More coach bucks

Topic: More coach bucks (Read 9645 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #25 – January 07, 2017, 10:23:49 am

That's normal. I get it too.

You need someone under the engine when you fill the black tank to see exactly where it's coming from.

Pierce

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #26 – January 07, 2017, 11:02:42 am

lift up the bed so you can see the engine. when you start to add water it seems it dosnt take too much before it starts to leak, then it stops , that tells me the leak is somewhere up on the engine where it's coming out. Maybe a freeze plug ,Do they have freeze plugs?I'm not sure just a thought. Maybe you get inside the coach and have wife add water while you look where it's coming from or vice versa.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #27 – January 07, 2017, 11:15:21 am

I would guess it to be an external leak. If it is a head gasket the water is blown out the water overflow or into the oil pan, same with liners. Fill it up with water and check for leaks. From the sounds of what you are saying you probably don't even have to put pressure on it. Check the block heater.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #28 – January 07, 2017, 06:38:33 pm

I have to agree with Brett and Texas Guy. If the mechanics can't see and point out where exactly the leak is coming from, then they don't know. As in all things, the first step is get information. Considering what you've told us, it is highly unlikely that you've burned up your engine; usually there is some event leading up to a failure (over heating, etc). If it was a cracked block or blown head gasket, I would expect to see a lot of white smoke from the exhaust. A heavy leak sounds like a split hose, but you need to find out, so another expert opinion (mechanic) would be a good idea - better if they don't know each other.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #29 – January 07, 2017, 08:37:00 pm

I would start with the block heater. All was good till it was used.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #30 – January 07, 2017, 08:53:19 pm

Well, the block heater has been in use for a couple of years now. It was in use the night before we left and was in use at the time of the leak. I suspect that it may now be dead since I think it was on when the tank emptied. If we end up with a reman or overhaul I'll see about having the heater mounted closer to the bottom of the engine instead of at the top.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #31 – January 07, 2017, 09:57:37 pm

Whoa! Now is not the time to talk reman or replace. Rebuild your engine in the parking lot of the shop? No way. I'm hearing too much guessing, and all on your dime. Do not let them start taking your engine apart, playing hunt and peck. You need a competent Detroit tech who can most likely diagnose exactly what is happening in very short order. Calling Pamela and Mike's guy in Odessa would probably be a very well spent dime.

No coolant in oil, , a "drip drip drip" leak, no evil smoke, running well yesterday. Sounds like a coolant leak that drained the coolant header tank, and the low coolant sensor triggered a dash light. Nothing catastrophic there.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #32 – January 07, 2017, 10:08:04 pm

What Chuck said +1000

I can't imagine you need a new engine or overhaul-don't resign yourself to that!

Unless you have a gaping hole in the block sounds like you likely have a bad hose somewhere. Good advice above- get a flashlight and see where the water is coming from- if its leaking that bad shouldn't take long.

Best of luck to you

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #33 – January 07, 2017, 11:11:37 pm

David, I think it is time to just think for a second as others have said. I am no DD tech but my goodness do you have money to throw it away???
Have a real good check done to see why the coolant has gone and so far that sounds like your problem.
This could be a really simple problem and let others ( that have no monertary interest in it) "preach to you" not a repair shop that has not given you a decisive reason for the problem.
This is why they are Forum members here- to help in times needed, not to make a buck but to save it!
Take care
JohnH

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #34 – January 08, 2017, 08:02:07 am

I think the shop here has been trying to get the big things lined up just in case they are needed. Unfortunately, none of their suppliers have called back yet, and both the parts department and I are getting a little unhappy about that. Tomorrow I'm going to leave Jo Ann here in the hotel and I'll go to the shop and see if we can't do a bit more diagnosing.

I tend to agree that it is something comparatively minor, rather than a dead engine, since all was fine until Wednesday morning. I'm guessing that when we're all done here I'll have some new hose/pipe, o-rings, and a new block heater.

That brings up another question. Right now the block heater is in a small tank high up on the street side. Isn't there another place, down lower, that it could also go? Maybe this would be the time to move it to a better location?

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #35 – January 08, 2017, 08:26:36 am

Now doesn't seem like the time or place to redesign a 23 year old block heating system.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #36 – January 08, 2017, 08:59:58 am

I think the shop here has been trying to get the big things lined up just in case they are needed

This would raise my eyebrows When they haven't even looked at where it's leaking from? Keep us posted I hope everything works out and it's something simple.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #37 – January 08, 2017, 09:09:30 am

Is it possible you could try pressurizing the coolant system with air until you hear or see the leak? Just stick an air hose in the top of your radiator and hold a rag around the hose/opening. Turn on the air while someone is down under looking for the leak. Don't need high pressure, but cheap way to find leak. You should have everything you need right there: air hose, compressor, radiator, rag, observer, and leak!
If the leak is still hard to find try cleaning the suspect area with rags and degreaser first.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #38 – January 08, 2017, 09:38:50 am

