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PandK · 01-20-2013, 04:54 PM

Good news is I made it to the RV park, bad news is that about 4 times in the last 5 miles the engine went into limp mode then started running fine. When "limping" noticed black/grey smoke out the tail pipe, went away when the engine started running properly. So far I have only been able to pull the fault codes: have 4 counts of fault 328 (fuel pumping element #2 rear) and 16 counts of fault 329 (fuel system leakage error).
Has anybody had a similar issue? Any suggestions on how best to trouble shoot? Willing to get Cummins to look at it but would like do do any reasonable checks first.

Engine is ISC 350HP with CAPS 2002 vintage about 100K miles.

palehorse89 · 01-20-2013, 04:59 PM

Can I ask how are you getting the codes?

code 329:Engine ECM has detected a overpumping failure in the cummins accumulator pump(caps) pump
This fault could be caused by a fuel leak between the injection control valve and the distributor.

code 328:The ECM had detected a failure in the rear pumping element
Cause : plugged filter?

By the sounds of this I would for sure try a new filter I you haven't already.

PandK · 01-20-2013, 05:18 PM

Cummins Power Spec software 4.2.3. The software is free from Cummins but you need a protocol converter from a third party and a cable to go from the Deutch (sp?) 6 or 9 pin connector to the computer serial port.

PandK · 01-25-2013, 01:53 PM

Just an update.
Cummins left today after replacing a CAPS ISC EQUALIZER and surge surpressor. The equalizer is basically on the rear of the fuel pump. Ran great after the change but we'll see how the trip home goes.
Nothing but good things to say about the service from Cummins (Orlando FL). The tech was excellent and the service manager kept us updated with both cost/availability of repair parts and service scheduling.

PandK · 03-04-2013, 07:05 PM

Another update:
Tried a "trial run" with the RV yesterday and it went poorly. Only ran well at idle/light loads, significant bucking when accelerating. Cummins service returned today and found a significant build up of "stuff" on the lift pump inlet screen. After cleaning it appears to be running significantly better. Prior to cleaning the fuel pressure at the fuel filter would go into the vacuum range when load was applied to the engine. After cleaning the pressure at the same point was zero - this is proper per the Cummins rep. Hope the trip home goes well but we are considering stopping at the Cummins facility and running on the dyno just to be sure.

PandK · 03-04-2013, 07:10 PM

Another update:
Tried a "trial run" with the RV yesterday and it went poorly. Only ran well at idle/light loads, significant bucking when accelerating. Cummins service returned today and found a significant build up of "stuff" on the lift pump inlet screen. After cleaning it appears to be running significantly better. Prior to cleaning the fuel pressure at the fuel filter would go into the vacuum range when load was applied to the engine. After cleaning the pressure at the same point was zero - this is proper per the Cummins rep. Hope the trip home goes well but we are considering stopping at the Cummins facility and running on the dyno just to be sure.

HeapBigEngin · 03-05-2013, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PandK

Another update:
Tried a "trial run" with the RV yesterday and it went poorly. Only ran well at idle/light loads, significant bucking when accelerating. Cummins service returned today and found a significant build up of "stuff" on the lift pump inlet screen. After cleaning it appears to be running significantly better. Prior to cleaning the fuel pressure at the fuel filter would go into the vacuum range when load was applied to the engine. After cleaning the pressure at the same point was zero - this is proper per the Cummins rep. Hope the trip home goes well but we are considering stopping at the Cummins facility and running on the dyno just to be sure.

I would think that the "stuff" on the lift pump screen could be algae build-up. Somewhat surprised the tech didn't consider/mention that in a high humidity area like Florida. Could be in the early stages if the fuel filter(s) is not yet contaminated. You might try some biocide additive....and get a couple extra filters just in case. No expert here for sure, but it seems that you are getting fuel starvation....and that black "stuff" WILL do that.

Good luck....and please let us know how you make out. Thanks!

David K · 03-06-2013, 10:01 AM

I agree with HeapBigEngin --- sounds like fuel starvation to me. I had this same problem this past Fall on a trip to and from Tennessee. My problem was not caused by an algae buildup but, by a wrong fuel filter being installed at the last maintance checkup and filter/fluid changes that was done. I am also running the 8.3 Cummins ISC, 350HP dual filter setup. At the last maintance, the shop installed a 2 micron filter as the second filter -- per Cummins --- this is a BIG NO NO --- the 2 micron filter was starving the engine for fuel when under a load -- no matter how big or small the load. I changed out the filters again (both of them) with filters that met the 10 micron filtration as recommended for the ISC -- and the engine now runs like a fine clock --- no studdering under load and nice and smooth acceleration all throughout the RPM range. Have you had a fuel filter change in the recent past and if so, you might look at the filter they put on -- it may be restricting the amount of fuel your engine is getting. It also would not be a bad idea to treat your fuel with an algaecide as recommended above but, be ready with new filters for the dead stuff it will filter out if it is algae.