pyrometer gauge

[Joe Cannarozzi]

All of these suggestions of how to run an 8-V up a hill brings back very vivid memories of a previous discussion on how to do that properly. I was outnumbered at the time but it now seems I was not alone

Thank you, I love you all for all for your infinite wisdom. Let the truth be known.

I have neither pyro's turbo boost or manifold pressure AND a mechanical (non-computer) engine. Yall worry too much.

The manifold pressure would be the most useful for the way I drive. Turbo boost is basically the same gauge.


How do I know if the exhaust temps are rising without a pyro, easy. If I put my foot on the floor and the RPM's are continuing to drop the exhaust Temp is rising. (I try to never do that. It is the ultimate litmus test for how hard to push and agreat habbit to get into)

[truk4u]

Now that finally explains it all.. Peter has a series 60 and Joe has no pyro. Now I understand why both think the gauge is useless.

I watch mine like a hawk, thanks to Brian! You would be amazed at how quickly you can hit the 1100/1200 mark if your not paying attention in the hills.

[Joe Cannarozzi]

Tom you have to learn how to become one with your bus

Everyone does it a little differently

So even WITH a computer on the 8-V it does not have the ability to get you up the hill "foot on the floor "(hammer head style) correctly compensating for all potential scenarios, but you are forced to drive it? Oh my gosh.

[Jon Wehrenberg]

As much as I like the Series 60, I don't see it as an improvement over the 8V92 except for fuel mileage.

My 8V92 would pull the hills with the same results as the Series 60 at the same speeds. I don't know if I was at one with the bus, but I do know in both coaches anticipation is required, and that the six speed transmission in particular needs to be in performance mode at least, or like the five speed needs to be manually shifted.

"Balls to the wall" is how I attacked the hills. In the 8V92 I increased my speed as I got near the bottom of the hill to keep the revs up. Forth gear in my bus at 2100 was 55 MPH. If I dropped below 55 to about 50 or 52 I dropped it into 4th and left it there until I bumped into the governor so it would not "hunt" back and forth between 4th and 5th gear.

It just so happens on the current bus 4th tops at at 55 also, but I have 5th and 6th available if the bus needs them. Same techniques as driving the 8V92, except at the bottom of the hill I gain speed in 5th instead of 6th gear and manually downshift the same way at the same speeds.

Foot to the floor the entire time.

My pyros never exceeded 1100 as I recall. I don't know if that was DDEC controlling that or if it was just the way the bus was set up.

[Loc]

With my 8V92 which had DDEC II, the pyros would max out at 1300. Don't count on the DDEC brain keeping you safe.