Big Problem?

brando4905 · November 07, 2009, 05:31:32 AM

I was climbing a grade, running against the gov, about 2100 rpms and all of a sudden huge white smoke puffed and engine shut down. Oil pressure was normal and temp was dead on 180. Coasted to the side of road and attempted to restart, engine turns over but with some sort of internal clattering. I'm trying to be optimistic and hoping this is just the fuel pump?

Just got back two weeks ago from cross country trip with no problems. Guess I'm grateful it happened in my neck of the woods.

Engine had out of frame 31k ago.

Brandon

luvrbus · November 07, 2009, 05:39:16 AM

Brando, pull the air horn on top of the blower and see if the blower is turning sound like you lost a blower drive

good luck

brando4905 · November 07, 2009, 05:59:54 AM

Luvrbus,

Forgot to mention it took 7 hours to get towed(Coach-Net)and she's sittin' in the mechanics yard.

Is the blower drive a big job?

Thanks,
Brandon

luvrbus · November 07, 2009, 06:08:13 AM

Not a big or expensive job Brandon when the blower drive breaks on a 2 stroke you are not going anywhere you lose the air and the fuel supply 2 things they need.
Even if the blower went bad causing it to break a rebuilt blower is not that expensive for one, but if you lost the gear train on the engine that is a new ball game

good luck

brando4905 · November 07, 2009, 06:49:59 AM

Thanks for the info. Will let you know Mon. on the outcome.

bevans6 · November 07, 2009, 08:00:38 AM

My bus lost a blower in 2004, bearings went and ruined the housing so a reman was installed. All in, including running the rack, was $4200 before tax. FWIW. That was at Harpers, the local DD dealer.

Brian

luvrbus · November 07, 2009, 08:17:11 AM

If you need a blower check around I buy from a guy in Texas for less than 400 bucks DD dealers are around 2 grand and PC Industries are 1300 bucks there is a big spread on the price of the blower from place to place

good luck

PP · November 07, 2009, 08:54:48 AM

This is just one more reason we're all sad to see you passing on the keys, Cliff

I would willingly pay for the knowledge you possess and dispense so freely. Will

JohnEd · November 07, 2009, 09:36:39 AM

Clifford,

Will beat me to it. You just might have saved this Knut $1,600. In the day...when I was healed and such, I used to gift to people some portion of what they saved me unless I felt it was possible that I might be able to reciprocate at some later date. Now, I was the only one that I have ever even heard of that even considered doing that. There must be many more as my hearing has never been 20/20 for nearly any subject. I put up a serious fight to cause some to accept and I didn't win every battle but my intention was clear. If for no other reason than to encourage the behavior for my own future benefit and that of others. Selfish motives are always the best and most reliable and pay it forward has been around much longer than the movie...I think it is Christian Philosophy. Thank you Clifford for that info as I can file it away and know that $2,000 is way to much for a blower and $400 is possible. That piece of info is going to rattle around a long time in a lot of heads.

Brando, let us know what turns up, please.

Now just where are you going to light when you leave Az? Inquiring minds and all that.

Thanks,

John

brando4905 · November 09, 2009, 05:30:22 AM

Bad news....mechanic says broken crankshaft or drive train. Engine will be pulled sometime this week.

luvrbus · November 09, 2009, 05:44:39 AM

Sorry to hear that gear train failure is the worst that can happen to you on any engine.
I doubt the crank broke on a 8v71.
That is the reason I do like a gear driven alternator on these engines not saying that caused yours but it happens when they fail

good luck

brando4905 · November 10, 2009, 08:16:46 AM

Just got word that it was gear train failure. Bummer.

Anything I could have done to prevent this?

Anybody have good used 8v71 near NC?

luvrbus · November 10, 2009, 08:39:23 AM

Brando, Nimco in Newark NJ has dyno tested LH engines 2750.00 for the 8v71N/A and 3500.00 for the 6v92TA turbo.
1-800-526-8055 is the number sorry to hear it was the gear train but that happens to all diesel engines new or old not just a DD problem.

good luck

Don Fairchild · November 10, 2009, 08:40:33 AM

Dang sorry to hear this. You might try Luke and see what he has in the store house.

I am on the other side of the world so I can't be of much help, but I do know where one or two are setting out here.

If you can't find any thing else let me know and we can work something out

Don

wildbob24 · November 10, 2009, 08:43:20 AM

Brandon,

I've got one. It's currently sitting in a cradle with a v730 mounted on it in Duluth GA, just north of Atlanta. Not too far from you. I was going to install this assy in a 4106, but that project has since been replaced by the Buff in my avatar.

In preparation for installing it, my brother and I performed a compression check and all the cylinders were in the 495-500lb range. Then we dropped the pan and rolled in a new set of rod and main bearings(std. size). We then installed a new set of N65 injectors, tuned it up and ran it on a test stand.

I thought we might keep it as a spare for the Buffalo we have now, but probably won't ever need it.

call or PM me if your interested: 77o four76 3226

Bob