Overheating 3208 in a 90SP36

[Mike Hohnstein]

Simple to do, I used 1/4" aluminum tubing the width of the radiator, drilled
.040 dia. holes on 1.5" centers, located the tube in front of the radiator on
top and secured it with zip tie screw mounts, like you use for wiring.
I tried to get by with electric fans once and a trip to Wyoming showed the folly
of that. I had to employ an emergency spray bar installation to get out of the
mountains.
MH
----- Original Message -----
From: Rovers
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 5:13 PM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Overheating 3208 in a 90SP36


I like Mike's recommendation for a spray bar on these radiators. These
diesels need all of the capacity they can get. Especially on long
grades. Think I will add one to mine while everything is out of there
waiting for the new radiator core. Mike, are there any pictures have
of your setup? Thanks much.

Terry Neal
82PT40
74FC34
Bozeman, MT

Mike Hohnstein wrote:

> I would get a spray bar on that radiator. I have one on the toter and
> the FC will have one before I head west next summer. I hook mine to
> the house water and valve it with a sporlan or equivalent, click it on
> when the temps get up and they do drop right down. I carry a infared
> heat gun to spot check the engine gages. The configuration of the SP
> is not the best for air flow and water on that radiator is the sure fix.
> You don't want the coolant over 200 or the oil over 210, and that's
> only acceptable for short periods.
> MH
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: williamcharrison
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>
> Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 12:33 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Overheating 3208 in a 90SP36
>
> Just came back from a long trip and noticed that at every extended
> grade climb the temp gauge would start climbing toward 220.
> It never reached 220 but the level increase alarms me. I have
> cleaned the radiator and put new belts on all around. The oil temp
> also climbs to about 230 (though I don't know what the danger level
> is). The thermostat was replaced before my first trip this year
> and I had no similar problems, but then the temperature was in the 70's
> and on the last trip it was in the 90's.
>
> Chuck Harrison
> Akron, Ohio
> 90SP36
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Mike Hohnstein]

You go right ahead and run that engine hot, you will be real happy when the head
gaskets let go, and 3208s are wont to do. Diesels don't like to over heat and
those that relate passenger car specs to a real engine are fated to share their
wealth with repair shops.
However that works for me as I own a large repair shop. We work on lots of
diesels.
MH

MH
----- Original Message -----
From: davidkerryedwards
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 5:21 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Overheating 3208 in a 90SP36


It also partly depends on whether you're running synthetic oil or not.
Synthetics can handle higher temperatures. Mike's numbers seem very
low to me. Most aftermarket temperatures guages I've looked at don't
show 'hot' until 240 degrees. I know the idiot light on my 74 Olds is
hooked to a sensor that comes on at 258

Kerry

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
wrote:
>
> Hello Again Chuck,
> Mike's idea about a spray bar will improve cooling capacity on a
hot, dry, day, but not sure
> where he gets the max numbers on coolant and oil. Important to
remember the
> thermostat doesn't fully open until 185ºF. Radiator cap pressure
rating of 7 psig, altitude
> and coolant composition set how hot you can run the radiator before
you boil over.
> Engine oil can safely operate at sustained temperatures of 220-240ºF
and for shorter
> periods as high as 300ºF with no problems given normal oil changes.
> Regards, Eric
> 84FC35SBWL2
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson" wrote:
> >
> > Hello Chuck,
> > My 3208 is in the front rather than the back but your experiences
were much like mine
> > while climbing mountain passes in Colorado. Not sure you can
expect any lower
> > temperatures than what you're getting in hot summer weather. I
found on my coach
> that
> > it helps some to gear down as your speed drops off to keep RPM's
up so the fan cools
> > better and the engine load is reduced.
> > Regards, Eric
> > 84FC35SBWL2
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "williamcharrison"

> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Just came back from a long trip and noticed that at every extended
> > > grade climb the temp gauge would start climbing toward 220.
> > > It never reached 220 but the level increase alarms me. I have
> > > cleaned the radiator and put new belts on all around. The oil temp
> > > also climbs to about 230 (though I don't know what the danger level
> > > is). The thermostat was replaced before my first trip this year
> > > and I had no similar problems, but then the temperature was in
the 70's
> > > and on the last trip it was in the 90's.
> > >
> > > Chuck Harrison
> > > Akron, Ohio
> > > 90SP36
> > >
> >
>





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Mike Hohnstein]

I don't do Detroits man, you need to get Randy up there. Good luck on that one.
I will stop in on the way out though.
MH
----- Original Message -----
From: erniecarpet@...
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 9:29 PM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Overheating 3208 in a 90SP36


Hey Mike- on your way back west- stop by Livingston and help me with my Jake
brake.--I'll buy the drinks.

