Overheating 3208 in a 90SP36

[Jim]

I built and installed a custom made transmission cooler by using two six
foot long 3/4" inside diameter fined heat exchanger tubes. I built brackets
and stacked the tubes vertically aft of the transmission on the passenger
side of the frame. It works so well I think the transmission helps cool the
main radiator. I am going to BAJA for a few days, when I get back I will
post a picture.

I had overheating problems on the old engine so I put a radiator
spray system, water injection into the pressure side of the intake manifold,
and an auxiliary radiator mounted amidships between the frame with a
thermostatically controlled electric fan. The radiator cools the water
circulated to the water heater, or the chassis heaters before returning to
the engine. Although all these things helped, I still would see temperatures
over 200 degrees and would have to use all means available to keep from
overheating. It turned out I had overlooked the main problem. I bought the
coach with 5000 miles on a fresh rebuilt 3208. It turned out I had either a
blown head gasket or a crack somewhere because I was getting exhaust gases
in the radiator. This is one thing that is guaranteed to cause overheating.

I do have a question for Jeff though, I just installed a complete
3208 250hp drop in my 82 FC and it runs very cool, yet I am only getting 9
PSI of boost. Is there something that is set to low on the engine from RIVA
or did Ernie's coach have some tricks done to it? If so what magic might I
do to get the boost up to 15psi without using propane, or turning the
country side black?

Thanks for any help

Jim
1982 FCRB
Yorba Linda, CA

-----Original Message-----
From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Eric Johnson
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2006 7:51 PM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Overheating 3208 in a 90SP36

Hi Jeff,
Thanks for the information. If I understand you correctly, Ernie's bird had
the additional
cooler tied into the oil line returning from the radiator on the way back to
the
transmission. If this is so, you wouldn't need as big an air cooler since
you aren't taking
on the whole cooling load from the radiator. Is that right?
Regards, Eric
84FC35SBWL2

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
, "Jeff Miller"
wrote:
>
> The turbo engine could use a tranny cooler in more extreme
> conditions, but I felt that the cooler installation in Ernie's
> old 'bird, an air/oil cooler on the bottom surface of the RF
> compartment with a rock-guard was an excellent addition on the outlet
> of the radiator-cooler. With the 250hp, 4.63:1 gears, towing, and a
> lead-foot I never saw alarming temperatures in that rig running 15psi
> boost on any mountain I could find. The airflow under that
> compartment is excellent, and high-pressure (high-density), enough
> that you'll notice the foam insulation is eroded away on those
> compartments in many coaches. The air there is pressurized by the air
> trying to get around the front of the moving coach, and having to
> squeeze between the ground and bumper. The differential in speed
> between the coach and the road makes the air quite turbulent, also
> good for cooling.
>
> Try synthetic fluids also, most people on RV forums agree that it
> runs cooler in automatic transmissions.
>
> - Jeff Miller
> in Holland, MI
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
, "Eric Johnson"
> wrote:
> >
> > Hello Ernie & Company,
> > I appreciate all the suggestions on installing a separate
> transmission cooler. From the
> > website Tom recommended as cooler source they recommend a two pass
> cooler w/
> > dimensions of 22"X24"X1-1/2" plus a fan. There is quite a bit of
> space in between frame
> > rails about 1/2 way back if you mount it in a horizontal
> orientation above the drive shaft
> > and in front of retarder. Don't understand comments about the
> rediline compartment.
> > You guys thinking to cut the compartment walls away and use the
> space for the cooler?
> > Regards, Eric
> > 84FC35SBWL2
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
, erniecarpet@ wrote:
> > >
> > > I believe the rediline was still in my FC. That is an excellent
> place for
> > > another air intake and you Cat would love you for the
> modification.
> > >
> > > Ernie Ekberg
> > > 83 PT40
> > > Livingston, Montana
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
>