Hey Everyone,

I have heard great things about this site and was referred here by the previous mechanic that worked on my RV.

Here is a link to my RV. 30 seconds in will show the engine.

I have a 1983 Heritage RV with a chevy 6.2L diesel converted engine. I don't use it often, so when I previously left for a weekend getaway, I broke down with the "water in fuel" light that came on. The engine then just spins without turning over.

I broke down in Ft. Collins, CO and the mechanic said he ended up draining something and it ran fine. I can't remember what he said...

I had it sitting in storage for about 2 months and went to start it up the other day...it ran great for about 25 minutes then just shut off. I had about a half bottle of diesel 911 in the tank that was being used, too. I just ordered a new fuel filter that will be here in a couple days, but besides replacing that, how do I go about getting the engine to turn over? And how often should I be starting the RV just to prevent water from filtering in to the engine? I know nothing about diesels... :/

Thanks so much for any help!

 

Engine spins without turning over That statement makes absolutely no sense. If your WIF light comes on, drain the water seperator, thats what your mechanic was talkin about. Are your batteries fully charged ?

 

Batteries are charged. This happens after it has been running for some time. It's not the water separator, ive already tried that and actually have a new one on the way. He said he drained something else...and am waiting on a return phone call from him, too.

I basically just want to know how to prevent issues with the water and the fuel...so that it can make it 3-4-5 hour trips and back.

 

If it spins with out turning over, the starter is not engaging, seems like the little gear isn't popping out. Might have to get a new starter. Or your flywheel is stripped, starter works and nothing to turn. Can't really help with the water in fuel. Might try draining the fuel filter. Don't know how to do it on a 6.2, looks way different than the 6.5

 

To drain the filter you need to open the tap at the bottom of the filter-water will flow first since it is heavier than fuel,when fuel comes out the water is gone.

Since you have a mechanical lift pump this will have now let air into the filter likely and make staring difficult.

As long as water did not make it all the way to the injection pump you should be ok though.

Crack 1 fuel line loose from an injector and attempt to start normally,engage the starter for no more than 15 seconds at a time with a 1 minute starter cooldown period between cranking sessions-it will take a few cranking sessions to get it running,much like if it ran out of fuel.

After about 3 such sessions it will likely start-tighten the loose fuel line and let it run until stable and tighten until warmed up.

Ideally you should drain the filter while the engine is running next time the water in fuel light comes on that way the filter will still receive fuel-beware of moving parts!