Community Forums

Bluesky787 · 09-12-2017, 08:35 PM

We have a 2010 Damon Avanti that recently had a tuneup and EGR filter cleaned. Had previously problems with low power. After tuneup, engine ran much better and would tow four down, except during climbs on mountain interstate roads. Suspect turbo is not working properly. How can you tell if the turbo is working properly? I heard a whoosh sound in engine bay during climb and the RV started accelerating as if turbo kicked on. Lasted for about 30 seconds and then seemed to quit, causing RV to slow to 15 miles an hour on interstate. Any info or similar scenarios with solutions would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Dave

samschudi · 09-13-2017, 05:45 PM

I have a 2000 Fleetwood 36T with a 5.9 Cummins pusher, and am experiencing a similar problem. Took it in to a Cummins shop here in Minneapolis. They claim the whooshing sound is the engine fan trying to push air through a plugged up radiator. My radiator is very plugged due to the crankcase ventilation tube coating the fan and radiator with a film of oil, attracting dirt to the surfaces and eventually plugging it up to about 80% or better. I have since extended that tube to the backside of the radiator, so that appears to be a long term fix.

They feel the loss of power is due to inter-cooler being plugged and not cooling the compressed turbo air. Heated turbo air will not add power and can be a detriment. I have powerwashed and degreased the radiator and the power has clearly improved. I need to do a more through cleaning and feel optimistic this should restore my power on long pulls and general acceleration. If I need additional cleaning, this winter I will have to pull the radiator and clean between the raidiator and intercooler.

Good luck,
Sam

Unplanned Tourist · 09-13-2017, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluesky787

We have a 2010 Damon Avanti that recently had a tuneup and EGR filter cleaned. Had previously problems with low power. After tuneup, engine ran much better and would tow four down, except during climbs on mountain interstate roads. Suspect turbo is not working properly. How can you tell if the turbo is working properly? I heard a whoosh sound in engine bay during climb and the RV started accelerating as if turbo kicked on. Lasted for about 30 seconds and then seemed to quit, causing RV to slow to 15 miles an hour on interstate. Any info or similar scenarios with solutions would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Dave

Do you have a turbo boost gauge and an exhaust temperature gauge? These will give you an idea of how well you turbo is working.
It sounds like a turbo waste gate or similar problem if it pulled good for a short time and then back to low power. Also could be an exhaust brake sticking on or blockage in the exhaust system.
Many years ago, I had a customer complaining about occasional low power and it turned out that one of his intake system hoses would suck in flat when he worked it hard! That was a real head scratcher for a few hours of test driving. Finally we put an intake vacuum gauge after the air cleaner, that's how we found it!
Happy Glamping.

samschudi · 09-14-2017, 06:23 AM

My engine would pull strong at first and then loose power. Replaced the wastegate actuator and no change. During the pull, the intake air would heat up and we would lose power. Gages are the best option long term, to watch the health of your system.