Generator is cutting out ??

Topic: Generator is cutting out ?? (Read 1792 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #50 – January 07, 2014, 03:36:39 pm

Carl, This has been and still is a real ordeal for you and your family. I am in ATL so I am no help.
All of this just highlights how important it is to do a thorough pretrip inspection so that at least when you leave you know that all systems are working, alternator, batteries, generator, fans and belts tires lights etc. Knowing that everything is ready to go at the start of a trip can ensure that you have a safe trip and can enjoy it with your family.
Don't mean to suggest Carl that you are in any way at fault for your present predicament.
Gary B

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #51 – January 07, 2014, 04:19:18 pm

Do you have Coach-Net or any kind of "break-down" insurance coverage? I'd call a heavy duty wrecker out and get a jump start. You need to get that engine started, and it doesn't sound like your on-board systems are going to get the job done.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #52 – January 07, 2014, 04:28:41 pm

Just got off the phone with Carl and he still can't get his 3208 started:
-Block heater on for 3+ hours.
-Engine is spinning faster (compared to when block heater wasn't working) and with adequate speed (his estimation).
-On occasion, when the engine is first cranked it sounds like it fires on a cylinder or two but then nothing as it continues to crank over.

That last item makes me think the lifter pump might be weak and at 10 deg F might not work at all. I suggested he try to give the hand pump next to the fuel filters a try and see if it makes any difference. He talked to his mechanic back home by phone but its been a few hours since then. The mechanic only suggested to give the block heater some time and told him not to use ether. He's going to try to talk to him again.
He is at an RV park in Ohio somewhere between Dayton and Springfield. He doesn't have a toad nor road service.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #53 – January 07, 2014, 04:54:21 pm

John I don't know the temps you have now, But living in northern MN I know that three hours with you block heater is probably not long enough. Especially if your batteries get a little run down. I know how hard it is to sit and wait for the block heater to work. My block heater was unplugged when I got my FT. Must be something that people did that lived and traveled in warm climates. Be patient, let the block heater work and good luck. Mark

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #54 – January 07, 2014, 04:58:24 pm

Sorry Carl, I saw John on the previous post and I got my names mixed up. Mark

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #55 – January 07, 2014, 05:33:53 pm

Carl,

Look for the manual primer pump on the fuel filter housing. Unscrew it (counter clockwise). Pump in/out until very hard to pump. Screw in to secure. Try again. If for any reason the engine has lost its prime, this will get fuel to the injectors.

Assume you have called Caterpillar to find out if ether is OK: 877 777-3126. They will need your engine serial number to be able to look it up.

All it takes to start a diesel is fuel and engine turning over.

And, if house batteries are charged, use the boost switch while cranking.

Brett

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #56 – January 07, 2014, 07:11:10 pm

I would not use ether as a starting fluid. When I was driving big rigs if I needed a "boost" to start I used WD40 for that additional boost. Worked for me. Seems like I remember squirting the WD40 aftertie filter, took a bit of dis-assemby but the CAT fired right up.

Roland

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #57 – January 07, 2014, 08:15:49 pm

Quote from: Roland Begin – January 07, 2014, 07:11:10 pm

I would not use ether as a starting fluid. When I was driving big rigs if I needed a "boost" to start I used WD40 for that additional boost. Worked for me. Seems like I remember squirting the WD40 aftertie filter, took a bit of dis-assemby but the CAT fired right up.

Roland

Yes, I asked Carl if he had any WD-40 on hand, he didn't. I tried calling about 3 hours ago and only got his voicemail. I told him not to call back if he was on the road. Hopefully that's what happened and he is heading home now.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #58 – January 07, 2014, 10:27:58 pm

This is Carls wife & I'm typing for him- several hrs ago while still day light John suggested I call my mechanic - so I did we checked both fuel filters & loosened the 1 w/the primer & after I primed it a few times & nothing came out I tightened it back up. Then he suggested I get back on the engine compartment & loosen the inlet on the fuel pump & I did. I then had my 16yo straddle the engine w/ a flash light to watch for leaks while I hand primed it. Allot of foam & air was in the line, after fliud appeared we tightened it back up. It was suggested that I turn the engine over & push my ether button a few times, it chugged & sputtered but would not start, & all this time my mechnic/neighbor stayed on the phone w/ me. He said at 1 point as it was nearing dark & a really long day of struggles that he felt as if I was 1 can of starting fluid away from getting on the road. About that time the man who owned the camp ground came looking for money - a huge $25 & I gave him the $31 I had on me. Holding tanks where filling & water levels & food was draining & attitudes where challenged. The park owner said there was a gas station about 3/4 mile down the road & maybe I could find a ride as it was getting dark. I felt this was a good time to ask if he was actually offering the ride , he didn't look real excited but said he could run me up there. His Park was full of what appeared to be very low income people & I think he felt at first I was a slacker looking for a hand out after talking awhile that was not the case & took me to 2 places before we found starter fluid. I didn't use his water or dump & was only there for electrify & told him if I was there any longer i'd find more $ for him. The day has been full of allot of conversations w/ God, tested faith, & alot of hopefulness. ... and now it's dark out. I called my neighbor back & he directed me on how to use the starter fluid while someone cranked the engine it was very uncomfortable but I trust this guy w/my life. My wife cranked the engine while I sprayed starter fluid & she let off the key & I kept it running w/ short burst of starter fluid. After a few s seconds it was idling on its own & to think it may have started much earlier in the day.

