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Topic: Cummins Diesel 400HP will not run more than 5 seconds after 3 weeks storage (Read 713 times) previous topic - next topic

Cummins Diesel 400HP will not run more than 5 seconds after 3 weeks storage

Hi there,
We live at 6500' and needed to move our coach to a lower elevation.  We recently put our 2007 Nimbus 336 in storage for the winter - no electric available at storage site.  We disconnected the engine batteries and when we returned 3 weeks later the engine will turn over for about 5 seconds then turn off.  There was black and white engine exhaust coming from the back pipe.  We called the Emergency service and tried to prime the fuel line by turning the key on for 45 seconds then off (15 seconds) several times and then used the booster switch on the 3 sequence with no luck.  The coach was fully serviced in May 2016.

It is being stored in a fairly level area - I am thinking of using the leveling system to tilt the RV to the back and see if that would help the fuel line....

Any ideas?

Kath & Mike

Thanks,
Kath & Mike
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 336
Toad 2022 Jeep Gladiator Overland edition

Re: Cummings Diesel 400HP will not run more than 5 seconds after 3 weeks storage

Reply #1 –
Is it turning over for 5 seconds or running for 5 seconds? The fuel pickup is usually in the center of the tank. Can you start the generator and let it bring the batteries up/
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.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Cummings Diesel 400HP will not run more than 5 seconds after 3 weeks storage

Reply #2 –
Hi Craneman,

Thank you for your response.  I am not sure what the difference is - but it sounds like a normal start up and then quits after 3-5 seconds.  Yes, we have been running the generator each time we go out to the coach - generator is running fine the batteries appear to be fully charged.
Thanks,
Kath & Mike
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 336
Toad 2022 Jeep Gladiator Overland edition

Re: Cummings Diesel 400HP will not run more than 5 seconds after 3 weeks storage

Reply #3 –
Does the engine light come on before it shuts off? Check all fluid levels especially coolant. Do you have access to see if there are any codes?
Toby a 94 u280
Cummins 8.3
6 speed Allison
Exhaust brake


Adopted by Derek and Annabelle

Re: Cummings Diesel 400HP will not run more than 5 seconds after 3 weeks storage

Reply #4 –
Don't you have a primer pump on your primary fuel filter?  Remove Shraeder valve cap, push prime button until fuel exits valve, try to start and repeat if unsuccessful. It sounds like air in the fuel line.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Cummings Diesel 400HP will not run more than 5 seconds after 3 weeks storage

Reply #5 –
Your coach is newer than what I have worked on, but my guess is that it has some protection system shutting it down. like Toby said check all the fluids. Is there any red or orange lights on during the 3 to 5 seconds it runs?
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.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Cummings Diesel 400HP will not run more than 5 seconds after 3 weeks storage

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Kath and Mike Reinert –
Hi Craneman,

Thank you for your response.  I am not sure what the difference is - but it sounds like a normal start up and then quits after 3-5 seconds. 


The question is does just the starter run or does the engine actually start (i.e. you could rev it up)?  Big difference.

And, does the Allison shift pad stay illuminated and in N the whole time?
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: Cummins Diesel 400HP will not run more than 5 seconds after 3 weeks storage

Reply #7 –
Hi Wolfe

Thank you for the clarification. No we cannot rev the engine up.  We will pay closer attention to the lights on the dash next time we go back down - probably in the next two weeks.

Thank you  for taking the time to make a suggestion
Thanks,
Kath & Mike
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 336
Toad 2022 Jeep Gladiator Overland edition

Re: Cummins Diesel 400HP will not run more than 5 seconds after 3 weeks storage

Reply #8 –
 Thank you all!

For all of the suggestions we will be driving back down the hill in about two weeks. And we will try them out and provide feedback.

Thanks,
Kath & Mike
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 336
Toad 2022 Jeep Gladiator Overland edition

Re: Cummins Diesel 400HP will not run more than 5 seconds after 3 weeks storage

Reply #9 –
Hi there,

We figured out what the issue was with the engine start.  Very embarrassed.  We had a cover on the coach and did not realize there was an intake high up on the backside of the RV.  Thank you for all the suggestions - obviously still learning....

Kath & Mike
Thanks,
Kath & Mike
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 336
Toad 2022 Jeep Gladiator Overland edition