David looking from the back of your coach, look behind your AC compressor and there should be a plate with 4 bolts that is where the block heater goes on the 6/92.that location will heat the block water better then at the thermostat.

k heres the right one ( thanks Chuck)

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #39 – January 08, 2017, 10:30:00 am

I feel your pain no fun being stuck. But like Brett and others have said you might well serve yourself to get to a 2 stroke Detroit shop. Towing will be pricey but ma save you a bunch of $$$$, sounds like these guys don't want to fool with your coach. I doubt you need a complete motor.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #40 – January 08, 2017, 11:22:36 am

You might call coachnet and ask to be towed to a competent repair facility. Two years ago they did a second tow for me. The cost to me was $0 dollars
Bill

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #41 – January 08, 2017, 11:32:12 am

David,
Regarding the block heater, I believe the upper location (as you described) is the standard location on Foretravel 6V92s.
I installed a lower one in the following thread but also kept the original one too as a back up since starting in cold weather without one is so difficult. I had to drill a clearance hole in the A/C compressor bracket but not that difficult.
Alternate Block Heater on 6V92 Detroits

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #42 – January 08, 2017, 12:05:26 pm

Quote from: JohnFitz – January 08, 2017, 11:32:12 am

David,
Regarding the block heater, I believe the upper location (as you described) is the standard location on Foretravel 6V92s.
I installed a lower one in the following thread but also kept the original one too as a back up since starting in cold weather without one is so difficult. I had to drill a clearance hole in the A/C compressor bracket but not that difficult.
Alternate Block Heater on 6V92 Detroits

@Dave,

I did this upgrade on my coach following John's advise. It was one of the better upgrades I've done. I use it before every cold start! Saw an AquaHot talk where the rep said any start below 90º is a cold start. With the heater in the new location I only get a short puff of white smoke starting the coach. I left the old heater in place so I have 2 block heaters now. If it's going to be below 32º I run both all night! Easy start in the morning. You'll need the Hotstart DDV-151B. I don't see any on ebay at the moment but keep checking. I picked mine up for $35. The upgrade is an easy DYI. The only difficult part is you have to drain & dispose of 18 gallons of antifreeze.

I recommend waiting until you need to change antifreeze. Humm...now that I think of it that's what you are doing now!

Have the shop price out a Hotstart for you. Now might be the time to change out.

see ya
ken

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #43 – January 08, 2017, 07:29:15 pm

Here is the exact block heater for the Detroit 2 cycles: Engine Block Heater fits Detroit Diesel Silver Series 6V-92 with ... | eBay

A lot of starter motors would still be working if Foretravel put the heater in the right location.

Good post Ken and John!

Pierce

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #44 – January 08, 2017, 09:37:15 pm

My solution to cold starts.
Cold weather operations recommendation

STAY OUT OF THE COLD

South in the winter.

North is the summer

Stay home June 1st thru August 31st *

*That is when those unfortunate people with jobs or children in school get to travel !!!!!

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #45 – January 08, 2017, 11:21:45 pm

Lot of hot air coming out of Texas. Might be good year around!

Pierce

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #46 – January 09, 2017, 12:37:08 pm

Just got back from the shop. They have put water into the reservoir and it IS coming from inside the engine. They have gotten parts and a reman engine lined up, so fixing won't be an issue. Unfortunately, they have only one Detroit man, and he has four trucks ahead of us. The estimate is that they will move us into a service bay on Monday, open up the engine, and see what is actually damaged before deciding how to proceed.

I'm thinking that I'd like to be there when they move the coach. Will they try starting the engine (below 60 degrees, no block heater), or will they have a tow truck come out and move it? Should be interesting to watch. Once they have the coach in a bay I can shut the generator off and plug it in.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #47 – January 09, 2017, 03:40:51 pm

Do our engines have freeze plugs on the engine block? If so, maybe with the cold one popped. Just asking. This may be a stupid question from a newbie.

John M

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #48 – January 09, 2017, 03:42:29 pm

Demand to see where it is coming from "inside the engine". I dont believe it. Ive had detroits for years and have had many simple coolant leaks that drain down somewhere else and cause it to appear to be somewhere else.

I cannot buy that you need a reman engine for a loss of coolant. Another way to track it down is to pressurize with 4-5psi of air. Air makes diagnosis much easier as it doesnt drip. Unless you feel the puff, you arent at the point of the leak.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #49 – January 09, 2017, 04:35:08 pm

If you are prepared to replace the engine ,I would consider having it towed to The Stewert Stevenson Detroit place that was mentioned earlier in the thread. Even if you foot the tow bill another opinion from a shop that has qualified 2 stroke techs for a second opinion, Heck maybe it is something simple,a blown gasket etc, That's still way cheaper than a new engine. and At the worst if you still replace the engine, your out the cost of the tow. Heck we can probably throw a Foretravel Pot Luck Supper to help raise money for the tow bill if necessary

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