Broken valves and broken dreams

[Jon]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Hohnstein"
<MHOHNSTEIN@...> wrote:
>
> It should be noted that BlueBird recommended and I quote; Keep it
around 2000 rpm. The recommendation is for the 3208. Cat calls 2400
rpm in marine applications, "continuous cruise speed".
> Some people think it's wise to check valve adjustment every 50k
miles, some think that's too much. I check it more often as I fear
broken parts and I DO NOT EVER take short cuts with my vehicles of
any kind.
> However, ignorance is bliss for most folks and occasionally the
bite in the butt from reality hurts.
> Weak valve springs is the most common cause of valve failure,
springs can lose tension in storage. At rest, some valves are open at
max lift and some are closed. Those that are open can take a set and
lose closing strength, this allows the valve to bounce in operation,
compound the problem by running 2700/2800 rpm and some times stuff
breaks.
> Watch that valve lash and check the valve spring tension regularly,
other wise, keep your fingers crossed. Ain't diesels fun?
> Mike Hohnstein
> Germantown, WI
> 83FC35
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


Just one nagging question and that concerns the chart on the Vintage
Bird site! it states that at 2000 RPM' at 3208 n/a engine in a F/C
unit speed will be 48 MPH. Now lets get real about keeping it at 2000
RPM's and going down a freeway. Do you think when these coaches came
out that the Bluebird Corporation stated in there factory manuals
that there motor coaches would last allot longer if they were only
driven under 50 MPH? I might be different than most drivers but I try
to keep my speed at 55 but not 48 mph on the freeway. Does anyone
have a drivers manual for one of these old units? it would be
interesting to check it out and see what corp. said in those days.


Jon
1978 Wanderlodge
Bremerton Washington
>