HELP - 8V92 will not start

[Ryan Wright]

Larry,

I wish you the best of luck. Thank you for posting information on your
problem solving methodologies, I'm saving this in case I ever need it.
Knowing virtually nothing about diesels, having my big old beast
refuse to start is my worst nightmare with this coach. Everything
else, I can fix. Even the little Yanmar generator engine I think I
could troubleshoot OK. But that big beast out back, just thinking
about having trouble getting her to start scares the heck out of me.
You're in the thick of it now and I'm really glad I'm not in your
shoes. Although, the masochist in me wishes I was there so I could
help, I mean, stand around and look stupid (that is not an invitation
for my engine to pull the same stunt).

-Ryan

On Fri, Jun 20, 2008 at 4:52 PM, Larry Kehler wrote:
> I am making some progress but I thought I would update everyone on
> what is happening.
> Using Curt's article on replacing his fuel hoses, I built a electric
> prime pump and put a ball valve to open and shut the feed line.
> I ran about a gallon of fuel through the system and then tried to
> start the engine with the electric pump still running. It cranked and
> pumped out white smoke. After several more pump tries and more white
> smoke. I determined that lost prime was not the problem. It was
> clear that the injectors were not firing. I started worrying that I
> had toasted the ECM. I decided that I had to find a 92 series
> mechanic with some diagnostics tools. I drove to several truck repair
> garages and got the same response-
> "yea we work on Detroits" - "What do you mean 2 stroke, I never seen
> no 2 stroke diesel".
> Then I found on the way home, the Detroit Diesel Dealer has moved to
> within 10 miles of my house.
> I found a old 92 series mechanic who was at the new facility teaching
> young mechanics. He took me to a 89 Newell coach and told me that if
> my stop engine and check engine light come with the ignition switch
> and then both go off after 10 seconds, my DEC ECM is OK.
>
> I showed him what I had done with my prime pump. His response was
> that the injectors were not firing because I need 80 Pounds of fuel
> pressure to fire. He said it could be leaking hoses or fuel pump.
> He suggested a pressure gage to check the fuel pressure. He also
> showed me to which outlet hose to pull off and put in a bucket of
> clean fuel and crank the engine If I get bubbles in the fuel, then I
> likely have a bad hose. If the flow is clean and clear, then I might
> have a bad pump. The pressure gage will tell the story on the pump.
>
> Two bad possible causes is a broken drive shaft for the pump. The
> other is the sensors that time the ECM. The last two options would
> require towing the coach to their facility.
> If it is a new pump, he said I should be able to replace the pump and
> told me the steps to pull the Coldplate/DECC.
>
> So I am encouraged that I will be able to get going in the next two or
> three days. I will keep you posted.
>
> Larry Kehler
> 1994 PT-40 WBDA
> St Louis
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ronmarabito2002"
> wrote:
>>
>> If you got those injectors dry, it might take a while to get fuel
>> through and the engine fire. Also, I assume the engine is cranking at
>> a pretty good speed. Weak batteries won't spin the engine fast enough
>> to get a compression ignition.
>>
>> I spent 35 minutes once repeatedly cranking before I got it to run.
>>
>> R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
>>
>
>