What did you do to your truck today?

[lappir]

On 9/26/2023 at 6:59 AM, rickeieio said:

When we bought our KW, there were several settings in the computer that I wanted changed.  The dealer wouldn't raise the speed limit, because the tires were only rated for 75 mph with a full load.  Duh, when will we ever have that kind of load?  Also, the exhaust brake doesn't function until you tap the service brake, and the brake lights don't come on with the Jake brake.  They wanted too much $$$$ to change the other settings, so I've been on the hunt for someone who could do it.

After much searching and frustration, I stumbled upon a shop not two miles from us who claims they can do it.  I know they work on a friend's trucks, similar to ours, so perhaps he's correct.  I should know later today.....

Good luck, 

I also had some changes I wanted when I got my first Volvo, a couple shops refused to do them and finally I found one who said they could and did most of them. Another shop tried to fix my speed limit, but what really worked was putting 11R on the drive in place of the low pro. Gave me 8 mph that the computer didn't know I had. 

Rod

[rickeieio]

We already have 11R tires.  I rarely want to go faster than 75 mph, but once in a while, it would be nice so as to make a clean pass and get out of the way.

I know, most trailer tires aren't rated for that speed, but we don't have most trailer tires.

[lappir]

12 hours ago, rickeieio said:

We already have 11R tires.  I rarely want to go faster than 75 mph, but once in a while, it would be nice so as to make a clean pass and get out of the way.

I know, most trailer tires aren't rated for that speed, but we don't have most trailer tires.

There are some M rated tires but most are L and 75 is the limit for them. I usually cruise on the interstates at 72 (with the old truck)not sure yet where I'll set it with the big Cummins. I know it will run faster than I want it too. 

Rod

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Rod, most of the larger shops out there can change those settings on Paccar trucks. The same can be said for most dealerships as you are the fleet owner for your trucks. The top speed limiter on mine is set north of 100 mph.

Edited September 28, 2023 by GeorgiaHybrid

[mr. cob]

Howdy All,

Busy day today.  Started with cutting down a 55 gallon oil drum to make an oil drain pan, if you make it 9 inches tall it will fit under the oil pan guard that runs under the oil pan that channel iron guard is in perfect alignment with the drain plug on the C15.  So as I am gathering up the oil and filter, I start the engine let it run for 20 minuets.  I push the drain pan under the engine poke a hole in the bottom of the oil filter and take the drain plug out, sure as poop the oil blasts out of the pan and right into the under the pan guard.  Oil all over the place, after about five seconds the oil slows down to a flow that misses the guard and 99% of it goes into the drain pan.

So now it's oil filter time, when I had the oil changed at the local Freightliner dealer the last time they must have put that filter on with a cheater bar on the strap wrench.  I did have to use a two foot long piece of pipe on my strap wrench to get it loose, thought the strap was going to break but it held.

Put in the new oil, installed the new filter, started the engine, 70psi oil pressure, no leaks at the filter or the drain plug.  Tomorrows task will be changing the fuel filters, I wonder what delights that will bring to my day.

Dave

[lappir]

On 9/28/2023 at 2:55 PM, GeorgiaHybrid said:

Rod, most of the larger shops out there can change those settings on Paccar trucks. The same can be said for most dealerships as you are the fleet owner for your trucks. The top speed limiter on mine is set north of 100 mph.

That's way too fast for me, David. 

[mr. cob]

Howdy All,

Changed out the fuel filters today, easy task.  Found that my in dash fuel pressure gauge is not working properly, since I have owned the truck 46,000 miles ago the gauge when the engine is running has always read 75psi but the needle fluttered a bit.  When the engine is not running it reads 50psi and when running goes past the max reading of 100psi and stops when it hit a small pin just under 5psi.

I took the gauge out, cleaned everything that I could, reinstalled it and it still sits at 50psi when not running and goes past the 100 psi marking and stops at the pin that is under the 5psi reading.  So I am thinking the gauge has gone bad.  Looking online a used gauge is going for a 100 dollars or more, hate to think of what new gauge is going to cost but I can't see replacing it with a used one that might not work or probably won't last that long.

