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Topic: Broke down (Read 3395 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Broke down

Reply #25 –
Glad to hear you are back on the road.

Sounds like you need a proper radiator flush with a backflush.  Ideally, whomever does this will remove the engine block drain plugs, most mechanics don't do this as it takes longer. But, this ensures there your engine block is fully drained of the old stuff. Brett may know how many are on there, guessing 2, possibly 3. 

Here is a video for the 8.3, which I know you don't have that.  At the 8:22 mark, there is a petcock to drain the block, that would be much easier than removing plugs! I will let one of the CAT3116 gurus weigh in on what is there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD7HNpjkMCc
Jason
2000 U295 36' Non-slide  ISC350

Re: Broke down

Reply #26 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Don't know about SAS, but SCA is certainly relevant for the old generation green "low silicate for diesel with added SCA" coolant. SCA concentration needs to be checked annually (it is used up) and proper concentration restored. SCA can be added as a liquid or by using a coolant filter with the correct amount of SCA.

And no idea who you talked to, but yes that IS an acceptable coolant for your parent block Caterpillar 3116.

But so it Caterpillar ELC which is the new generation "maintenance-free" coolant.  Basically 6+years with no testing, adding anything, etc. That is what many of us have gone with.  With this coolant, you use a coolant filter BLANK (full filtration, but no SCA).  You should be able to get Caterpillar ELC CONCENTRATE  at any Caterpillar dealer.

Surprised your side radiator CAC and radiator are badly clogged externally (OR did they see some evidence of internal clogging/restriction-- if so, how was this determined?).  If external, what is clogging them-- dirt, grass. other???  Yes, if driven on muddy roads, they can suck in dirt.  But that should be pretty easy to wash out with a regular garden hose and nozzle.
I live about 4mi back on a dirt/gravel road. The times i took the coach our were muddy and dusty, so Yes, th think it needs a good cleaning as well as a rad flush and update to the "good" stuff :) Thanks Brett!
1995 U-240 GrandVilla 36'
FMC# 18675
Lookingglass, OR
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." - Ed Howdershelt Abintra Press "If you have to lie to gain Support, you are not worth Supporting" "I just want to go somewhere where there's chocolate and nobody talks." - Ynez Reinschmidt

Re: Broke down

Reply #27 –
Quote from: Cpt_kludge –
I live about 4mi back on a dirt/gravel road. The times i took the coach our were muddy and dusty, so Yes, th think it needs a good cleaning as well as a rad flush and update to the "good" stuff :) Thanks Brett!
I'm very happy with my precleaner addition especially if your off the asphalt.
Donaldson Precleaner
I would never operate without.
Scott

Re: Broke down

Reply #28 –
X2 with DSD, did mine first, great addition. Jim.
Jim and Dona
2002 U295 36'
Lily, blue healer. Our fury person
Manx mid travel Ecotec turbo
2022 Bronco badlands Sasquatch
Trail 90 and 110cc

Re: Broke down

Reply #29 –
Quote from: dsd –
I'm very happy with my precleaner addition especially if your off the asphalt.
Donaldson Precleaner
I would never operate without.
Scott
I'll check it out :) Thx
1995 U-240 GrandVilla 36'
FMC# 18675
Lookingglass, OR
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." - Ed Howdershelt Abintra Press "If you have to lie to gain Support, you are not worth Supporting" "I just want to go somewhere where there's chocolate and nobody talks." - Ynez Reinschmidt

Re: Broke down

Reply #30 –
OK I'm back :(
Overheated coming thru AZ yesterday. got to 225°, light came on and I pulled over.RPMs went to 2100
I had the radiator checked and the intercooler and Radiator cleaned (not flushed).
everything seemed fine until climbing a small hill in 105°heat.
Ran all day yesterday in 5th at 58mph. just fine.
staying until the 5th at KOA in Las Cruces.
Yesterday, talked to someone at Foretravel. Not Randy.
He agreed that the 2100rpm was prolly a reaction to the overheat to get the coolant moving faster.
Alot was said about an air throttle. I found that if i exercise the brakes multiple times to (<60lb) the idle will go to normal until the pressure is about 78lb then the 2100rpm will return.  Also heard a whistleing sound from the back of the rig when I stopped. slowly went away like an air leak.

