3208 on the road

[Mike Hohnstein]

Milwaukee to Lewiston ID on I-90 to Missoula MT to US 12 over the divide to
Lewiston.
A great route, very scenic and no bad grades. Bought some land out there and
set up a pull through site with all the amenities.
Did PM to the truck for the several trips I need to take before the snow flies
after words did a couple of short trips. Lost a small hose in the coolant
system 75 miles from the house, needed a 1/8" pipe plug to fix that. Real
problem was the Dello Mobil 15/40. Used 3 qts. in 400 miles, did much better on
Rotella. Called Dupree and cried, he made some suggestions. I went with 30
straight weight and a couple of cans of STP and headed west.
It was real hot and I kept the speed at 60 mph. Started out using direct @ 2000
rpm, 195 coolant and oil sump temp. After a while I went to OD and tried
keeping the engine down to 1600 rpm. Oil temp went down to 150, that caught my
attention as it was damn near that hot on the road surface.
Cat sez to keep engine speed down as it will save fuel, it's the truth. I was
at 38k gvw and averaged over 8 mpg, and my toter is not as aerodynamic as a bus.
The real deal was I used only one qt. of oil in 3400 miles. On the return trip
I got a little impatient and picked up the pace, mileage dropped as speed picked
up. Worst was 7 on the last leg running 70 @ 1900 into a serious head wind.
Back in the day, I always was a straight weight guy, I guess after this
experience I still am. Heck with that multi weight stuff, it don't get it as
far as I'm concerned. I used tractor oil bought at a Fleet Farm store, it was a
good price too.
I need to get that 10 speed in my FC.
MH


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