Ernie Ekberg
83 PT40
Livingston, Montana

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Eric Johnson]

Hello Mike,
I understand that radiator spray systems are nothing new. I've been aware of
them for a
number of years. Glad to hear you use one and that it gives you good results.

I respect the fact that you have a lot of experience, however you are not the
only person
that has some knowledge to share on our website. None of us has the corner on
everything there is to know about these coaches. Your experience and knowledge
are
valuable to all of us but some of what you think you know may be wrong.

I hope all of us can continue to share the best of what we know but also be
willing to listen
to the views of others without being critical or abusive.

I wish you many happy Blue Bird miles.
Regards, Eric
84FC35SBWL2


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Hohnstein" <MHOHNSTEIN@...>
wrote:
>
> Yo, Johnson, it's NOT an IDEA. It's on my vehicle and it actually works, per
my oil pan
temp gage and my water temp gage. Nothing new about, just because it seems to be
unfamilar to you. Just returned from a 4000 mile trip to Idaho and am going
back next
month so I get on down the road too. As far as temperature limits, that's
experience, I've
got a lot of it and it's OK if you want to ignore it my advice, it's your
engine.
> MH
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Eric Johnson
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 3:40 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Overheating 3208 in a 90SP36
>
>
> Hello Again Chuck,
> Mike's idea about a spray bar will improve cooling capacity on a hot, dry,
day, but not
sure
> where he gets the max numbers on coolant and oil. Important to remember the
> thermostat doesn't fully open until 185ºF. Radiator cap pressure rating of 7
psig,
altitude
> and coolant composition set how hot you can run the radiator before you boil
over.
> Engine oil can safely operate at sustained temperatures of 220-240ºF and for
shorter
> periods as high as 300ºF with no problems given normal oil changes.
> Regards, Eric
> 84FC35SBWL2
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson" wrote:
> >
> > Hello Chuck,
> > My 3208 is in the front rather than the back but your experiences were
much like
mine
> > while climbing mountain passes in Colorado. Not sure you can expect any
lower
> > temperatures than what you're getting in hot summer weather. I found on my
coach
> that
> > it helps some to gear down as your speed drops off to keep RPM's up so the
fan
cools
> > better and the engine load is reduced.
> > Regards, Eric
> > 84FC35SBWL2
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "williamcharrison"

> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Just came back from a long trip and noticed that at every extended
> > > grade climb the temp gauge would start climbing toward 220.
> > > It never reached 220 but the level increase alarms me. I have
> > > cleaned the radiator and put new belts on all around. The oil temp
> > > also climbs to about 230 (though I don't know what the danger level
> > > is). The thermostat was replaced before my first trip this year
> > > and I had no similar problems, but then the temperature was in the 70's
> > > and on the last trip it was in the 90's.
> > >
> > > Chuck Harrison
> > > Akron, Ohio
> > > 90SP36
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[Mike Hohnstein]

Well it's good to know that I'm not the only one with experience, I got nothing
else for you.
MH
----- Original Message -----
From: Eric Johnson
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 10:31 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Overheating 3208 in a 90SP36


Hello Mike,
I understand that radiator spray systems are nothing new. I've been aware of
them for a
number of years. Glad to hear you use one and that it gives you good results.

I respect the fact that you have a lot of experience, however you are not the
only person
that has some knowledge to share on our website. None of us has the corner on
everything there is to know about these coaches. Your experience and knowledge
are
valuable to all of us but some of what you think you know may be wrong.

I hope all of us can continue to share the best of what we know but also be
willing to listen
to the views of others without being critical or abusive.

