engine trouble

[trapshooter]

On the way home this weekend in a drivig rain storm my engine lost all power. It would idle but would not increase in power or rpm. The allert said low engine proformance. I shut the engine down for a few minutes and restarted and to my delight it came up in rpm's and I was able to continue the trip home. There is a slight intermitent miss at high rpm. Did the rain get into the air box? Did something electrically get wet? Anyone with an idea? I will be taking it to the shop for a diagnosis, but would like to know your ideas. Thanks

[trapshooter]

On the way home this weekend in a drivig rain storm my engine lost all power. It would idle but would not increase in power or rpm. The allert said low engine proformance. I shut the engine down for a few minutes and restarted and to my delight it came up in rpm's and I was able to continue the trip home. There is a slight intermitent miss at high rpm. Did the rain get into the air box? Did something electrically get wet? Anyone with an idea? I will be taking it to the shop for a diagnosis, but would like to know your ideas. Thanks

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by trapshooter:
On the way home this weekend in a driving rain storm my engine lost all power. It would idle but would not increase in power or rpm. The alert said low engine performance. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>trapshooter, The IP most likely displayed,"Reduced Engine Power."

Your air filter became soaked in the rainstorm and this would have been enough to trigger the EC that you saw. I had this happen to me in the Louisville, KY area during "Katrina."

The resolution was to remove and allow the filter to air dry overnight in front of a small fan once we arrived at a campground. Once dry and restored the EC cleared itself and we were able to resume running under full power.

[Breezeman]

Hey trapshooter,

On a recent trip, my RV was acting the same way on a sunny clear day. Turned out to be a clogged fuel filter. Just another suggestion to look at.

[DonavonP]

I had the same thing happen in a rain storm. Same symptoms. I pulled over, restarted engine and haven't had a problem since. The "funnel" type air intake (tubba) seems to be a very effective method for channeling rain water into the air filter.

My solution is to avoid driving in the rain. Other people have modified their CAI (cold air intake). You can see a modified CAI here.

[John-D]

There is a known issue with some motor homes built on Workhorse Chassis sucking water in a rain storm

And I'm hearing that Ford Chassis MH's can do it to (in other places)

The problem is caused by the way they build the house however. Workhorse has a "Fix".. but since only some body designs have the problem I do not feel it's their problem. Blame your coach maker.

[trapshooter]

Thanks folks. I knew if I posted on this site I would get the right answer. Checked all today and everything was OK. Dried out i'm sure. Thanks again, Bob

[ron55]

Pull your air box off and silicon up all the holes. Hold it up to the light and you will see several cracks where it't put together. You can imagine the deluge it get off the front wheel. This air box was originally designed to be in the dry under a hood

[RVThere]

I had the same problem during rain storms with my 2003 WH Suncruiser.

I fixed the problem by putting foam weatherstripping between the top of the hood and body right below the front windshield. Seems all the rain hits the windshield and drops down into the gap at the top of the hood.

After that fix, I never had a repeat problem even in driving rain storms.

[speed racer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RVThere:
I had the same problem during rain storms with my 2003 WH Suncruiser.

I fixed the problem by putting foam weatherstripping between the top of the hood and body right below the front windshield. Seems all the rain hits the windshield and drops down into the gap at the top of the hood.

After that fix, I never had a repeat problem even in driving rain storms. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Same problem same fix on my o5 Dolphin but I put the seal all the way around the hood opening and no more problems.

[DriVer]

Having shaken and not stirred my one remaining brain cell, my experience in receiving a snoot full of water was that my SES (Service Engine Soon) lamp lit up. I did not receive the IP text that you had, Reduced Engine Power. I can't be at all certain what could have caused your ECM to issue the EC that it did in your IP display.

The remedy was indeed to allow the air filter to air dry and the lamp extinguished itself on the subsequent days' startup.

[Blue Ribbon]

Sealing the air box is very very important. Just think the direction your front tire is spinning, and where is the air box? Right in front of the tire. It is not mist, but water propelled at 60 (or 70) mph and that is a lot of pressure.

Also, I copied an idea from Winnebago. They now have a pie pan, upside down, setting about 2" in front of the snorkel. The pie pan is about 2" bigger in diameter and seems to block all water.

Since I've done these two mods, I have driven in extremely strong rain, and no problem. My air intake is right behind a big (about 3/8") opening between "hood" and front cap.

In a rain storm, it is a bear to sit on the pavement and pull out your air filter. Do these mods in nice dry weather, then don't worry about it from them on...... or at least with a motorhome, you will find something else to worry about.

[JnGOnTheGo]

Blue Ribbon could you post a picture of the pie pan mod or send me a picture.

Thanks,

[Spoonman]

I agree with sealing the airbox.My filter got soaked a few times and after attending a seminar put on by Ed Gray I sealed the airbox as Ed suggested and so far it has worked.
Pie plate type baffle may also help but be very careful not to restrict airflow.