Dave

[Darryl&Rita]

3 hours ago, mr. cob said:

Howdy All,

Changed out the fuel filters today, easy task.  Found that my in dash fuel pressure gauge is not working properly, since I have owned the truck 46,000 miles ago the gauge when the engine is running has always read 75psi but the needle fluttered a bit.  When the engine is not running it reads 50psi and when running goes past the max reading of 100psi and stops when it hit a small pin just under 5psi.

I took the gauge out, cleaned everything that I could, reinstalled it and it still sits at 50psi when not running and goes past the 100 psi marking and stops at the pin that is under the 5psi reading.  So I am thinking the gauge has gone bad.  Looking online a used gauge is going for a 100 dollars or more, hate to think of what new gauge is going to cost but I can't see replacing it with a used one that might not work or probably won't last that long.

Dave

Hook it up to a "T" fitting, with a second gauge. Apply pressure. Sounds like the needle may be loose on the shaft, and simply needs to be zeroed and tightened.

Edited October 2, 2023 by Darryl&Rita

[mr. cob]

17 minutes ago, Darryl&Rita said:

Hook it up to a "T" fitting, with a second gauge. Apply pressure. Sounds like the needle may be loose on the shaft, and simply needs to be zeroed and tightened.

Howdy Darryl,

Thanks for the suggestion, I looked closely at the gauge and can't see anyway to get at the needle with destroying the gauge.  The face/glass is enclosed in a steel assembly that is pressed onto the body of the gauge and then rolled over to attach and seal it to the body.  Could probably get it apart but don't see anyway to reattach it and roll the outer diameter to seal it to the body.

Dave

[Darryl&Rita]

8 hours ago, mr. cob said:

Thanks for the suggestion, I looked closely at the gauge and can't see anyway to get at the needle with destroying the gauge.

The modern manufacturing ethos. Some of those style gauges will have a cir-clip holding the glass in place. Look for a pair of eyes that a set of inside snap ring pliers would hook into. If you gotta buy a new one anyway, sometimes a little "therapy" can help.

[GeorgiaHybrid]

On 10/1/2023 at 11:21 AM, lappir said:

That's way too fast for me, David. 

LOL, I don't drive that fast, just had it set to the maximum rpm in 13th. That way I don't ever to need worry about it.

[mr. cob]

Howdy All,

A tip for all who might be interested, this place saved me a lot of money on the fuel pressure gauge I just ordered for my Pete, if your ordering parts for your trucks you might save some money with them, here's the web site, https://bigrigworld.com/

I had not heard of this shop, found them when I had spent the better part of four hours online looking for an OEM fuel pressure gauge, their cost with tax and shipping was over 80 dollars cheaper for the EXACT same item then any other shop I could find.

I could have gotten a generic part cheaper but since owning my truck I have made it a point to replace anything needed with genuine OEM parts whenever possible.  Some of the things I have replaced were NOT OEM for example the windshield wiper motor, the real part cost about 65 dollars more but it was nearly twice as big in diameter, 3/4 of an inch longer and ALL of the electrical components were sealed in clear epoxy where the electrical components on the one that I replaced were covered in corrosion.

Now I am waiting on the part to come so I can be finished with the work I am now doing on the Pete.

Dave

[noteven]

Sold Tatanka to a very nice new owner.

[mike5511]

I finished up polishing and waxing the Volvo. Being the caring person that I am, I'm gonna let somebody else to it next time!!

[rickeieio]

Spent a few dollars on the truck this week.  Had the ecm re-programmed to raise the speed limiter and actuate the exhaust brake when lifting off the throttle, changed out the NOx sensor ($700 with core), and took out the 6 y/o batteries and inserted fresh ones from KW.  $400 for the batteries, and $200 for ecm and NOx install for a total of $1,300.

Nobody said safety comes cheap.

