8v71 Shutdown issue with Low AirPressure

[LegalEagle82]

While removing my holding tank, I disconnected an air line that controls my dump release.    Shortly thereafter, I started the engine, and quickly found out, I could not shut down the engine with low air pressure.   (I had on open air line and my tank pressure was only rising to 60 to 70 lbs or so)

Just for my general knowledge, unless I had an air line failure on a trip,  Is there a safe way to shut down on 8v71.     I had rto ehook my air lines to my dump valve just to turn off the engine.  It was that or sit there and see how long it would take to burn 100 gallons of fuel at idle speed. 

Evan

[TomC]

If you don't know where your governor on the engine is, this is a good time to have someone show you where it is.  All Detroit 8V-71's (DDEC wasn't made in the 8V-71) have mechanical governors.  Open the back of your engine compartment.  If you start at the lower crankshaft pulley, come up until you see the other V belt pulley on the right side of the engine.  Then come up further and you'll see what looks like a metal box with two levers coming out the top.  One will be the on/off lever and the other the throttle.  If you have a cable throttle, then the other is obviously the on/off.  If you have an air throttle, just have someone sit in the drivers seat and push the throttle up and down with some air pressure in the system-the one not moving will be the on/off.  In any case, if your engine won't stop with the switch, just open the rear and lean in-making sure you don't get caught in any moving parts-push with your hand on the on/off lever (might be hot!) and the engine will turn off!  When you release it (it's spring loaded) the engine will be in the run position.  Good Luck, TomC

[Dreamscape]

Tom's got it right.

I had the same issue because my shut down cylinder was not moving the arm far enough to starve the engine of fuel. I would manually move the lever to shut down the engine. I replaced the cylinder, now it shuts down when I turn off the key.

If you have a manual for you coach it should show it, mine does. If you don't have a manual get one, you will be glad you did.

Happy Trails,

Paul

Dreamscape