Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Engine room help (Read 650 times) previous topic - next topic

Engine room help

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
David & Jenn
1994 U280 3600

Re: Engine room help

Reply #1 –
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
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: Engine room help

Reply #2 –
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
David & Jenn
1994 U280 3600

Re: Engine room help

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Familyrig –
It is awesome that I can easily stick with Delo 400 for most systems and keep it simple.
Our CAT U-240 is like that, too. Very handy!  ^.^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: Engine room help

Reply #4 –
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

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

Genuine Cummins Parts

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
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: Engine room help

Reply #5 –
Quote from: mike leary –
Our CAT U-240 is like that, too. Very handy!  ^.^d

Mike,

Hard to determine from the picture, but doesn't look like there is coolant in the coolant reservoir???
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: Engine room help

Reply #6 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
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
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'