Overheating? 6V92

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Overheating? 6V92

June 18, 2020, 06:18:11 pm

1989 Grand Villa. 6V92.
I am on a trip to Michigan from FL and my temp gauge goes from 190 at idle up to 210-215 when driving. I have stopped numerous times to check and dont smell any coolant or see any. The fan is running pretty much all the time. My mechanic said the radiator probably needs to be blown out and to pull over if it gets to 220. It has always stayed below 220 but I feel like I'm rolling the dice. I have 130 miles to go to my destination and Im at a rest area idling between 190-200. I havent heard any knocking and there isnt a ton of heat coming from the motor when I lift the bed.

What do I need to check and what suggestions are out there for the last 130 miles? Going to have someone look at it when I get there.

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #1 – June 18, 2020, 06:30:37 pm

You have the rear radiator and it's prone for getting dirt/oil in the fins. Not the thing to take a car wash wand to but other rear radiator owners will have suggestions. How about driving at night when it's cooler? I don't let ours run at 220 degrees. 210 would be OK to get home but that is hot for flat road driving. 55 mph?

Pierce

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #2 – June 18, 2020, 06:35:13 pm

Do you have a temp gun that you can verify the temp as correct?

I keep mine clean using a garden hose.

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #3 – June 18, 2020, 07:06:37 pm

Since the radiator is in the back, not the side, it picks up a lot of oil and dirt mixture. It sticks to the core and needs something like the Purple Power Degreaser Walmart sells sprayed in with a Dollar Tree pint sprayer. Works best on a warm radiator and then rinse with a garden hose. Might have to do it twice. 2.5 gallons for $11 bucks Purple Power Degreaser Concentrate, 2.5 Gallons - Walmart.com - Walmart.com

Pierce

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #4 – June 18, 2020, 07:30:49 pm

Not saying this is your problem but my gauges were reading incorrectly. I invested in an engine computer that will tell you what the computer reads your temps to be. My temps were all over the place but I had no signs of high temps. I drove most of one day trying to keep the temps down below 210 and I was only going 55 on flat ground. I think Roger has a system that he sells on the forum and will do troubleshooting as well. Many on here have it and speak highly of it. It's called VMSpc

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #5 – June 18, 2020, 07:45:14 pm

Quote from: Tommy D – June 18, 2020, 07:30:49 pm

Not saying this is your problem but my gauges were reading incorrectly. I invested in an engine computer that will tell you what the computer reads your temps to be. My temps were all over the place but I had no signs of high temps. I drove most of one day trying to keep the temps down below 210 and I was only going 55 on flat ground. I think Roger has a system that he sells on the forum and will do troubleshooting as well. Many on here have it and speak highly of it.

Good point about the dash gauge not being accurate. Could be a bad ground, etc. If your temperature changes when you turn on the headlights, it's a sure sign to check with another gauge. Easy to screw one in a cylinder head.

Don't think Roger's system is for a Detroit. The Pro-Link 9000 works for Detroits (and others) plus gives a fast idle, injection testing, etc. It's a tool rather than reading data. In other words, it can change operating parameters but does not have the slick looking display the Silverleaf has. I would love to have both.

Here is the iPad data display for a Detroit: RV Techtools It's OK but not as nice as the one Roger sells.

Pierce

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #6 – June 18, 2020, 08:10:21 pm

Agree, that the gauge could be inaccurate.

BUT, yes large BUT, if the gauge reading changes under high load conditions, read that as the engine is operating with thermostat wide open and temp still goes up-- something is wrong.

If the rise over thermostatic control is over 10-12 degrees, you DO have a problem.

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #7 – June 18, 2020, 08:20:16 pm

Might check your driving habits, if your luging the motor it will over heat , you might make sure your rpms are not running below 1500 in four hear that will raise your temps or running on cruise and letting the tranny shift on its own.
Before I replaced my radiator I had the same trouble.

