quote:

Originally posted by Wayneey:
If so, is the sump/oil pan temp what the ScanGauge II will read and display?

Wayneey, I believe the SGII reads some type of algorithm from the ECM/TCM however you may want to wait for a better answer from those folks that have that capability in their SGIIs.

quote:

Alternatively, how involved is it to add a temp sensor to the converter outlet and connect that output to a temperature gauge?

I would like to defer that question to Oemy when he sees this. I'm sure he will respond appropriately to your question.

The Allison 1000/2100mh series of transmissions temperature sensor unit is located in the sump. This sensor can be read using Allison's proprietary PC-based diagnostic tool software or the ScanGuageII both via the OBD port. The normal operating temperature range for the sump is 160°F - 200°F. Towing a car on a relatively flat interstate highway my 2100mh filled with TranSynd shows ~158°. The highest temp I saw driving from FL to Pittsburgh in cool April weather was ~162°.

The temperature that is of most interest to the driver is the converter-out temperature. To read the converter-out temperature a sending unit has to be installed in the line from the "to cooler" port on the bottom of the transmission to the cooler and as close to the transmission as possible. The normal operating temperature for this sending unit is 180F - 220F.

[Source: Allison Mechanic Tips 1000 and 2000 Products Families]

-Tom

While I5 from Redding the Ashland is enough to prefer US97 and Willamette pass, it is a freeway and holding 35-40 mph downgrade seems awfully conservative. I wouldn't worry about those going 50 as even that is rather conservative for a road that will handle 70 easily.

But you do need to be comfortable with your own rig and you need to accommodate what gearing is best to hold speed downgrade at a reasonable engine speed with minimal braking as you were doing.

I hadn't considered the downhill worse than uphill on the tranny but it makes sense. Airflow is going to be important for cooling so a bit more speed can be a good thing, I'd think.

It would be interesting to know what the actual mechanism causing the warning indicator was and what is the proper remedy. It is a serious warning and a false indication can be a problem, too.

quote:

Originally posted by BryanL:
While I5 from Redding the Ashland is enough to prefer US97 and Willamette pass, it is a freeway and holding 35-40 mph downgrade seems awfully conservative. I wouldn't worry about those going 50 as even that is rather conservative for a road that will handle 70 easily.

But you do need to be comfortable with your own rig and you need to accommodate what gearing is best to hold speed downgrade at a reasonable engine speed with minimal braking as you were doing.

I hadn't considered the downhill worse than uphill on the tranny but it makes sense. Airflow is going to be important for cooling so a bit more speed can be a good thing, I'd think.

It would be interesting to know what the actual mechanism causing the warning indicator was and what is the proper remedy. It is a serious warning and a false indication can be a problem, too.

BryanL, your comment about what is comfortable is what was deeping my speeds down. This was my first big triiip with my rig towing and on a very large grade like that. I was more comfortable being conservative. Not to mention the DW would probably be freaking. As for that road easkily handling 70, I am not so sure unless I was in a sports car. I truly would not be comfortable at 70 in my rig.
BUT, as you stated, I am also curious as to what really caused that warning. I guess I will try to find out when I get home and can take it to a Allison shop.

Thanks all for the advice.

quote:

Originally posted by RV 4 2:
I guess I will try to find out when I get home and can take it to a Allison shop..

RV 4 2, When you get back home, your first point of contact should be your Workhorse Authorized Service Center. If they can identify a problem using their diagnostic equipment and can't resolve it at the service center level you can be assured that Allison would be involved at that point.

I believe since this was your 1st time out, I think in time you will feel more comfortable driving your motorhome and you will get to know how it handles grades and which speeds are appropriate for your driving style.

I can see now why the very cautious approach to descending a grade. I'm with you regarding traveling at 70 MPH in a motorhome especially when challenged by grades.

I believe that in time you will see that a controlled descent at about 50 MPH is reasonable and prudent as opposed to 35 MPH which may often be below the minimum posted speed limit on Interstates which is typically posted at 45. On any other highway other than an Interstate you may have to adjust your descent speed accordingly.

I'll be leaving the end of next week for upstate NY. I'll be traveling through the central mountains of PA on back roads to north of Syracuse.

I'll be using the grade brake and I'll monitor the transmission temperature with a Scan Gauge.

I'll post my observed temperatures.

-Tom