Now that I have had some time to crawl around our 8.3 I have a million new questions. I have read cover to cover my Foretravel binder and operation and maintenance manual and still do not understand what a few things are in the engine bay. If anyone has a link or post I should be reading please direct me there....
There is two tanks to the left of the engine directly inside the door, one has oil type and a plunger?? I have the same tank to the right of the engine with the same plunger and oil sticker. There is also a white very old looking steel tube with numbers 265 M 1057 directly in front of engine to the left?? Have no clue about that one but would love to replace it?
I appreciate any help with these items. I was not expecting to have these type of questions previously owning a Dodge Cummins but I obviously have a lot to learn.
David
If laid out the same as our coach, the two tanks to the left (looking into engine compartment) are the oil reservoir for the hydraulic pump that drives the hydraulic cooling fan motors, and the air dryer. One with the dip stick is the oil reservoir. The tank on the right side is the reservoir for your power steering pump. Also has a dip stick. These are two completely separate systems. On my coach, both hydraulic systems use plain old motor oil - same stuff you put in the big engine, and in the generator engine. Which is handy, cuz you only have to carry one kind of oil.
The white canister is probably a replaceable pressurized screw on can of ether - part of the ether injection starting aid fitted to some mechanical (non-electronic) C8.3 Cummins. You should have a rocker switch on your dash labeled ETHER. Unless you have to routinely operate in sub-zero conditions, you should never require ether to start your engine. I would not bother to replace the can.
Propane warning beeping (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=35601.msg333722#msg333722)
Chuck, thank you for clarifying. That is exactly what I was looking for. The ether makes perfect sense also based on the switch and what I have read.
It is awesome that I can easily stick with Delo 400 for most systems and keep it simple.
Thanks again,
David
Our CAT U-240 is like that, too. Very handy! ^.^d
Couple other things in the engine bay that you should find and/or identify. One is the D2 governor. This is the device that controls your engine driven air compressor. If you haven't already been introduced to it, it will happen eventually. On my coach, it is mounted to the frame, hidden behind the power steering oil tank. Here is some info:
http://www.plazafleetparts.com/uploads/2/1/9/0/2190100/d-2_governor_maintenance.pdf
Haldex D2 Governor Service Data (http://beamalarm.com/Documents/haldex_d2_governor_service_data.html)
The other thing is your engine ID plate. This plate contains important info about your specific engine, and you should know where it is. Standing at the back, looking at the engine, there is a flat sheet metal cover on the "front" (nearest you) of the engine block. The top edge of the cover is about 2" wide. Look at the top edge, right below your A/C compressor mount, and you should find the black metal plate. On the plate is your ESN (engine serial number). Very important. Using that number, you can go to two amazingly valuable (FREE) Cummins sponsored web sites and find out all kinds of good stuff about your engine. Here's the links:
Cummins Inc. :: QuickServe Online (https://quickserve.cummins.com/)
Genuine Cummins Parts (https://parts.cummins.com/#/)
You also might be interested in the Cummins Power Club. Joining will save you money at Cummins parts and service facilities.
http://www.cumminspowerclub.com/index.jsp
Mike,
Hard to determine from the picture, but doesn't look like there is coolant in the coolant reservoir???
It's the pic, look just below the 'cold' and you can (barely) see the line. Thanks for the concern! ^.^d