Temps

[Pete Masterson]

The DD Series 60 has an exhaust "jake brake" retarder. It does not have a separate heat range and does not overheat. -- Indeed, the jake brake might actually have a modest cooling effect on the engine. The older 8v92 was a 2-cycle engine and did not have much compression braking, so other types of retarders were used, often one that was electrical technology -- that could be overheated and damaged.

Water temperature should be in a range of 180 to 210. Be sure your radiator is not clogged with oily dirt (it's not uncommon and it's difficult to see. The dirt accumulates around the edges of the radiator outside the area swept by the fan.) I replaced my radiator core and discovered a completely clogged radiator around the edges when it was removed. I now take off the grill, spray simple green and hose out the radiator (careful, don't use a pressure washer as you can bend the fins). It's best to have the engine luke warm (when you do this) -- warm but no sizzle sounds. I have the whole engine area steam cleaned every couple of years.

Engine oil temperature theoretically has a range of 200 to 250 degrees. Personally, I've seen 230 on a few occasions (one while going eastbound on I-70 on the grade approaching Aspen, CO). I prefer to pull to the side and let the engine oil cool down when it gets up that hot. Only takes 3 or 4 minutes.

The transmission seems to stay at 170-180 regardless. I've never seen it get any higher. The transmission cooler is in the bottom of the water radiator. The other radiator you see is not the transmission cooler. (I don't think it even has a fan.) The air flow through the transmission cooler is from the main radiator fan. I think it comes on at 190 or so ... or whenever you turn on the "fan override" switch or turn on the dash AC.

Enjoy your trip -- I've been to Denver many times by many routes....

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Jun 16, 2008, at 8:12 PM, Mike McMahan wrote:

I'm fixing to take my first hot weather trip(to Denver) in our 96 42' 

Wanderlodge series 60 six speed towing my 28' race car trailer. My 89 

PT 40 always stayed in normal operating temps on this trip.  My owners 

manual says normal engine operating temp 190 to 210.  I can't find any 

temps listed as high for the trans or retarder only a reference to a 

high temp light that will come on at some point.  Does anyone know what 

is the high temp spec for these.  Also at what temp does the cooling 

fans on the trans cooler activate?   Thanks, Mike McMahan 96 42' 

Wanderlodge