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American Eagle · 05-03-2008, 05:11 PM

I have a american eagle with 146000 miles. I bought this motorhome with 142000 miles and when I start the engine cold. I put the switch on the on position and wait until the wait to start light goes out. Then I wait a half minute longer before turning over the starter. The engine will start and sputter and smoke for a half to a minute before it starts to idle. Sometimes it just stay running at all and have to start it again. Am I doing something wrong in start up or is there something that need to be serviced? Thanks

American Eagle · 05-03-2008, 05:11 PM

I have a american eagle with 146000 miles. I bought this motorhome with 142000 miles and when I start the engine cold. I put the switch on the on position and wait until the wait to start light goes out. Then I wait a half minute longer before turning over the starter. The engine will start and sputter and smoke for a half to a minute before it starts to idle. Sometimes it just stay running at all and have to start it again. Am I doing something wrong in start up or is there something that need to be serviced? Thanks

rmmpe · 05-04-2008, 01:29 AM

Wihout knowing what engine you have makes it difficult to offer suggestions.

On my Cummins 330ISC, there is a pre-heater in the intake ducting that heats the air coming into the engine for easier starting. Waiting 30 seconds before cranking the engine only defeats the system.

As a side, for the 1st few minutes after starting the engine you may notice fluctuations in the voltage reading. That is normal on mine and only indicates the pre-heater is cycling on & off.

I suggest you crank the engine as soon as the "Wait" light goes out.

Let us know what happens.

American Eagle · 05-04-2008, 04:51 AM

Hi mine is the same type ISC330. I will try that. As soon as the light goes off. Thanks

rmmpe · 05-04-2008, 10:12 AM

Be sure to let me know if it helps.
Thanks.

rmmpe · 05-11-2008, 01:47 AM

Well ????????????

Ray,IN · 05-11-2008, 11:08 AM

One common cause of hard starting, and the initial stumbling you alude to, is an air leak in the fuel system somewhere.

With that mileage, and accompanying age, I'd replace every flexable fuel line. The exterior appears fine, but the inside may be totally destroyed.

quikduk · 05-20-2008, 10:07 AM

Ray makes a good point and reminds me of something I need to check soon.

If the pre-heater is like my diesel tractor, it is actually powering the glow plugs. You don't want/shouldn't have to hold this longer than 30 sec. or you will damage the glow plugs.

I too have a C8.3 and crank just after the wait to start light goes out. On cold days/nights, if plugged in, I plug in the block heater for 30 minutes before I start it. It will start without it but it cranks slowly due to the large amount of cold oil in the system. I then just rest my foot on the throttle for about a minute to raise the idle up a bit. When I let off, it idles like it was 80 degrees outside.

Ecker · 05-20-2008, 01:25 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by quikduk:

If the pre-heater is like my diesel tractor, it is actually powering the glow plugs.

I </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

No glow plugs - it warms intake air

American Eagle · 07-12-2008, 04:45 AM

Sorry rmmpe I haven't been on this site for a while. I think that it works better with you suggestion. I am going to check and replace all the flex lines and change the fuel filter at the same time. I have been working on the brakes and replaced all them. I have to findout what is wrong with the abs. As the lite is on for that now. Thanks for responding to me question.

rmmpe · 07-13-2008, 05:32 AM

No problem on the starting issue reply. Glad it worked for you.
As far as the ABS light goes, since you worked on the brakes, check the position of the sensors on all wheels. If 1 of them is not in all the way, the ABS light will glow.