Why to have your top end looked at!

[phorner]

Just because this issue isn't convoluted with enough variables already, what would be the benefit (if any) of using the Webasto engine pre-heat to get the engine nice and toasty before running it on high idle for a period of time?

Would bringing the engine temperature up good and high help to drive out some of the accumulated moisture?

[dale farley]

I have discussed this with ESP, and there are several different kits available. They recommend using an oil filter adapter for the input rather than the sending unit adapter. This provides a larger opening and an easier, neater and quicker install. It also costs more.

They also offer 24V and 12V systems. Another option is to use a manual kit that you just flip the switch when you want to activate the system (instead of having it tied to your your ignition switch). The down side is that there is very little markup in the system from their cost to distributor cost, and it requires a few thousand $ investment, and you get the headaches that go along with startup and on-going operation. If I become a distributor and cut the "gross" profit margin in half, there would only be about a $25 discount on each unit. This requires a somewhat long-term investment of funds and energy with ESP for them to offer any discount. They will not set anyone up as a distributor to just buy a few units at a discount for their friends, and that is understandable. Neither do we want to buy the units and not have adequate support in the future. They say they have had some pump failures in the past because of improper installations or applications, but their failure rate is currently near zero.

I am considering getting one and installing it as a prototype for our engines and see how it goes. I welcome any comments before I order one. Is there significant interest in the system from this group? Would most want an automatic or manual system? I am assuming that anyone interested in the system would want the one that provides pre lubrication before the engine starts (adjustable from 10 seconds to 180 seconds) and post lubrication for the turbo and engine after the engine shuts down (2-6 minutes).

[James]

I am considering getting one and installing it as a prototype for our engines and see how it goes. I welcome any comments before I order one. Is there significant interest in the system from this group? Would most want an automatic or manual system? I am assuming that anyone interested in the system would want the one that provides pre lubrication before the engine starts (adjustable from 10 seconds to 180 seconds) and post lubrication for the turbo and engine after the engine shuts down (2-6 minutes).

Thanks for checking. I would be interested in the automatic version that does provide pre/post lubrication.

I'll be back at the bus in a couple of weeks and may order one myself in order to get it installed before I have to leave for an even longer period.

I did talk to Marathon Coach in California. They store buses there for customers and start them periodically to keep the engines lubricated and the chassis batteries charged up. The service guy guy I talked too had never heard of a pre lubrication system.

[JIM CHALOUPKA]

But James, what if you check your engine and the cam and roller rocker arms are already on their way out? Once the wear starts you can't stop it.

JIM

[Jon Wehrenberg]

The angry mob appears to be headed in a new direction. I thought for a while every DD dealer would be looking at cams and rollers, but now it appears everyone will be installing pre-oilers.

I hope everyone realizes a pre-oiler will not coat cam lobes and rollers, so the parts in question that failed will be unaffected. However the bearings will get lubed.

[flyu2there]

Should you own a newer XL, time would be better spent installing a coat, maybe four or five coats, of Tape Coat....take it from one who has been there.

[GDeen]

Should you own a newer XL, time would be better spent installing a coat, maybe four or five coats, of Tape Coat....take it from one who has been there.

My man!

[James]

But James, what if you check your engine and the cam and roller rocker arms are already on their way out? Once the wear starts you can't stop it.

JIM

If that was the case then by installing the pre lubrication system I would hope to prevent future damage to the new cam and rocker arms that I would have to install.

I just had the valves adjusted and at that time the tech did not indicate any damage. I would like to keep it that way. It would be great to drive the bus every day but most of us are not able to do that.

[JIM CHALOUPKA]

Wishing you the best my friend, hope you are successful in your endeavor. Take no offense in my comments, just pulling your, ... a little.


JIM

[James]

I hope everyone realizes a pre-oiler will not coat cam lobes and rollers, so the parts in question that failed will be unaffected. However the bearings will get lubed.

Jon,

I was searching for something to prevent undamaged parts from becoming damaged from the initial start after setting for a long time. The Series 60 manual addresses this problem and states that:

"To insure an immediate flow of oil to all bearing surfaces"

"the engine lubrication system should be charged with a commercially available pressure pre-lubricator. If this is impractical, rocker covers should be removed and clean lubricating oil should be poured over the rocker arms."

Since removing the rocker covers is not practical for most of us, the pre luber or a similar system would seem to be the answer. Are you saying that the pre lubrication system would not prevent the kind of damage that Kevin experienced and if so, is there another way?

Other than a lighter wallet, is there any downside to installing a pre lubrication system?