I wish you many happy Blue Bird miles.
Regards, Eric
84FC35SBWL2

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Hohnstein" <MHOHNSTEIN@...>
wrote:
>
> Yo, Johnson, it's NOT an IDEA. It's on my vehicle and it actually works, per
my oil pan
temp gage and my water temp gage. Nothing new about, just because it seems to
be
unfamilar to you. Just returned from a 4000 mile trip to Idaho and am going
back next
month so I get on down the road too. As far as temperature limits, that's
experience, I've
got a lot of it and it's OK if you want to ignore it my advice, it's your
engine.
> MH
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Eric Johnson
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 3:40 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Overheating 3208 in a 90SP36
>
>
> Hello Again Chuck,
> Mike's idea about a spray bar will improve cooling capacity on a hot, dry,
day, but not
sure
> where he gets the max numbers on coolant and oil. Important to remember the
> thermostat doesn't fully open until 185ºF. Radiator cap pressure rating of 7
psig,
altitude
> and coolant composition set how hot you can run the radiator before you boil
over.
> Engine oil can safely operate at sustained temperatures of 220-240ºF and for
shorter
> periods as high as 300ºF with no problems given normal oil changes.
> Regards, Eric
> 84FC35SBWL2
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson" wrote:
> >
> > Hello Chuck,
> > My 3208 is in the front rather than the back but your experiences were
much like
mine
> > while climbing mountain passes in Colorado. Not sure you can expect any
lower
> > temperatures than what you're getting in hot summer weather. I found on my
coach
> that
> > it helps some to gear down as your speed drops off to keep RPM's up so the
fan
cools
> > better and the engine load is reduced.
> > Regards, Eric
> > 84FC35SBWL2
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "williamcharrison"

> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Just came back from a long trip and noticed that at every extended
> > > grade climb the temp gauge would start climbing toward 220.
> > > It never reached 220 but the level increase alarms me. I have
> > > cleaned the radiator and put new belts on all around. The oil temp
> > > also climbs to about 230 (though I don't know what the danger level
> > > is). The thermostat was replaced before my first trip this year
> > > and I had no similar problems, but then the temperature was in the 70's
> > > and on the last trip it was in the 90's.
> > >
> > > Chuck Harrison
> > > Akron, Ohio
> > > 90SP36
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Gregory OConnor]

Eric, Keep your chin up. It seems to be his way to drive a point
home. I am with you and not a fan of reengineering things. I also
agree that Mike is very knowledgable. If he gets 30G's for his bus I
will start buying his books.
Gregory O'Connor
94ptRomolandCa

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
wrote:
>
> Hello Mike,
> I understand that radiator spray systems are nothing new. I've
been aware of them for a
> number of years. Glad to hear you use one and that it gives you
good results.
>
> I respect the fact that you have a lot of experience, however you
are not the only person
> that has some knowledge to share on our website. None of us has
the corner on
> everything there is to know about these coaches. Your experience
and knowledge are
> valuable to all of us but some of what you think you know may be
wrong.
>
> I hope all of us can continue to share the best of what we know but
also be willing to listen
> to the views of others without being critical or abusive.
>
> I wish you many happy Blue Bird miles.
> Regards, Eric
> 84FC35SBWL2
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Hohnstein"
<MHOHNSTEIN@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Yo, Johnson, it's NOT an IDEA. It's on my vehicle and it
actually works, per my oil pan
> temp gage and my water temp gage. Nothing new about, just because
it seems to be
> unfamilar to you. Just returned from a 4000 mile trip to Idaho and
am going back next
> month so I get on down the road too. As far as temperature limits,
that's experience, I've
> got a lot of it and it's OK if you want to ignore it my advice,
it's your engine.
> > MH
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Eric Johnson
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 3:40 PM
> > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Overheating 3208 in a 90SP36
> >
> >
> > Hello Again Chuck,
> > Mike's idea about a spray bar will improve cooling capacity on
a hot, dry, day, but not
> sure
> > where he gets the max numbers on coolant and oil. Important to
remember the
> > thermostat doesn't fully open until 185ºF. Radiator cap
pressure rating of 7 psig,
> altitude
> > and coolant composition set how hot you can run the radiator
before you boil over.
> > Engine oil can safely operate at sustained temperatures of 220-
240ºF and for shorter
> > periods as high as 300ºF with no problems given normal oil
changes.
> > Regards, Eric
> > 84FC35SBWL2
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
wrote:
> > >
> > > Hello Chuck,
> > > My 3208 is in the front rather than the back but your
experiences were much like
> mine
> > > while climbing mountain passes in Colorado. Not sure you can
expect any lower
> > > temperatures than what you're getting in hot summer weather.
I found on my coach
> > that
> > > it helps some to gear down as your speed drops off to keep
RPM's up so the fan
> cools
> > > better and the engine load is reduced.
> > > Regards, Eric
> > > 84FC35SBWL2
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "williamcharrison"
>
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Just came back from a long trip and noticed that at every
extended
> > > > grade climb the temp gauge would start climbing toward 220.
> > > > It never reached 220 but the level increase alarms me. I
have
> > > > cleaned the radiator and put new belts on all around. The
oil temp
> > > > also climbs to about 230 (though I don't know what the
danger level
> > > > is). The thermostat was replaced before my first trip this
year
> > > > and I had no similar problems, but then the temperature was
in the 70's
> > > > and on the last trip it was in the 90's.
> > > >
> > > > Chuck Harrison
> > > > Akron, Ohio
> > > > 90SP36
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

