Revving/idling 8.1 in storage

[njs42]

I have never started my engine in storage and idled for any extended length of time---but today I did (long story); the engine would not rev over 3000 rpm---it would just "go flat". Sounded fine otherwise.

I think I read in these threads that was normal out of gear behavior for the 8.1. Is that correct, or do I have a problem?

[CoastieSCPO]

Don't think you have a problem, rev limiter while in park or neutral. Mine did the same thing to me not long after I bought it new.

[njs42]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoastieSCPO Don't think you have a problem, rev limiter while in park or neutral. Mine did the same thing to me not long after I bought it new.

Hey! Thanks a lot. I thought I had heard this before just was trying to see if "I made it up" or read it. Could not find a thread.

Strange, I have had this MH for almost ten years and never reved it like that before----again thank you.

We got new tires this year for MH and Toad, The washer and dryer went out our Springer Spaniel just exploded a cruciate ligimate needs knee surgery and tomorrow I may learn that I need surgery on a damaged finger----- my wife said if the MH needs repair she did not want to know.

What a relief.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by njs42 Hey! Thanks a lot. I thought I had heard this before just was trying to see if "I made it up" or read it. Could not find a thread.

You know something, It's often just better to prepare and store your motorhome and wait until spring or until you're ready to get back on the road before starting your engine.

The 8.1 engine needs to be run under load and anything else is just not necessary and could be detrimental to the engine.

[bluepill]

+1 ---- Prep it and forget it.

[njs42]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriVer You know something, It's often just better to prepare and store your motorhome and wait until spring or until you're ready to get back on the road before starting your engine. The 8.1 engine needs to be run under load and anything else is just not necessary and could be detrimental to the engine.

I'm taking it out of storage because we are leaving for the winter. I'm doing my normal due diligence before hitting the road.

I am aware about not idling my engine---in nine years have never done it before as I said---and I know better---different set of circumstances this one time (long story as I said).

I felt one time would not hurt and it better that I let it warm up enough to disperse moisture. I reved it to get the moisture out of the exhaust pipes.

I guess you will just have to trust me. I promise I'll never do it again.

So do you believe I received an accurate answer to the question I posed?

I do and it made me feel better.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by njs42 So do you believe I received an accurate answer to the question I posed?

njs42, Absolutely! The engine at idle will flat spot out at 3K revs and that's it. We have a great bunch of guys here that know their machines and they freely provide a lot of great information that new and existing members are looking for. You obtained the right answer right off the bat.

[njs42]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriVer njs42, Absolutely! The engine at idle will flat spot out at 3K revs and that's it. We have a great bunch of guys here that know their machines and they freely provide a lot of great information that new and existing members are looking for. You obtained the right answer right off the bat.

Yes, I thought so too, I sincerely appreciate the affirmation. I have read many of your comments and post and have learned to value your information; as I have the volumes of information I have learned in my short time on the site.

On occassion I get lucky and offer the right kind of help to others myself. I take joy in that---the ones I am able to help seem gratified.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by njs42 On occassion I get lucky and offer the right kind of help to others myself. I take joy in that---the ones I am able to help seem gratified.

If you can save someone time, effort and money - "That's" what it's all about!

[iRV4FUN]

My 2003 8.1L doesn't have a "Rev Limiter".

I once worked at a Cement Plant and my first week on the job the boy's told me to go to the supply shop and bring back a "Brick Stretcher". I took two step towards the supply shop and stopped. There's no such thing as a brick stretcher! The moral of the story -- don't assume.

If I can't rev the engine at idle above 3000 RPM's, then I'd take her out on the road and see how she performs out of idle. That way you know she's good to go. Otherwise, that little voice is going to be talking to you almost daily; "Is she ready for that big trip in December or do I have an issue?" And on departure day -- Mama's big voice is going to say; "Why didn't you check this out!!!

[njs42]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iRV4FUN My 2003 8.1L doesn't have a "Rev Limiter". I once worked at a Cement Plant and my first week on the job the boy's told me to go to the supply shop and bring back a "Brick Stretcher". I took two step towards the supply shop and stopped. There's no such thing as a brick stretcher! The moral of the story -- don't assume. If I can't rev the engine at idle above 3000 RPM's, then I'd take her out on the road and see how she performs out of idle. That way you know she's good to go. Otherwise, that little voice is going to be talking to you almost daily; "Is she ready for that big trip in December or do I have an issue?" And on departure day -- Mama's big voice is going to say; "Why didn't you check this out!!!

Thanks---more information always good to have.


The fact is (long story) I'm going to go with the flow on this one because events have overwhelmed our normal routine.

If it is broken I will just cross that bridge when I come to it----we never get in a hurry---just frustrated sometime not to be gone, but never push-----if I were to bet it would be 95% sure it is OK-----but we know where the devil is---he's a detail kinda guy.

So now I know that some do others do not have the limiter. I learn as I go. I'll start looking to see if I can find out where I sit.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iRV4FUN My 2003 8.1L doesn't have a "Rev Limiter".

That's quite unusual. My engine will only go up to 3K in park and that's it. The ECM will also cut off the fuel at 80MPH.

[CoastieSCPO]

[QUOTE=iRV4FUN;1001750]My 2003 8.1L doesn't have a "Rev Limiter".

You are quite right, my 8.1 does not have a "rev limiter", but in park or neutral when applying the throttle, the revolutions per minute goes not further than 3000 RPM's. Hence, they are limited!

[frankdamp]

You're only going to do 5000 miles a year, if your utilisation is anything like mine. What possible long-term harm can result, during your ownership, from the engine not being run for 5 months each winter that wouldn't be someone else's problem after you sold the rig?

The 45 hours on the generator on my '02 rig are probably all a result of it being "exercised" once every 6 weeks. The previous owners always stayed at full hook-up sites.

I'm not going to sweat the details. With a bit of luck, whoever buys our rig when we're done with it doesn't read this newsgroup!!