Oh by the way, I found out after about 5 hrs that there's a chance my block heater only worked for a very sorry time in the beginning because it was cold. .... my friend stayed on the line as I locked up my bays & put away tools & asked if I wanted to try the generator. Now that I had starter fluid I was ready to take on the world. He suggested I crank it&give it s very slight spray of fluid when I mentioned i have to let the glow plugs warm up he told me to stop! That it would blow up so we abandoned that idea. So we are finally on the road! ! As I pulled out of the park I tooted my horn & something felt off but couldn't put my finger on it. As we turned left towards the Highway I could feel something pulling to the right & all I could think of was that I had a flat tire. I respect these breaks because I've heard they can over heat & catch fire & all though we are all very tired & beat up & want to go home I have to make sure we are 100% safe . We crossed the Highway & I showed my wife how hard it was turning to the right do we pulled into a large dark parking lot. I checked the tire pressure & all was good & I was thankful. I did a little test w/ the break off shifting from drive to neutral to reverse & back & it didn't seem to roll freely. As u may know from previous posts every part of my rear breaks are new. So I knew it was not those. I called my friend & he told me what tools to get out of the tool box & to bundle up. I crawled under the front end w/ the engine still running & the air break on & he proceed to walk me thru completely adjusting the front slack adjusters & after about 1 hr of laying on the cold ice covered pavement w/a cell phone to 1 ear, a flash light in 1 hand & tools in the other the operation was a success. We've now been on the road for 1 hr & everything is looking pretty good (not prefect) but we are heading home. It's been a very trying time these past few days. I've questioned to myself weather my wife &I would get into a fight about her wanting to sell the couch , I've even thought to myself about selling it a time or two. It's really an excellant coach and is never failed is before and last night's conditions of -42 windchill was totally extreme I've learned allot about myself &c the coach it needs a little attention here & there but I just can't see not having it & it doesn't owe me a dime I think we've done well as a family in dealing with the whole experience & will be tighter because of it we've added to the list of must haves in the tool box & are looking to get home safely. I can not express how thankful I am for each & everyone of you near & far - you are all amazing people & I'm so very greatful. That's all for now & thanks again

Ps I've not seen much or heard much of Dave Head can someone please let me know that things are week with him - love u guys

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #59 – January 07, 2014, 11:59:22 pm

Carl,
You & your family have survived the worst temperature conditions any of us on this forum ever have with our coaches. I wasn't much help, but if you would have called me, the least I would have done is to provide parking and a place to stay the night in our home on a very very cold windy night.

Now...I am going to suggest to you that you need to improve upon your coach exercise program so this stuff does not happen again. Driving the coach about once a month or even every 6 weeks enables you to check on things and ensure all parts that require lubricant to work or gaskets to keep fluids in place do what they are supposed to do. If you are interested I'd me more than glad to send you a write-up of my coach exercise program.

All the best and I hope you made it home safe and sound. I know the weather is still pretty bad tonight, so I hope you guys did not encounter any dangerous winds or more extreme cold.

You're more adventureous than I ever would be because i'm too chicken to drive the coach to FL during the winter months when the weather is really bad.

Stay well.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #60 – January 08, 2014, 12:09:15 am

At those temps the normal batteries have volts but no amps. At least that's my understanding. My old bluebirds from the 80's had battery heating plates attached to all the batteries.

Batteries can freeze as far as I am aware.

Bob

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #61 – January 08, 2014, 01:34:03 am

Peter - I certainly don't want you to feel offended having made the offer, I believe that I did not see your post until we had well passed your place (or maybe even very early this morning) & really appreciate you & your offer. We are still heading North coming up to Flint mi right now & still have away to go. We've seen some of the worse icey roads I've ever seen in my life & we've only made it this far because I don't know any better! I would certainly like u to send over your exercise program my email is carlsandel@charter.net. Thanks again &much appreciated!

