New Trucks - Are they really better?

I really wish I was saying this to Eric VW (or a number of other hoarders that I know better)...But have you noticed that the light is on only when you are sitting on the machine, and it goes off when you dismount??

 

Did somebody mention water pump fun?

 

Sorry about that...

 

Guess the engine game. I was going to say Cummins, but they are usually red.

 

Oh yeah....I'll play...I was actually studying the pic earlier trying to figure it out...Ima guess a Ford 3.5 V6, just because I know they have this setup.
I have no idea why they got away from the external water pump being driven off the back of the front cam, via a small belt...that was a vastly superior setup, especially on a front wheel drive vehicle, IMO.

 

Well you do have some prior info on it…
You are correct

 

Don't know why I was thinking that was a straight 6. The tape threw me for a loop.

That's why I work on computers for a living.

 

Somebody has to do it...Ima computer dummy!

 

It’s been a minute since I have done that stuff on the daily. Taking way longer than it should! I certainly don’t miss it!

 

This reminds me of the issue I had with a sensor network at work...its a CANbus network and up to 20 different sensors can plug into the same 2 wires (3 if you include the drain wire) the computer just sorts out all the various messages via serial #/addresses...oh, and power transmits via these wires too!
We had intermittent errors for YEARS and the manufacturer kept saying your bus wiring needs upgraded to ours (the wire we used was not theirs, but at the time of installation, it was approved) but after years of fighting with it, and them insisting that their wire would fix it...we paid up and bought it.
It was much heavier wire, and well insulated...and I'll be a sonofagun, but it did fix 99% of the issues!
The crazy thing is that once the old wire was pulled out, I closely inspected every inch of it, and there was nothing visibly wrong with it (it always did test good, electrically) and I have since cut that wire up and used in in other places, for other purposes, and it works just fine.

I have noticed that many manufactures seem to be going with wire that seems to have thinner insulation on it, compared to in the past...

 

I have seen wire that looking at it seems fine but the copper inside has deteriorated. Have also seen a harness that is routed in a tight spot not necessarily pinched cause problems water intrusion will magnify that issue.

Then you have this gem I saw my coworker using it asked him what it was knowing already. He said it pokes the wire but then the insulation self seals. NFW! Then asked him if he thought that we didn’t already have enough problems to deal with…!

 

Must be Magic!

 

You need that on your trailer!

 

The thing is I tested the insulation (ohms, wire to wire...the worst test only showed single digit megaohms of "crosstalk"...even the manufacturer admitted that should be fine) and I load tested it with voltage then too...then physically inspected it after it was pulled out of service. This was about 1500' of wire, so not a small job, and not cheap either!
This is/was Belden single twisted pair/shielded/signal wire, if you are familiar...like this

The wiring is all in conduit too...not bouncing down the road, or off rocks n trees...

 

CANBUS/Multiplex and all such signal wiring are one step away from voodoo, as far as I'm concerned. LOL. It only takes one tiny little defect to throw the whole system out of kilter.

After some bad experiences with Multiplex wiring systems on fire trucks, we went back to specifying hardwired systems, because things such as pump and drivetrain controls, radios, and emergency lighting HAVE to work. The manufacturer told us it added 740 lbs. of weight to the truck just because of the increased copper wiring. Hard to believe, but that's what they said. And this was just on an average sized pumper.

 

We were shopping for jet/vac trucks and really liked one that had all old school wired or hydraulic controls...but the salesman made such a PITA outta himself that they lost the sale...ended up with one full of computers...minimal issues so far, but it's not 2 years old yet either.

 

Watched this video a couple years ago, and they talked about various CANBUS architectures. Really interesting stuff

 

And then there’s the whole move to soy based coatings over petroleum. I’ve seen people blame that for early degradation and others say we’ve been doing it since the 80’s so you can’t blame that.
I’ve read some atv home mechanics mention the coating and copper turning to dust. That’s my biggest worry. I can stop the water intrusion but is that just a harbinger of things to come?
I did learn awhile back there are several grades of wire. I’m sure they use the cheapest.

so after draining that wire bundle it’s back up and running. EPS light came on a couple times but went back off when I shut it off. Took it for a long ride this morning and all was well. I think I’ll just seal up those wires good and see what happens. A new quad is nice but why spend the money if it will work. It’s not a bad machine when it’s not in limp mode. A Yamaha Kodiak 700 doesn’t have much over it. Another four horsepower or so.
One more limp mode and I’m done with it tho. Made that promise to myself two days ago after I got it running again. I actually expected to be driving to New Hampshire today It surprised me.

 

Just an fyi, DOT 5 is not compatible with 3-4. And basically the higher the boiling point of the fluid, the more it will absorb atmospheric moisture. I’m religious with keeping all my vehicles brake fluid “fresh”.
And I might give food for thought on your pedal going down further than usual. While I do agree with it possibly being moisture/bad fluid related, another reason could have been swelling of the rubber lines. If you keep the truck, which it seems you are, look into getting some good branded slotted rotors, matching pads, and.. stainless steel braided lines to replace those rubber ones. They do make a difference in feel! I say this from first hand experience in both cars and motorcycles.

 

Would that appear suddenly, and then go away though?