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60 series starting gremlins
Have owned my coach for about 3 yrs, approx 130,000 miles on it. It has always started without any issues (I have joked that it seams to start running before I even have the key completely to the start position). Just returned from a 4,000 mile trip with no issues.
Went to start it the other day and it would not start the first time cranking, and was hesitant to start the second time. After it did start it ran ruff for only a moment than ran smoothly after that (acted as if it had air in the fuel system). Started normal at least a half dozen times afterwards. Went to start it yesterday to drive to the fuel station (had 1/2 tank) and although it did start the first time, it did take a couple of revolutions to start and did stumble a little once it started.
I have checked filters for tightness and all visible fuel lines for leaks and tightness. No issue apparent.
Any ideas what could be looming in the background? I am wondering if a speed sensor or something could be starting to fail. It runs great once it’s started.
Worried it will fail at a inopportune time and place.
Chuck
2000 Featherlite H3-45
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Leesburg, FL -
2 Replies
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Chuck,
I recently had similar issues with my coach. I characterized it as a “slow start”. Mine never ran too rough, but took an extended amount of cranking before it would start.
Like you, I’m amazed at how quickly these Series 60 motors start. Typically before the motor makes 1 revolution. Mine would take 5-7 revolutions before it would catch and run. Again…..slightly rough idle, but overall ran OK after that.
Like you, my first thought was the fuel rail was losing pressure and needed the extra time to build enough pressure to start. My second suspicion was the fuel check valve on the back of the motor. The check valve is there to keep the fuel pressure from leaking down back through the pump.
Well…..after a few hours of diagnosis at Prevost-Nashville, it was determined that I had one or more leaky injectors. Apparently the series 60 injectors are known to fail by not sealing off and allowing a small leak with the symptom of a slow start.
6 injectors later and a valve adjustment/reset and it’s back to normal. Just touch the starter and the motor comes to life. My converter (marathon) put in a flat floor in my rear closet, so the motor had to slide out the back in order to make the repairs (not enough room above the valve cover to do the work in place). Prevost had the motor slid out in less than 6 hours, repairs make in about 2, and motor slid back in place in another 6 hours. In the mean time, they replaced exhaust bellows and a few hard to reach radiator hoses. Runs great and idles very smoothly.
Not sure this is the issue with your coach, but wanted to give my experience. I’m a firm believer if you”re not going to do the repair work yourself, then you should leave it to the folks who either designed or sold you the system. I see you are in Florida. There is a very good Detroit Diesel shop in Ocala. Prevost-Winter Garden is also an option.
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Marshall:
Thanks for the input, I have used Ocala Detroit Diesel and Prevost winter Garden.
With your comment of leaking injectors in mind I think I will take a oil sample to see if there is any sign of fuel in the oil, this would go hand and hand with a leaking injector
Chuck
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