[Tom Warner]

Right Eric there sure are more ways to skin a cat
. I would strongly recommend an
evaluation of the cooling system on every coach
before you start adding misters. It is the first
thing I do. Take off the radiator cap and look
down into the radiator core and see if it is
clean or has scale. If its not clean remove it
and let a reputable radiator shop either clean it
or recore it. Check the thermostats and ensure
they are opening at the correct temperature. I
replaced them both, one was originally installed
backwards. My 3208 Cat had 190 degree stats which
were recommended for this system. .

I would not use the water spray on any coach that
I owned to combat over heating of the engine or
transmission, UNLESS getting everything up to
snuff did not correct the overheating
problem. Hayden makes water misters too if you
really need them.http://www.haydenauto.com/assets/RapidCoolFlyerlg.jpg

Anyone towing should have a transmission cooler
separate from the engine radiator,. The addition
of the transmission cooler to the radiator is the
number one culprit of overheating when towing.
The addition of the transmission cooler will have
an additional advantage of eliminating the long
transmission cooler lines to the radiator making
the swing radiator easier to use. Hayden makes
them specifically for the Allison transmissions
and recommends them highly. http://tinyurl.com/fkp3u

In addition I would use an additive called "water
wetter"
http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/redtech3.htm ,
added to the 50% mixture of antifreeze it will
drop your temperatures approx 20-30 degrees.

Just a couple of ideas that work.