[JGWALES]

On 9/19/2023 at 1:18 PM, JGWALES said:

 I have a Detroit series 60 . Seems like suddenly I have white smoke at start up for a few moments and today slight for 4 miles. Does not get hot and runs great. has anyone had experienced this before ?  I was thinking of going into dealer and do a complete checkup on  truck. I was told it's about 300.00 to check it out

Just finished a 2500 mile one way trip. Only smoked at cold / cool  start up have not used any oil or water. 

[rickeieio]

We've had an issue with the windshield washer pump not running.  Turns out, it's a broken wire right at the plug (Delphi) on the pump.  Of course, KW didn't have it, but a parts house 30 miles away did.  Got it, some gland hand "pacifiers" and a WeatherPack crimping pliers too.

I noticed that the new pigtail uses different color wires than original.  One is white in both pieces, but on opposite sides of the terminal.  This isn't the first time I've seen this....

[rickeieio]

Some time back, I posted that I’d put UHMW-STS on thr trailer hitch face. Pics were requested, but I didn’t know how to put them up from my new computer. Dan Habermehl to the rescue he showed this olde pharte anew trick on my phone.
!

 

[mike5511]

4 hours ago, rickeieio said:

Some time back, I posted that I’d put UHMW-STS on thr trailer hitch face. Pics were requested, but I didn’t know how to put them up from my new computer. Dan Habermehl to the rescue he showed this olde pharte anew trick on my phone.
!

 

Thanks! I've got my piece cut out and the hole drilled. Haven't tried to fit it on there yet. I was thinking a piece of 1/4" flat stock and only drill two holes, three at the most.

[rickeieio]

I cut the pin hole a bit oversize, then made a wood form and heated the rear portion to shape.  Then I installed it over the pin, and after securing the rear, used a couple wood strips, c-clamps, and heat to form the front.  I originally used the bolts for the bushing tubes, but didn't like the fact that the plastic compressed too much.  Thus the pop rivets.  I used vice-grips to pull the plastic tight before drilling and riveting.

So far, we've pulled about 1.800 miles and the plastic is still smooth as a baby's butt.

[mike5511]

19 hours ago, rickeieio said:

I cut the pin hole a bit oversize, then made a wood form and heated the rear portion to shape.  Then I installed it over the pin, and after securing the rear, used a couple wood strips, c-clamps, and heat to form the front.  I originally used the bolts for the bushing tubes, but didn't like the fact that the plastic compressed too much.  Thus the pop rivets.  I used vice-grips to pull the plastic tight before drilling and riveting.

So far, we've pulled about 1.800 miles and the plastic is still smooth as a baby's butt.

Thanks for the pictures! I found out that there is "virgin UHMW, and reprocessed UHMW. The piece I got is reprocessed. It is not shiny slick smooth on either side, but it is still smooth on one side. I think it will be all right.

[rollinbrian]

4 new drive tires and 2 fewer mud flaps.

[Chad Heiser]

So I have been thinking about getting new seats for my T2000 for a while now.  I guess I was a good boy this year because Santa dropped off an early Christmas present the other day.

I was able to get them installed in the truck without too much effort.  I did have to make a run to my local Napa Auto Parts because one of the air fittings from the old seats broke when I was trying to remove the seat.

The seats have way more adjustability (mechanically) than the old seats and a lot more air adjustments as well.  They also have three levels of heat compared to the single level in the old seats.  The Serta cushions are very nice.  Now I really can't wait for our Quartzsite trip to give them a good test run.  They are super comfy sitting in them (in the shop).  One nice added benefit is the passenger seat actually goes low enough for my DW to be able to put her feat on the floor without having to use the foot stool she needed with the old seats.

Edited December 22, 2023 by Chad Heiser

[mr. cob]

Howdy Chad,

Ride on.  When I installed the new seats in the Pete, it made a world of difference, I do envy your three heat settings that must be GREAT.

 

Dave

[Phil D]

When we were considering new seats for our T2000 four years ago we went to a seat distributor's showroom and sat in anything and everything that looked even remotely interesting, Chad, and those Wide Ride + with Sertas were, by far, my favorites, but I guess I hadn't been a good boy that year because Santa didn't come through for me.  Enjoy!