911 help needed....

Ernie's Autowerks · 07-15-2019, 09:55 PM

I just bought a 2002 Bluebird RE 8.3. I have driven 140 miles and have lost about a gallon of oil. I believe it might be turbo seals. I cannot find any obvious leaks when it is idleing. Oil is everywhere but seems to be coming from turbo side and toward firewall. Hydraulic fluid is low as well. What kind of fluid is used in hydraulic fan power steering system. Can’t find it on google anywhere. If there is anyone who would want to call me my cell is 573-489-2721. I am currently in Meeker Colorado and need to get to Missouri. 900 miles. Plan now is to keep oil in it and drive on. Not excited about getting on I 70 going up toward continental divide not knowing.

Ernie's Autowerks · 07-15-2019, 10:26 PM

Found power steering question. 10w-30

M1031A1 · 07-15-2019, 11:35 PM

If you are idling then accelerate, and there's a blue heavy cloud behind you, the turbo gasket is compromised. A new turbo is required at your first available opportunity. You need to keep a very close eye on the oil level until you get to a service center for your engine. Try to take it easy and check oil levels BEFORE every grade climb. You'll be burning through lots of oil before getting to a service center. It won't hurt the engine unless your oil levels get too low. However, there will be a significant reduction in the mosquito population behind your bus.....

M

TJones · 07-15-2019, 11:37 PM

I wouldn't drive it if its leaking that much. There is a pressure line to the turbo and a return line back to the oil pan one of those could be leaking. If it's your high pressure line the turbo won't live long. Pictures would be helpful in diagnosing the problem.

You are correct power steering is 10w30.

Ted

Ernie's Autowerks · 07-16-2019, 02:23 AM

Couple of pics

Ernie's Autowerks · 07-16-2019, 02:30 AM

Quite a bit of the oil is coming from the fan/steering system. We have put over 2 gallons in the hydraulic system in 240 miles. Making a mess for sure. This might be why people spend the extra money to buy from a dealer. On another note. Haven’t made it to the continental divide yet. Currently parked for the night at Walmart Breckenridge CO. Will try to find a parts store that will make new hydraulic hoses in the morn.

EastCoastCB · 07-16-2019, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ernie's Autowerks

Quite a bit of the oil is coming from the fan/steering system. We have put over 2 gallons in the hydraulic system in 240 miles. Making a mess for sure. This might be why people spend the extra money to buy from a dealer. On another note. Haven’t made it to the continental divide yet. Currently parked for the night at Walmart Breckenridge CO. Will try to find a parts store that will make new hydraulic hoses in the morn.

Could still happen at a dealer.

Ernie's Autowerks · 07-16-2019, 07:42 AM

I hate to be a downer so....good notes.....this bus seems to run great. Also seems like 6 th gear is already open. I have been driving in 5th because that keeps rpm right around 2k at 60 mph. In 6th is is around 1800. Around 70 the front end feels very loose, that combined with oil slick coming from rear isn’t making me want to drive it like I stole it. MPG first fuel stop was 139 miles/17.5 gallons. Right at 7.8 mpg when I calculated. 100 gal tank should make a nice cruiser when we get the oil leaks sorted out.

cadillackid · 07-16-2019, 07:51 AM

when you get near a city, Look for a NAPA with machine shop services.. you can call into the city ahead to any NAPA store and see if there is a store within the area with a machine shop.. often times they are located near large areas of trucking yards and warehouses.. they can make custom hydraulic Hoses.. sometimes you get lucky and there is a large parking lot right near or at least a safe place to pull off where you can yank your hoses and walk in with them.. they usually can make them in a few hours..

you will want to do this before you hit the divide... you need your Fan to be able to operate on high speed and not be low on fluid where itc an heat up the hydraulic pump..

-Christopher

Ernie's Autowerks · 07-16-2019, 08:03 AM

Agreed Cadillac. I’m only 12 miles from the top, then down hill to Denver. Fan is still working fine just blowing out lots of oil.

I was reading another post and there was mention of a mobile mechanic. I have never used one but now might be a good time. Anybody got any ideas how to find a good one?

EastCoastCB · 07-16-2019, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ernie's Autowerks

Agreed Cadillac. I’m only 12 miles from the top, then down hill to Denver. Fan is still working fine just blowing out lots of oil.

I was reading another post and there was mention of a mobile mechanic. I have never used one but now might be a good time. Anybody got any ideas how to find a good one?

Should be able to find someone out there near Denver for sure.

HazMatt · 07-16-2019, 08:12 AM

Found a pile of 'em by Goo-Fu'ing, "mobile diesel mechanics Denver CO"
A few are even open ATM...
May be some even closer, but don't have your 10-20

Ernie's Autowerks · 07-16-2019, 08:47 AM

Pics after overnight no clean up

Gustav · 07-16-2019, 09:23 AM

I would think Silverthorne would have mobile mechanic and possibly a NAPA Leaving there you are on a steady 6% climb for 10+ miles 'til you hit the top. Just sayin'.......

cadillackid · 07-16-2019, 09:35 AM

truckdown.com then search for mobile repair service..

Ernie's Autowerks · 07-16-2019, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gustav

I would think Silverthorne would have mobile mechanic and possibly a NAPA Leaving there you are on a steady 6% climb for 10+ miles 'til you hit the top. Just sayin'.......

I know......I’m skeert......

Ernie's Autowerks · 07-16-2019, 11:04 AM

I am at a small Napa in Frisco. They can make some hoses. If not I can drive to Denver in my towd Chevy Tracker. I believe this hose is the culprit. Runs from fan motor to hydraulic cooler. Anybody know what style of fitting it uses? Specs on hose size would be awesome as well...

Gustav · 07-16-2019, 11:32 AM

Now you are getting this under control! Did not realize you had the Tracker. Best of luck!

BlackJohn · 07-16-2019, 12:10 PM

Not sure if you have tools aboard but it wouldn't hurt to pull that hose and get the shop to make the same.

There may be others needing attention but you have to start somewhere I guess.
Stock up on rags and degreaser while there and more oil just in case.

Best of luck, be safe and hope this gets worked out soon.

John

Ernie's Autowerks · 07-16-2019, 03:01 PM

Went to a car wash and washed as well as I could. Found a steady drip in this small hose and Napa built a new one for $38. Getting ready to test drive now but fingers crossed.

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