This was found on a LACoFD Crew Carrier last week during their quarterly inspection.  Issue was not there 90 days ago. 

2008 Freightliner Front Steer Axle Suspension
Meritor model number: MFS-12-143A  12,000 lb.
Serial number: ARD00337731

FULL LETTER CAN BE DOWNLOADED BY CLICKING HERE

Introduction:

Optimum performance and reliability of heavy-duty automatic transmissions can be noticeably influenced by the type of fluid used and the frequency with which that fluid is changed. Allison Transmission has designed extensive programs including specifications and tests to verify the quality of fluids and consequently have specific fluid and filter change recommendations. Due to field studies, changes in emission requirements, vehicle design, and operating environments, Allison Transmission has realigned recommended fluid and filter change intervals. Heavy-duty Automatic Transmission change intervals have been revised to more closely match today’s operating environments. Allison has also created a new automatic transmission fluid specification, Schedule One TES 389. The new Allison specification gives OEMs and customers another approved fluid choice. Allison C4 fluids and DEXRON® fluids are no longer approved for new Commercial On-Highway products.

Overview:

Please be advised that the following is notice of change to Fire Research pressure sensors.
 
Products Affected:

All PT1/PT2 pressure sensors used for intake and discharge pressure displays, portable testers, and pressure governors. This includes the following FRC part numbers:

XE-PRO31PT2-Sxx (0 – 300 psi), XE-FP4000PT1-Sxx (0 – 600 psi), XE-IO3100PT2-Sxx (ABS – 600 psi), XE-PRO1000PT1-Sxx (0 – 1000 psi)
 
Change Description:

The above pressure sensors are being discontinued. New PT3 pressure sensors will be direct replacements in all orders starting on or about 07DEC09. 

Reason For Change:

Part of the ongoing process to improve FRC products.
 
Replacement Product:

New pressure sensors will be direct replacements. They meet or exceed all electrical and mechanical requirements, use the same 3-Pin Packard connector, and mount in the same size 1/4 inch NPT port. 

Important Note:

The new sensors are slightly smaller than the old ones in height and width (less 0.6 inch in height and 0.7 inch in width). Refer to the referenced drawing for complete dimensions of the new sensors.
 
The following are FRC part numbers for the new sensors:

XE-PRO31PT3-S0A (0 – 300 psi), XE-FP4000PT3-S0A (0 – 600 psi), XE-IO3100PT3-S0A (ABS – 600 psi), XE-PRO1000PT3-S0A (0 – 1000 psi)
 
References:

The following drawing is available for the new pressure sensors:

DWG. NO. XE-XXPT3DWG-R0A dated 09NOV09 which can be found in the PDF version of this notice as page 2 of: http://www.fireresearch.com/pcn/PCN0911-01.pdf

Response:

No response to this notification is required. Requests for additional information should be directed to an FRC sales representative at 1.800.645.0074

FS 04NOV09

New Q-176 Bulletin

Revised Q-169R3 Bulletin

See the attached PDF – sorry for the copy quality but the information is definitely worth a read.

Also included is an article about how poor connections cause high heat and obvious technical issues.

• Customer Access Circuits/General Information
  350

E-Series Electrical Wiring

• Chassis Circuits
  351
• Upfitter Switches
  352
• Customer Access Circuits
  353-355
• Stripped Chassis
  356
• Stripped Chassis Rear Frame
  357
• Trailer Tow Wiring
  358-360

Super Duty F-Series Wiring Circuits

• Super Duty F-Series Customer Access Circuits
  361-364
• SPDJB Exterior Lighting Support
  365
• Trailer Tow / Second Unit Body Wiring Tap Schematic
  366
• General Practices
  367
• Bulb Chart
  368
• Adding Lights or Electrical Devices
  369-370

Exhaust Information:

• Super Duty Exhaust Aftertreatment Modification Chart

Download .pdf Click Here

Here is an article written by Mike Ruthy, VP of Engineering at Darley Pump Company.

For the good of the order and should be included in the next electronic newsletter.  Please give credit to Mike Ruthy for his efforts and interest. Regardless of who’s anode system is used, make sure to use an anode system.

Submitted by Tony Bulygo

Full Article can be Viewed at this link:

Darly Pump Anode System Article – TECH UPDATE! - 264kb .pdf

You will need Adobe Reader to view this document

I had our one of our ’03 E-350 Ambulances in the shop last week for the AC blowing hot. I found that the clamp on the oil fill hose extension tube had worn thru the pressure line to the rear air unit. It had also partially worn thru the suction line to the compressor. Both hose sets required replacement. We have started inspecting the rest of our fleet (not all the same body manufacturers) and have found that about half, so far, have some rubbing damage. None have required hose replacement (knock on wood). We are replacing the wire spring clamps with worm gear band clamps and "adjusting" the rigid lines for clearance. Just wanted to give everyone a heads up.

Note: From a fellow fire tech

BY ED BALLAM WEST SAYVILLE, N.Y. – It might be an overstatement, but not by much, to say that nearly all fire apparatus and ambulances built today have some pieces made by Kussmaul Electronics Company Inc. on board. For nearly 40 years, Kussmaul has been quietly carving itself a niche in the fire service and emergency response market developing products to solve challenges and problems with vehicles – like dead and overworked batteries and inadequate pressure in air brake systems.