Tom Warner
Vernon Center,NY
1985 PT 40



At 11:31 PM 8/9/2006, you wrote:
>Hello Mike,
>I understand that radiator spray systems are
>nothing new. I've been aware of them for a
>number of years. Glad to hear you use one and that it gives you good results.
>
>I respect the fact that you have a lot of
>experience, however you are not the only person
>that has some knowledge to share on our
>website. None of us has the corner on
>everything there is to know about these
>coaches. Your experience and knowledge are
>valuable to all of us but some of what you think you know may be wrong.
>
>I hope all of us can continue to share the best
>of what we know but also be willing to listen
>to the views of others without being critical or abusive.
>
>I wish you many happy Blue Bird miles.
>Regards, Eric
>84FC35SBWL2
>
>
>--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Hohnstein" <MHOHNSTEIN@...>
>wrote:
> >
> > Yo, Johnson, it's NOT an IDEA. It's on my
> vehicle and it actually works, per my oil pan
>temp gage and my water temp gage. Nothing new
>about, just because it seems to be
>unfamilar to you. Just returned from a 4000
>mile trip to Idaho and am going back next
>month so I get on down the road too. As far as
>temperature limits, that's experience, I've
>got a lot of it and it's OK if you want to
>ignore it my advice, it's your engine.
> > MH
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Eric Johnson
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 3:40 PM
> > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Overheating 3208 in a 90SP36
> >
> >
> > Hello Again Chuck,
> > Mike's idea about a spray bar will improve
> cooling capacity on a hot, dry, day, but not
>sure
> > where he gets the max numbers on coolant
> and oil. Important to remember the
> > thermostat doesn't fully open until 185ºF.
> Radiator cap pressure rating of 7 psig,
>altitude
> > and coolant composition set how hot you can
> run the radiator before you boil over.
> > Engine oil can safely operate at sustained
> temperatures of 220-240ºF and for shorter
> > periods as high as 300ºF with no problems given normal oil changes.
> > Regards, Eric
> > 84FC35SBWL2
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson" wrote:
> > >
> > > Hello Chuck,
> > > My 3208 is in the front rather than the
> back but your experiences were much like
>mine
> > > while climbing mountain passes in
> Colorado. Not sure you can expect any lower
> > > temperatures than what you're getting in
> hot summer weather. I found on my coach
> > that
> > > it helps some to gear down as your speed
> drops off to keep RPM's up so the fan
>cools
> > > better and the engine load is reduced.
> > > Regards, Eric
> > > 84FC35SBWL2
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "williamcharrison"
>
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Just came back from a long trip and noticed that at every extended
> > > > grade climb the temp gauge would start climbing toward 220.
> > > > It never reached 220 but the level increase alarms me. I have
> > > > cleaned the radiator and put new belts on all around. The oil temp
> > > > also climbs to about 230 (though I don't know what the danger level
> > > > is). The thermostat was replaced before my first trip this year
> > > > and I had no similar problems, but then
> the temperature was in the 70's
> > > > and on the last trip it was in the 90's.
> > > >
> > > > Chuck Harrison
> > > > Akron, Ohio
> > > > 90SP36
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

[Eric Johnson]

Hi Tom,
I like the idea of a separate tranmission cooler as a way to remove heat load
from the main
radiator but where would you mount it? Would you mount it in front or behind
the main
radiator or somewhere else? It's got to get a good flow of air to do the job.
Have you
installed one on your FC?
Regards, Eric
84FC35SBWL2

