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Engine Bay Noise/Clatter
#1

We have a 1984 Newell with a 6V92 Detroit Diesel engine w/turbo that we bought in April of this year. The engine has run very smoothly and extremely quietly since we bought it. Have driven from California to Texas with no unusual engine noises or issues. Last night when we started it to return it to storage there was a loud clatter/clanking noise coming from the engine bay immediately upon starting. Had sort of a metallic sound. I turned the engine off and looked in the bay for smoke, broken belt, anything - but found nothing wrong. I then searched online about possible causes. Feared it might be a broken rod, damaged piston or similar issue. Then I thought it might be the diesel equivalent of knocking (detonation) but don't know why that would suddenly happen. 

Today I discovered that with the engine running (and making some louder than usual noise) I can turn the ignition key to off and remove the key. I do not hit the kill switch. When I turn the ignition off the noises stop immediately and the engine is its old, quiet self. What could possibly explain this? Is the starter not disengaging after the engine starts? It starts fine immediately. I also drove the coach about 30 miles at speeds up to 65 mph today and everything was fine re the engine (sounds, temp, pressure, speed, power). What mechanical thing in the engine bay stops working when the ignition is turned off?

Glenn & Laureen Parker
Austin, Texas
1984 Newell 35'  (Coach #58? - not confirmed)
6v92 TA Detroit Diesel, MT654 Allison 5 speed trans
2005 Honda Element toad
2007 Honda S2000 fun car
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#2

This is a "long shot".... Alternator? I would think it is not under load when the key is off.

1993 Newell (316) 45' 8V92,towing an Imperial open trailer or RnR custom built enclosed trailer. FMCA#232958 '67 Airstream Overlander 27' '67GTO,'76TransAm,'52Chevy panel, 2000 Corvette "Lingenfelter"modified, '23 Grand Cherokee.
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#3

Yep, sounds like the gear driven alternator. They tend to have a rattling sound.


Clarke and Elaine Hockwald
1982 Newell Classic, 36', 6V92 TA
2001 VW Beetle Turbo
Cannondale Tandem
Cannondale Bad Boy
Haibike SDURO MTB
http://whatsnewell.blogspot.com
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#4

Thank you, Hoosier and Clarke. The alternator idea makes sense. I will check that out tomorrow.

Glenn & Laureen Parker
Austin, Texas
1984 Newell 35'  (Coach #58? - not confirmed)
6v92 TA Detroit Diesel, MT654 Allison 5 speed trans
2005 Honda Element toad
2007 Honda S2000 fun car
Reply
#5

It could be the starter not disengaging.  I’m thinking it is a 40MT Delco which has an external solenoid to force the drive gear into the flywheel.  If it isn’t returning on it’s own, then the drive gear is being turned by the flywheel or the teeth are hitting.  If it hangs in the flywheel , road speed operation will turn the started drive gear extremely fast, faster than it can endure!

It’s not a common occurrence but does happen occasionally.

Gordon Jones
2000-45'-2slide-#567
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#6

Genman wins by getting closest to the actual problem. A mechanic confirmed for me that the starter is not disengaging until I turn the ignition switch to off. The root cause is that the ignition switch circuit continues to send power to the starter after the key is released. Does not stop sending until the switch is moved to the off position.

So, good news for me. No alternator or starter problem and no engine problem. Do need to replace the ignition switch and a really old relay in the back electrical panel that serves the starter.

Thanks to everyone for your advice. Laureen and I learned a lot and also met a good guy who is a diesel mechanic and all around Mr Fix It for future reference.

Glenn & Laureen Parker
Austin, Texas
1984 Newell 35'  (Coach #58? - not confirmed)
6v92 TA Detroit Diesel, MT654 Allison 5 speed trans
2005 Honda Element toad
2007 Honda S2000 fun car
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