where_the_heffalump_roams 917 AF

Gerst

New member
I don't know if the Webasto is the same? My Espar did not come with the altitude compensation module. I could start the heater at my house (6,512ft) but not up in the mountains however if I started it at home and then drove up the mountain it would run all weekend. Fixed by installing the altitude module. On another occasion the heater wasn't starting and running reliably I suspected a voltage issue but it always tested to spec. I eventually discovered that a bolt on my shunt wasn't tight causing the intermittent fault. Connections are cheep and easy to find and fix, I should have started there.
 

NatersXJ6

Explorer
The past month as been full of midl up and downs and adaptive changes.
Big thanks to Nate for letting me post up outside his house where he spent 2 days helping me try to sort of the generator issues. We started off with a volt meter. But somehow ended with reciprocating saws and cuts off wheels.
View attachment 816615
There was significant corrosion, rust, nesting, and all kinds of build up in the generator box. It took some work just to be able to get it out and access the wiring.

My neighbors were suitably impressed!

One would think they’ve gotten used to project vehicles by now… but I bet they are glad this one was transient and not a full-time purchase! 😆
 
I don't know if the Webasto is the same? My Espar did not come with the altitude compensation module. I could start the heater at my house (6,512ft) but not up in the mountains however if I started it at home and then drove up the mountain it would run all weekend. Fixed by installing the altitude module. On another occasion the heater wasn't starting and running reliably I suspected a voltage issue but it always tested to spec. I eventually discovered that a bolt on my shunt wasn't tight causing the intermittent fault. Connections are cheep and easy to find and fix, I should have started there.
That def did cross my mind. However Steven's Pass is only at 4K' or 1200 meters and I've def used this heater at over double that before. Also, this time, it was not activating at all which was different. I did check connections and grounds the following morning and did not notice an obvious fault. It's been working fine since. It could have just needed another reset?
 
Currently in Bellingham, WA. We were traveling the inland states of the USA when it started getting really hot. Stopped in La Junta, CO and was hoping to keep heading east. But the temps drove us back to the coastline. The past weeks have been spent exploring new to me mountain bike trails. We started off in the San Francisco Bay and moved up the coastline through NorCal, Oregon, and wrapped around the Olympic Peninsula of WA before heading up the east side of Puget Sound. 2-5 days were spent riding each trail system before moving on.
I haven't ridden Gailbraith Mountain in years, and this place has changed a LOT since I was last year. The biking scene has exploded. The trail network has expanded and what used to be a pull out parking lot has been transformed to a large lot complete with Kiosks, garbage cans, recycling cans, and pit toilets. Some of the local MTB shops have also created large lots that can be boondocks giving you access to local trails.
For me, the one of the most exciting updates is that a friend texted me last night letting me know some heffalump parts were delivered. Parts included spare engine accessories and parts needed to refresh the rear brakes. Thanks to DiploStat for the vendor referral! I need to confirm parts and fitment, but I'm super happy with the transaction so far.
 

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MogsAndDogs

Active member
Great news on the parts. I am curious what you do with the dog while mountain biking? Does he run the trails with you?
 
Great news on the parts. I am curious what you do with the dog while mountain biking? Does he run the trails with you?
My last pup was a true trail dog. He needed to run a minimum 15-17 kilometers per session to keep him happy. He would do up to 80 kilometers at a time. He was a boxer and lived to be around 16 years old (quite long for his breed). Tobi came to me a few months ago and was extremely underweight from malnutrition and trauma. He has since gained weight and is looking healthy. However he is not a trail dog... He ran for the first time in his life in December of last year. He will now do an easy paced 2 kilometer lap. He prefers to set at cafe's and breweries where he gets attention. He will spend hours on my lap if I let him. That is his jam.
As of now, he will do a short warm up lap with me for about 2 kilometers before heading back to the heffalump. I'll leave him and where I'll for 1-3 hours. We tend to gravitate to cool areas where I'm comfortable and he is safe. However there is a 12v AC system that will kick on to keep the habitat cool if needed.
We are currently posted up at the extended lot of Transition Bikes where I had a few beers after a morning session on Galbraith. :)
 
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MogsAndDogs

Active member
My last pup was a true trail dog. He needed to run a minimum 15-17 kilometers per session to keep him happy. He would do up to 80 kilometers at a time. He was a boxer and lived to be around 16 years old (quite long for his breed). Tobi came to me a few months ago and was extremely underweight from malnutrition and trauma. He has since gained weight and is looking healthy. However he is not a trail dog... He ran for the first time in his life in December of last year. He will now do an easy paced 2 kilometer lap. He prefers to set at cafe's and breweries where he gets attention. He will spend hours on my lap if I let him. That is his jam.
As of now, he will do a short warm up lap with me for about 2 kilometers before heading back to the heffalump. I'll leave him and where I'll for 1-3 hours. We tend to gravitate to cool areas where I'm comfortable and he is safe. However there is a 12v AC system that will kick on to keep the habitat cool if needed.
We are currently posted up at the extended lot of Transition Bikes where I had a few beers after a morning session on Galbraith. :)
Excellent, thanks!
 