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #8 – June 18, 2020, 08:25:37 pm

Brett describes the elephant entering the room. Is this a sudden change in readings or has this slowly been getting worse as the summer temps go up? Your Detroit has two identical thermostats, one on each side of the V-6. IR gun might give a side to side comparison as well as an overall temperature. Shoot the radiator for intake, discharge and different spots across the face.

IR guns are inexpensive, about $20-$25 at HF or mail order.

Pierce

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #9 – June 18, 2020, 09:04:33 pm

"Don't think Roger's system is for a Detroit." Yes, it does work. I have one. That said, not every possible gauge is available for the Detroit. It also requires a Windows computer, or at least a Windows emulator on a Mac.

I use mine every time we go somewhere. Yesterday, ambient temps were near 100, driving from Limon, CO to Borger, TX. I kept the speed to around 55, +/- depending on how rough the road was. I rarely saw over 200, with low 180's most of the time. The green dot never changed color, so I assume that the computer thought the temps were fine. Highest I saw was 204 at the crest of a long hill.

Since Detroits are known to be heat-sensitive, what should be the max temp?

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #10 – June 18, 2020, 09:40:21 pm

The first thing I did when I got mine in 2017, was pull the radiator and have the internals cleaned. The place that cleaned it said it was 30% plugged inside. While I was there I changed the thermostats to, with the help of a buddy. It certainly wont hurt to clean the radiator as best you can on the outside. Where I work, we used these detroits allot back in the day. Heat and a bad air filter is about the only thing that hurt em. Mine got up to about 210* once, but I was pulling a 28' trailer on a big grade, on a HOT day. Normally it runs about 190*

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #11 – June 18, 2020, 09:46:47 pm

Boy if I see it getting anywhere near 190 my pucker factor starts to rise.
Thought 200 was close to system shut down.

Being new at this I could be all wrong.

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #12 – June 18, 2020, 10:18:15 pm

Thermostats are usually around 185 so 190 is not much higher. On a Detroit or other wet sleeve engines, the computer will go into partial shutdown at about 230-235 degrees with full shutdown about 30 seconds later. Parent bore engines like 5.9 Cummins, some CATs and dry liner 71 series Detroits will tolerate hotter temps.

200° is my limit for our Detroit. Warmer than that, I shift down and or slow down. Yes, I get nervous at 210°.

Pierce

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #13 – June 18, 2020, 10:49:15 pm

I have personally run a dozen 6v92's up Baker grade to 235 on the dash gauge(which is probably high) without a shutdown.

A few had the warning light come on. Most did not. Ambient well over 100.

Never had a failure. Never downrated a coaches trade in value because of worrying about heating issues damaging an engine.

Done hundreds. My money as a manager.

Just saying

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #14 – June 18, 2020, 10:49:55 pm

IIRC 92' was first year for ECM on Detroits? If so SilverLeaf won't provide anything. My dash temp gauge consistently reads10º higher than the SilverLeaf even after I replaced the sensor & dash gauge.

So my question would be is this a new problem? Does transmission temp follow engine temp? Does temp go up with outside temp? Are you driving mountains passes?

You should be fine driving the last 130 miles but keep a close eye on the temp gauge. Just drive little slower and see if that helps. At the worst pull over for a couple of hours for the engine to cool then start again.

see ya
ken

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #15 – June 18, 2020, 11:21:26 pm

Wow...so much awesome feedback!

After some investigation I think the gauge is off. The fan doesnt even come on until it reads 195-200. There was no steam or spillover every time I stopped. Power seemed fine but yes, I ran the cruise control most of the way (1300 miles). It only got to 220 once but consistently ran between 200-210 the whole time that I was paying attention. If I hadn't noticed I probably wouldn't even have been worried. Never overheated or bogged down unless it was driver error...lol. It was my first real trip in her and I'm very proud of how she did considering her driver is a novice...