Also having trouble with the propane generator.
I rebuilt the regulator(it was totally gunked up)and switched it to feed off the vapor port.
Has worked fine untill last night when it stopped after running for several hours, now it will only run for a couple of min with a load
Even just the ridge causes the voltage to bounce around then stop. seems to be running rough with no load
Great maiden voyage

1995 U-240 GrandVilla 36'
FMC# 18675
Lookingglass, OR
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." - Ed Howdershelt Abintra Press "If you have to lie to gain Support, you are not worth Supporting" "I just want to go somewhere where there's chocolate and nobody talks." - Ynez Reinschmidt

Re: Broke down

Reply #31 –
The Caterpillar 3116 is a mechanical engine-- no computer to raise idle speed.  Next time that happens, raise the bed or from the back, verify that something is not hanging up the throttle. Actually with the engine off, study what "throttle closed position is" and familiarize yourself with the throttle cable from the Bendix unit on the engine compartment's front wall.

And, one of the first things I would do is just replace the engine thermostat (Caterpillar calls them regulators).  You will also need the gasket.  Easy to replace-- drain a couple of gallons of coolant.  Remove thermostat.  Fill as much of the coolant as you without overflowing.  Install new thermostat. Start engine and top off coolant.

Also, verify that the V belt driving the engine water pump is properly tensioned (not shiny/slipping).
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: Broke down

Reply #32 –
Maiden voyages can be heaven.
    Or hell.
Small consolation, but know many of us have personally experienced your pain in some way or another and this too will pass.
 All i can say is concentrate not on the problems of today but the pleasures of tomorrow because when you get these things settled it's gonna be a blast.
(PS: Wolfe knows his stuff. Take his advice to heart)
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Broke down

Reply #33 –
One way some of us have prevented coolant overheating on up hills is to downshift, go slow, keep (Cummins) engine RPM about 1,600 - 2,000. In other words, stay off throttle. Sometimes lower downshifts got us going slower and staying behind trucks that we would like to pass.

Re: Broke down

Reply #34 –
And, with his Caterpillar 3116, RPM around 2,200 and less than WOT.  Said another way, choose a gear where you are about that RPM and if you go to WOT you will still (slowly) accelerate. This is what the "down arrow" on the Allison shift pad is for-- to allow you to select and keep the transmission in the gear YOU want/need.
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: Broke down

Reply #35 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
One way some of us have prevented coolant overheating on up hills is to downshift, go slow, keep (Cummins) engine RPM about 1,600 - 2,000. In other words, stay off throttle. Sometimes lower downshifts got us going slower and staying behind trucks that we would like to pass.
That was one of the first things I learned on the way back to OR last year. The guy I bought it from (Great Guy BTW) said to let the Tranny do the work. Coming into Buford WY, i learned better :)
1995 U-240 GrandVilla 36'
FMC# 18675
Lookingglass, OR
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." - Ed Howdershelt Abintra Press "If you have to lie to gain Support, you are not worth Supporting" "I just want to go somewhere where there's chocolate and nobody talks." - Ynez Reinschmidt

Re: Broke down

Reply #36 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
And, with his Caterpillar 3116, RPM around 2,200 and less than WOT.  Said another way, choose a gear where you are about that RPM and if you go to WOT you will still (slowly) accelerate. This is what the "down arrow" on the Allison shift pad is for-- to allow you to select and keep the transmission in the gear YOU want/need.
Yup, Learned this, this trip.
I'm going to be here at the KOA in Las Cruces this weekend, so i will putter.
Happy Birthday to US!
Semper Fi!
1995 U-240 GrandVilla 36'
FMC# 18675
Lookingglass, OR
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." - Ed Howdershelt Abintra Press "If you have to lie to gain Support, you are not worth Supporting" "I just want to go somewhere where there's chocolate and nobody talks." - Ynez Reinschmidt

Re: Broke down

Reply #37 –
I made a video of the 2100RPM issue.
It does seem to be air related. If the Air drops below about 60 it stops going up. at 78 then goes back up. Looking for the whistling after shutdown. don't know if this will work, but I moved the video to my dropdox. Here is the link
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mn89ufhruta1f0z/20220703_115507.mp4?dl=0
1995 U-240 GrandVilla 36'
FMC# 18675
Lookingglass, OR
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." - Ed Howdershelt Abintra Press "If you have to lie to gain Support, you are not worth Supporting" "I just want to go somewhere where there's chocolate and nobody talks." - Ynez Reinschmidt

Re: Broke down

Reply #38 –
First observation is that air pressure is WONKY.  Your compressor should absolutely be able to keep up with those brake stabs without dropping to 70 PSI. When was the last time the air dryer was serviced/replaced?

