Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Topic: Intermittent Stop Engine Light (Read 3112 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #25 – August 27, 2017, 09:51:45 am

I had algae once. From bad fuel at a place that didn't sell much diesel.
Lots of filters and things were pretty much OK. Eventually residual dead algae in tank migrated to area of Awuahot pick up, and started causing clogged filters with attendant Awuahot issues. Main engine and generator never affected.
In the end I had a local boat tank guy/fuel polisher come out. He wasn't confident that we could get tank clean enough to ever make symptoms go away by polishing fuel.
So, we removed the tank, he took it to his ship, he cut to 6" access holes in top of tank, thoroughly cleaned tank, fitted two expensive plugs in tank specially made to fill the newly created 6" holes and brought tank back out to coach at RV park.
We put it back in, no issues since.
NAPA generally has biocide, west marine always has biocide.
Diesel never goes in my tank from any source without adding biocide, once bitten, twice shy....
Just because you never have had algae does not constitute immunity from the affliction in the future.

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #26 – August 27, 2017, 11:18:27 am

To clarify, adding a biocide will kill algae. BUT (yes, large BUT) if does nothing to eliminate the algae "bodies". Your filters will collect them. Said another way, whatever contaminants were pumped into the tank need to be removed.

Yes, if you got a lot of contaminated fuel: Use jacks/levelers to LOWER the side of the coach/end of the coach where your diesel tank fill is located.

Supplies you will need: 6' or so of 1/2" ID clear plastic (cheap hose) and metal coat hanger or other metal that you will zip tie the hose to so you can direct the hose into the very bottom of the tank.

Let the coach sit for at least an hour "leaned over"-- allowing the water (that is where the algae lives, at the water/diesel interface) to flow the the low point in the tank.

Insert hose into tank and suck on it to fill with diesel (ya, keep an eye on the level so you don't get any in your mouth). Insert that end of the hose into a suitable container and using the metal to guide the hose to the lowest point in the tank. Vacuum until clear golden fuel comes out.

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #27 – August 27, 2017, 01:29:34 pm

Fuel Polishing is a good idea if the coach sits for the winter or some long period of time with no use. It's common for seasonal boaters to polish boat fuel at the beginning of each season. Algae grows in the interface of fuel and water in the tank. The water gets into the tank from storing the coach without a full tank, from condensation from the air in humid climates or from the source if not filtered at the pump. You should not need to polish other than that. If you are using the coach and putting fresh fuel into it, it should not be an issue the filters should handle it.

Biodiesel is a good lubricant and detergent if you add about 10% to your fuel it will help lube and will keep the fuel tank and system clean. It will also dissolve the rubber parts of the system if you run 100% biodiesel on older diesels. The only additive that most folks use is a cetane booster if fuel is stored or old.

wantabe

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #28 – August 28, 2017, 06:59:19 pm

Thread update: it seems that this issue is almost under control now. We are in Edmonton, Alberta and the last 419 mile leg of the trip was (almost) without issue. I think the Power Service Clear-Diesel fuel and tank cleaner had the greatest effect. It is a dispersant and is supposed to break up the slime and sludge so that it won't plug the filter. It is good to use in conjunction with the biocide for that reason. Anyway, definite improvement along with half a tank of fresh number 2 diesel. There was a continued improvement and much less need to drive like there as an egg on the throttle pedal. I am going to drive the tank down as far as I can, change both filters re-dose with the additives and if the trend continues as it seems to be, I will go through a couple a couple of fill ups dosing each time and when I get back to home base, I will fill up with #2 diesel and change the primary filter before storing with a maintainence dose of biocide. I will update as my strategy evolves... but I am looking at possiblzy upgrading the primary filter to a Davao 382. I like The fact that you can view the restriction and it looks to be quite easy to change the filter element, which is also cheaper than the canister type.
Don

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #29 – August 28, 2017, 07:10:39 pm

Quote from: Don & Tys (AKA acousticart) – August 28, 2017, 06:59:19 pm

I am looking at possibly upgrading the primary filter to a Davao 382. I like The fact that you can view the restriction and it looks to be quite easy to change the filter element, which is also cheaper than the canister type.
Don

Yes, a very (OK, two VERY's) good primary filter!

Mount it high enough that it ABOVE the level of the fuel tank.

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #30 – August 28, 2017, 07:43:48 pm

I think there is a lot to be said for filling up at high volume truck stops. Along with fresh fuel regularly, they change out their fuel filters at the pump more often too.

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #31 – August 28, 2017, 11:39:54 pm

Is this to prevent siphoning while changing the filter?
Don

Quote from: wolfe10 – August 28, 2017, 07:10:39 pm

Mount it high enough that it ABOVE the level of the fuel tank.

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #32 – August 29, 2017, 06:31:11 am

Yes.

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #33 – August 29, 2017, 07:47:17 am

Don are you talking about the DAVCO Fuel Pro 382?

