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Old 06-17-2021, 08:44 AM   #1
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Bluebird Bus engine Surge at low RPM

Hello,

I am new to the forum and am seeking any input as to my engine surge with my 2000 Bluebird TCFE 2000 Cummings ISB 190hp. The bus has a nasty engine surge when it is at idle rpm and it is put into gear. The surge disappears as soon the rpm is increased and runs great. The surge has never caused the engine to stall out. My local mechanic has replaced ECM, fuel injection & lift pump (twice), new wiring harness, and remanufactured transmission. Multiple visits to Cummings Power South who only found and repaired a ground problem with the accelerator pedal.

Any inside would be greatly appreciated since this problem has stumped mechanics in a 150-mile radius.

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Old 06-17-2021, 09:30 AM   #2
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Was the worked you had done due to the surge issue or did the surge start after some work was done? What transmission do you have 545? 2000? or something else? How is the acceleration? Delayed or does it seems normal?
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Old 06-17-2021, 09:50 AM   #3
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Work was done in order to eliminate the surge. 545 transmission. Acceleration is great and responds as expected.
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Old 06-17-2021, 05:03 PM   #4
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I would be curious as to why the injection pump, lift pump, ECM etc. were replaced. I suppose it would of have to had been for some low fuel pressure and bad data readings. Not knowing those reasons and not knowing current conditions make it hard to give direction unless someone has a similar experience.
What rpm change constitutes a nasty engine surge?
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Old 06-17-2021, 07:37 PM   #5
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im ot getting your definition of surge.. is it that the engine acts like it wants to stall then revs itself up? is it while stopped in idle that the engine goes up and down?


has anyone eliminated the possibility of it being the transmission / Torque converter?
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Old 06-18-2021, 07:10 AM   #6
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All of these items were replaced after the mechanic concluded that each one would solve the problem. When one thing did not work, he would replace something else. The RPM when the surge happens is around 1000. Basically at idle with foot on the brake and putting bus into drive or reverse. If you just hold the brake, the surging will eventally stop.
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Old 06-18-2021, 07:16 AM   #7
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Yes, the surge that I am describing is the bus acts like it wants to stall but never does. The transmission and torque converter was replaced but did not correct the problem. The other interesting fact is that the engine will begin to have a slight surge when the a/c compressors turn on/off which leads me to believe that I am getting a voltage drop but I have no idea what this part might be.
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Old 06-18-2021, 07:54 AM   #8
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Maybe you should name this mechanic so that nobody else ever takes their bus there. It sounds like he viewed you as an ATM.
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Old 06-18-2021, 08:03 AM   #9
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Actually, he did not charge me for a lot of the work including labor and parts.
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Old 06-18-2021, 08:09 AM   #10
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Maybe you should name this mechanic so that everybody takes their bus there. It sounds like he views himself as an ATM.
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Old 06-18-2021, 08:27 AM   #11
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It idles at 1000 rpm? That's almost like the high idle is engaged.
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Old 06-18-2021, 08:40 AM   #12
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Yes, it idles at 1000 which helps reduce the surge but it is not on high idle.
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Old 06-19-2021, 11:01 AM   #13
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That sounds like an interesting problem. If I understand correctly when at idle and the engine is placed under load from transmission, AC ect. The engine does not increase the power quickly enough to avoid almost "stalling".

I'm not familiar with 5.9 engine control but I would guess there is a engine rpm sensor and the ECM should increase the fuel rate if the idle rpm started to drop.

Does the engine have any problems while driving / accelerating?

Ted
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Old 06-19-2021, 06:18 PM   #14
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Your understanding of the problem is correct. There is never any problems while driving and no problems with power or acceleration.
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