| Author | Message | ||
| Redlabel (Redlabel)
Registered Member Username: Redlabel Post Number: 6 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 208.72.151.11 Rating: N/A |
I did a seach but couldn't find any information on this so here goes. I'm wondering if there is a way to charge the fuel line to make sure it is getting fuel. I tried starting my bus after setting for a couple of months and it smokes like crazy but doesn't fire up. It has always started right up before even when sitting over the winter. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks | ||
| Bruce Henderson (Oonrahnjay)
Registered Member Username: Oonrahnjay Post Number: 174 Registered: 8-2004 Posted From: 72.12.39.78 Rating: N/A |
Hey, Red, I know precious little about N American buses/engines so I can't help but it will help those that are familiar if you'll post bus type, year, engine type, maybe tranny type and any mods/special items in the fuel system. Also, batteries hot? | ||
| Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy)
Registered Member Username: Drivingmisslazy Post Number: 2007 Registered: 1-2001 Posted From: 75.108.78.224 Rating: N/A |
Try a little shot of ether into the intake. Just a little shot should get it going. If it is smoking trying to start then it is probably getting fuel. Richard | ||
| Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy)
Registered Member Username: Drivingmisslazy Post Number: 2008 Registered: 1-2001 Posted From: 75.108.78.224 Rating: N/A |
Double post. Sorry. (Message edited by DrivingMissLazy on November 06, 2007) | ||
| George M. Todd (George_mc6)
Registered Member Username: George_mc6 Post Number: 286 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 207.231.75.253 Rating: N/A |
Good morning Red, Here's a couple of suggestions on things to look for to resolve your problem. Pure white smoke out the exhaust while cranking is fuel vapor, which means no ignition has ocurred at all. This can be caused by the outside temperature being way too cool, (in the thirties) low batteries which just don't crank it fast enough, or, if it is a 71 series engine, the shutdown flapper being tripped. Look for the little lever with a solenoid operated latch on the side of the air intake. Make sure the latch is holding the lever. George | ||
| Mark R. Obtinario (Cowlitzcoach)
Registered Member Username: Cowlitzcoach Post Number: 180 Registered: 4-2001 Posted From: 204.245.228.203 Rating: |
I don't know where Buffalo Commons is, but if it is anywhere where it is cold and damp, your problem may just be because it is cold and damp outside. I know with my Crown that has a 6-71T, starting it after it has been sitting awhile is never as easy as my bus that has a DT466. It is particularly difficult when the ambient goes down below 40 degrees and the humidity is over 85%. What has worked for me, without resorting to starting fluid, has been cranking the starter for a 10 count, waiting for a 10 count, and continuing the process until it starts. The colder the ambient and the higher the humidity, the longer the process is. Or better yet, plugging the engine in works much quicker and doesn't require as much cranking on the starter. Don't just sit on the starter switch. It will tend to burn up your starter, melt your battery cables, and run down your batteries faster. By cranking and waiting you give the heat you have created a chance to spread around the engine. I know people who have less trouble starting their DD 2-cycles who live in much colder climes than myself because the humidity is so much lower. Once the ambient temperatures go below 50 degrees at night my 6-71 becomes harder to start. This is all predicated on making sure the batteries are hot enough to spin the engine fast enough, the flapper has not been tripped, there is sufficient fuel in the tank to get fuel to the engine, and you are holding your tongue just right. You can charge the fuel line with a charge can. I made mine out of a garden sprayer and some brass fittings. I made the charge can to reprime after fuel filter changes. I would tend to think it isn't a fuel supply problem, particularly since you have some smoke coming out the spout. I am thinking it has more to do with how cold and damp it is more than anything else. Mark O. Castle Rock, WA | ||
| JR Lynch (Njt5047)
Registered Member Username: Njt5047 Post Number: 193 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 69.132.233.230 Rating: N/A |
Install a block heater?? That will sure make cold weather starts more pleasurable for the engine. And may solve your starting problem. JR | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 529 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 63.97.117.19 Rating: N/A |
This comes up every year when the weather starts getting cooler. If my 671 doesn't start on the first crank when the weather cools I know it is time for the ether. Ether was meant to be used in this engine and there is a nice little cup on top of the air box to insert ether capsules. Since these are no longer available I just squirt a bit into the cup and she fires right up no matter what the temp. The big difference in the DD 2-stroke and others is that ether is supposed to go directly into the air box, not the air intake. Also the ether is squirted in, then i walk around to the front and push the starter. It doesn't work as well if the engine is cranked too soon after inserting the ether. I don't know what engine you have but if it is a DD 3-stroke it probably is no different. | ||
| Tom Caffrey (Pvcces)
Registered Member Username: Pvcces Post Number: 1141 Registered: 5-2001 Posted From: 65.74.67.83 Rating: N/A |
Redlabel, no one mentioned another variable; high elevation makes them harder to start because the smaller air charge does not reach firing temperatures. Our coach starts in freezing weather if it is not very much lower than 32, but we're usually at sea level. Once, when we stayed over a few nights at 2500 feet and it was frosty in the mornings, it took some cranking to get it going. At low elevation, it starts readily when frosty, after a bit of cranking. I expect that above a mile, it really has a pronounced effect. Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 Suncatcher Ketchikan, Alaska | ||
| Larry Baird (Airhog)
Registered Member Username: Airhog Post Number: 130 Registered: 1-2001 Posted From: 71.9.81.46 Rating: N/A |
Maybe reset the shut off flaper thing on the blower? |