It seems that DAVCO makes a fuel polisher, the Shop Pro FXP that sweeps the tank and transfers the fuel back into the tank in the same process. Can't seem to see how much for the equipment. It may not be too difficult to build something to do the same thing. You can lean the coach, sweep the bottom of the tank and return the fuel at the same time.
John M

DAVCO Shop Pro FXP and Shop Pro ST

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #34 – August 29, 2017, 08:41:58 am

Quote from: Don & Tys (AKA acousticart) – August 28, 2017, 11:39:54 pm

Is this to prevent siphoning while changing the filter?
Don

No. If mounted above tank level, the level of fuel in the Davco shows level of restriction. If lower, filter will perform properly, but fuel level in the filter is not indicative of fuel restriction.

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #35 – August 29, 2017, 10:46:32 am

Thanks Brett, that makes sense. I haven't gotten as far as reading the instructions for installing yet, but that tidbit helps with the thinking process. The Davao Fuel Pro 382 is a lot taller than the Racor, so I will have to see where I can mount it. It will involve extending the fuel lines (at least the input side), but once I figure out where to locate the 382 I believe I can obtain some braided stainless steel wrapped hoses from Summit Racing or similar.
Don

Quote from: wolfe10 – August 29, 2017, 08:41:58 am

No. If mounted above tank level, the level of fuel in the Davco shows level of restriction. If lower, filter will perform properly, but fuel level in the filter is not indicative of fuel restriction.

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #36 – August 29, 2017, 11:00:41 am

Quote from: John Morales – August 29, 2017, 07:47:17 am

Don are you talking about the DAVCO Fuel Pro 382?

Yes, that is the one. I saw that shop pro as well, and although I would like to borrow one for awhile

, I don't think this will be an ongoing need (fingers crossed, knock on wood, etc.). However, I did find that Racor has what looks to be a more portable and affordable option;
Racor P510MAM Multipass Fuel Polisher - Fuel Filter Water Separator - P510MAM
It is certainly feasible to build a fuel polishing set up. As I see it, you would need a filter housing and a transfer pump rated for diesel with a duty cycle that will allow for continuous use, some tubing and a way to mount the set up so that you can flip the switch and walk away (don't forget to set a timer

)
Don
It seems that DAVCO makes a fuel polisher, the Shop Pro FXP that sweeps the tank and transfers the fuel back into the tank in the same process. Can't seem to see how much for the equipment. It may not be too difficult to build something to do the same thing. You can lean the coach, sweep the bottom of the tank and return the fuel at the same time.
John M

DAVCO Shop Pro FXP and Shop Pro ST
[/quote]

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #37 – August 29, 2017, 11:37:35 am

Don,
I searched Northern Tool and found this portable system. Just need to add a I line filter system. Maybe if someone is swapping out their primary filter they could use their old filter system on this.

John M.

Roughneck Portable 12V Fuel Transfer Pump Kit — 10 GPM, Manual Nozzle, Hose...

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #38 – August 29, 2017, 12:27:08 pm

John,
It could work in a pinch, but the manual states;

Quote

Extreme operating conditions with working cycles longer than 30 minutes can cause the motor
temperature to rise, thus damaging the motor itself.
2. Each 30-minute working cycle should always be followed by a 30-minute power-off cooling
phase.
3. MAXIMUM BY-PASSING TIME: 2 MINUTES.
4. DO NOT RUN DRY OVER 30 SECONDS.

So if it worked at its optimal flow rate of 10 gallons per minute (unlikely with a filter in front of it?), then a 30 minute duty cycle would theoretically run a full tank through about twice before having to turn it off for 30 minutes. Still, this could be a potentially effective first aid by rigging the pick-up tubing with a length of welding rod or similar so that you could make sure it is picking up from the bottom, along with titling the coach as Brett was suggesting. Not as portable as just a length of tubing and a little lung power, but certainly better tasting! The Racor P510MAM Multipass Fuel Polisher unit is nicely packaged unit and obviously fit for the job... tempting. I have the Harbor Freight version of the Roughneck and its restricted duty cycle and the specs are the same. I don't have it with me, or I would have been figuring out a way to use it to suck out the muck when I first discovered the issue. The Harbor Freight unit works very well for extracting fuel from a portable tank (I bought the 14 gallon unit from Northern to use with it), but it didn't come with the case...
Don
Don

Quote from: John Morales – August 29, 2017, 11:37:35 am

Don,
I searched Northern Tool and found this portable system. Just need to add a I line filter system. Maybe if someone is swapping out their primary filter they could use their old filter system on this.

John M.

Roughneck Portable 12V Fuel Transfer Pump Kit — 10 GPM, Manual Nozzle, Hose...

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #39 – August 29, 2017, 06:10:54 pm

Don, I am glad you were able to recover and get home. I read your troubles with attention.

I wonder if one fills up the tank when tank if half full all the time and keeps is full when parked for more than a week or so, is it possible to have better odds of not having such issues.

Thank you,
AL

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #40 – August 29, 2017, 07:30:53 pm

Hopefully my comments have not already been addressed here.

The use of bio diesel fuels has cleaned out a lot of old crud and algae deposits according to my cummins dealer service writer today.

My coach had issues with hard starting after sitting when we got it.

Bad fuel lines. Cracked.

Cummins printout shows our m11 is ok with b20 fuel.

An additive helps the resulting rougher idle the bio fuel seems to show on our coach.

