2008 Cummins in R-25 stops running without warning.

J

Jackcash

Member
Joined
Sep 26, 2015
Messages
18
Fluid Motion Model
C-248 C
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2584B808
Vessel Name
Feisty
Engine stops running without warning! I have eliminated dirty fuel and filters. It will run for hours and then just stops. then I go through the motions of checking filters, find them clean, time elapses , restart and it runs like a top for hours. I am thinking it is most likely a electronic problem or a blocked pick up. By the way it is venting OK. Got any ideas?
Jack cash
 
Jack, when you say the engine just stops running after hours of operation do you mean it will stop while underway, i.e., the engine is actually running and then just stops? Or, after use, you stop the engine and it will not restart until it has sat for awhile? If the latter, I would suspect the neutral safety switch mounted on the transmission which is easily checked by jumping the two leads (just make 100% certain you are in neutral as the engine will start in gear while jumping the leads). If the engine stops while actually running and given the time I might lean towards a piece of crud being sucked into the fuel pickup tube. Unless it has already been removed the fuel pickup tube has a small screen which can clog up, I would look into removing. What I do not know, if the neutral safety switch is going bad and the engine is already running can it create a fault to stop the engine.
 
Twice it has stopped running after about 4 hrs. did the filter change both times, restarted and it ran great for about week, stopping and starting each day with no problem. I am also leaning toward the fuel pick up thing and I am looking for input!
Jackcash
 
The neutral safety sounds like an easy point to troubleshoot. If it happens again try jumping it out and then starting it. Make sure you are out of gear first.
 
I wouldn't think that the neutral safety switch would cause the engine to stop running when it is already running. Wouldn't it only prevent it starting up? By the way do you know where the engine serial number is located? Thanks for the input! JACK
 
Pull each fuse out of the black box and check it with a magnifying glass for cracks.
Wiggle the blades.
A friend had EXACTLY the same problem, same year model and engine.
One of the fuses had a hairline crack.
Sometimes it made contact, sometimes not.
 
Jack, I agree with you on the neutral safety switch but not knowing how it is wired in thought I would at least put it out there for you to think on. However, given your time interval I would still lean to the fuel pickup tube. After four or so hours of running you could be pulling a piece of crud creating a fuel flow issue and when you stop if falls back off or opens up. The ESN is located on the front of engine, actually two locations. First location is on top of black cover under the cabin step right next to the fuse box mentioned in the previous post. Second is in same general location except further down on front of the engine (actual Engine Date Plate). The ESN should start with an 882.....
 
I would among other things check the fuel vent. It's like the finger over the end of the straw trick. Maybe a kink or a blockage. That to would mend itself also after a couple of hours of sitting.
 
Thanks for all the ideas where to start looking. My broker suggested that it could be the shut down solenoid or a fault in the ignition switch, both seem like they might be things that could cause the problem. I think I have ruled out the vent as a problem, but I could be wrong, will have to keep an eye on it. Thanks for the ESN location. Jack
 
Jack,
Had similar problem a few years ago. Drove me crazy. Did all the troubleshooting you have mentioned. Ends up - I had a slightly corroded and not as tight as it should have been Ground connection on the Engine battery. Cleaned / Tightened up and problem gone. (as it ends up - when I would hit waves a little hard or wake would cause a shock that would temporarily cause connection to fail - Cummins being a high pressure common rail system - no power = no run)

This may not be your problem - but if you find it happens in rougher condiditons or going through a wake at speed - that bump can cause engine to suddenly fail. Good luck.
Commander Ed
 
I had a similar problem with a Yanmar 4Jh2 engine. It ran for hours then would stop. A filter change would cure the problem for awhile. I removed the pickup, disconnected the fuel line and blew thru the pickup in the opposite direction of fuel flow and low and behold a bit of insulation blew out. It was getting sucked up into the pickup line and eventually cut off the fuel. Once the debris was removed the problem was cured.
 
The last suggestion brings me back to my first belief that it is fuel related, such as a blocked pick up or blocked vent. My plan is to check the electrical things first and if I don't find anything tackle the fuel pick up last. I am not sure how to get the pick up line out without cutting a hole in the sole just above where the line enters the tank. Any ideas about that? Jack
 
Jack, I am not sure about a 2008 R25 but our 2009 has a deck plate installed right in front of the interior cabin step. All fuel tank lines (fill, vent, pick up and return) are accessible through this plate. The only fuel tank component which is not accessible is the fuel gage sending unit.
 
Mike , It appears that the deck plate access was left out for some reason and I will likely install one where I described. Jack
 
Update--! I checked a lot of the suggestions that were given with nothing found that would indicate a source of the problem. I have installed an inspection panel to get to the fuel pickup. Next problem! The fuel pickup won't come out the hole when it is unscrewed. It appears that the end is weighted and is larger than the opening. I am reluctant to unscrew the larger fitting that the tube screws into, for fear of not being able to get it back in place. Does anyone have experience or advice with this problem? A Cummins technician is coming next week with diagnostic equipment to check for electronic faults. Thanks every one for the input! jackcash
 
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