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Tom Warner wrote:
>
> Right Eric there sure are more ways to skin a cat
> . I would strongly recommend an
> evaluation of the cooling system on every coach
> before you start adding misters. It is the first
> thing I do. Take off the radiator cap and look
> down into the radiator core and see if it is
> clean or has scale. If its not clean remove it
> and let a reputable radiator shop either clean it
> or recore it. Check the thermostats and ensure
> they are opening at the correct temperature. I
> replaced them both, one was originally installed
> backwards. My 3208 Cat had 190 degree stats which
> were recommended for this system. .
>
> I would not use the water spray on any coach that
> I owned to combat over heating of the engine or
> transmission, UNLESS getting everything up to
> snuff did not correct the overheating
> problem. Hayden makes water misters too if you
> really need them.http://www.haydenauto.com/assets/RapidCoolFlyerlg.jpg
>
> Anyone towing should have a transmission cooler
> separate from the engine radiator,. The addition
> of the transmission cooler to the radiator is the
> number one culprit of overheating when towing.
> The addition of the transmission cooler will have
> an additional advantage of eliminating the long
> transmission cooler lines to the radiator making
> the swing radiator easier to use. Hayden makes
> them specifically for the Allison transmissions
> and recommends them highly. http://tinyurl.com/fkp3u
>
> In addition I would use an additive called "water
> wetter"
> http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/redtech3.htm ,
> added to the 50% mixture of antifreeze it will
> drop your temperatures approx 20-30 degrees.
>
> Just a couple of ideas that work.
>
> Tom Warner
> Vernon Center,NY
> 1985 PT 40
>
>
>
> At 11:31 PM 8/9/2006, you wrote:
> >Hello Mike,
> >I understand that radiator spray systems are
> >nothing new. I've been aware of them for a
> >number of years. Glad to hear you use one and that it gives you good
results.
> >
> >I respect the fact that you have a lot of
> >experience, however you are not the only person
> >that has some knowledge to share on our
> >website. None of us has the corner on
> >everything there is to know about these
> >coaches. Your experience and knowledge are
> >valuable to all of us but some of what you think you know may be wrong.
> >
> >I hope all of us can continue to share the best
> >of what we know but also be willing to listen
> >to the views of others without being critical or abusive.
> >
> >I wish you many happy Blue Bird miles.
> >Regards, Eric
> >84FC35SBWL2
> >
> >
> >--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Hohnstein" <MHOHNSTEIN@>
> >wrote:
> > >
> > > Yo, Johnson, it's NOT an IDEA. It's on my
> > vehicle and it actually works, per my oil pan
> >temp gage and my water temp gage. Nothing new
> >about, just because it seems to be
> >unfamilar to you. Just returned from a 4000
> >mile trip to Idaho and am going back next
> >month so I get on down the road too. As far as
> >temperature limits, that's experience, I've
> >got a lot of it and it's OK if you want to
> >ignore it my advice, it's your engine.
> > > MH
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: Eric Johnson
> > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > > Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 3:40 PM
> > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Overheating 3208 in a 90SP36
> > >
> > >
> > > Hello Again Chuck,
> > > Mike's idea about a spray bar will improve
> > cooling capacity on a hot, dry, day, but not
> >sure
> > > where he gets the max numbers on coolant
> > and oil. Important to remember the
> > > thermostat doesn't fully open until 185ºF.
> > Radiator cap pressure rating of 7 psig,
> >altitude
> > > and coolant composition set how hot you can
> > run the radiator before you boil over.
> > > Engine oil can safely operate at sustained
> > temperatures of 220-240ºF and for shorter
> > > periods as high as 300ºF with no problems given normal oil changes.
> > > Regards, Eric
> > > 84FC35SBWL2
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hello Chuck,
> > > > My 3208 is in the front rather than the
> > back but your experiences were much like
> >mine
> > > > while climbing mountain passes in
> > Colorado. Not sure you can expect any lower
> > > > temperatures than what you're getting in
> > hot summer weather. I found on my coach
> > > that
> > > > it helps some to gear down as your speed
> > drops off to keep RPM's up so the fan
> >cools
> > > > better and the engine load is reduced.
> > > > Regards, Eric
> > > > 84FC35SBWL2
> > > >
> > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "williamcharrison"
> >
> > > > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Just came back from a long trip and noticed that at every extended
> > > > > grade climb the temp gauge would start climbing toward 220.
> > > > > It never reached 220 but the level increase alarms me. I have
> > > > > cleaned the radiator and put new belts on all around. The oil temp
> > > > > also climbs to about 230 (though I don't know what the danger level
> > > > > is). The thermostat was replaced before my first trip this year
> > > > > and I had no similar problems, but then
> > the temperature was in the 70's
> > > > > and on the last trip it was in the 90's.
> > > > >
> > > > > Chuck Harrison
> > > > > Akron, Ohio
> > > > > 90SP36
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

[Tom Warner]

Eric I was just getting ready to add the cooler
when I decided to sell the FC and buy a PT and
start all over again going thru every system to
make sure it was working satisfactorly. You can
order the transmission cooler with a electric fan
and thermostat that makes it easy to add almost
anyplace there is room. Remember you not only
want to keep the temps down on your tranny but
want it at about 160 degrees for best service and
wear. I would not place the tranny cooler near
the radiator since that is where you want the
most cooling and thus uninterrupted air flow. ON
the site that I referenced you can buy many heavy
duty coolers and then either buy it with the fan
or add the toronado fan separately.

My previous FC35 Cat ran flawlessly with a Horton
fan and reworked swing radiator. It ran 190
degrees all of the time unless you really got
into some big hills and then it would cycle
between 190 and 205 until the extra load was off.
That is the way it was designed to run.

