I noticed when we got to our last RV park, there was a light film of oil toward the front of the engine compartment. Wiped it down and started searching for the culprit. Did not see anything at first but then right behind some lines, I noticed that on top of the red head cover, one of the caps is missing. As you look at the top of the cover, you will see 2 places that are round and stick up about an inch or so. The one toward the front of the coach is got a cover sealing the raised area, but on the back one toward the rear of the coach, it is missing a seal or cap.
Any ideas on a temporary repair until we get to a Cummins dealer to purchase what ever fits in that hole? I can take a photo is need be, just terrible service here with Verizon. Oh, we have the M11 450 Cummins engine. The big red head!
Leaving in morning for NY. Thanks in advance!
Why not stop at a truck stop or NAPA store and have someone come out and take a quick look? Might be a breather cap that came off. Light film of oil will likely get worse on any kind of drive and only harder to clean up afterwards.
Is this your valve cover? CUMMINS M11 VALVE COVER for sale (https://www.fullyloaded.com.au/detail/cummins-m11-valve-cover-459458)
Pierce
That's it Pierce! Thank you for posting that. Yes, the one cap is missing. What I have done temporary since I posted this is lay a rubber glove over the hole and zip tied it on. Not sure how this will hold up, but should help! I will look for one of those places tomorrow since today is Sunday and I have not seen a NAPA dealer around this area.
Quite welcome! They do make expanding rubber stoppers that you push into a hole a little and then tighten the nut. Might do the trick until you get a replacement. This will give you an idea of what I mean: expanding rubber plug - Google Search (https://www.google.com/search?q=expanding+rubber+plug&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjEnPLcio3kAhVDMqwKHZMeB2EQsAR6BAgJEAE&biw=3360&bih=1707)
Good luck,
Pierce
I'm still wondering how this came off or why? It looks like it is one piece like the other one. It almost looked like you could add oil to engine through this area.
The two caps are probably used when the M11 is used in different applications/vehicles. One application might have something above it so the other is used. No idea how they are held on as I don't have a clue. Does it look as if it has threads, or a way for the cap to be held on? Possibly just a press fit.
Pierce
I would go with the expanding rubber plug instead of the rubber glove. Just measure the hole size to get the correct plug. You can go to any hardware or home and lumber center to get a plug.
John M.
You can.
Here is what was OEM in that hole.
It was a screw expanding plug that either vibrated or was left loose and popped out.
Mike
Before we left this morning, I drove over to Lowe's and purchased an expansion plug, so now, good to go! Thanks for the photo!
Thank you all for your quick responses!
Glad you found something that will work. You for sure don't want something to get down in that "Devil Hole" as the result can be a vacuum effect on the wallet.
Mike
Joe and Dottie,
Have a safe trip. Nothing in the back of your mind now. Give the big Cummins a pat for me.
Pierce
Here is the fix, but will try to find a NAPA store near where we are now that will have the right kind of stopper, although this should work fine.
Will do Pierce and now onto other problems with compressor! Just when you think you can relax, the dreaded voice from the wife asking about why it sounds like the compressor is coming on and off! UGH!
I think your stopper is going to work fine and it looks great too.
John M.
Joe,
That ought to work just fine as there isn't that much heat up there.
Mike