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Topic: Intermittent Stop Engine Light (Read 3431 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #20 –
Don, I read that Diesel lube chart a few years ago and started using the Amsoil one (of course) and  "Diesel Kleen etc. Luckily never had algea problem and the fuel lines have not been changed and no hint of air problem. I firmly believe that due to us spending time in Mexico every winter and filling up with their diesel (mostly non ULS) and bringing 10 galls back in cans to add to next few fills has kept the hoses in ok shape. Have looked at them on tank top and no cracking but wrapped them in "resue tape " just to be safe.
Before putting in the Maple hardwood flooring I cut a hole thru floor to tank top to inspect and did the wrapping then.
I use Biocide every 3 months too.
JohnH

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #21 –
When my injection pump sprung a leak from an access port years ago, the transient supressor was damaged by the diesel saturation. I limped home and had Cummins replace the part. It was cheap.

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #22 –
Don- been there done that.

2 things I have had happen-1 the fuel- kill it with algaecide  and filter out the bad stuff.  If you want to you can make a simple stand alone filter system, connect it with fuel hose, use a small pump and pump your fuel through the filter and back into your tank.  Probably will go through a number of filters and take time, but it can be done.  Best way is if you are low on fuel to filter it to a drum and then filter it back but I am sure you don't have that kind of equipment with you on the road.  If not, get more primary filters and change change change.

2- regarding the CAPS pump, I was having a bad time, changed filters, etc, still getting check engine light, power derating etc.  Took it to Cummins Coach Care in West Chester Ohio and thought it was the CAPS, uggggggh.  Turned out the pump was not working right because the wires from the ECM to the pump were shorting out- caused by being tight, heat, vibrations, etc.  The fix was to take apart the wires, cut out the shorts and splice new wire in, they did put in some extra length so the wires were not so tight.  Buttoned it up and no more problems.  Took about 3 hours labor and 1.5 hours diagnostic time.  With my Cummins Power Club card I got out for under $600- didn't know it was possible to get out of anywhere for under a coach buck.  Check the wiring first before spending big bucks on the CAPS pump.

Hopefully your issue is just fuel but if not I hope my experience can help.  Best of luck Don.        ^.^d

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #23 –
We made it to Shelby Montana, driving mostly by the boost gage to forestall the dreaded "Stop Engine" light. I have added more biocide, Power Service Bio-Clean, and Clear Diesel fuel and tank cleaner. The Biocide isn't commonly available at truck stops, by which I surmise that it isn't a common trucker problem since they get fresh fuel at the major truck stop chains. We filled up in Great Falls (we still had half a tank of the questionable stuff) with plain ol' Diesel #2 summer blend. The current primary filter I will change out tomorrow. The Clear Diesel product is supposed to disperse water and "slime" so that it isn't clumped and therefore won't clog the filter. I noticed a change for the positive after the first day I put that in. I added more along with a kill dose of the Biocide with this fill up. Still to do is get a piece of clear tubing to reach the bottom of the tank so I can take a sample from the bottom where the slime coalesces. I am developing a new list of must have stuff to take with me... Hopefully, I will have that down before it is time to hang up the keys!
Tommorow's travel should bring some clarity to this situation, but I am convinced that contaminated fuel is the root cause of this problem. The electronic engines can seem finicky when this kind of situation arises, but without that level of system monitoring, I might drive on blissfully unaware of impending doom by the side of the road. That's my story and I am sticking to it ::)
Don

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #24 –
Question, I have had diesel mbz in Kansas for almost 20 years and never had an issue with algae or even added a fuel additive.

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #25 –
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 –
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 –
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 –
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 –
Quote from: Don & Tys (AKA acousticart) –
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 –
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 #32 –
Yes.

Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #33 –
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 –
Quote from: Don & Tys (AKA acousticart) –
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 –
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 –
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 –
Quote from: John Morales –
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 :D , 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
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Re: Intermittent Stop Engine Light

Reply #38 –
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 –
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 –
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