More 8V71 Woes

[BlueScarecrow]

Bus started and died. This is uncommon because it has never let me down so far in the past 5 years... it has always jumped to life instantly, even after 6 months of sitting. Installed new strainer... installed a new filter (yes I filled them to capacity before installing)... bled the line and used starting fluid to get it going. It came back to life, but then died after 3 minutes of running. Don't know enough about diesels to figure out what's wrong. NEED HELP! Thanks!!!

[eagle19952]

there is only one thing it can be...a fuel problem.

what where and how are the questions.

sorry,  that's all i got.

except perhaps a bucket a pump and a hose.

good luck.

[bigred]

Check the shutdown solenoid!!

[goldgiter]

Not being a smart a$$ but do you have fuel in the tank?

Wes

[luvrbus]

If you started it from the rear without the front switch on it will die when the air pressure builds up.If that is not the cause prime the system good this time when it fire give about 1/2 throttle when the gear pumps get wear they won't pickup at idle 

[BlueScarecrow]

Not enough air for the solenoid to work. I've tried turning off the ignition after a couple of minutes of running and it wouldn't work. I had to go back and do it manually.

It doesn't shut down suddenly... it runs down like it's running out of fuel. Fuel in the tank registers as a little over a quarter tank. Very strange.

Maybe the fuel pump is going out. Has anyone ever installed an electric fuel pump at the tank to push the fuel to the back? In case one ran out of fuel.

It won't crank from the back without the front switch in the on position.

Tried the 50% throttle... but it just won't catch. Surprised that no one has ever come up with a bleeder button at the back.

Thanks for all the replies!!!!!

[luvrbus]

MCI's are usually easy because the filter is so low on the engine frame does your have a valve before the filter ? I for got 1 time and left the valve closed. They bleed through the return line there is no need for a button

[Scott Crosby]

I'm have run out of fuel at 1/4 or more of a tank several times... My pick up tube and the angle the bus is at will let it suck air, keeping it above half tank is best for me.

[BlueScarecrow]

The shut-off is above the strainer/Filter combo holder; don't think I forgot to turn it on, but I'll look. This bus was manufactured in 1983 an all these lines and fittings look like they are 32 years old too. Maybe it's time to replace the lines and fittings.

Thanks all!!!!!

[Fredward]

Speaking from experience. Don't trust the gauge. Those sending units get rusty and sometimes stick. I'd stick the tank to be sure you have fuel. You mentioned an electric fuel pump; I have one permanently installed in a bypass circuit ahead of the filters that I use after changing fuel filters. (And the ONE time I ran out of fuel).

Seriously, I ran out of fuel 3/4 of a mile from home on the gravel road. Had a neighbor come pull me home with a tractor. Turns out the gauge doesn't exactly go all the way down to "E".

Fred

[OneLapper]

My bus did the same thing a couple of weekends ago.  Somehow the Jake switch was on Low.  It took about a minute for it to slowly die.  Thankfully I figured it out without much drama..... I think this is the third or fourth time I've had that happen.

[zimmysurprise]

I'm not sure if your MCI has an air shut down or not, but I had a similar problem once when the solenoid was stuck. I thought it was running out of fuel, but watched the solenoid shut down slowly as the bus built up air. After it shuts down, are the fuel filters still full?

[ol713]

     Hi;
       In addition to what everyone else mentioned, have a look
       at the fuel pressure shutdown switch.  Check the ground
       wire comming from that switch.  The wire could be broken
       or almost broken.  It is located approx 6" from your shut
       off valve near the first filter.
                                        Good luck,   Merle

[BlueScarecrow]

I would like to put an electric fuel pump by the tank. Any make or model I should look for?. The fuel pressure switch has a broken wire. The ground is ok. I thought that switch disabled the starter after the engine is running. Does it also affect the fuel delivery?

Thanks!!!!!

[Fredward]

I'd put it by the filters. Lots easier to plumb in there. I bought a 24volt inline pump at Napa. I plumbed in a bypass circuit that only gets activated when I need the pump.
Text me if you want pictures of my install. 612-801-4826.
Fred