Stalling Problem
I have a 2000 Pace Arrow Vision with 28,000 miles on the Ford V-10 engine. I occasionally have trouble keeping the engine running after starting it. The problem occurs at high and low ambient temperatures and with a full tank of gasoline or one that is a quarter full. After the motorhome sits overnight or when pulling away from a start with a warm or cold engine, it will stall. It will restart normally, but as soon as I put it in gear I can only get it to creep a short distance before it stalls again. After many rolling restarts, I can get it going by feathering the throttle. It will then run all day at interstate speeds until I have to stop again.
I have tried four different gasoline brands and have replaced the air filter, crank position sensor, throttle body cleaner, mass airflow sensor, output speed sensor, and valve air pass assembly, but nothing has worked. Since this is a sporadic problem, I have not been able to get the motorhome to a Ford dealer when the problem is actually occurring. The dealer’s computer shows no stored trouble codes, and unfortunately, they have to resort to guesswork “” at my expense. Also, since the coach runs fine once the rpm and speed build, we do not believe it is a fuel flow or vapor lock condition.
Richard Gonsalves, F144633, Sebring, Florida
This is a difficult problem to diagnose from afar, especially since you note that the technician at the dealership could not find the cause. I have two suggestions, however. First, make sure the engine’s ground strap is connected correctly to the frame and that the connections are clean. The lack of a ground strap, or corroded connections, can cause all kinds of weird electrical problems with today’s computer-controlled ignitions.
Second, replace the fuel filter. I know you said that the engine runs well at higher rpm once it is warmed up, but my feeling is that perhaps the higher fuel flow is forcing its way through the debris, and at lower flow rates the fuel flow is being interrupted. Understand that your motorhome may have two fuel filters “” one in the engine compartment and one in the fuel tank. There’s a chance the filter in the tank could be contaminated and restricting fuel flow.
If these suggestions don’t work, perhaps you could arrange to leave the motorhome at the dealership overnight so that the tech can try to find the problem when the engine is cold.
Freightliner Custom Chassis, Detroit Diesel Engine Recall
FMCA member Charles Cristiano recently sent information to FMC to alert other members about a potentially dangerous situation related to a chassis recall that was announced almost two years ago.On December 5, 2008, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) initiated NHTSA recall 08V668000, which involved buses, trucks, and other chassis manufactured from March 9, 2004, through August 18, 2006, and equipped with EPA04-certified MBE900 series engines manufactured by Detroit Diesel Corporation from March 1, 2004, through July 31, 2006. The recall included 26,047 vehicles. Among the vehicles in the recall population were 277 model-year 2004, 2005, and 2006 Freightliner XC motorhome chassis.
On affected vehicles, the high-pressure fuel lines and transfer tubes on the MBE900 EPA04 engine could fatigue and fracture. A fractured fuel line could leak diesel fuel. If undetected, the leaking fuel could ignite at a hot engine surface, causing a fire in the engine compartment, and/or the fuel could be spilled onto the road surface. Should a leak occur, the vehicle operator may notice rough engine operation, low engine power, and the distinct smell of diesel fuel.
According to DTNA officials, as of June 15, 2010, 150 of the 277 affected motorhome chassis have been repaired. Owners of affected chassis who have not had the repair made should take their vehicle to a Detroit Diesel repair facility to have the fuel lines and transfer tubes replaced with more robust lines and vibration dampers. The repair should take approximately two hours.
The reason for Mr. Cristiano’s concern is that he never received a notification letter for his 2007 Gulf Stream Tour Master motorhome built on a Freightliner chassis with an MBE900 series engine. After he noticed the smell of diesel fuel, he discovered a leak in a high-pressure fuel line above the engine going from the block to the injectors. While working to have this corrected, he learned about a recall related to the MBE900 series engine. At first he was told that based on the serial number, his engine was not included in the recall. At that point, he contacted a regional manager with Detroit Diesel. Since his engine was equipped with the old fuel lines that could fatigue and fracture and thus required the repair, the company covered the expense. In his letter, Mr. Cristiano recommends that anyone with a motorhome built on a 2004 through 2006 Freightliner chassis with an MBE900 series engine have the vehicle inspected to determine whether the fuel lines need to be replaced.
For more information about this recall, contact Detroit Diesel at (313) 592-3708, or DTNA at (800) 547-0712.
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