cats. Called Silverleaf and they verified there is no oil pressure in engine harness. When I ask the Cat hot line, they said don't worry about it, if the oil pressure goes away, the engine will shut down.

My retired buddy that worked on Cats said, lots of equipment with Cat engines has no oil gauge at all. Don't want the operator looking at it.

I have our  silverleaf main screen set on MPH, trans temp,and RPM's...All related to retarder

Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: First use of VSMpc

Reply #2 –
The VMspc gives me a lot of peace of mind on mine.  I have a bad ground or something and the gauges go off a bit with the headlights on.  I forever thought I was overheating and had low oil pressure until vmspc showed me nothing changes ever.  36psi oil pressure, 178-182 temp.  Always.  (Well at cruising, the oil pressure comes down at idle).

Re: First use of VSMpc

Reply #3 –
Quote from: gracerace –
Whats wild is, there is no oil pressure on Cats. Called Silverleaf and they verified there is no oil pressure in engine harness. When I ask the Cat hot line, they said don't worry about it, if the oil pressure goes away, the engine will shut down.

Chris


All very true.  Oil pressure is used to generate the high PSI needed to inject the fuel.  No high pressure, no fuel, no run. 

HEUI (Hydraulically actuated Electronic Unit Injection (HEUI) fuel systems utilize highly pressurized engine oil to drive plungers pressurizing fuel for injection.)!
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: First use of VSMpc

Reply #4 –
Sounds like Brett's lesson #137.

Thanks Brett.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: First use of VSMpc

Reply #5 –
What info is available, if any, for Cat 3116?  (1995 U240).  Still wrestling with dash temp sometimes rising & would like to get a reliable reading somehow.  Thanks for any thoughts.
Doyle
95 U240 #4650
06 Honda CRV

Re: First use of VSMpc

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Mark D –
I have a bad ground or something and the gauges go off a bit with the headlights on.

When that occurred on my previous coach, a failing constant  duty solonoid was the cause. Replacing the solonoid solved the problem (and probably prevented a soon to happen failure/stranding).

I believe you have 2 under the front dash.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: First use of VSMpc

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Doyle3131 –
What info is available, if any, for Cat 3116?  (1995 U240).  Still wrestling with dash temp sometimes rising & would like to get a reliable reading somehow.  Thanks for any thoughts.
Doyle
Doyle...when does the temp rise. You mentioned "sometimes.?
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: First use of VSMpc

Reply #8 –
Quote from: AC7880 –
When that occurred on my previous coach, a failing constant  duty solonoid was the cause. Replacing the solonoid solved the problem (and probably prevented a soon to happen failure/stranding).

I believe you have 2 under the front dash.

Thanks I'll replace them as preventative maintenance I think and keep the existing ones as spares.

Re: First use of VSMpc

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Doyle3131 –
What info is available, if any, for Cat 3116?  (1995 U240).  Still wrestling with dash temp sometimes rising & would like to get a reliable reading somehow.  Thanks for any thoughts.
Doyle
The Caterpillar 3116 is a mechanical engine (I certainly hope- the last few were the "experiment into electronic control"), so you will not get VSMpc from it.

Please post a LOT more information on both WHEN the temperature rises (what conditions) and what cooling system maintenance you have done.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: First use of VSMpc

Reply #10 –
Probably ought to start a new thread on this issue so that others with the CAT 3116 engine can chime in. Since that is a mechanical engine, other owners may not read this thread.

Re: First use of VSMpc

Reply #11 –
Love reading these posts. I have 3208-t and wondered about the headlight issue with mine. My FT is in storage but I will check out the solenoids just like someone else said, for maintenance. I purchased the contact cleaner suggested too. I definitely would check out the Inverter/transfer switch ATS? since my last troubleshooting issue, the generator is not giving its unique sound after warming up and the batteries are not charging with the generator running. Just feeling thankful for all of you and the great amount of knowledge ... Happy Holidays to all of you.
Kathie :)
1991 Grand Villa
G91383636SBIORED250 model
Oshkosh v-917 frame rail type chassis
caterpillar 3208-t v-8 diesel engine w/ allison MT-643 four speed transmission

Re: First use of VSMpc

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Doyle3131 –
What info is available, if any, for Cat 3116?  (1995 U240).  Still wrestling with dash temp sometimes rising & would like to get a reliable reading somehow.  Thanks for any thoughts.
Doyle

I saw this earlier and had to go look it up to be sure.
The Cat 3116 is not listed as an engine type choice in VMSpc.  Pretty good chance (like 100%) you will get nothing.
Cats 3126, 3176, 3406, C-7, C-9, C-10, C-12, C-13 and C-15 in various horsepowers are listed.
Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN