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Break down on I-10

I have two belts in my 2009 Nimbus with a 500 hp ISM Cummins.  The longer one goes from a large drive pulley up around the alternator. The right hand belt comes off another large pulley to the right of the other large one, I assume this is a drive pulley too.  It appears only to drive the dash A/C compressor.  Yesterday at about 75 mph going around an 18 wheeler east bound on I-10, the A/C compressor bearings failed,the belt broke and I got a Red Engine light and alarm.  Quickly got stopped and was towed 90 miles back to Tuscon. Now we wait for Monday morning  and service.  While we were still waiting for the tow truck, I turned the key to on and still had the red light. When we got back to Tuscon the red light was gone and I moved the coach to a parking place. So the question is if that belt is only driving the A/C compressor why did I get a red engine light?  The engine did not smell hot when I first opened the bay.  ( to busy to check engine temp gage )Does the engine sense any belt break and give the red alarm?  Or do I have another problem?  As always, thanks for you thoughts.

Roy
Roy Dameron
Ex 2009 42ft Nimbus
Jeep Unlimited

Re: Break down on I-10

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Roy Dameron –
I got a Red Engine light and alarm.  Quickly got stopped and was towed 90 miles back to Tuscon. Now we wait for Monday morning  and service.  While we were still waiting for the tow truck, I turned the key to on and still had the red light. When we got back to Tuscon the red light was gone and I moved the coach to a parking place. So the question is if that belt is only driving the A/C compressor why did I get a red engine light?  The engine did not smell hot when I first opened the bay. 

Roy,

By red I am guessing you got a "Stop Engine" light (as opposed to the amber "Check Engine" light).  It should have thrown a code (either stop or check would).  Do you have either a Silverleaf device or VMSpc?  You could check to see what code(s) caused that light.  It could be any number of things that would not "smell hot".  Red (Stop Engine) is not related to temperature but rather a critical condition detected by the ECU.

Alternatively the service location can pull stored codes.

There are (on many coaches) switches inside the dash to display engine codes, but if you don't have an active Stop or Check light, they won't help.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Break down on I-10

Reply #2 –
Yes, Michelle, I got a red stop engine light. I do have a Silverleaf and the error code is: "27 9 6 VG Turbo Actr". I don't know what that is.  It did show up again when I moved the coach today but did not trip the red stop engine light.  Thanks for you information.

Roy
Roy Dameron
Ex 2009 42ft Nimbus
Jeep Unlimited

Re: Break down on I-10

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Roy Dameron –
Yes, Michelle, I got a red stop engine light. I do have a Silverleaf and the error code is: "27 9 6 VG Turbo Actr". I don't know what that is.  It did show up again when I moved the coach today but did not trip the red stop engine light.  Thanks for you information.

Roy


Here is a bit more info. According to Cummins, you have "J1939 failure between VGT and ECM."
VGT = Variable Geometry Turbocharger  ECM = Engine Control Module

Here is a YouTube video. While this might video is on a truck and slightly different - it is worth seeing to know that the "turbo" unit is OK but the activator needs possible calibration.

Action Taken When the Fault Code is Active
The ECM illuminates the red STOP ENGINE light immediately when the diagnostic runs and fails.
The VGT will move to the default open position.
Conditions for Clearing the Fault Code
The ECM will turn off the red STOP ENGINE light and enable VGT operation immediately after a valid J1939 message is received from the VGT actuator
Possible causes of this fault code include:
The VGT actuator is not receiving power from the ECM. This could be caused by an open circuit in the power supply wire or low voltage supplied by the primary engine ECM
An open return circuit on the VGT actuator circuit
An open or short circuit on the J1939 data link circuit between the ECM and VGT actuator
Intermittent communications between the VGT actuator and the primary engine ECM on the J1939 data link
Rapid cycling of the keyswitch
Connector pins are not installed in the appropriate locations specified by the wiring diagram.
A damaged termination resistor in the engine data link harness
A damaged engine ECM.
A Failed Turbo sector gear
The aftertreatment system must be inspected after making the appropriate repair.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85olDC6qhw0

Bob
Bob & Kathy
2007 Nimbus
Full Timers
Retired Charter Bus Owner/Operator

Re: Break down on I-10

Reply #4 –
Sorry to hear about your problem, not much fun.  When the belt broke, did it damage some wiring or loosen a connection?
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Break down on I-10

Reply #5 –
Thanks Bob, this information will help me deal with the service folks tomorrow.

Roy
Roy Dameron
Ex 2009 42ft Nimbus
Jeep Unlimited

Re: Break down on I-10

Reply #6 –
Hi Jerry,  I cannot see any damage from the belt breaking.  After Bob's post I checked.  I very good idea, thanks.

Roy
Roy Dameron
Ex 2009 42ft Nimbus
Jeep Unlimited

Re: Break down on I-10

Reply #7 –
A new VGT and we are Eastbound and down again. Thanks again everyone for your help and information.

Roy
Roy Dameron
Ex 2009 42ft Nimbus
Jeep Unlimited

Re: Break down on I-10

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Roy Dameron –
A new VGT and we are Eastbound and down again. Thanks again everyone for your help and information.

Roy

Roy,

Did you have to replace the Trubo or just an Actuator on it? A 2009 Turbo going bad is a bit disturbing.
Previous coach - 2007 Phenix 45'
 

Re: Break down on I-10

Reply #9 –
I just replaced the Actuator.  But the Turbo had to come off to get the Actuator off. Over all a good experience.  Called Coach Net, they send Barrnett's Towing , I requested a flatbed, but theirs was in. Phoenix and not available.  The tow truck driver was Kelly LaPlante and he was very good. Before he started he checked out Foretravel online because he was not familiar with the brand. He pulled the drive shaft. Hooked us up then asked if we had any Foretravel Special towing instructions.  I said no, so he did a Google search found what was online, still not satisfied he called his boss to verify that he'd had everything right. His tow truck was well equipped and when he used a tool he put it back in the same spot. When he put the drive shaft back on he used Lock Tight .  We were towed to Freightliner of Arizona.  The have 4 full RV hookup sites. They were good and friendly, at first a little slow to communicate.  They had the part. The total shop bill was $3,118, the tow was about $1,350 and Coach Net picked that up. 
Roy Dameron
Ex 2009 42ft Nimbus
Jeep Unlimited