Tom Warner
Vernon Center,NY
1985 PT 40

At 09:06 AM 8/10/2006, you wrote:
>Hi Tom,
>I like the idea of a separate tranmission cooler
>as a way to remove heat load from the main
>radiator but where would you mount it? Would
>you mount it in front or behind the main
>radiator or somewhere else? It's got to get a
>good flow of air to do the job. Have you
>installed one on your FC?
>Regards, Eric
>84FC35SBWL2
>
>--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Tom Warner wrote:
> >
> > Right Eric there sure are more ways to skin a cat
> > . I would strongly recommend an
> > evaluation of the cooling system on every coach
> > before you start adding misters. It is the first
> > thing I do. Take off the radiator cap and look
> > down into the radiator core and see if it is
> > clean or has scale. If its not clean remove it
> > and let a reputable radiator shop either clean it
> > or recore it. Check the thermostats and ensure
> > they are opening at the correct temperature. I
> > replaced them both, one was originally installed
> > backwards. My 3208 Cat had 190 degree stats which
> > were recommended for this system. .
> >
> > I would not use the water spray on any coach that
> > I owned to combat over heating of the engine or
> > transmission, UNLESS getting everything up to
> > snuff did not correct the overheating
> > problem. Hayden makes water misters too if you
> > really need them.http://www.haydenauto.com/assets/RapidCoolFlyerlg.jpg
> >
> > Anyone towing should have a transmission cooler
> > separate from the engine radiator,. The addition
> > of the transmission cooler to the radiator is the
> > number one culprit of overheating when towing.
> > The addition of the transmission cooler will have
> > an additional advantage of eliminating the long
> > transmission cooler lines to the radiator making
> > the swing radiator easier to use. Hayden makes
> > them specifically for the Allison transmissions
> > and recommends them highly. http://tinyurl.com/fkp3u
> >
> > In addition I would use an additive called "water
> > wetter"
> > http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/redtech3.htm ,
> > added to the 50% mixture of antifreeze it will
> > drop your temperatures approx 20-30 degrees.
> >
> > Just a couple of ideas that work.
> >
> > Tom Warner
> > Vernon Center,NY
> > 1985 PT 40
> >
> >
> >
> > At 11:31 PM 8/9/2006, you wrote:
> > >Hello Mike,
> > >I understand that radiator spray systems are
> > >nothing new. I've been aware of them for a
> > >number of years. Glad to hear you use one
> and that it gives you good results.
> > >
> > >I respect the fact that you have a lot of
> > >experience, however you are not the only person
> > >that has some knowledge to share on our
> > >website. None of us has the corner on
> > >everything there is to know about these
> > >coaches. Your experience and knowledge are
> > >valuable to all of us but some of what you think you know may be wrong.
> > >
> > >I hope all of us can continue to share the best
> > >of what we know but also be willing to listen
> > >to the views of others without being critical or abusive.
> > >
> > >I wish you many happy Blue Bird miles.
> > >Regards, Eric
> > >84FC35SBWL2
> > >
> > >
> > >--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Hohnstein" <MHOHNSTEIN@>
> > >wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Yo, Johnson, it's NOT an IDEA. It's on my
> > > vehicle and it actually works, per my oil pan
> > >temp gage and my water temp gage. Nothing new
> > >about, just because it seems to be
> > >unfamilar to you. Just returned from a 4000
> > >mile trip to Idaho and am going back next
> > >month so I get on down the road too. As far as
> > >temperature limits, that's experience, I've
> > >got a lot of it and it's OK if you want to
> > >ignore it my advice, it's your engine.
> > > > MH
> > > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > > From: Eric Johnson
> > > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > > > Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 3:40 PM
> > > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Overheating 3208 in a 90SP36
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Hello Again Chuck,
> > > > Mike's idea about a spray bar will improve
> > > cooling capacity on a hot, dry, day, but not
> > >sure
> > > > where he gets the max numbers on coolant
> > > and oil. Important to remember the
> > > > thermostat doesn't fully open until 185ºF.
> > > Radiator cap pressure rating of 7 psig,
> > >altitude
> > > > and coolant composition set how hot you can
> > > run the radiator before you boil over.
> > > > Engine oil can safely operate at sustained
> > > temperatures of 220-240ºF and for shorter
> > > > periods as high as 300ºF with no problems given normal oil changes.
> > > > Regards, Eric
> > > > 84FC35SBWL2
> > > >
> > > > --- In
> WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson" wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Hello Chuck,
> > > > > My 3208 is in the front rather than the
> > > back but your experiences were much like
> > >mine
> > > > > while climbing mountain passes in
> > > Colorado. Not sure you can expect any lower
> > > > > temperatures than what you're getting in
> > > hot summer weather. I found on my coach
> > > > that
> > > > > it helps some to gear down as your speed
> > > drops off to keep RPM's up so the fan
> > >cools
> > > > > better and the engine load is reduced.
> > > > > Regards, Eric
> > > > > 84FC35SBWL2
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "williamcharrison"
> > >
> > > > > wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Just came back from a long trip and
> noticed that at every extended
> > > > > > grade climb the temp gauge would start climbing toward 220.
> > > > > > It never reached 220 but the level increase alarms me. I have
> > > > > > cleaned the radiator and put new
> belts on all around. The oil temp
> > > > > > also climbs to about 230 (though I
> don't know what the danger level
> > > > > > is). The thermostat was replaced before my first trip this year
> > > > > > and I had no similar problems, but then
> > > the temperature was in the 70's
> > > > > > and on the last trip it was in the 90's.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Chuck Harrison
> > > > > > Akron, Ohio
> > > > > > 90SP36
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

