98 Tradewinds Low Engine Power

[Tio Phil]

I just joined the RV world and have an issue in my 98 Tradewinds. There is virtually no power when starting from a full stop - it just slowly starts rolling until it gets a little speed then it will begin to accelerate.

The dealer had the fuel filters changed and used a gel remover in the fuel. No change. He then took it to a Diesel shop and their diagnosis was a bad High Pressure Oil Pump which was only producing 300-400 PSI but should produce about 3,000 PSI. Dealer didn't like his answer so is having it looked at by two other mechanics.

Been two weeks since this all started and I still don't have my coach. Any ideas appreciated.

[wb7auk]

Yes I can understand why the dealer does not want to hear about the HEUI pump that is not a cheap fix.
Sounds like the diagnosis is correct.

[2 Stroker]

Like Art said, HEUI pump is not a cheap fix. The injectors are oil fired and take around 500psi to even start. When cold it will start but when hot it may not start because of low oil pressure. These Cat motors need clean oil and fuel or this may happen. Max on the oil and filter 5000mi and fuel around 10k.
Good luck and keep us posted.
http://pdf.cat.com/cda/files/87775/7/pehp9526.pdf
2 stroker
Did you just get this coach if so, make them fix it.

[Tio Phil]

I did just buy this coach. Good news now - Dealer called me late yesterday afternoon to say the part was ordered, should be in on Monday and their mechanic will have it in and running by Tuesday.


Thanks guys for your input and support!

[wb7auk]

You say the Dealer's mechanic will put it in sure hope they know how.
Like Stroker said Cat engines demand very clean oil, air, and fuel or they will
set fire to your bank account.
The most common mistakes I see is poor filters being used and poor maintenance.

[Tio Phil]

Thanks Art and Stroker - I will monitor what is being done. Their mechanic agreed with the other diagnosis and ordered the part. I am going to make sure he drains the oil and replaces the filter when done. And I have Art's tech document printed out that makes it clear the injectors need to be removed and the rail flushed with the injectors going back in the same port they cam from in the same position and with new O-rings.

Thanks a lot - glad I joined here and popped the questions.

[wb7auk]

Make sure they use a high efficiency oil filter that has a good absolute rating not to be confused with a normal rating.

[2 Stroker]

As Art said, Cat sells 2 types of oil and fuel filters
1. Standard Efficiency Filters
or the one you need
2* Advanced High Efficiency Filters
Along with a good Diesel oil like
Mobil Delvac 1300 Super 10W-30 and 15W-40
Shell Rotella T 15W40
Like I said these Cat motor can't take more than 5000mi on the oil because the injectors shear the oil under high pressure. Your motor should take around 20qts where my C9 hold 37qts but still needs to be change at 5K or 1 year plus I pull oil samples at the change.
Good you will be on the road soon and one other thing, keep an extra set of fuel filters with you for the road. Your coach may have 1 or 2 fuel filters.
2 stroker

[wb7auk]

The standard filter is a Cat filter 1r0739
their High Efficiency filter is 1r1807
also you can use a Donaldson blue DBL 7483
or a Wix 51791XE as all of these meet spec's

[Tio Phil]

Thanks Art -

Will see if my son-in-law can get me those filters and the correct fuel filters too. He got me a 3 gal. case of Rotella T 15-40 oil for $38.75 and they carry major stocks of filters - he works for a wholesale oil (+) company that supplies dealers in 4 states here so might have those filters. Got me some really good prices for a case each of Diesel 911 and Howes Diesel Treat w/Anti-Gel (12 quarts each).

I really appreciate all the input from everybody hear for this new guy. Means a lot!

[wb7auk]

Originally Posted by Tio Phil

Thanks Art -

Will see if my son-in-law can get me those filters and the correct fuel filters too. He got me a 3 gal. case of Rotella T 15-40 oil for $38.75 and they carry major stocks of filters - he works for a wholesale oil (+) company that supplies dealers in 4 states here so might have those filters. Got me some really good prices for a case each of Diesel 911 and Howes Diesel Treat w/Anti-Gel (12 quarts each).

I really appreciate all the input from everybody hear for this new guy. Means a lot!

Be careful in selecting filters.
Spec's call for a Absolute rating on filters all to often you are sold a
Normal rating filter.
Absolute rating is a filter that gives what it will stop at 99.9% of the time.
A Normal rating is a feel good number for a filter that might stop this size at 50% of the time.
And then you have filters that you can not get any information other than
it fits.

[Tio Phil]

New HEUI Pump installed, full new oil and filter change, Injector rail flushed - all is good - all kinds of power now. Thanks to all who helped.

Now need to deal with erratic Speedometer issue - jumps between 10 to 30 mph starting off then climbs higher but bouncing till I reach what traffic flow lets me estimate about 45-50 mph then the needle pegs to 80 + and stays there till I slow down.

Freightliner forum and National Owners forum suggest bad connection on speed sensors or bad sensors - but no codes showing.

[rver98]

I would take back the 15/40W oil. CAT recommends 10/30W to prevent HEUI issues from occuring. Can't find the specs right now. Shell Rotella T5 makes a synethic blend 10/30W you can purchase at Walmart. I ONLY use CAT filters on my engine, both fuel and oil.

Good luck

[wb7auk]

Cat RV spec's