Might be buying a Prevost '97 XL45 Entertainer

OneLapper · November 02, 2016, 07:36:39 PM

Almost everything is out of my price range, but I'm confident that I can fix most anything (if I want and or need to), so I've been looking for the "right" bargain for about 2 years. I found a good looking 97 XL45E that was parked in 2013, the interior removed so it could be refurbed, and then it sat.

Bus was running "great" when it was parked 3 years ago. It cranks but doesn't start, no smoke from exhaust. Batteries are dead, needs be on a booster to crank.

In two weeks I'm driving out (1k miles each way) to attempt to get this bus started. If I can get it started, I'll buy it and come back two weeks later with my truck, spare tires and rims, etc. and drive the bus home.

I'd like some help brainstorming the no start condition. It's got a 60 series, B500 Allison, and it cranks over when a battery booster is connected to the batteries. I will be installing four very good condition group 31s. I don't have a tech manual for this bus. Here's what I think can be causing the no start.

No power to ECU (Scott and Heather's ordeal is fresh in my mind!)
Low coolant
No signal from crank sensor
Lost fuel prime

I have no idea if I'll be able to read any codes.

Please just throw out some ideas and I'll update the list, and try to prioritize them.

Thank you guys!

B_K · November 02, 2016, 10:36:00 PM

Make sure you charge the batteries up to full capacity!
We had 2 Setra S417's and 1 of them was very picky and would not fire if it had a slight drop in voltage.
It would crank an d crank, but if those batteries had gotten just slightly low it wouldn't start.

BK

Jon · November 03, 2016, 03:55:01 AM

Beg borrow or steal a reader so you can get the codes. Otherwise you are shooting in the dark.

Jon · November 03, 2016, 03:55:32 AM

Forgot to mention that would be DDECIII.

OneLapper · November 03, 2016, 05:08:53 AM

Quote from: B_K on November 02, 2016, 10:36:00 PM
Make sure you charge the batteries up to full capacity!
We had 2 Setra S417's and 1 of them was very picky and would not fire if it had a slight drop in voltage.
It would crank an d crank, but if those batteries had gotten just slightly low it wouldn't start.
BK

I have a set of nearly new batteries to install. That'll be the first thing I do. Thanks!

blue_goose · November 03, 2016, 05:49:37 AM

Did the bus come with group 31 batteryies. Put in what came with the bus, nothing less. Bad batteries will cost you more than the cost of good ones. Don't forget if you don't get a check and stop engine light when the switch is turned on you don't have power to the ECM.
Jack

Oonrahnjay · November 03, 2016, 05:53:08 AM

Quote from: blue_goose on November 03, 2016, 05:49:37 AMDid the bus come with group 31 batteryies. Put in what came with the bus, nothing less. Bad batteries will cost you more than the cost of good ones. Don't forget if you don't get a check and stop engine light when the switch is turned on you don't have power to the ECM.
Jack

Yes!

1) "Best way to kill a starter is to run bad batteries; best way to kill batteries is to run a bad starter.

2) No check/stop engine lights? Look to see if PO put a piece of electrical tape over them (bad sign). Then check to see if there are light bulbs in there (a worse sign). After that, check power to ECM.

OneLapper · November 03, 2016, 05:59:58 AM

Quote from: Jon on November 03, 2016, 03:55:01 AM
Beg borrow or steal a reader so you can get the codes. Otherwise you are shooting in the dark.

I'll likely buy a Pro-Link iQ system. I like that they have an ABS brake suite which I can use at work. But the prices....... ugh.

OneLapper · November 03, 2016, 06:42:23 AM

Quote from: blue_goose on November 03, 2016, 05:49:37 AM
Did the bus come with group 31 batteryies. Put in what came with the bus, nothing less. Bad batteries will cost you more than the cost of good ones. Don't forget if you don't get a check and stop engine light when the switch is turned on you don't have power to the ECM.
Jack

I hope the dash wires are connected to the CEL. I'd say 'most' of the entertainers I have worked on dont have working CELs.

luvrbus · November 03, 2016, 07:16:02 AM

Do not depress the throttle pedal when trying to start or it will throw a stop code and won't start.
If the pedal has been depressed while trying to crank take your foot off and pull gently upwards and wait 30 to 45 seconds and it will reset.
That will be a 24v DDEC not a 12v ,the Pro/Link 9000 has a ABS cartage if you need it I have one with the manual I never use

good luck

chessie4905 · November 03, 2016, 08:18:30 AM

You sure you want to jump up 10 more feet? I've been in CT.,the curves there are too tight without taking out road signs, hydrants, mail boxes etc.😉 My mil is from Pomfret.

OneLapper · November 03, 2016, 09:44:48 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on November 03, 2016, 07:16:02 AM
Do not depress the throttle pedal when trying to start or it will throw a stop code and won't start.
If the pedal has been depressed while trying to crank take your foot off and pull gently upwards and wait 30 to 45 seconds and it will reset.
That will be a 24v DDEC not a 12v ,the Pro/Link 9000 has a ABS cartage if you need it I have one with the manual I never use

good luck

Thanks Cliff! I'm hoping the no start is low voltage to the ECM. I'll reset the throttle pedal prior to cranking it over, and after I put the new batteries in.

Can you think of any other fault conditions that will bevent it from starting?

OneLapper · November 03, 2016, 09:50:31 AM

Quote from: chessie4905 on November 03, 2016, 08:18:30 AM
You sure you want to jump up 10 more feet? I've been in CT.,the curves there are too tight without taking out road signs, hydrants, mail boxes etc.😉 My mil is from Pomfret.

I wont be using this as an RV. Still keeping the 4106, its the perfect size to get around in the NE, and we stay at the state campgrounds which have a 35' limit.

Pomfret! My SO works for Hull Forest Products. Im driving thru there every day.