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #16 – June 19, 2020, 12:56:46 am

Quote from: kenhat – June 18, 2020, 10:49:55 pm

IIRC 92' was first year for ECM on Detroits? If so SilverLeaf won't provide anything. My dash temp gauge consistently reads10º higher than the SilverLeaf even after I replaced the sensor & dash gauge.
see ya
ken

All Foretravel 2 cycles are DDEC as far as I know. Think '92 was the first year of the computer Allison with the HT746. Didn't know they make SilverLeaf for our Detroits. How do you like yours? Photos?

Pierce

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #17 – June 19, 2020, 08:22:30 am

I replaced my temp gauge because. I was getting fluctuating readings and did not trust it.
The new guage is stable and consistent. It still does not read the same temp as the ecm does. Ecm temp on prolink about 20 degrees cooier. But it is consistent with trans temp when not using retarder..
VDO 250f Water Temp Gauge 310-039 | eBay

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #18 – June 19, 2020, 08:55:07 am

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – June 19, 2020, 12:56:46 am

All Foretravel 2 cycles are DDEC as far as I know. Think '92 was the first year of the computer Allison with the HT746. Didn't know they make SilverLeaf for our Detroits. How do you like yours? Photos?

Pierce

We run the SilverLeaf unit that Bill included in our purchase.
Found the dash gauges are spot on to what SilverLeaf is reporting.
From what I read slipping into the 210 -220 range for short periods is acceptable.
We never have, our unit stays between 185 - 190 consistently.

Now to figure out the fuel temp monitor like David, kb0zke.

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #19 – June 19, 2020, 10:05:59 am

Quote from: Phranko – June 19, 2020, 08:55:07 am

Now to figure out the fuel temp monitor like David, kb0zke.

Our Pro-Link measures fuel temp and has 48 other functions: MPSI READER MENU SELECTIONS

Pierce

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #20 – June 19, 2020, 01:00:51 pm

As I said, I have the system from Roger and overall it is great. I'm not a Windows fan, and the laptop I'm using is well used, which is part of the problem maybe. At any rate, once I finally get to the VMSpc, so I don't have to mess with the computer, I'm fine. Yes, there are a few things that don't work the way I want them to, but overall I'm satisfied.

What would I change? There is a bar that shows miles left to empty, gallons left to empty, and recent fuel mileage. I can't seem to change that last part, although it has changed itself a couple of times. Once it decided that I was getting 256 mpg, so I had LOTS of miles until empty.

The computer will stay with the coach (unless the buyer doesn't want it), so they can argue with Windows.

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #21 – June 20, 2020, 04:10:03 pm

Update:
I had to run into the city for an oil change (20 miles) and even on the way there it didnt get above 180. Must have been because I wasnt towing my car?

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #22 – June 20, 2020, 04:34:57 pm

Yes but after you ran them up to 235 up Baker grade you sold them. Overheated engine problems sometimes won't rear its head right away.. I wouldn't buy a Detroit Cat or Cummins if I knew it had been ran that hot. Someone else likely bought a problem that shows itself later.

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #23 – June 20, 2020, 04:58:55 pm

Sometimes you get away with it , sometimes you crack a head and it shows right away. Sometimes you weaken piston rings . Roll the dice .

Re: Overheating? 6V92

Reply #24 – June 20, 2020, 05:09:50 pm

Living in the desert Southwest where most ways out of here were up hills in the heat I hear what you are saying about the 6v92's maybe having long long term issues from being run hotter when new.

Sold a lot of coaches long ago with 6v's and 8v's and my industry buddies report no noticeable issues.

Does not mean it does not happen just they are personally unaware of long term problems.

The bluebird folks website does not show any issues and theirs ran hotter from the weight.

Thanks for the info BTW.

Most miles I have seen on unihomes with 6v's I sold and delivered was around 200k.

The dash gauges were off. Read high on mine. So maybe my temps I mentioned by the dash gauge were actually 10 degrees or more higher than what was really going on?

No silver leaf in those days.

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