Having recently completed our first 3,000 mile journey
(Michigan-Florida) with no mechanical problems, I have a
couple observations and questions. Observation 1: My coach
has a trans oil gage which usually runs around 180~220F.
When pulling the grades in cruise, the temp would climb
rapidly and I'd back off before it hit 250F. Then I
discovered that downshifting manually whenever it lugged
down below 50 MPH would drop the temp an easy 30F. After
that I could make most grades at 45 MPH or more and keep the
temp below about 230F.
Observation 2: Whenever I checked the engine oil after
running for a while, the dipstick was extremely hot. If it
was bigger, I know I could fry a steak on it. It really
seems to cook the engine oil (based on color) in short
order.
Questions: Is this normal (403 engine, mechanically stock)?
Might my radiator cooler line be blocked? Anyone have a
recommendation about an oil to air cooler for the engine
oil?
Clark Searle
78 Kingsley
(Michigan-Florida) with no mechanical problems, I have a
couple observations and questions. Observation 1: My coach
has a trans oil gage which usually runs around 180~220F.
When pulling the grades in cruise, the temp would climb
rapidly and I'd back off before it hit 250F. Then I
discovered that downshifting manually whenever it lugged
down below 50 MPH would drop the temp an easy 30F. After
that I could make most grades at 45 MPH or more and keep the
temp below about 230F.
Observation 2: Whenever I checked the engine oil after
running for a while, the dipstick was extremely hot. If it
was bigger, I know I could fry a steak on it. It really
seems to cook the engine oil (based on color) in short
order.
Questions: Is this normal (403 engine, mechanically stock)?
Might my radiator cooler line be blocked? Anyone have a
recommendation about an oil to air cooler for the engine
oil?
Clark Searle
78 Kingsley
