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Topic: 3208T will not start (Read 2217 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: 3208T will not start

Reply #25 –
I think we have all heard this advice (Don't start it unless you can drive it ____ minutes/miles).  Most of us probably try to comply, but let's face it, in some cases it is simply not possible.  Occasionally, you have to start the big engine without moving the coach very far, or when it will only run in place for a few minutes.  SO, what are the possible harmful effects of this transgression?  Like many things in life, doing something "bad" one time, might not be as harmful as doing the "bad" thing all the time.  Damage from bad habits tends to be cumulative over time, and I believe that is the case here.

Running any engine without getting the oil up to operating temp may cause some water (condensation) to accumulate in the crankcase.  How much water?  Well, that is the question...and probably a hard thing for a layman to quantify.  Different conditions - different results.  High or low ambient temperature, high humidity, size of engine, volume of oil in crankcase, length of running time. etc.  We all (should) know what oil looks like when it has a LOT of water in it: kind of a creamy white color.  If you see that on your dip stick, you already have BIG problems.

But what about before it gets to that point?  Can you have enough water in your oil to cause damage, without it being obvious?  The linked article may enlighten you on that question.  It might also persuade you to DO YOUR BEST to avoid starting the engine without completely warming up the oil.  It is still going to happen occasionally...  When it does, do as Roger mentioned above; at the first available opportunity get the coach out and drive it hard.  This will evaporate most of the moisture in the crankcase, and hopefully avoid long-term harm to the engine.

Water In Oil Contamination
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: 3208T will not start

Reply #26 –
You really need to look at where you are and what the temperature and relative humidity are.  Condensation is not a concern if you don't have any moisture in the air.  It's what you do over a period of time under high humidity conditions that can cause a problem.  Most motor homes are not started and run for short distances every day which is the prime condition for too much condensation in the oil.  If you see a little white foamy looking stuff around the breather cap,  you have too much moisture in the crank case and you should evaluate your starting and driving conditions.  You can always take the conservative approach and just don't start your engine if you can't drive it for a while.  I personally think that this is impractical.  Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'

Re: 3208T will not start

Reply #27 –
Quote from: fkjohns6083 –
You can always take the conservative approach and just don't start your engine if you can't drive it for a while.

We are dry as a bone down here, so no worries. What's odd, is the CAT outlet in Prescott, AZ told me to start her up every two weeks for about 10 minutes. I posted that here and Brett climbed me up one side and down the other!  :facepalm:
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: 3208T will not start

Reply #28 –
Quote from: mike leary –
We are dry as a bone down here, so no worries. What's odd, is the CAT outlet in Prescott, AZ told me to start her up every two weeks for about 10 minutes. I posted that here and Brett climbed me up one side and down the other!  :facepalm:

AZ....I wouldn't worry about confession either lol....MI on the other hand  :))
Jeff & Carrie
2023 Geneva 31VA
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED "The Button Pusher" - GONE 🥺

Re: 3208T will not start

Reply #29 –
Quote from: danieljeff545 –
.MI on the other hand

When we had the Airstream up in WA State, she would sit for months, whilst I still worked. Never started up, but kept the starter battery charged, which we don't have to do with this coach, since it charges both banks! When we retired her last year, 258,000 miles, still burned zero oil and no 'frothing".  Changing fluids/filters every 3K could have been a huge reason!  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'
 

Re: 3208T will not start

Reply #31 –
Going with this thread I know what we are supposed to do, and when not necessary to start a diesel engine I don't. I can say with that my personal experience with moisture in a diesel engine oil is contradictive to the worry. My 1971 Mack with a Cummins 335 had a pin hole in the liner for 3 years that because of lack of time I didn't rebuild the engine. In the morning I would loosen the drain plug and wait for the water to stop coming out and retighten. Sometimes if a ring blocked the hole I would get very little water, other times just under a gallon. I kept anti corrosion additives in the water (not coolant as it would have ruined the engine under these conditions). The engine was still running fine with no other problems when I junked the truck as it was wore out. The person I sold the engine to did put a kit in it before he put it in his truck.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
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