Author |
Topic |
|
Cal Mc
Advanced Member
303 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2014 : 7:26:40 PM
|
Has anyone come up with a fix for freezing DEF systems? When our temperatures hit -20F the buses with DEF systems drop like flies. The DEF in the tanks is frozen solid and the heating system is too slow to thaw the block of ice in the tank before the bus shuts down. The heating system may work fine in a medium duty chassis, but add 4 large heater cores that a bus uses and the problems start.
gotta love engineers |
|
Fastback
Top Member
1500 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2014 : 05:02:53 AM
|
An Espar or Webasto auxiliary heater |
Why yes, the ORIGinal CHARGER is a Fastback |
|
|
slippert
Top Member
USA
630 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2014 : 06:04:35 AM
|
I am curious about freezing issues myself, We are taking delivery on 3 new busses with DEF systems soon. I was informed by bus dealer that the DEF isn't needed for the first 90 minutes of operation, so their theory is the tank has plenty of time to unthaw fluid in operation.. before any DEF is needed.. and with some local routes in this area are lucky to be over 90 minutes in duration. I can see where bus use could be alot different than over the road use...Time will tell I suppose,lol..
Where are you located Cal Mc? |
|
|
krmvcs
Advanced Member
362 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2014 : 07:25:47 AM
|
i have several HDX's with these setups but being in california i dont have to deal with extreme cold. webastos are cool but add on a whole host of other maintenance/repair issues. if its that cold where you are i assume you use block heaters. why not add an auxiliary electric booster pump to the cooling system? or a heating pad next to the def tank? |
-Ken- |
|
|
eshover
Senior Member
146 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2014 : 07:29:07 AM
|
WE have two All Americans and did not have any issues last winter and it was cold for a long stretch. They will freeze but usually thaw out pretty quickly. |
|
|
bwest
Administrator
United States
3820 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2014 : 08:04:36 AM
|
You know what I'm going to say, right? lol |
Bryan |
|
|
Cal Mc
Advanced Member
303 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2014 : 7:47:45 PM
|
To Slippert We are in west central Alberta
To Bwest We have two propane units we bought for a trial. Love the buses. Effectively no warranty coverage, which makes them scary s..t to deal with. |
|
|
earl1412
Senior Member
101 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2014 : 05:53:48 AM
|
quote: Originally posted by Cal Mc
Has anyone come up with a fix for freezing DEF systems? gotta love engineers
We've 5 units with ISB 6.7L engines in BlueBird Visions, and the dealer had a software update that only took DEF levels when shutting down. This is due to the level sensors in the tanks that use a sonar type of pulse. When the fluid is frozen it traps air in it and the signal returned tells the computer that it is empty and to derate or shut down. Check with your service center for this update program. earl |
|
|
bwest
Administrator
United States
3820 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2014 : 5:12:07 PM
|
quote: Originally posted by Cal Mc
To Slippert We are in west central Alberta
To Bwest We have two propane units we bought for a trial. Love the buses. Effectively no warranty coverage, which makes them scary s..t to deal with.
I don't want to hijack this thread but how can you have no warranty, I don't understand. |
Bryan |
|
|
bluebirdvision
Top Member
USA
1081 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2014 : 5:36:05 PM
|
For the Birds (Probably all Cumnmins, bird is all I see and all I really care about) there is an update that can (and should be done) to the ECM to correct this issue. Call your Cummins/Bird dealer. |
Facebook Page: Blue Bird Corporation Fans https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_212311114614&ap=1
|
|
|
namao
Senior Member
Canada
89 Posts |
Posted - 12/12/2014 : 07:08:56 AM
|
Were located north central Alberta and all I can say is once it gets below 25- 30 c for any amount of time its a issue. Last year we actually installed some battery blankets on the tanks to keep them thawed over night and that did seem to help. Warranty is a issue as well because the dealer gets so backed up it takes weeks not days to get in when the temp drops. So far its been pretty warm but it will get cold. |
|
|
Cal Mc
Advanced Member
303 Posts |
Posted - 12/12/2014 : 8:01:45 PM
|
"Effectively no warranty coverage on our propane units" -no Bluebird dealer within 100 miles. -we were told before purchase that Ford would be taking care of our powertrain warranty. We have not found a Ford dealer within 100 miles willing to work on the propane system or give us warranty on the rest of the powertrain. We only have two units and cannot justify the $7000 worth of diagnostic equipment for the powertrain.
|
|
|
bwest
Administrator
United States
3820 Posts |
Posted - 12/12/2014 : 8:31:34 PM
|
I don't understand these Ford dealers! These things are easier to work on than a darned old power stroke! Fear of the unknown I guess. The truth is, the propane system doesn't add much complication to the engine at all. |
Bryan |
|
|
|
Topic |
|