Engine Help In Lakeland, FL

Busted Knuckle · January 08, 2010, 07:47:16 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on January 08, 2010, 07:40:06 AM
Whats wrong with Trans Diesel in Lakeland
good luck

Clifford,
I don't think any of us said there was anything wrong with Trans Diesel in Lakeland.
Personally I have never heard of them nor had any dealings with them.
But on the other hand I have met Wynn & John Silver of Central Florida Bus Repair. And John spent considerable time helping me figure out an electrical gremlin issue on the '05 Setra I took to Arcadia in the middle of the night just after the party ended on New Years. As well as assisting many other busnuts at Arcadia as well.
I was just trying to pass on info of a fellow busnut who has helped me out.

BK

luvrbus · January 08, 2010, 08:04:05 AM

BK, I don't know anyone at Central FL Bus but after taking a lick from a outfit in Vegas for a minor repair that turned deadly later that cost me 15 grand.
I just don't have faith in some shops and a Detroit dealer can usually go right to the problem and will cost less in the long run but that is just my way.

good luck

loosenut · January 08, 2010, 08:52:40 AM

I had a similar problem. It turned out that the switch in the engine compartment, the one that is used for starting at the dash or engine compartment developed a short then failed completely.

At first all started perfectly, then started perfectly intermittently with occasional cranking sessions then refused to start at the dash with a key. It took me two days after changing out weak batteries, tracing wires etc. to learn that it started and ran appropriately from the engine compartment.

It turns out that the switch is a six pole 3 position switch and two poles had arced enough that it had burnt the contacts for starting at the dash. I'm not sure if the dash worked or not but a lot of the systems are charged from that switch.

Hope that helps.

Mike

gumpy · January 08, 2010, 09:47:28 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on January 08, 2010, 07:01:23 AM
Gumpy, electrial problems or shut downs will stop the engine instantly he loses rpm then it shuts down he has a fuel problem.The hard to start is most likely the cooler weather in Fl

good luck

Right, it is a fuel problem, but not related to the pump. The problem is it fuel is being cut off to the engine by the shutdown cylinder. He said, "After it started it ran about 2 minutes and the RPM started dropping. " That's just about how long it takes to build enough air pressure for the air activated shutdown solenoid to push the rack stop lever far enough to finally shut off the bus. The RPM will drop slowly as the pressure builds until finally it has enough to get the shutoff closed all the way.

This is an electrical issue, probably related to the low batteries. BTW, what was the voltage on your batteries, MLH1936?

The slower starting is a result of the lower temps in FL. It's the new Minnesota, I hear!

I've also had problems with the fuel pressure switch sticking and not allowing the starter to engage. It's part of the safety shutdown system which allows you to override the shutdown by holding the start button on the dash and not having the starter stay engaged. It was happening so often I now have an alligator clip hanging next to my fuel pressure switch so I could ground it when it stuck. I've replaced the switch since, and this one is working better, so far.

luvrbus · January 08, 2010, 09:59:55 AM

Allright I will buy part of that but with the puff of smoke and slowing shutting off and it not starting to day if his air pressure is below 60 lbs they will start and then shut off my money still on the fuel LOL.I hope the guy doesn't have a emergency shut down on that 92 it flipped

good luck

gumpy · January 08, 2010, 10:21:10 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on January 08, 2010, 09:59:55 AM
Allright I will buy part of that but with the puff of smoke and slowing shutting off and it not starting to day if his air pressure is below 60 lbs they will start and then shut off my money still on the fuel LOL.I hope the guy doesn't have a emergency shut down on that 92 it flipped

good luck

Yeah, the puff of smoke is odd.

He did post a message later on saying his batteries were low this morning, but didn't indicate how low. I suspect he's been running his heater off the coach batts, and not charging for some reason, and simply hasn't got the juice to power up now. Said he's charging, so we'll wait for his results.

If it's fuel, I'll buy you a beer when we finally get to meet....

busshawg · January 08, 2010, 01:28:00 PM

odd why it would have enough power to fire up in the first place, and then not enough power to maintaine any of the solenoids. and I hope to get you the beer I owe you gumpy this coming summer.

Grant

JackConrad · January 08, 2010, 02:28:38 PM

Got a quick message from Mal on his blackberry. He said he has lost internet servise but wanted everyone to know that John Silver found a failed master switch. Switch replaced and everything is working properly. He also wanted to thank everyone for their help. Jack

gus · January 08, 2010, 04:08:46 PM

Air shuts down the fuel, not electricity. So if there is no air it won't shut down.

It will also start with the front engine run switch set at Off if you jump it from the rear with no air.

Once air pressure is lost the fuel rack is automatically open.

blue_goose · January 08, 2010, 04:24:11 PM

I live in Polk City and will be glad to give a helping hand.
Jack
863-206-3838

Chopper Scott · January 08, 2010, 08:59:18 PM

What was awesome is watching several very knowlegeable people discussing this problem from afar. Great job guys.

WVA_NATIVE · January 13, 2010, 08:54:52 PM

Wow you guys amaze me and what a valuable service this website is to all busnuts. Great job guys my hats off to you all. I am slowly becoming a desktop diesel mechanic because of all you guys, and when I do get my first bus I'll be much better prepared thanks to you and BCMBB

WVaNative

white-eagle · January 14, 2010, 06:39:37 AM

well, while you are here, there are about 4 buses for sale. i know of one good old bus that the owner is willing to part with for under $10,000. completely done gmc and i think in good running condition. he's just too cold and cantankerous to drive it much. so off it goes.

i was trying to find a way to trade it out for my van so i'd have a spare bus for my parents. can't be sure it'd be easy to pull with my eagle and keep the fuel down.

Dreamscape · January 14, 2010, 07:02:34 AM

Tom, Please send me the contact information on the one for 10K, I know of someone looking for one.

Thanks,

Paul

Busted Knuckle · January 14, 2010, 08:37:28 AM

Quote from: white-eagle on January 14, 2010, 06:39:37 AM
well, while you are here, there are about 4 buses for sale. i know of one good old bus that the owner is willing to part with for under $10,000. completely done gmc and i think in good running condition. he's just too cold and cantankerous to drive it much. so off it goes.

i was trying to find a way to trade it out for my van so i'd have a spare bus for my parents. can't be sure it'd be easy to pull with my eagle and keep the fuel down.

If it runs just have Fran and Bandit ride in it and help push when needed!

Your welcome Fran! (remember I didn't get any of those homemade PEANUT BUTTER cookies!

)

BK