Pull the tank drains and check carefully for signs of water, oil or WHITE POWDER.  Let us know.

And, as we discussed, remove the Bendix air release (copper- colored) fitting and make sure it is not clogged.
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: Broke down

Reply #39 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
First observation is that air pressure is WONKY.  Your compressor should absolutely be able to keep up with those brake stabs without dropping to 70 PSI. When was the last time the air dryer was serviced/replaced?

Pull the tank drains and check carefully for signs of water, oil or WHITE POWDER.  Let us know.

And, as we discussed, remove the Bendix air release (copper- colored) fitting and make sure it is not clogged.
Never had air brakes except on our Fire truck! Will check!
1995 U-240 GrandVilla 36'
FMC# 18675
Lookingglass, OR
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." - Ed Howdershelt Abintra Press "If you have to lie to gain Support, you are not worth Supporting" "I just want to go somewhere where there's chocolate and nobody talks." - Ynez Reinschmidt

Re: Broke down

Reply #40 –
Quote from: Cpt_kludge –
Never had air brakes except on our Fire truck!

If losing excessive amount of air when brakes are being applied you have an air leak in a valve, brake line or brake can. To check chock wheels have full tank of air and engine off disengage emergency brake and apply steady pressure to the brake pedal watch for a continual drop in air pressure and have someone walk around and listen for air leaks. If so you're out of service, repair before travel.
Doug W.
96 36' U270 CSGI #4946
04 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
PNW

Re: Broke down

Reply #41 –
Looking at the video, when you apply the brakes, are your RPMs really fluctuating that much? You can hear your engine RPMs bounce like that? If not,  it could be a gauge/ground issue.

Second what Brett said, do a brake test, I don't have the link but there is about 6-7 tests to do.
Jason
2000 U295 36' Non-slide  ISC350

Re: Broke down

Reply #42 –
Wolfe,
 It's what?  60 lbs before the brakes lock up?
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Broke down

Reply #43 –
Quote from: Moby –
Wolfe,
 It's what?  60 lbs before the brakes lock up?
Do you mean release?
1995 U-240 GrandVilla 36'
FMC# 18675
Lookingglass, OR
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." - Ed Howdershelt Abintra Press "If you have to lie to gain Support, you are not worth Supporting" "I just want to go somewhere where there's chocolate and nobody talks." - Ynez Reinschmidt

Re: Broke down

Reply #44 –
Quote from: Cpt_kludge –
Do you mean release?



Yes to both.  When PSI descends below 60 PSI, the parking/emergency brake applies (most around 45 PSI).

Above that, the parking/emergency brake can be released.
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: Broke down

Reply #45 –
Quote from: Jason –
Looking at the video, when you apply the brakes, are your RPMs really fluctuating that much? You can hear your engine RPMs bounce like that? If not,  it could be a gauge/ground issue.

Second what Brett said, do a brake test, I don't have the link but there is about 6-7 tests to do.
Yes, as soon as you step on the brake, the RPM'S go to normal Idle.
1995 U-240 GrandVilla 36'
FMC# 18675
Lookingglass, OR
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." - Ed Howdershelt Abintra Press "If you have to lie to gain Support, you are not worth Supporting" "I just want to go somewhere where there's chocolate and nobody talks." - Ynez Reinschmidt

Re: Broke down

Reply #46 –
When our cruise was stuck at WOT, stepping on the brakes also dropped the throttle to low idle.
Dave and Kelli
1997 U295 40' Build #5188 CSGI
1995 U240 36' Build #4621 SBID-SOLD
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Re: Broke down

Reply #47 –
Quote from: Dave Larsen –
When our cruise was stuck at WOT, stepping on the brakes also dropped the throttle to low idle.
Less that WOT for me. That is about 2600 RPM. Guy at Foretravel thought it was a reaction to overheat. did NOT tell me how to tun it off :(
1995 U-240 GrandVilla 36'
FMC# 18675
Lookingglass, OR
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." - Ed Howdershelt Abintra Press "If you have to lie to gain Support, you are not worth Supporting" "I just want to go somewhere where there's chocolate and nobody talks." - Ynez Reinschmidt

Re: Broke down

Reply #49 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –

Yes to both.  When PSI descends below 60 PSI, the parking/emergency brake applies (most around 45 PSI).

Above that, the parking/emergency brake can be released.
So,  hes dangerously close to having his brakes lock up if he were moving in that video?
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad