Hard starting. Fuel Solenoid failure? Follow-up

February 23, 2013, 01:12:08 am

Everyone,

Thanks for all of the responses to my query. The problem turned out to be something that I would not have imagined. For those who may be interested, here is the diagnosis process of elimination trail:
1. I checked wiring to the fuel shut of solenoid. All secure. Good continuity. 2. I had a helper crank the engine while I observed the operation of the bell crank on the fuel shut off solenoid. The solenoid had a strong pull. It cranked to full open position with no hesitation. All good. 3. I Suspected blockage in fuel filters due to possible algae or other microorganisms in tank. Added the prescribed amount of Racor biocide to the tank by mixing it with two gallons of fuel. I poured the mix into the 60 gallons of fuel that remained in the tank. Then, I moved the coach forward and aft several times braking hard each time to disperse the biocide. The online Racor tech advised that this would work fine. 4. I removed engine cover under the bed to gain access to the secondary fuel filter so that I could replace it. I also suspected the fuel transfer pump (lift pump). I pushed the manual priming plunger a few times. Voila! fuel began to squirt out around the perimeter of filter. Evidently the oil change tech at T/A Truck stop had not tightened it enough. I re-tightened the filter over 1/2 turn. Then I hand pumped the manual primer again. No leaks. I cranked the engine and it fired instantly and ran smoothly. Who could have imagined that this could be such a simple fix?
As I think back on the oil and filter change process I recall that the tech claimed there was only one filter, the one in the bay adjacent to the engine. I had to show him where to look for the primary. I should have taken my coach out of there immediately! It was probably too difficult for him to get a tool on the filter body. I am guessing that he simply hand tightened it. Has anyone ever heard a story like this?

Daron Hairabedian, 98 Allure, 30226, Cummins 8.3 mechanical engine.

Re: Hard starting. Fuel Solenoid failure? Follow-up

Reply #1 – February 23, 2013, 08:43:56 am

Yahoo Message Number: 86035

I always hand tighten my filters as hard as possible, which i believe is the recommended/preferred method. Sounds like the tech didn't hand tighten it enough.

Larry, 03 Allure, 30856

Re: Hard starting. Fuel Solenoid failure? Follow-up

Reply #2 – February 23, 2013, 12:51:03 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 86044

I saw one even worse. When I was in college and working Sunday in a gas station, a guy pulled in and asked why his check engine light was on. He just had his oil changed about a mile down the street. I put it on the rack. The oil filter had been mangled and torn. The grease monkey who did the oil change obviously could not get it off and did not tell the owner, just filled it with oil and sent him on his way.
I am sure the owner shared his joy with the first grease monkey when he left me.

Bob Wexler
SOB

Re: Hard starting. Fuel Solenoid failure? Follow-up

Reply #3 – February 23, 2013, 03:22:41 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 86045

Glad to read the positive outcome! Thanks for updating the root cuase, as it could help others in the future.

Best to all,
Smitty

04 Allure 31017

Country Coach Owners Forum Country Coach Motorcoach Forum