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Topic: Caterpillar (C9) Shut-down (Read 1504 times) previous topic - next topic
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Caterpillar (C9) Shut-down

Yahoo Message Number: 22638
Last Monday afternoon, our engine shut off on I-10 east of Tucson, theoretically because it overheated (the temperature gauge indicated 220 degrees and an Engine Warning light came on). We have an `05 Country Coach Inspire driven by a Caterpillar C9 engine. The outside temperature was 95 degrees.

There was no evidence of loss of coolant (the reservoir was full). Our cruise control and dash air conditioner were on at the time of the shut-down. We were also towing a small compact car. After a short cool-down period, the engine restarted and we continued driving, but it soon shut down again. Again, we restarted the engine after a few minutes, and drove the few miles back to Benson, where we checked into an RV Park for the night. The next morning, we disconnected the tow car, switched the air conditioner off, and started the engine. We then drove 50 miles back to Tucson without incident. The temperature gauge never exceeded 180 degrees, and there were no warning lights. By contrast, the outside temperature at 7:30 a.m. was in the mid to high 50s, so conditions were more favorable.
At Empire Power Systems, an authorized Caterpillar service center in Tucson, the engine codes were erratic and inconclusive as to what was going on with the engine when it shut down. Eventually, it was discovered that the two-speed radiator fan would not switch electronically from 700 rpm to 2100 rpm with increased engine temperature. That condition did not change after the fan motor was replaced and the engine was operated for several minutes at high rpm with the air conditioner on. An engine monitoring system, like Silverleaf, might have been helpful, but we don't have it installed.
Are there any Caterpillar C9 owners out there who have had a similar problem? If so, perhaps you can provide some helpful information. My wife and I have been in a nearby motel since Monday, and at this point, we're not sure how much longer we're going to be here.

Thanks.

Gary and Sandy Collins
'05 Inspire 51491

Re: Caterpillar (C9) Shut-down

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 22639
Dear GAry and Sandy,

Sorry to hear about the problems with the engine shutting down. We lso own an '05 Inspire, 51178, one of the first to be built with the C9. I won't go into our two year saga except to strongly recommend that you contact Tad Petrie at the Cat. His e-mail is Petrie_Tad_L@... - that's assuming you aren't already. All said and done Cat sttod behind their product.
That assumes the engine is the problem and not the coach. Have you been in contact with Country Coach? If you're not getting anywhere go up the chain at once! Don't hesitate.
I'm not the best typist but if you'd like to talk with someone who has been through all of Cat and CC's support people feel free to give me a call at 352 250 8892.

Bob & Cheryl Handren

Bob Handren

'05 Country Coach Inspire 51178
'00 JGCL

Re: Caterpillar (C9) Shut-down

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 22640
Gary and Sandy, I suspect that you have a problem with the fan controller. This is chassis related and not specific to the engine.
I had a problem with similar symptoms to yours and replacement of the fan controller solved the problem.

Cummins Coach Care is a CC authorized service provider. With this being chassis related they may be able to trouble shoot the issue for you as they did for me (though I do have a Cummins). Otherwise, a Cat service facility should be able to help also.

George in Birmingham
'04 Allure 31038
George in Birmingham
2003 Magna 6298

Re: Caterpillar (C9) Shut-down

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 22657
Thanks, Bob, I will follow up on the information you included in your message.

Gary Collins

'05 Inspire 51491

Re: Caterpillar (C9) Shut-down

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 22658
Thanks, George, your information was very helpful. We took our coach to Empire Power Systems in Tucson, AZ and they replaced the fan motor and vaccum controller. That seems to have taken care of the problem.

Gary Collins

'05 Inspire 51491

Re: Caterpillar (C9) Shut-down

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 22668
That's great Gary. I'm glad your problem is solved. And in such a short time.

George in Birmingham
'04 Allure 31038
George in Birmingham
2003 Magna 6298