Broken valves and broken dreams

[George Witt]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Mr Chris Valdes
wrote:
>
Chris,
I have an 81 3208na with 180,000 miles on it. I've tried a lot
of different speeds and it seems the Cat really likes 2350 to 2450
rpms. It gets the best fuel mileage there (about 8 mpg) and uses the
least amount of oil. That's about half throttle on the accelerator.
I never lug it below 2,000 rpm, I downshift. The Cat manual
defines "lugging" as more than half throttle applied and the vehicle
isn't gaining speed or is losing it. It's fine to run it under 2,000
on a very light throttle.
In fact, I can change the oil and it's clear on the dipstick like
a gas engine. If I keep the rpms around that point, it stays
reasonably clear for almost 800 miles.
I've got a set of 5.29 gears in mine and at 2350 rpm the speedo
says 52 mph, but my GPS system shows speed is really about 56 mph.
I've found an air filter only lasts about 6,000 miles and that's
as far as I go on the Racor filter, too.
I change engine oil and filters at 2,000 to 3,000 miles,
depending on the length of the trip. My engine only holds 14 quarts
with filters, so I don't have much capacity. I've been told the 3208
really likes clean oil and so do I.
I hope this helps you out. For perspective, I'm a career auto
mechanic, ASE Certified Master and own a car repair shop.

George Witt
81 FC 35
Lincoln, Nebraska




> I have a 78 FC 33 with a non turbo 3208. My mechanic
> says to keep it under 2500 however that is also around
> 55-60. I have others tell me that work on Cats that
> those motors love to rev....
> i am also confused???
>
> Help
> Chris
> 78 FC 33 Palmdale, ca "Seguro"
>
> --- Mike Hohnstein <MHOHNSTEIN@...> wrote:
>
> > Hmm, 2200 is 55 in your "vehicle", sounds like
> > "around" 2 grand to me. Mebbe you need a hobby?
> > MH
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Jon
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2006 6:32 PM
> > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Broken valves and
> > broken dreams
> >
> >
> > --- 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
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > SPONSORED LINKS Recreational vehicles Wanderlodge
> > Automotive maintenance
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> > recreational vehicles Automotive radiators
> >
> >
> >
>
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