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ereadingrv · 12-03-2015, 07:31 AM

First, in advance, THANK YOU to all who have helped us in the past.

That said, this time we are afraid we have a REAL problem...

We were going over the hill between L.A. and the Santa Clarita valley this morning when the turbo froze at about the 11 o'cock position and the coach rapidly lost power, eventually falling to about 5 mph.

We limped to the Lyons exit, next to Camping World, and managed to make it into the Wal-Mart parking lot. However, the coach will not accelerate beyond 5-10 MPH and the turbo does not move when the accelerator is pushed. The warning light comes on intermittently, but does not stay on.

Any suggestions? We're not in a financial position to replace the turbo, so this has the potential to, I'm sorry to say, utterly devastate our life.

Thank you again...please, if anyone can help us, we would be BEYOND grateful...

Dogpatch · 12-03-2015, 07:40 AM

Sorry for your trouble.

This is not an area of my expertise, however, I'm sure those that are will chime in shortly.

Good luck and I hope it's something simple!

twinboat · 12-03-2015, 08:12 AM

The turbo is a pair spinning wheels sealed inside a dual housing.

Exactly what are you seeing that is stuck at 11 O click ?

Pictures ?

When was the last time fuel filters were changed ?

ereadingrv · 12-03-2015, 08:21 AM

The dash gauge for the turbo is stuck at approximately the 11 o'clock position, or "0" turbo pressure.

Normally, when accelerating the turbo kicks in and the indicator goes to around the 3pm position at acceleration, dropping as needed. Now it is just sitting at 11 o'clock ("0"); at acceleration is does not move.

We have only had the coach a few months. The fuel filters have not been changed by us. Is it possible for a dirty fuel filter to cause total loss of power to the turbo and/or the engine?

super_rep · 12-03-2015, 08:26 AM

Remove the turbo air discharge hose and see if the turbo will spin.Check all the hose connections between the turbo, the after cooler and the engine intake manifold. If one of the hoses has cracked or come loose, you will have almost a total lose of power and no boost pressure. Then of course, a frozen turbo will do that also.

ereadingrv · 12-03-2015, 08:44 AM

Okay, here is the problem for us...we have NO idea how to do that.

Do we open the compartment under the bed? How do we access those areas?

Sorry for the dumb questions, but we just don't know and need to learn ASAP!

Thanks again! We will check as soon as we get some guidance.

ereadingrv · 12-03-2015, 09:03 AM

Please note, we are NOT inherently "dumb" people, but this is our FIRST coach, and we are still learning about it. Thank you for your indulgence, and your understanding.

Also, please note that we do not have the manual. The closest we could get was the 2000 manual, which is pretty close to this coach, but not exact. It does not identify engine parts or locations.

Skip426 · 12-03-2015, 09:04 AM

If the engine will not achieve higher RPM's in neutral; 1500>1800; , fuel filters would be the first thing to change.

ereadingrv · 12-03-2015, 09:11 AM

Okay, forgot to mention: one of the things we accepted for a lower price on this coach was that the RPM gauge needed to be repaired, as it does not work. Any way we can "guestimate" the RPM's without a functional RPM gauge?

Skip426 · 12-03-2015, 09:12 AM

My neighbor here in the park has a 98 Diplomat and has had the pressure supply hose for the turbo boost gauge , melt off the intake manifold three times, so that is a possibility too.
A turbo diesel engine requires boost to produce it's power , BUT should still rev up with no load ( in neutral ) so replacing the fuel filters and checking the air filter, are the first and cheapest steps in dealing with a loss of power issue.

ereadingrv · 12-03-2015, 09:17 AM

Okay, the engine revs well in neutral; the turbo boost gauge wiggles slightly (probably just vibration) but does not rise above the 0 mark.

ereadingrv · 12-03-2015, 09:18 AM

We found the turbo and checked the hoses. All seem tight and no cracks we can see or feel.

Skip426 · 12-03-2015, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ereadingrv

Okay, forgot to mention: one of the things we accepted for a lower price on this coach was that the RPM gauge needed to be repaired, as it does not work. Any way we can "guestimate" the RPM's without a functional RPM gauge?

The engine RPM is electronically governed ; I'm assuming a Cummins 5.9, 24 valve, is what you have ; and that electronic control will not allow you to over rev the engine in gear or in neutral. So you can push the throttle half way to the floor and hold it there, then floor the throttle momentarily and listen for a noticeable increase in RPM. Half throttle should be 1800 and full would be in the range of 3,000. If you don't notice an increase then the engine isn't getting enough fuel ( or air) to get to a high RPM.

Skip426 · 12-03-2015, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ereadingrv

Okay, the engine revs well in neutral; the turbo boost gauge wiggles slightly (probably just vibration) but does not rise above the 0 mark.

I was typing when you posted this, there is a possibility that the turbo's , waste gate is stuck open , I'll see if I can find a picture that will help you check it.BRB.