possible Fuel System Trouble, '82 6V92

prarieschooner · 01-20-2009, 06:36 PM

I find myself needing some more of your valuable advice.
I am working on a 1982 38' Classic with a DD 6V92. The Coach has been sitting for a few years. The Temperature here in Yuma is about 70 Degrees and Dry so Temperature shouldn't be an issue. The other problem is that the Start Batteries are in poor condition and since I haven't commited to the purchase there is no reason to spend the $$$ right now but I need to prove or disprove the DD 6V92. *As a side note, the previous owner passed a few years back and this Coach hasn't moved since.

Symptoms;
I started the Main Engine with simply using the Ignition Switch. The Diesel ran for only a short while (no more than a minute) and then began to sputter, it seemed like it was running out of Fuel. It will not start now.
I changed the Fuel Filters at the Engine Bay area and even filled them with Fuel in order to help with any possible priming issues. I wasn't able to find any intructions for Bleeding the System but wanted to make sure that I am not missing something. I have gone to the Water Seperator and Fuel does come out when using the Petcock so Fuel is at least to that point.
Just wanting to make sure that there isn't something down stream or a Switch that needs to turned with the Ignition.

I will check back later but for now I will be trying to get a look at the Suspension issues.
Thanks in advance,
Steve

chockwald · 01-20-2009, 07:01 PM

How old is the fuel in the tank? How full is the tank? If the coach has been sitting for the better part of 5 years, and no fuel stabilzer was added, then it would seem the fuel could have gone bad. Typcially with regular gasoline you would just add more gasoline to bring the gasoline in the tank up to par, but with diesel I am not sure if the same principle applies. I am still a novice when it comes to diesels, so my advice is limited as to what to troubleshoot. Tom, or Mike will probably have more substantial advice for you. If the fuel is bad, then maybe the injectors have become clogged.

Did you change the fuel filters before you started the engine the first time, or after it stalled???

The 6V92 TA is a mechanical engine, and each cylinder has its own mechanically operated fuel injector. I believe there is also a recirculating pump somewhere that keeps the fuel circulating between the tank and the engine while in operation.

prarieschooner · 01-20-2009, 07:13 PM

I changed the Filters after the Engine shut down. I did fill them but the Start Batteries are in poor condition. Since I don't want to burn up a Starter, I can only crank for a short time and then wait til the Charger gets a chance to catch up.
Steve

prarieschooner · 01-20-2009, 07:15 PM

I just read your post again and that brings the question, is there an Electrical Fuel Pump that I need to switch on?
It could be that one of the Filters was plugged and I just need to get fuel back into the system.

chockwald · 01-20-2009, 07:24 PM

Steve....I'm not aware of a switch to turn on the circulation pump. I have found no notations about a separate switch, and have not come across a switch. According to my reading the 6V92 is a self priming engine, so it shouldn't take too long to get fuel circulating again. Not sure if low batteries could also be a problem.

ABnormal · 01-20-2009, 09:56 PM

Last year I lost the starter and it was a $600 replacement job. The RV repairman blamed undersized start batteries. I did notice that it never seemed to crank fast enough, but not knowing any better, I did nothing about it. I do trust the guy who works on mine and had him replace the batteries with what appears to be the mother of all batteries. Each one takes up a shelf by itself. It has not been slow to start since.

You might want to consider spending the bucks on the batteries. (pay me now or pay me later)

Larry P in KC
1987 Coach #130

Richard and Rhonda · 01-20-2009, 10:46 PM

I spoke with Steve on the phone this afternoon. He did get it running. I'm sure he'll post about the solution when he gets time.

chockwald · 01-20-2009, 11:05 PM

Richard, thanks for the update. I was hoping the solution was simple.

prarieschooner · 01-21-2009, 02:03 AM

Thanks for the help guys,
I think that there was more than one problem. After changing the Filters it did crank slow, but that most likely only contibuted to the overall trouble. I had to use the Battery Merge Switch and have the Generator running in order to get it to crank right.
Although after talking to Richard I went to the Stop Solenoid and worked it a few times, after that it started right up (thanks Richard). It was most likely also Low Voltage to that Solenoid. Then the old Diesel Belched and came to Life!! Runs really good now with the new Filters.

Thanks again for the help, feels good to not be alone
Steve

fulltiming · 01-22-2009, 09:00 AM

Steve, glad you have it running now. It does take good batteries to get a Detroit to roll over fast enough to fire up, especially if there is some air in the lines. Solenoids can be a real problem when they don't work properly.

As always, thanks Richard.

You gotta love this site!!

2dogs · 01-25-2009, 07:34 PM

Steve, where are you at in yuma? im in the foothills for the winter to much snow up north got to love the weather here!!!! Brian

prarieschooner · 01-26-2009, 02:36 AM

I am back in Caifornia now. I'll have to let you know when I go back to Yuma
Steve