8v71 won,t stay running

[4shore]

  Well here is what I have done so far, let me preface all of this by saying the bus ran fine when I parked it; the engine lost prime so I got bug sprayer and connected to inlet on fuel filters (which were full before connecting sprayer) pumped about 2 qts fuel into engine then I unhooked sprayer and put plug back into the filters. I started the bus and the engine started but only briefly, rehooked bug sprayer refilled everything this time though I left bug sprayer hooked up refilled it and then while cranking engine I pumped the sprayer. Bottom line is I found out the engine will only run while I am pumping fuel out of the sprayer into the filters, sprayer gets empty the engine slowly runs out of fuel. I can repeat the process with the sprayer and it will start and run, although it will not run over idle. Any suggestions what might be happening. Thanks Guys for all of your help I appreciate it. Kevin

1978 mci 8

[NJT 5573]

Maybe you tripped the emergency shutdown. Did the air/electric shutdown stick in the closed position? Were the filters full when this started or half full or did you just start pumping before looking? How much fuel is in the tank? Did someone steal your fuel while parked?

[4shore]

The fuel filters were full before pumping, the bus is not out of fuel (little less than half) now the shutoff switch not sure I think it is located next to the fast idle switch, which way should the piston be to tell me if it is locked or not. Thanks

[4shore]

Let me clarify I believe the main shutoff in the blower is open and the bus would start and run but just until fuel in sprayer was empty.

[luvrbus]

You have fuel pickup problem check for stoppage or air leaks between the fuel pump and the tank, if that is ok check the pump starting with the drive  they do round out on the drive fork and the pump doesn't turn, then check the pump turning it with a drill in a small amount of fuel. The gear drive pump DD uses do not fail often. good luck

[blue_goose]

When it quits are the fuel filters still full.  If you have lost the fuel in the fuel line from the tank your fuel won't pick it up.  You will have to reprint the line.  There is a one way valve in the fuel line to keep it from returning to the tank.  If it is bad yo will have to replace it.  If you can connect a suction pump to the filter that will fill the line and filters.
Jack

[Don Fairchild]

While you may have a critter problem or a pick up issue,  If it will stay running when you prime it with the bug sprayer I would suspect the fuel pump gave up.

Don

[Van]

Dont know if the pump is the same as the 92 ,but sounds like the same symptoms I had when my pump went south,new pump and an electric primer pump in line plus new supply line from tank took care of the issues .good luck

[gus]

As Jack says, you have to make sure the fuel supply line from the tank to the primary filter is full. Either suck from the primary fuel filter inlet or pump from the tank.

When there is no air pressure the normal fuel shut off at the engine head is open even though the switch at the front is off. In other words, if there is no air pressure the engine will start even with the front switch off.

If there is an engine run switch closed somewhere that valve will close when air pressure builds up. There is also another engine run switch back at the engine for mechanic's use. Sometimes this switch gets bumped accidentally (Don't ask me how I know this!). Check this switch.

Also, as Jack said, check the fuel supply line check valve, usually at the primary fuel filter inlet. Mine failed and did just like yours is doing now. This is a very simple but important valve.

Remember that your engine fuel pump sucks through the primary filter and pressurizes the secondary filter. In other words, the fuel pump is between the two filters.

So, you should be pumping into the primary filter, not the secondary filter, so you prime the engine pump in the process.

[buswarrior]

Martha go get me the shotgun, we's going hunting buses...

Sheesh. Settle down. Read what he wrote.

Before we scare 4shore silly, or convince him to replace the entire fuel system, now that we listed pretty much all of it....I'm surprised no one thought to mention anything grave about the injectors....

4 shore, go with Don's hunch first, confirm or deny the fuel pump is able to move fuel, then get back to us.

There are times when this board is a hindrance to finding the problem.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[Lin]

How did the engine lose prime?  That does not happen just randomly.  Perhaps there was no prime issue to begin with, just the fuel supply problem.

[4shore]

Thanks everyone for your response, I am leaning towards Dons reply. When I originally started the engine it only ran a few seconds and shut off. I checked fuel filters they were full of fuel, I then went through the above steps.

[busshawg]

How's it going? or should I say running. Another issue that might be food for thought is a collasped fuel line? Just a thought , I did have that happen to me once. With the engine trying to suck the fuel the line may just be collapsing?

[4shore]

Ah yes sweet music today as she fired up after a fuel pump replacement and a few lines and fittings. In my humble opinion the 8v71 is one of the best engines they put in a bus; especially for the application we use. Everything is pretty much mechanical no sensors or computers needed to diagnose. I do drive a truck and have done so for over 25 years and the new engines are okay but there are still issues with them. Thanks for all of your help. Kevin

[buswarrior]

Excellent report.

Score another one for Don.

happy coaching!
buswarrior