[pattypape]

Hey Mike & Eric,

The BB manual in the Blue Box states that the normal
oil temp for the 3208 should be between 200 and 250.

BB did not build the 3208, 250 degrees sounds really high,
And gage readings could be off by atleast 10%.

My 2 cents,

Bill 88 FC Michigan




--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
wrote:
>
> Hello Mike,
> I understand that radiator spray systems are nothing new. I've
been aware of them for a
> number of years. Glad to hear you use one and that it gives you
good results.
>
> I respect the fact that you have a lot of experience, however you
are not the only person
> that has some knowledge to share on our website. None of us has
the corner on
> everything there is to know about these coaches. Your experience
and knowledge are
> valuable to all of us but some of what you think you know may be
wrong.
>
> I hope all of us can continue to share the best of what we know
but also be willing to listen
> to the views of others without being critical or abusive.
>
> I wish you many happy Blue Bird miles.
> Regards, Eric
> 84FC35SBWL2
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Hohnstein"
<MHOHNSTEIN@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Yo, Johnson, it's NOT an IDEA. It's on my vehicle and it
actually works, per my oil pan
> temp gage and my water temp gage. Nothing new about, just because
it seems to be
> unfamilar to you. Just returned from a 4000 mile trip to Idaho
and am going back next
> month so I get on down the road too. As far as temperature
limits, that's experience, I've
> got a lot of it and it's OK if you want to ignore it my advice,
it's your engine.
> > MH
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Eric Johnson
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 3:40 PM
> > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Overheating 3208 in a 90SP36
> >
> >
> > Hello Again Chuck,
> > Mike's idea about a spray bar will improve cooling capacity on
a hot, dry, day, but not
> sure
> > where he gets the max numbers on coolant and oil. Important to
remember the
> > thermostat doesn't fully open until 185ºF. Radiator cap
pressure rating of 7 psig,
> altitude
> > and coolant composition set how hot you can run the radiator
before you boil over.
> > Engine oil can safely operate at sustained temperatures of 220-
240ºF and for shorter
> > periods as high as 300ºF with no problems given normal oil
changes.
> > Regards, Eric
> > 84FC35SBWL2
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
wrote:
> > >
> > > Hello Chuck,
> > > My 3208 is in the front rather than the back but your
experiences were much like
> mine
> > > while climbing mountain passes in Colorado. Not sure you can
expect any lower
> > > temperatures than what you're getting in hot summer weather.
I found on my coach
> > that
> > > it helps some to gear down as your speed drops off to keep
RPM's up so the fan
> cools
> > > better and the engine load is reduced.
> > > Regards, Eric
> > > 84FC35SBWL2
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "williamcharrison"
>
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Just came back from a long trip and noticed that at every
extended
> > > > grade climb the temp gauge would start climbing toward 220.
> > > > It never reached 220 but the level increase alarms me. I
have
> > > > cleaned the radiator and put new belts on all around. The
oil temp
> > > > also climbs to about 230 (though I don't know what the
danger level
> > > > is). The thermostat was replaced before my first trip this
year
> > > > and I had no similar problems, but then the temperature
was in the 70's
> > > > and on the last trip it was in the 90's.
> > > >
> > > > Chuck Harrison
> > > > Akron, Ohio
> > > > 90SP36
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>