Silverleaf computer program to monitor diesel

[Nick Russell]

Does anyone here use the Silverleaf VMSpc computer program to monitor their diesel engine's performance? The program is a free download, and the cable to connect the computer to the diagnostic port under the dash is $395. If you have it, I'd appreciate your opinion. Is it worth the money?

[Jim Stewart]

It can be useful, but it tends to be more of a toy. It does give you a lot of information about your engine, transmission and their performance. Normally, you do not do anything with the information.

Some people prefer to have the information from the monitoring system than actual gauges on the Coach, the implication is it is more reliable. It can in some cases be used to diagnose a problem and can record and store error codes and patterns. But for the most part, to most, it ends up being a toy. I happen to like toys and have one. In todays world, it's not that expensive for a toy.

[RocketDork]

I have a friend that uses it.

Most useful feature(s)
Gallons to empty...hasn't ever been off by more than 3 gallons.
Easier to read than the dash gauges

Interesting to see engine load, Gallons per hour, Instant fuel economy, Turbo Boost.

Engine oil temp doesn't work correctly, nor does transmission gear indicator (allison 3000 series)

He loves it, I like it. We just took a trip together and used it the entire way, 1800 miles.

[phays]

I purchased the Silver Leaf box and the serial to USB converter cable two years ago when my coolant emperature gage failed. The Freightliner people in Orlando told me the gage was bad and it would cost $3600 to fix. I figured I could buy the SilverLeaf system and an awfully nice computer for that much money. Turned out that Freightliner Gaffney found the loose wire on the sender but by then I had the SilverLeaf installed.

I still use it but probably would not have spent the money had my temperature gage not gone out. I do really like the gallons of fuel remaining. As long as I don't run my generator too much and carefully top of the tank each time I fill my MH, the remaining fuel is pretty accurate. It is nice to read the actual coolant temperature rather than trying to guess the reading from the gage. I do display the transmission temperature too but my engine does not transmit the oil temperature and that is one I would like to be able to read.

If you get one, everyone else will know you are at least part geek.

[Ken Roberts]

Nick, I have a similar system that came with our coach. The biggest thing for me is that if you are down and out on the side of the road in East Cupcake or West Overshoe or some other god forsaken place that we RVers habitually pick for our breakdowns it is helpful to be able to talk to a tech. at a Cummins or Cat shop and give them the info. that they may need to determine if you can go or tow, Safe travels, Ken....