Died on idle

Topic: Died on idle (Read 1211 times) previous topic - next topic

Died on idle

October 31, 2018, 07:09:57 pm

Was outside checking air release and it started chugging black smoke at end of course
Would not restart. Never happened before. Maybe I should run rpms up a little when it starts. Thanks

Re: Died on idle

Reply #1 – October 31, 2018, 07:29:27 pm

Does it STILL not re-start?

Re: Died on idle

Reply #2 – October 31, 2018, 08:40:33 pm

Might look to see if something built a nest in your air cleaner

Re: Died on idle

Reply #3 – October 31, 2018, 09:19:40 pm

Yes, maybe that , how long from last run? Is the air filter hose sucked up at the turbo inlet?

Re: Died on idle

Reply #4 – October 31, 2018, 09:33:17 pm

It has been about 3 wks since I have had it on the rd but start it about once a wk
Will check all suggestions tomarrpw a m and try to start it them
Thanks everyone
See you in Quartzsite.

Re: Died on idle

Reply #5 – October 31, 2018, 09:36:12 pm

If the hose and air box look good check the turbo wheel for being stuck .

Re: Died on idle

Reply #6 – October 31, 2018, 11:10:14 pm

Not familiar with the Cat 3208. Does it have something like the fuel shutoff solenoid on my Cummins. If so, and if it malfunctions, could cause a "no start" condition.

Re: Died on idle

Reply #7 – October 31, 2018, 11:20:47 pm

Sounds like combustion air starved due to the black smoke, did not think of the turbo stuck, but the bearings can get coked from lack of cool down period. Will synthetic oil flush the coke? I know it helps prevent the coking.

Re: Died on idle

Reply #8 – November 01, 2018, 10:53:06 am

Sounds like fuel supply problem to me. Filters, lift pump, air in system, etc. With a bad turbo from coking, it should start and idle fine, just no boost. Perhaps blue smoke out the pipe if the turbo seals are bad. Black smoke can indicate several injectors not getting fuel while a couple others are working. Again, fuel supply problem.

No, once a turbo has refined the petro oil to coke, it will need to be replaced or rebuilt. Pretty inexpensive if you look around. Synthetic oil eliminates the coking but so does allowing the oil to cool before shutting the engine down.

Pierce

Re: Died on idle

Reply #9 – November 01, 2018, 02:52:57 pm

Tried again to start in eng. Nothing. Air cleaner no debris. Green on indicator. Has run and started perfect in the month I've had it
Synthetic oil fresh 3 wks ago filter changed. Has over quarter of tank
When it started to idle down saw some black exhaust and could not get on fast enough. So we know it chocked itself off bit don't know the remedy. Don't know for sure if I could check the turbo as some have suggested bit I have it here in storage at the sun cities RV campground. Hope I don't have to call a mechanic. More help, ideas

Re: Died on idle

Reply #10 – November 01, 2018, 02:57:11 pm

I would add more fuel to the tank unless you are positive the gauge is accurate. If not the problem you still have wasted no money.

Re: Died on idle

Reply #11 – November 01, 2018, 03:05:28 pm

Good idea dub will start there

Re: Died on idle

Reply #12 – November 01, 2018, 03:06:43 pm

Have you used the manual fuel primer pump? If so, how many strokes until it became firm (goes from easy to VERY firm in a couple of strokes as air is replaced with fuel).

If no problems with the fuel system it should be very hard to pump even at the start. of pumping.

Re: Died on idle

Reply #13 – November 01, 2018, 03:30:42 pm

After adding more fuel Bigfoot use the primer pump Bret mentioned and your cat may bust right off.

Re: Died on idle

Reply #14 – November 01, 2018, 03:42:21 pm

I don't think it's the turbo, having blown a couple. A turbo can only implode in two ways: the seals can go and you will get a silver/grey smoke and eat tons of oil. A white smoke if the temps are down there. BUT, the engine will still run! The other is a lack of oil, which you will most assuredly hear when it trashes itself. You mentioned a oil change & filter(s) and low fuel. If it's not low fuel, I'd be thinking of a leak (air or fuel). One of the filters on my CAT has a clear bowl, have you looked at that for algae and/or other grungus? Brett told me one time: "The best place to check for air bubbles on the CAT 3116 is on the return fuel line in back of the head toward front of coach, roadside. Easy access with the bed up." Good luck, let us know. BTW, I have records that our coach was serviced by two different shops in the Phoenix area. Let me know if it comes to that.

Re: Died on idle

Reply #15 – November 01, 2018, 05:46:08 pm

Add fuel, use the hand pump. Don't fool with the turbo.

Pierce

Re: Died on idle

Reply #16 – November 01, 2018, 05:48:27 pm

Actually, I would try the manual primer pump FIRST. If it is hard to pump, you HAVE FUEL.

Re: Died on idle

Reply #17 – November 01, 2018, 06:18:57 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – November 01, 2018, 05:48:27 pm

Actually, I would try the manual primer pump FIRST. If it is hard to pump, you HAVE FUEL.

I would only add to that comment, is to make sure the pump is dogged-down tight after pumping. A trick Brett taught me was to wire-tie a plastic bag over the pump mechanism to prevent dust ingress.

Re: Died on idle

Reply #18 – November 01, 2018, 06:30:52 pm

Getting fuel tomarrow. Used the pump and it would not get firm up so if the pump is good I am thinking lack of fuel is the problem. Thanks to all for the friendly professional advice. I am getting to be pretty well known for the wrong reasons. Ha ha

Re: Died on idle

Reply #19 – November 01, 2018, 06:41:10 pm

If black smoke...engine has .lotts of fuel,, no air for combustion...look inside the tube/pipe/hose from the air filter to the turbo.
If that looks clean and no debris, then remove the filter element and see if it will start...
I have seen a no start/no power./black smoke from having the wrong filter element installed or a rats nest in the tube..(also found a wadded up "T" shirt in one)

I have also seen a cam gear/chain failure ..that gave the same symptoms .

Re: Died on idle

Reply #20 – November 08, 2018, 06:48:37 pm

Finally got it running.

I was trying to change fuel filter by useing a screw driver at the top edge because I could not get it to turn with the filter changer. I had broken the edge and air got in and did not know that in hind sight.

So the next day, started up and it died on idle and would not restart as in my prior message
What had happen was I broke the seal at the top edge evidently and air got in the system and of course the hand pump would not operate of course but I was still unaware of what was going on

So got has as recommended and a better filter changer. Added gas and new filter and about several pumps finally got it good and tight and it fired right up. No start at 40 or so pumps so had to add several more before it would start
I am a happy boy now
Cheers and thanks to all

Re: Died on idle

Reply #21 – November 08, 2018, 07:01:06 pm

I know your excited but you did mean diesel instead of gas.

Re: Died on idle

Reply #22 – November 08, 2018, 07:01:33 pm

I hate those " self inflicted wound" type issues. It's 1/2 the reason I don't tackle some projects. Cash is probably the other 1/2.

Re: Died on idle

Reply #23 – November 08, 2018, 08:24:46 pm

Thanks for the update .

Re: Died on idle

Reply #24 – November 09, 2018, 12:29:01 am

Funny me yep, added diesel not gas. Lol I have learned a lot. Never thought it would take that many strokes on the pump. Should have filled the filter with diesel then I would not have had to pump 70 strokes to pressurise the system. When the engine started what a beautiful sound

Affiliate Notice