Making a Cruise Control

[zubzub]

I do .  But my wife's 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander is very electronic and a good scanner for it costs +$1500 and the cheaper scanners (200-300)do not go deep enough.  I know I will end up with a newer work van one of these days but as someone who usually fixes his own stuff, I dread it as I know I will probably shell out big $ for a system to scan it. I do enjoy all the electronics, low maintenance etc when it is all working though.

[sledhead]

when I started looking to replace the old full rebuilt tried and tested 6v92ta that has never left me stranded .I decided on a small window in years of 2000 , 2001 ,2002 because of the fact that as of 2003 the emissions are CRAP ! and I wanted MORE POWER ! and at 550 hp I am sure I will be paying for it one way or another . hopefully only in fuel ?

dave   

[kyle4501]

Do those of you who don't want electronics in your buses also drive 20 to 30 year old cars from before they added electronics too?

The issue I'm having with my older cars with electronics (2001, a 2002 & a 2004) is the lack of support. The dealers aren't interested in working on cars that old - they are more interested in servicing the newer cars. Due to theft deterrents, the computers have to be reprogrammed before they will work in another vehicle. The programmers become a few years after the new models are released. Once obsolete, they aren't supported & that means you will have a very difficult time finding someone who actually knows what to do - VS someone who wants to spend more than the car is worth by throwing parts at it.

However, I can get a replacement car for less than $20,000 that is supported by the dealer.

[luvrbus]

It is amazing what the electronics have done for diesel engines for HP,torque and fuel economy like Dave's 3406E it basically the same 350hp Cat engine as it was from the beginning.Electronics can be a real pain but in the end they are dependable but do become obsolete in a hurry and are not supported by Allison or Detroit,Cat or Cummins that is wrong I think .

Now the later model stuff the transmission tells the engine what it needs we will wait and see how that works out I guess.I just figured out how to work the remote for the TV and recorder but tossed in the towel for the smart phone back to old flip for me 10 bucks @ Walmart      

[TomC]

My 1984 Mercedes 300 Turbodiesel has 496,000mi on it and haven't had the engine or transmission overhauled yet. It is so reliable, Wikipedia has an article on the W123 chasis and that they regularly go 1,000,000km (620,000mi) before overhaul. The only piece of electronics is the climate control-of which we have it hot wired open now. With cast iron block and head engine, Mercedes certainly is not making those kinds of cars anymore. The 4 wheel disc brakes are so good, I always look in my mirror when braking hard. www.mercedesmotoring.com takes 1972 through 1985 Mercedes and rebuilds them to new-selling around $35,000.
One of the main reasons for converting my truck is the mechanical Caterpillar 3406B (jacket water aftercooled). While not as efficient as the air to air intercooled, I'm glad to not have air to air since the big 14.6 liter engine will be mostly loafing going down the road and need to keep heat up. Also, my '85 KW has no electronics either. The Cat 3406B is now a 3406C mainly with the change from one piece pistons to two piece pistons and a few other mods. But basically the same engine. Cat is still making the mechanical 3406C for pump and generator use for third world countries that don't want electronic controls and an engine that is just about dirt reliable (my opinion-the 3406B or C is the most reliable engine ever made). Good Luck, TomC

[DoubleEagle]

Do those of you who don't want electronics in your buses also drive 20 to 30 year old cars from before they added electronics too?

You bet! My personal dually pickup is a 1993 Ford F350 with the 7.3L IDI engine, my work pickups are 7.3L Ford Powerstrokes prior to computers. My Series Land Rovers date from 1966 to 1972. I used to have diesel Volvo's and Mercedes. Living in the past free of dealership (stealership) gouging. Computerization was once expressed as the path to providing equal opportunity for everyone to do great things, but I think it has concentrated wealth into the hands of the privileged few. The Caterpilar 3406 series is a good example of phony progress. It is a fine engine with torque beyond its rating. I had one rated 385 hp in a Mack dump truck back in the eighties that ran side by side with a GMC with the 8V92 rated at 435 hp. Running the same gross loads in the mountains of northern New Hampshire, the 3406 would outpull the 8V92 on every mountain grade (with the same gearing) and make 1 or 2 more trips in the same day. I doubt that the computerized version would do that today, and CAT got out of providing road engines the last I heard. Programmed obsolescence is for profit, not for service to the customer, and flip phones would at least fit in your pocket!

[luvrbus]

With out a doubt the 425 hp 3406C was the best engine I ever own it would smoke on take off but when the smoke cleared it was off and running.Fwiw Dave I have friend with the C-15 about the same engine as the 3406 E, in his Newell with the C-15 set at 625 hp he is 5 mpg on a good day but he doesn't care as he loves passing Prevost's going up hill

[eagle19952]

1995 Tahoe. yes it has very minimum electronics, an ecm. and a 460le with 300,000 on the clock. all new bearings everywhere except the crankshaft. The only thing I wish is that it was a Suburban

next motor will have a carburetor.

[belfert]

1995 Tahoe. yes it has very minimum electronics, an ecm. and a 460le with 300,000 on the clock. all new bearings everywhere except the crankshaft. The only thing I wish is that it was a Suburban

How far will that vehicle go if the ECM fails?

My point is I bet most here own cars modern enough to have some of sort of electronics that control the engine, but at the same time don't want to own a bus with an electronic engine.

[eagle19952]

How far will that vehicle go if the ECM fails?

My point is I bet most here own cars modern enough to have some of sort of electronics that control the engine, but at the same time don't want to own a bus with an electronic engine.

i can replace this ECM for 45$....

[Dave5Cs]

So Dave
did you ever get your cruise control finished? or any good ideas?
Getting back to the original threads....................

Dave5Cs

[belfert]

i can replace this ECM for 45$....

What happens when it dies on the road and you're stuck?  Do you carry a spare?

I have owned a half dozen daily drivers with electronics that are required to make the engine go.  I don't have the slightest worry about an electronics failure leaving me dead on the road.  An electronics failure on my bus is way down the worry list for me.  A replacement DDEC programmed with my specs can be purchased for $300 to $1000 depending on how long you can afford to wait for replacement.  I don't see commercial trucks sitting all along the shoulders of major highways with electronics failures and 90%+ have electronics now.  I think this board has seen more catastrophic failures of two stroke engines than electronics failures.  I admit that electronics failures do happen, but pretty rare.  If you're a skilled mechanic you could probably fix a mechanical engine, buy you could probably fix an electronic engine too.

Somewhat back on topic, my bus has cruise built into the DDEC and it works pretty well.  It does have issues if the Jake Brake is on when the cruise is on so I just make sure the Jake Brake is off when using cruise.

[Scott & Heather]

On topic, does the cruise on a DDEC II system need to be activated by a programmer? Dave are you mechanical 6v92? I thought you were DDEC???


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[eagle19952]

What happens when it dies on the road and you're stuck?  Do you carry a spare?

i stop dead in my tracks, i get out and beat the car with a four pound sledge...then i kick my feet and throw a tantrum...then i start yelling at my wife and blame her for all my troubles...
then i push the car in the ditch and light it on fire...

[sledhead]

thanks !!! I just spit out my coffee ... but you made my day

dave