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #62 – January 08, 2014, 05:53:59 am

Just pulled in the drive at home. 8 hours and never needed a potty or pull over break. Drove about 55 miles an hour. Off to bed now, ya'll have a great day!

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #63 – January 08, 2014, 10:43:26 am

Quote from: Caflashbob – January 08, 2014, 12:09:15 am

At those temps the normal batteries have volts but no amps. At least that's my understanding. My old bluebirds from the 80's had battery heating plates attached to all the batteries.

Batteries can freeze as far as I am aware.

Bob

They even make battery blankets. They are actually like pads. You can put styrofoam around your battery, cut to shape, to keep help keep the batteries heat inside them. But battery blankets are not that expensive. Kind of like a heating pad, but they also have insulating qualities without being plugged in.

But it sounds like the generators glow plugs might be bad. You can check them with a volt ohm meter, using the resistance coil. And if you do have glow plugs, you do want to avoid starting fluid ether at all costs!!! You also can check the chassis engine block heater the same way. Block heaters do burn out.

These ultra cold winter temperatures really test, not just our bodies and minds, but also our engines. One of the reasons that I run synthetic lubrications. Their pour point is so much lower than dino 15W-45. And you can pick up Rotella T6 in gallon jugs at any Walmart.

Carl, glad you safely made it home! Quite a adventure!

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #64 – January 08, 2014, 11:35:28 am

I had the problem last year;

Turned out the hose from the Diesel tank to the Genset was cracked, and admitting air;

Required replacing of that hose; glad the FT at the plant was right there to do it.

RRE

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #65 – January 08, 2014, 03:24:00 pm

Ah! Carl is home at last! I'm pleased you made it without physical damage to people and coach. I hope the emotional damage is minimal. You have some great stories to tell!

I agree with recommendations to exercise the coach. I found that our alternator had failed when I started the coach for an exercise run. That allowed me to get it fixed before a "real" trip.

I try to make sure our coach moves at least every 30 days. For me, an exercise run is about 20-25 miles. I have to drive about six miles to get to a highway, which allows the coach to warm nicely at an easy pace. On the highway, I generally spend a bit of time at 60-75 mph, depending on the speed limit. That gets everything up to operating temperature. I honk horns, exercise all mirror adjusters, run furnaces, run generator, run roof air conditioners, run dash air conditioner, exercise roof vents, run some water at each sink, flush toilet, operate propane water heater, look for drips and leaks, etc.

Peter's list will probably be comprehensive.

Best wishes for a more enjoyable trip next time.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #66 – January 08, 2014, 05:03:16 pm

Carl, glad you made it home safe and sound. Someday you will look back at it and laugh, I hope that day is soon. Don't give up on the rig, if it had been your car, you wouldn't get rid of it would you? Lets face it, the learning experience is worth something, once you are out of the dangerous situation. If nothing else, others like myself with limited experience will be able to take the warning example which you have provided. First on my list is Coach Net or something similar. I don't like crawling around on the ground in those conditions. I would rather pay someone else to if possible.

Larry

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #67 – January 08, 2014, 08:57:24 pm

Quote from: Carl Sandel – January 08, 2014, 05:53:59 am

Just pulled in the drive at home. 8 hours and never needed a potty or pull over break. Drove about 55 miles an hour. Off to bed now, ya'll have a great day!

The use you survived is the extreme test of preparedness and skill.

Not easy to below zero Rv. Perfect setup and parts needed for safety. Sometimes the only way to know is to do it. Maybe a local winter trip would be safer?

Not easy to Rv on a tight budget either so to make it home was an good thing.

Hats off. Good job.

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Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #50 – January 07, 2014, 03:36:39 pm

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #51 – January 07, 2014, 04:19:18 pm

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #52 – January 07, 2014, 04:28:41 pm

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #53 – January 07, 2014, 04:54:21 pm

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #54 – January 07, 2014, 04:58:24 pm

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #55 – January 07, 2014, 05:33:53 pm

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #56 – January 07, 2014, 07:11:10 pm

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #57 – January 07, 2014, 08:15:49 pm

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #58 – January 07, 2014, 10:27:58 pm

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #59 – January 07, 2014, 11:59:22 pm

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #60 – January 08, 2014, 12:09:15 am

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #61 – January 08, 2014, 01:34:03 am

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #62 – January 08, 2014, 05:53:59 am

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #63 – January 08, 2014, 10:43:26 am

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #64 – January 08, 2014, 11:35:28 am

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #65 – January 08, 2014, 03:24:00 pm

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #66 – January 08, 2014, 05:03:16 pm

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #67 – January 08, 2014, 08:57:24 pm

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