Closest place to us in ca with non bio fuel was the maverick fuel station in fillup utah.

550? Miles on i15 from home.

So with a 120 gallons left of non bio adding the b20 will end up at maybe b8 or so.

Will add my additive just before the fill. And the biocide.

The additive according to a question answer on amazon contains some alcohol.

My experience is that alcohol allows the water to mix with the fuel if present

With the additive the motor is quieter as is the gen and both idle/run smoother.

No idea if that means our injectors are bad? The service guy was not sure on that

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #41 – August 29, 2017, 08:56:11 pm

In today times with bio fuel being the norm and our coaches sitting so much. I think you need a biocide that prevents the growth of the microbial more then one that cleans it up after the growth has started. For years I used Sta-Bil Biocide on the boat in gray and dark Seattle...

Some thoughts about todays fuel. When I first bought the Foretravel I was using Pacific Pride or CFN for fuel with no issues... that was until I got the bill after fueling away from my home supplier... ouch..... So I started to fuel at Sam's club, Safeway, and like places... partly because of price and also I just don't like truck stops. Most non truck stops are pumping B20.. (20% Bio/ 80%) diesel.......one thing I noticed was a drop in average fuel mileage, doing some old school math, given the mileage loss my cheeper fuel is in fact costing me more. Also before I replaced the Aqua Hot running B20 I noticed the colder it got the less my Aqua hot liked the fuel and would soot up...... With the Oasis heater it burns the B20 but you can sure tell the difference in the burn sound... This spring on my trip north I went back to non bio fuel or no more then 10% and fueling at Pac Pride, CFN or the dreaded truck stops and my fuel mileage is back up and the Oasis is sounding much happier. Just some thoughts YMMV.... Cheers
Ted

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #42 – September 19, 2017, 01:03:47 am

Update to this (and maybe a few other threads).
1.) Regarding the stolen license plate: Anybody had a towed license plate stolen while out of country?
We made through the border crossing with no difficulty whatsoever.

Unless there is a compelling reason somewhere along the way, we will wait until we get back to CA before addressing the issue further. Yay!
2.) Regarding the intermittent stop engine light: Intermittent Stop Engine Light
No reoccurrence of the stop engine demon since the last filter change, another kill dose of Bio Kleen (Power Service biocide), and Clear Diesel (Power Service additive that disperses water and other contaminants, including the dead micro organisms that clump together after biocide treatment), and we have done 600 plus miles since the those measures were taken. Find My Product | Power Service
I am pretty convinced that these products have proven effective, along with all the filter changes. I will keep stocks of this on hand! The next step will be to change the fuel/water separator primary filtration (Racor R90P) for the Davco 382. After that, I may consider a lift pump upgrade/modification (still researching). I have one other issue which I will start a new thread for, and that is a check engine light caused by a high intake manifold temperature reading that only seems to happen at or near the beginning of the days travel, clears itself (I see the temperature drop from a high of 180~190º to around 90º or so depending on ambient), so I suspect it may have something to do with the grid heater solenoid sticking on... well all that is for another thread.

Regarding the stop engine light do to a low or no oil pressure reading;
Leaving Las Vegas.... Engine in limp mode, issue with oil pressure sender?
Putting in the sensor from a 24 valve 98' to 02' ISB has fixed that problem completely, except for the fact the oil pressure gauge on the VMSpc screen reads way high, but is consistent. I believe I can address it by changing the multiplier value of the oil pressure gauge in the VMSpc software, just haven't gotten around to it. If you have read the thread linked above, you know that Cummins has superseded the original sensor with one that is basically an on off switch. Okay, as long as the ECM is happy with it, but installing it requires you to make a change on a large multi pin connector and reflash the ECM so that the ECM isn't pining over the loss of a beloved sensor. In my opinion, using the ISB sensor instead of all the hassle installing the new version of the sensor and the required wire harness modification (the big multi pin plug is in a pretty inaccessible location, and I don't think Cummins will reflash the ECM for free...), is a no brainer.
I think that brings me up to date on those threads, but there will be spin off's no doubt

Don

Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 10, 2025 ...

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #25 – August 27, 2017, 09:51:45 am

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #26 – August 27, 2017, 11:18:27 am

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #27 – August 27, 2017, 01:29:34 pm

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #28 – August 28, 2017, 06:59:19 pm

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #29 – August 28, 2017, 07:10:39 pm

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #30 – August 28, 2017, 07:43:48 pm

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #31 – August 28, 2017, 11:39:54 pm

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #32 – August 29, 2017, 06:31:11 am

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #33 – August 29, 2017, 07:47:17 am

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #34 – August 29, 2017, 08:41:58 am

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #35 – August 29, 2017, 10:46:32 am

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #36 – August 29, 2017, 11:00:41 am

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #37 – August 29, 2017, 11:37:35 am

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #38 – August 29, 2017, 12:27:08 pm

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #39 – August 29, 2017, 06:10:54 pm

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #40 – August 29, 2017, 07:30:53 pm

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #41 – August 29, 2017, 08:56:11 pm

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #42 – September 19, 2017, 01:03:47 am

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