04 FE DT466E Allison MD3060 55mph top speed

Olympia_Lowlife · 10-03-2021, 12:29 PM

So I bought a 30 foot 2004 FE International DT466E with an Allison MD3060, my uncle is currently driving it back to WA state from berryville Virginia for me. What we have noticed is a max speed of 55 mph, at 2100 RPM. I don’t know but I THINK the tire size is 11r22.5 but I will get that posted when my uncle responds.

Does anyone know if this is gearing? Or rpm limiter? Or speed governor? Or combination of the 3?

Not sure what the HP Variant is as he didn’t bring tools and the dog house is bolted down so I can’t see top half of the tag.

ewo1 · 10-03-2021, 04:41 PM

I believe the top speed can be capped via the Ecm.

Olympia_Lowlife · 10-03-2021, 05:06 PM

Is that something that could be removed by any diesel shop? Or is this something I need international to do themselves? Or maybe a school district fleet mechanic?

ewo1 · 10-03-2021, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olympia_Lowlife

Is that something that could be removed by any diesel shop? Or is this something I need international to do themselves? Or maybe a school district fleet mechanic?

Yes, a diesel shop with the right software and yes the international dealer too.

cadillackid · 10-03-2021, 08:50 PM

55 at 2100 RPM is most likely the facotry speed limiter.. many came that way from factory so if the ECM settings were defaulted this is where it would go back to.. most any diesel shop that works on medium duty IH trucks can turn it off then it will likely top out about 70 at 2600 RPM.. its probably got a 4.44 rear gear in it..

skoontz · 10-03-2021, 09:36 PM

I purchased a 2005 dt466e bus with the MD3060 that I purchased in VA. Mine does 55 at 2100 rpm. It is electronically limited to 55, so as others have mentioned, I could have the governor setting changed. However, I'd rather not cruise with the engine turning much faster. I have a 6.17 axle ratio, and 6th is locked out on the transmission. Even though mine is rear engine, I imagine you have the same set up, but an international dealer can provide a build sheet for your bus with that info. I've been investigating how to get a higher top speed. If I can unlock 6th, I should cruise at 65. The other option is to regear the axle.

rensch26 · 10-03-2021, 10:10 PM

Definitely governed at 55 from the factory. But if you're already turning 2,100 RPMs you are not going to like what it sounds like at 60 or 65mph. That transmission is actually a 6 speed but many of them have 6th gear disabled for school bus applications. You could either lower the rear axle ratio (assuming it's a 5.xx ratio or maybe even a 6.xx ratio now) or you can try to get 6th gear unlocked and that will lower your highway RPMs significantly after you have someone remove the 55mph governed speed.

Olympia_Lowlife · 10-03-2021, 10:23 PM

I hope your right on the gear ratio. tomorrow I’m gonna have my uncle take the bus to an IC bus service center in Lincoln Nebraska to see about getting the governor turned off, ask for a build sheet print off and ask for a letter stating it’s safe for 6th gear to be unlocked. (I doubt they will give such a letter though…I believe I’d be the first on this site to have international grant a 6th gear unlock if they did)

Olympia_Lowlife · 10-03-2021, 10:39 PM

With the governor turned off will going from 2100 rpms to about 2300 rpms (max hp rating) put me over 60mph do you think? In the future I can have the gear ratio changed but I’m just trying to make the trip home for my uncle a little faster for now. And hopefully I can get the okay letter for a 6th gear unlock…cross your finger for me!!

Olympia_Lowlife · 10-03-2021, 10:43 PM

A little bit off topic but does anyone know if I bought a TCM for the MD3060 with 6th gear unlocked on it, would it work as a plug and play option for getting 6th unlocked?

cadillackid · 10-04-2021, 06:22 AM

allison TCMs are programmed for the engine and vehicle they are in.. the max engine ROM and throttle type are the Most important things.. as are the generation..

if you go buy a TCM for a max RPM of 2400 then you will always shift too early at max throttle for youe engine. . if you get a TCM with a max RPM of 2800 then you;ll never shift at max throttle.. it will hang..

your TCM will be stamped with a throttle type , a shift schedule, and an RPM.. you need to match the RPM and throittle type...

some companies you can send in your TCM and they will repgroam it.. in your case, 6th gear unlock is a perfect thing to do.. you wont need to change your rear gear.. the 6th unlock will give you a really nice final drive if you want to travel in the 65 MPH range..

Olympia_Lowlife · 10-04-2021, 08:26 AM

Thank you very much for the info, I will start researching a company to do the unlock for me!

Olympia_Lowlife · 10-04-2021, 11:13 AM

So I don’t know if I’m searching wrong but I’m not coming up with anything. I’ve tried googling “Allison md3060 6th gear unlock”, “Allison md3060 tcm reprogram”
And “Allison md3060 tcm flash” any other suggestions for how to find a company to to do the unlock?

cadillackid · 10-04-2021, 11:38 AM

I was thinking PCM performance you can send your TCM to be reprogrammed? i know theses a thread here someplace where someone recently sent their TCM out and got it back

johnbloem1974 · 10-04-2021, 12:59 PM

Don't forget Bapos' friend the Allison Guru. From what I have read, he's helped quite a few folks out.

Send a DM to Bapos...

John

o1marc · 10-04-2021, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olympia_Lowlife

I hope your right on the gear ratio. tomorrow I’m gonna have my uncle take the bus to an IC bus service center in Lincoln Nebraska to see about getting the governor turned off, ask for a build sheet print off and ask for a letter stating it’s safe for 6th gear to be unlocked. (I doubt they will give such a letter though…I believe I’d be the first on this site to have international grant a 6th gear unlock if they did)

Not even close to being the first. Allison has done many unlocks if it is newer than a 2000, anything older they deny. Your 02 should nnot be an issue.

sportyrick · 10-04-2021, 02:05 PM

Call ECMKIng in texas and see what they have to say.

Olympia_Lowlife · 10-05-2021, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by o1marc

Not even close to being the first. Allison has done many unlocks if it is newer than a 2000, anything older they deny. Your 02 should nnot be an issue.

Oh okay, I thought what I was reading I’m was that only people with a Thomas bus were being granted permission for a 6th grade unlock from their OEM

cadillackid · 10-05-2021, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olympia_Lowlife

Oh okay, I thought what I was reading I’m was that only people with a Thomas bus were being granted permission for a 6th grade unlock from their OEM

the OEM's are a PITA to go through.. it can be done but theres a lot of paperwork and sometimes the shop you go through charges you the hourly for them to call and file paperwork so you end up with a sizable bill.. thats why I concentrate on third party for it.

Olympia_Lowlife · 10-05-2021, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadillackid

the OEM's are a PITA to go through.. it can be done but theres a lot of paperwork and sometimes the shop you go through charges you the hourly for them to call and file paperwork so you end up with a sizable bill.. thats why I concentrate on third party for it.

Right that’s what I had gathered so far, yesterday while my bus was at an international service shop in Nebraska to get the governor removed from ecm I asked for them to get me a letter or something stating it’s safe for 6th gear to be unlocked. They told me “you need to get that permission from Allison we can’t do anything”. So until you shared PCMperformance with me, I thought I was F****d. With the governor removed bus can now go 65 but it’s at 2500 rpm and she gets hot after running it that hard for a while….so 6th gear will be a godsend!

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