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Ssgritton · 10-06-2013, 09:12 AM

My drive way is quite the hill so when I start up it I use to start at the bottom and head up no problem now I get a little bit of a running start as I have gotten use to the coach. Here is the problem as I'm going to crest the hill the coach stops and doesn't have the power to make it I end up rolling a little back and put pedal to the metal and barely make it up.

My question is I think if I start slow like I use to it will be even worse and would have to have something tow me or back down and this driveway which is verry narrow. Any driving ideas how to pull a hill? Or is this a tranny problem?

Skip426 · 10-06-2013, 09:24 AM

Sounds like an engine power issue.
Cat ? Cummins ? Gas / diesel ?
Any lights on the dash, low coolant level, on a steep drive can trigger a , diesel engine , power de-rate, and the power loss as you describe.

Ssgritton · 10-06-2013, 09:34 AM

400 cummins with a Allison 6 speed

Ssgritton · 10-06-2013, 09:35 AM

No lights on

Muddypaws · 10-06-2013, 09:46 AM

Are you sure that's just a hill? If 400HP can't go up a hill it's more apt to be a cliff.

Have you tried downshifting before you lose RPMs? I've noticed that if I let the transmission decide when to downshift it waits too long and I loose too much speed.

We have some steep hills 'round here.

Skip426 · 10-06-2013, 09:51 AM

Does the engine power appear normal once your out on the street ?
How long has the engine been running before you attempt to move out your driveway ?
If you attempt the driveway , after having the coach out on the highway is the situation any different?
Any major change in the ambient temps , from the times when you didn't have the issue, till now ?

JMHO; with the engine cold ,coach parked on level ground , check the coolant level, if the level is anywhere near the minimum cold mark top it up to the full cold and re-try the drive.

Ssgritton · 10-06-2013, 10:11 AM

I have noticed it sluggish on flat ground when I start out and it does better warmed up? Maybe the jake brake stuck, fuel filter or coolant will check now. Can you replace the fuel filter or do you have to take it in because of air in the line?

I tried down shifting no help. I also thought that when I take a running start at it and start the turn I might be taking my foot off the gas and the jake brake kicks in that is why it worked from a slow start maybe.

Ssgritton · 10-06-2013, 10:17 AM

It has done this after a long trip and a short trip just the other day drove 4 miles and it did it then came back from a three our trip same thing. Is there a way to check your turbo to see if it is working?

Skip426 · 10-06-2013, 10:23 AM

Jake ( engine or exhaust brake ? ) should have an off switch, and should be programed not to engage below 10 mph or in first gear.
Instructions for fuel filter replacement ; priming and purging air from the fuel system; should be in owners manual.
If you have no record of the last fuel filter change, would be the first thing to try for any low power issue.

ga traveler · 10-06-2013, 10:27 AM

It could be a loose turbo boot. Check the intake pipe for a loose clamp, broken clamp, or a boot out of position.

Skip426 · 10-06-2013, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ssgritton

It has done this after a long trip and a short trip just the other day drove 4 miles and it did it then came back from a three our trip same thing. Is there a way to check your turbo to see if it is working?

Not without a boost gauge or a scan tool , if you have info on your engine , see if it is listed as having a VVT turbo.( Variable Vane Tech. )
Owners of Cummins with VVT turbos have reported , actuator problems , that affect boost and power.

Skip426 · 10-06-2013, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ga traveler

It could be a loose turbo boot. Check the intake pipe for a loose clamp, broken clamp, or a boot out of position.

Thanks for mentioning that , ga , too early in the day for me to think of the real easy stuff. Time for another coffee.

Ssgritton · 10-06-2013, 10:46 AM

The coach is cold and level and I see a little green at the bottom of the view eye about 1/8 of the circle does that mean I need to fill with antifreeze until the circle is full while cold. If so what kind of antifreeze? Can this cause a loss in power? I looked at the orange boots and cant see or feel anything loose. Now looking for the fuel filter

chief02 · 10-06-2013, 10:46 AM

Sounds like the tranny has reached its "stall" point. They put high stall torgue converters in most of the units for milage. Google tramsmission "stall" to learn more. If your keep trying to climbe this driveway and the trans is at stall point, you will fry the tranny fast. Also talk to your Allison mech.