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My 91 Beaver Coach Problems
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Harry,
Your explaination finally makes sense regarding your progress, but that is exactly the kind of information needed when seeking help via email or the forum. When any piece of information is left out or not fully explained the help you get in the form of advice lacks accuracy.
One theme that your mechanics seem to have ignored is when something doesn’t work you have to get to the basics and that means you have to start at the beginning (your batteries) and progress systematically through the system checking components and connections through the circuits.
I have a real problem seeing how a failed relay (solenoid) in the electrical box can take a starter out of service. But then again it is still not clear when trying to start the coach if it spun initially, and if it did how long it spun. Just knowing that simple piece of information which was asked for will redirect the diagnosis. You become the eyes and ears of those attempting to help. If things are as they should be on any of our coaches an engine that turns over (spins) when starting is going to be running in about 2 seconds. If it does not start within a very short length of time continued spinning via the starter is not going to help the starter, batteries or all the solenoid or relay contacts.
If it spins but does not start all attention goes to verify the DDEC module is getting power and working, or it goes to verifying fuel is being delivered to the engine.
If it is not spinning the attention for diagnosing goes in a different direction.
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The guy that did the photo instructions was our web developer, he knows just a little about all this web development stuff and says I.E. is nothing but junk. If your using I.E., there are other instructions in the problem solving topic. Using Chrome, Firefox or Safari is the answer for using this site.
Using Chrome and Firefox on your desktop or laptop requires nothing more than 5 clicks and you’re done with a photo. The photo file must be GIF, JPG, JPEG, BMP or PNG.
Click on the little square with sun and tree
Click upload
Select your file
Select your picture
Click OK, you’re done
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Hello all and thank you. When I went to start the coach I heard it turn and as soon as I heard it turn it stopped turning and that was it!One last thing about the ddec that I’m still confused about. If I’m understanding you correctly, the ddec works from the 12 volt system. Are you saying while working on the 24 volt system the ddec can be effected? And if the answer is NO then why was the ddec mentioned?
Are re you saying that problems with the 24 volt system can directly effect the 12 volt? And if that’s true how do I stop it! I don’t intend to even open the bay where the 12 volt system is!
Harry
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Harry,
Do you see the two yellow wires on my battery picture, those are 12v going to DDEC.
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Thanks Tom and I do see that! So I don’t have to worry about the Ddec being effected by the 24 volt system right?Another point of interest… Your 12 volt system has 4 batteries mine has 2, what’s that about Tom? You showin off again?
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As was previously mentioned DDEC malfunctions will not prevent the engine from spinning so for the moment that can be taken out of issues to consider.
But here is the answer to DDEC and 12 volts. The chassis electrical system is a two voltage system on most coaches. There are both 12 and 24 volt devices so to provide both voltages Prevost has set the batteries up so you can get both voltages depending on where you draw power from the battery array. Since the alternator is 24 volts equalizers are installed to insure that the 12 volt side of the battery package is being charged also.
One of the 12 volt devices is the DDEC ECM. As long as the batteries are good, the equalizers are balancing the voltages (keeping the 12 volt value at half of the 24 volt value within 1/2 volt) everything is good with the chassis power source, which is the battery pack.
A sudden starter stoppage is an unusual failure. Usually they give a sign of impending failure but anything that instantly opens the circuit to the starter can also produce the same type of failure.
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Harry, this may help? it’s a link about Vanner 60 series equalizers. Find yours on page 1 and read all about these things. On p 4 is a 2 battery diagram.
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Tom,
Do you have six or seven chassis batteries? I only have four …
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Tim,
I have 7 and they’re charged with 12 solar panels on the roof.
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I had something typed out but there’s enough confusion in this thread.
Later
bv
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Harry,
DDEC – Detroit Diesel Engine Control
ECM – Engine Control Module
Someone is welcome to correct me, but these are the terms I have always heard tossed about..
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I’m lost on that one …
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Was a common confusion as what the ddec /ecm was . Simple way to help understand was just say ecm that everbody has functions and in their cars. Doth do same basic thing take readings and adjust engine running performance also detect malfunction as protect engine. low oil =no run low water= will crank but not start DDEC iginition wire # 439 to control unit- power in Your wires have tatoo on them with numbers. Sorry about having to correct spelling. Got big and old fingers! Bob
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HJ had the same issue twice with my coach. Turned over slow and stopped. Was the batteries both times. Once right after I got it with old batteries and a couple years ago after leaving master switches on and dragging voltage down after a few weeks. At least you will have a rebuilt starter. I feel your pain as these things aren’t for the faint of heart or wallet. Going though an issue with my 86,000 mile coach blowing oil out the Air Box Drain Tubes big time. Just started 2 trips ago.
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Im sorry about that blowing oil problem. It’s like they always say that someone always has it worse! my bus is new to me with only having it two weeks but it becomes personal. Sure it’s a big hunk of medel and wires but it’s your hunk of metal and wires and it becomes personal. As my bus was being worked on I said to the mechanic “remember your working on my baby so be gentle and no bad language”! I delivered that with a smile but he understood!The rebuilt starter is to be finished on Monday and will be installed shortly thereafter. I’m looking forward to the sweet rolling thunder of the big 92!
Harry
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