Tri Pac APU @ altitude

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Mastercraft, Jun 2, 2012.

  1. Mastercraft

    Mastercraft Bobtail Member

    11
    2
    Aug 31, 2011
    Tucson, Az
    0
    My Tri Pac works/runs great up to 3000 ft altitude. Fired it up at 7000 ft last week and it missed and coughed and smoked for 15 minutes before I just shut it down. Is there an adjustment for altitude or a software update I am missing? Don't have any data for it running between 3000 and 7000 ft. Just tried it @ 3000 ft and it's fine.

    thanks
     
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  3. Ukumfe

    Ukumfe Medium Load Member

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    515
    Oct 23, 2008
    0
    In the brochure for a new TriPac on the page with the options there is one listed called :

    High Altitude Compensation Kit ( 005548 )
    Advanced electronics and a barometric sensor allow the fuel fired heater to adjust fuel flow to changing altitudes. Recommended for drivers taking rest periods at or above 4000'. Adjustments are automatic and continue to take place to an altitude of approximately 10,000'

    That is what the brochure says word for word on that option. Doesn't sound like your issue was with the heater though.
     
  4. Mastercraft

    Mastercraft Bobtail Member

    11
    2
    Aug 31, 2011
    Tucson, Az
    0
    Didn't try the heater (which really gets with the program @ 3000 ft), my issue is with the diesel engine, coughing and doing the smoke thing. Guess I will try calling Thermo King and see if they have a suggestion. I will post if it is worth anything.

    thanks
     
  5. bubbanbrenda

    bubbanbrenda Road Train Member

    1,388
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    Feb 27, 2011
    Middletown,Oh.
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    The high alltitude kits have an atmospheric pressure sensor that makes adjustments on both fuel pumps (APU and heater).
     
  6. Hardlyevr

    Hardlyevr Road Train Member

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    2,532
    Jul 30, 2009
    Mapleton Depot,PA
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    mine has always coughed and sputtered a bit above 7000 feet, but after less than a minute or two evens out. You might want to check and be sure BOTH fuel filters are getting replaced when you are getting PM work done. One is the regular spin on one in the front, but the other one you need to pull side covers to get to, and is not simple, so often times does not get done.
     
  7. ironpony

    ironpony Road Train Member

    17,502
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    Sep 23, 2007
    Ask my GPS...
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    I don't know how many hours you have on your Tripac, but I was listening to a guy who runs an old cab-over talk the other day. Lots of miles on the engine, but its not burning enough oil for an in-frame yet. It does have lots of blow-by. He says running over the high passes out west he needs to leave it running at night because he has a very difficult time getting it to start at altitude. Coughing, smoking, runs rough. Starts well at lower altitudes.

    Sound familiar?
     
  8. Mastercraft

    Mastercraft Bobtail Member

    11
    2
    Aug 31, 2011
    Tucson, Az
    0
    Called Thermo King today. Get this, they transferred me to my local shop for tech support !!!! Do they not have corporate tech support???? The guy I talked to said the high altitude kit only adjusts fuel pressure for the heater and there is no way to adjust the high pressure fuel pump pressure on the unit. Maybe I will call another dealer/service center to get another opinion.

    It has 9200 hrs on it but, it starts right up.....just ran rough @ 7000 ft. I will swap out the fuel filters and air filter myself next service interval.

    thanks
     
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