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Old 04-16-2019, 10:02 AM   #1
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T444E Running Hot - Question

Hi All,
I have a bus I need to get out of the Mountains to a repair shop 500km away.

It's running at 220 on the flats and will have some climbs to make on the icefields parkway out of Jasper.
Would you guys run a Bus at 220 - 230 for 500km?

Thanks

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Old 04-16-2019, 10:47 AM   #2
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Not unless you wanna risk ruining the engine ... however, is it actually running 220, or is the gauge showing a wrong reading?
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Old 04-16-2019, 10:49 AM   #3
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I wouldn't do it! I think that could be asking for trouble. I have seen many a post in the skoolie comunity about the t444e running hot. My best guess is that there cooling system is at capacity and can't take many blows. Clogged radiator, week or inadequate fan clutch,failing water pump, low coolant could all be factors. I would get it looked at asap. If the fan clutch is up for replacement maybe try a heavier duty version as I have read about that being a long term fix. Some have had success adding an electric aux. Fan on the radiator to help increase airflow. That's my 2˘ anyway. Good luck
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Old 04-16-2019, 11:04 AM   #4
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Thanks Guys,

Brad....we are looking the gauge to see if it is working correctly.

Two issues with getting it fixed in Jasper...It's really busy and expensive but I understand...engine damage is also expensive.
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Old 04-16-2019, 12:00 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 88Busescape View Post
Thanks Guys,

Brad....we are looking the gauge to see if it is working correctly.

Two issues with getting it fixed in Jasper...It's really busy and expensive but I understand...engine damage is also expensive.

Simple suggestion - get one of those non-contact thermometers and get a reading off the hose/radiator when the engine is at temperature. Within 5-10 degrees, the gauge is probably accurate, or "close enough".


As for why it's running so warm, there's a dozen possible causes, and with an older bus, it's likely a combination of several simply due to age and wear. How old is the coolant? Is it full? Is the thermostat faulty? Is the system partly clogged or is the coolant sludge? Is the fan engaging at around 210 (it should be)? How's the water pump and belts? So many factors at play here.
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Old 04-16-2019, 12:04 PM   #6
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And when I ask if the fan is engaging, I don't just mean "turning a little bit". I mean is it "engaging" and moving a *LOT* of air?


I had a vehicle that had a tendency to run warm/hot and I carefully pressure washed the radiator from behind, careful to aim "straight on" and not bend any of the fins. I washed out several pounds of dirt and debris, greatly improving cooling with a $2.00 car-wash fix.
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Old 04-16-2019, 12:18 PM   #7
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What speed and RPMs are you running at? If your goal is to “limp” to a shop you can keep the engine safe by reducing speed and engine load.

Check what you can fix without tools:

Blockage in front of radiator?
Low coolant level?
Coolant boiling?

Simple things like that. Next step would be to get a thermometer of some kind that can measure the temp of the radiator. Perhaps the gauge is inaccurate. Most here are familiar with the terrible IH gauge clusters. If the gauge is accurate and you’re hellbent on getting to that one shop, baby the motor all the way there. Stop frequently, check for leaks, allow the engine to cool if it does at idle. I’ve been in your scenario a couple times. Patience is required!

Let us know how it goes!

-Nick
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Old 04-16-2019, 12:30 PM   #8
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Hopefully you won't have to resort to such an extreme, but ...


a 500KM tow bill would still be cheaper than a ruined engine.
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Old 04-17-2019, 10:21 AM   #9
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Thanks for all the suggestions big and small.
When I can get a ride to Jasper I'm going to give a go.

Thanks again.
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Old 05-02-2019, 07:58 PM   #10
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Thumbs up

Well...I made it.
7 hours and 60 litres of water to cover 420 km the bus travelled from Jasper to Red Deer.
We stopped every 100km to let the engine cool and add fluids. I did not know at the time but the rad cap was shot so the coolant was steaming out.

Replaced the viscous clutch with an electric clutch, new rad cap, thermostat and water pump.

Bus is running at 180, much better than 235

Now to install a toilet.

Thanks to ETR trucking in Red Deer for fixing me up.
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Old 05-02-2019, 09:27 PM   #11
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Good job! Glad to hear it
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