How can I get my Series 60 to run cooler?

[belfert]

My bus with Series 60 has always run at 195 degrees as long as the outside temp is above about 40 degrees.  Typically, it stays at 195 degrees all the time except when crossing the Rockies it might get to 200 degrees on a good grade.  I just got back from a trip to Reno, NV.  It was 100 degrees or more crossing the mountains and on one grade the engine got up to at least 205 degrees.

What can I do to make the engine run cooler all the time so it won't get uncomfortably warm on a hot day?  I've replaced the radiator, water pump, and thermostats since I got the bus in 2006.  I run extended life coolant and I've flushed the entire system at least once.

I also had issues with the DDEC temperature sensor reporting weird temps per my Silverleaf VMSpc.  I think the high outside air temps contributed to issues.  The analog gauge on the dash was showing the temp to be fine.

[Hard Headed Ken]

What is your mixture of antifreeze and water? Antifreeze does not conduct/transfer heat nearly as efficiently as water.

Ken

[belfert]

Antifreeze/water should be 50:50.  I've replaced the coolant twice since the radiator, water pump, and thermostats were replaced and the water temps have stayed the same.

I know Bryce Gaston had one of his Series 60s running at similar temps, but he replaced something and the normal temp dropped 20 to 30 degrees.

[Boomer]

That is normal operating range for a S60 in those conditions.  Don't worry about a thing.

[Len Silva]

Typically, on an S-60, the fan doesn't even come on until around 205°.

[garhawk]

Hi Belfert,

My series 60 is installed in an Eagle model 20 which I've owned now for 3 years.  The engine water temperature, shown also on a Silverleaf, consistantly reads 197 but, will climb easily on a significant grade.  The engine temperature climb will be comensurate with the outside air temperature, the length and steepness of the grade and, the weight of my foot.

Several knowledgeable folks have indicated to me that anything under the 220 degree reading should be in the "no harm" zone for the 60 series.  That number has been displayed on my gauges only once.  It occured while pulling a fairly steep grade with the outside air at well over 100 degrees. 

Shortly thereafter, I installed a radiator mounted water spray system controlled from the instrument panel.  When the indicated engine water temperature reads anything over 205+ degrees, I begin to spray the radiator with on-board water in 5 second intervals; that is, 5 seconds on, 5 seconds off until the engine temperature begins to decrease. 

The system has worked well for us - including last summer's climb over Eisenhower pass in Colorado.  Our Silverleaf audio alarm is set to 217 degrees.  I'm not suggesting that you follow our path - only explaining how we approached the situation and to say that it works. 

As you explained your temperature readings, I don't believe you have a problem.

[Jon]

I believe the DDEC on a Series 60 will not turn on the 1st stage of the fan until 204 degrees and the second stage doesn't engage until 208 degrees. The engine will run much hotter temps than a 2 stroke.

The only time I would be concerned is if the coolant temp is continuing to climb when going up a long steep hill instead of cycling up and down while pulling a hill. If it cycles up and down on long steep hills everything is working as it is supposed to.

[belfert]

It sounds like 195 degrees is normal for a Series 60 and 205 degrees on a grade is nothing to worry about.

I think the DDEC temperature sensor is wacky.  The engine was occasionally throwing code 15 290.  Code 15 refers to low voltage from one of three sensors which includes the temperature sensor.  My Silverleaf was showing coolant temps all over the map while the dash gauge was showing good temps.

[luvrbus]

The thermostats are not fully open till 205F on a 60 series

[Utahclaimjumper]

 Sounds like your a widget wonk and getting your panties in a wad over nothing, a diesel engine needs heat to operate efficiently.>>>Dan

[belfert]

Sounds like your a widget wonk and getting your panties in a wad over nothing, a diesel engine needs heat to operate efficiently.>>>Dan

I have no concerns about what the Silverleaf was showing from the DDEC as I believe that to be totally wrong.  I did have concerns about the regular analog dash gauge showing 205 degrees or more, but everyone here says that 205 degrees is not a concern so I am not going to worry about it.

[pvcces]

High temps should improve your fuel mileage! 

Tom Caffrey