Community Forums

jolynch · 05-30-2005, 03:33 PM

I have a 2004 Itasca 36" MH with an 8.1L engine. I noticed when under load ( going up a hill for example ) the engine got a lot louder. It almost sounds like a leak in the exhaust system. On a recent trip I was able to keep up with trafic on very hilly conditions. I was pulling a jeep wrangler and got 6.1 MPG. Also when in park and I rev the engine it goes to 3000 rpm max. It sounds like some kind of rev limiter takes control. Is this all normal?

jolynch · 05-30-2005, 03:33 PM

I have a 2004 Itasca 36" MH with an 8.1L engine. I noticed when under load ( going up a hill for example ) the engine got a lot louder. It almost sounds like a leak in the exhaust system. On a recent trip I was able to keep up with trafic on very hilly conditions. I was pulling a jeep wrangler and got 6.1 MPG. Also when in park and I rev the engine it goes to 3000 rpm max. It sounds like some kind of rev limiter takes control. Is this all normal?

Catdave · 05-30-2005, 03:50 PM

The engine getting louder is likely the cooling fan(s) kicking in for the engine. Completely normal.

As for the engine maxing out at 3000 rpm in Park, my question would be- why are you revving it that high in Park? That's the quickest way to damage an engine- revving it high with no load on it. It sounds like the governor is keeping the engine speed down to prevent damage, but I'm not going to try it with mine to see if it does it too to establish if it's "normal."

Happy trails,
Dave

DriVer · 05-30-2005, 05:06 PM

There are many systems in place that will keep you from blowing up the engine or transmission.

Rev limiters is one such system. I haven't tried hitting 3 grand in park.

but then again I would have no reason to.

Horsepowerfan · 05-31-2005, 01:26 AM

There is a limiter built in to the ECM which prevents over revving in park or neutral while the vehicle isn't moving. This is normal. And I too would ask why were you doing this? I agree with DriVer and Catdave, it's not a good idea.

The mechanical fan clutch engaging can create a lot of noise. This usually happens when you sustain a heavy load for a long period of time or you're driving in very hot conditions. Also normal.

jolynch · 05-31-2005, 02:40 AM

I only tried it once...I dont want to cause problems. On the noise it is a change from the muffler not the engine. It almost sounds like I have a leak in the muffler. When not under load it sounds fine. I was trying to rev it in my driveway to see if I could figure out if I had a leak or not. thanks for all the responses...any ideas?

Tenn.Vol. · 05-31-2005, 01:28 PM

I just found my [park] rev limiter, in a 02, WH--it is 2.8K. And the reason is after I warm the engine for 15 or 20 min. the condensation is still blowing out the tail pipe. It has worked for 45 years, without a rev. limiter!!coopcolt

Full-Timers · 06-02-2005, 12:21 PM

My exhaust gets really loud and raspy sounding at high RPMs just before a shift if I really put my foot into it. I have heard others mention this so I would bet it is normal. Most have not heard it because they usually drive with their windows closed. I too have put my foot to the floor in neutral and it will rev up to about 3000 and stop. 3000 is not excessive or Chevy would lower the limit. I wouldn't keep it there all day however. The reason I floored it in neutral is to trouble shoot my low power problem. Turns out it was just another pesky burnt plug wire again.

"007" · 06-02-2005, 04:38 PM

jolynch, Let me be the first to welcome you to irv2

All this talk about revving up the 8.1 sure gives me the creeps.

I'am sure Workhorse has put all the limiters in to safe guard there engine from putting a tie rod thru the block.
A oil pump failure can give you all the excitement you need when the engine freezes up.

Happened on one of my Fords.

I like to drive like I had an egg between my foot an the gas peddle, thats how I can appreciate the power I have under me.

--"007"

DriVer · 06-03-2005, 05:28 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by "007":
I like to drive like I had an egg between my foot an the gas pedal, thats how I can appreciate the power I have under me. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>This technique will also return improved economy figures and save you something tangible -- $$"<span class="ev_code_GREEN">Money</span>"$$