I’ve been given a new (to me) truck to drive. It’s a Scania P230, 58 plate. And it is just awful.
Quite easily the single worst vehicle I’ve ever had the displeasure of driving. (Not that I’ve driven that many vehicles, but still)
The biggest problem is the bloody clutch. It’s a 4 over 4 box, which was a bit confusing at first, but I managed (by remembering what I’d read on here). But the clutch… I think it’s a loose/stretched clutch cable, because it only engages (if it decides to work) at the very top of the pedals travel, meaning you have to hold your leg in midair to be ready to pull away.
The second problem is the accelerator. When you touch it, it makes a little blip (sorta like a quick rev-match), then if you keep pushing, you eventually get it to work like a normal accelerator (experimented in neutral and it exhibits the same behavior).
Combined, this thing is virtually undriveable. Try to pull away, no movement, no revs. Panicking because I’m just rolling onto a busy roundabout, I’ve got the accelerator on the floor, still not revving at all. Eventually the clutch decides to work, and I go kangarooing down the road. After much kangaroo juice and swearing I get to 5th and everything suddenly works as it should (kind of).
I got 5 miles down the road before I had to pull over. Also don’t get me started on the tacho “Would you like to make a manual entry?” Yes I would. “You can start driving now!” But what about the entry?? (It’s a Stoneridge. I’m gonna go watch a video or something).
But seriously this vehicle made my day so stressful. I’m panicking now because I’ve got to drive the frigging thing again tomorrow…
I’ve a P280 and had similar issues with clutch at first. But then I got Scania to adjust it and it’s miles better.
Not sure correct term but I call the clutch an ‘air clutch’ as its air operated.
What you’ve described with clutch and accelerator are normal it won’t rev up till it’s got drive
It’s a technique getting them going !
I’ve found it easiest to floor accelerator ( as you’ve discovered it won’t over rev so it’s fine to do this) then literally dump the clutch quickly and let it take the drive up itself.
I assume your trying to set off in 2nd which till you get used to technique can lag somewhat.
Try 1st for a bit as its more responsive to get you going then 3rd or to 4th depending on how loaded you are.
You’ll get hang of it eventually. Though I’d get the clutch adjusted first as its definitely not helping being at top of travel
dcgpx:
I assume your trying to set off in 2nd which till you get used to technique can lag somewhat.
Hey thanks for the answer. I was using 1st because the little sticker above the door said to use 1st. I went 1st 2nd 3rd 5th as that seemed to get me into the good gears quickly. I’ll try just dumping the clutch as well.
The problem is it’s a hire truck. And I’m agency. There’s no chance of it getting sorted out so I’ve just got to get used to it.
htmldude:
I’ve been given a new (to me) truck to drive. It’s a Scania P230, 58 plate. And it is just awful.
Quite easily the single worst vehicle I’ve ever had the displeasure of driving. (Not that I’ve driven that many vehicles, but still)
The biggest problem is the bloody clutch. It’s a 4 over 4 box, which was a bit confusing at first, but I managed (by remembering what I’d read on here). But the clutch… I think it’s a loose/stretched clutch cable, because it only engages (if it decides to work) at the very top of the pedals travel, meaning you have to hold your leg in midair to be ready to pull away.
The second problem is the accelerator. When you touch it, it makes a little blip (sorta like a quick rev-match), then if you keep pushing, you eventually get it to work like a normal accelerator (experimented in neutral and it exhibits the same behavior).
Combined, this thing is virtually undriveable. Try to pull away, no movement, no revs. Panicking because I’m just rolling onto a busy roundabout, I’ve got the accelerator on the floor, still not revving at all. Eventually the clutch decides to work, and I go kangarooing down the road. After much kangaroo juice and swearing I get to 5th and everything suddenly works as it should (kind of).
I got 5 miles down the road before I had to pull over. Also don’t get me started on the tacho “Would you like to make a manual entry?” Yes I would. “You can start driving now!” But what about the entry?? (It’s a Stoneridge. I’m gonna go watch a video or something).
But seriously this vehicle made my day so stressful. I’m panicking now because I’ve got to drive the frigging thing again tomorrow…
Help?
Hello,it sounds like the truck is fitted with Scania’s “clutch saver”. Scania fits a device to stop you from slipping the clutch. This works by not giving any throttle until the clutch pedal is fully disengaged. Scania clutches are hydraulic,with air assistance.
When pulling away use 2 then 4 then into the high box and use all the top 4. To pick away smoothly,bring the clutch to the biting point,then throttle up whilst engaging the clutch. I know I’m patronising a wee bit here - but it really is that simple.
Ive used one of our rigids today. 13 plate Scania P310,exactly the same. As said,just got to ‘time’ your clutch with the bite,otherwise a tardy getaway at roundabouts is inevitable lol!!
Think I got the hang of it now. Only problem I keep having is leaving it in high, then pulling out of the layby and almost stalling! (thank god it was midnight)
Also forgetting to turn the lights back on! (And getting followed by the popo)
(thank god it was midnight)