Hello folks.
I could use some help on the first mechanical issue I have just experienced with my bus.
I was climbing a steep grade, mountain road. First gear up switchbacks.
The bus was running warm ( 200-220 ) but nothing alarming. I don't have a trans temp gauge but since I was in first and second gear where the TC doesnt lock up I would often pull over and let it cool with the engine running for 1-5 minutes.
About 7 miles up the climb the service engine soon light came on, the engine stuttered and it shut down.
I was able to immediately restart the engine and kept going to a turn out where I pulled off and let it cool for about a half hour.
The light remains off during this time.
I resumed the climb and within one mile the service engine soon light came on and the engine would miss or felt very low on power. I was not able to pull off since the road was only single lane wide at this time. Shortly after the engine shut down again and I was not able to restart it. I waited about 20 minutes with the engine off, key off and then tried again. It did not restart. I waited another 5 minutes and tried again as there were other cars and a few quad bikes that were behind me and were becoming impatient that I was blocking the road. ( It was 2 AM, where are these people going? )
It did re-start, with difficulty ( very long crank time shuttered, eventually coughed and started ) and I proceeded to the nearest pull off and left the bus there.
Since then I have started it just fine twice, but I am worried about what the deal is with the engine? I'm worried when I have to get back down, I cant do the mountain road without powersteering and if it shuts off unexpectedly like it did on the climb I'm done for.
Does anyone have some ideas on what to investigate?
How can I pull the code from the ECU and figure out what it's complaining about?
Diagnostics done thus far...
1: checked lift pump wiring. Looked fine
2: Removed fuel filter, new as of 6 months ago. Looks fine. System primes with diesel when I turn the key. Unknown lift pump pressure but it is working.
3: Checked fluid levels, all within spec.
Bus, 2003 Bluebird TC/2000. 29ft, Cummins 5.9 24V, Allison 2000 trans. 5.xx rear gear
Location of the parked bus is very pretty, I have plenty of water and food. It is 40 min by mountain road into the nearest town. Nearest Cummins dealer in Ogden Utah.
I have 2 weeks to investigate and resolve this before the bus has to move. If it snows I'm toast. Bus cant go down the road with snow.