Currently in the PNW of the USA and have been getting back to mountain biking. I've really been out of shape and biking helps. The past weeks have been filled with exploring new to me bike trails, meeting fellow travelers, and visiting a few old friends.
I am also VERY thankful for diplostat for referring me to : https://www.braem.com/
They are very professional and communicate effectively. The heffalump secured some very needed parts through them including OEM headlights, brakes for the rear, and a set of spare engine accessories to have on hand. The headlights were installed and greatly improved lighting. The old ones had cracked housing, and over time, dust had settled within the lens creating a fine film inside them. IMG_0894.jpegIMG_0893.jpeg
While the brake shoes were being riviting/glued on in Seattle, WA. I met "movingmountainsv8" who told me about a unimog festival that was a couple of hundred miles away. So my dog and I went to try to network the MB truck crowd and had a blast! Oddly enough, I didn't find a mechanic or a referral to a shop that specialized in MB trucks.
Just as I was thinking I was finally getting things lined up, getting closer to finishing the bigger projects, and might be able to start the PanAM... The truck seems to have lost some power and now maxes out at 70 kmh on flat highways. This is with the accelerator fully depressed. I swapped out the fuel filter that is on the passenger side of the block and the aftermarket MAN filter. It's been a pain trying to get replacement air filters (I've actually ordered 5 pairs since owning this thing that never arrived). But I believe I have 2 en route now. For a diagnostic check, I pulled them and drove without filters for about 10 miles and did not note any increase in power. My limited mechanical knowledge has me thinking the only other external causes could be fuel pump, injector(s), or boost.
I also developed quite the oil leak and started dripped oil. There is now a 2cm-5cm spot on the ground when parked over night. After few engine washes to try to track the source down. I'm wondering if it is coming from here. This is the driver side of the engine block just behind the alternator. IMG_0910.jpeg

IMG_0731.jpeg
I don't know what that is, it looks like an access cover. I'm not sure if it takes a large 0-ring or gasket.
Any thoughts out there?
 

Christian

Adventurer
I
Currently in the PNW of the USA and have been getting back to mountain biking. I've really been out of shape and biking helps. The past weeks have been filled with exploring new to me bike trails, meeting fellow travelers, and visiting a few old friends.
I am also VERY thankful for diplostat for referring me to : https://www.braem.com/
They are very professional and communicate effectively. The heffalump secured some very needed parts through them including OEM headlights, brakes for the rear, and a set of spare engine accessories to have on hand. The headlights were installed and greatly improved lighting. The old ones had cracked housing, and over time, dust had settled within the lens creating a fine film inside them. View attachment 849704View attachment 849705
While the brake shoes were being riviting/glued on in Seattle, WA. I met "movingmountainsv8" who told me about a unimog festival that was a couple of hundred miles away. So my dog and I went to try to network the MB truck crowd and had a blast! Oddly enough, I didn't find a mechanic or a referral to a shop that specialized in MB trucks.
Just as I was thinking I was finally getting things lined up, getting closer to finishing the bigger projects, and might be able to start the PanAM... The truck seems to have lost some power and now maxes out at 70 kmh on flat highways. This is with the accelerator fully depressed. I swapped out the fuel filter that is on the passenger side of the block and the aftermarket MAN filter. It's been a pain trying to get replacement air filters (I've actually ordered 5 pairs since owning this thing that never arrived). But I believe I have 2 en route now. For a diagnostic check, I pulled them and drove without filters for about 10 miles and did not note any increase in power. My limited mechanical knowledge has me thinking the only other external causes could be fuel pump, injector(s), or boost.
I also developed quite the oil leak and started dripped oil. There is now a 2cm-5cm spot on the ground when parked over night. After few engine washes to try to track the source down. I'm wondering if it is coming from here. This is the driver side of the engine block just behind the alternator. View attachment 849706

View attachment 849707
I don't know what that is, it looks like an access cover. I'm not sure if it takes a large 0-ring or gasket.
Any thoughts out there?
It seems to be an oil filter?
 
There is an OEM oil filter on the passenger side that hangs under the engine next to the oil pan.
It's possible that could house a filter. But I really don't know, I've never taken that of or even tried to loosen it. I did but a wrench on it and it seems tight.
 

DiploStrat

Expedition Leader
I have found fuel, oil, and air filters to be easy. Take the actual filters into an auto parts shop I used Advance Auto, and they can find the actual filters. (They won't be able to find by vehicle.)

The filters come up as made in Mexico filters for Massey Ferguson tractors, etc. Typically not in local stock, but readily available within a day or two.
 
Joe, the prior owner was very kind and stocked me with spare filters. This was helpful in tracking down new ones using the part numbers. The exception has been the air filters. I've literally ordered several sets but haven't received any. Recently ordered some via eBay.uk, shipping info shows they were delivered somewhere across the USA and I had to contact PayPal to get a refund as the eBay seller wasn't helfpul. But I have 2 seperate orders in now and I think they are en route this time. I've stuck with MANN filters so far.

It looks like fuel injectors and pump are still available from MB. It might not be a bad idea to swap them out as both a diagnostic approach and preventive maintenance given the age/use of this truck. The fuel pump looks like it might be a bit daunting for me without guidance as I think it runs off the cam shaft and has be to aligned just right.

Been on the internet for a bit trying to figure out that leak and what the cover is covering. :p
I'd hate to pull it without knowing what is behind it and what I'm getting into.
 

MogsAndDogs

Active member
Is it possible a line or fitting could be obstructed before the fuel filters? I think I remember someone on the Benzworld forum having an issue with fuel delivery and found that a paper towel had made it into the tank.

Maybe drain the tank and inspect, then blow air through the line running to the filter?

I could only find a Russian parts site that referenced the part number on the round piece. Here is the corresponding diagram. If that is your engine, then it looks like there is some filter (#429) under that cap (#411) and an o-ring or gasket (#438).

What engine do you have, and year? And what is the make and year of the truck? I can try a knock-off EPC next.
B18045000036.040224.png
 
Thanks mogs-dogs. It's 1993 917 AF with a turbo 0m366, no intercooler. I can private message you the VIN if that helps.I have been on the internet for HOURS trying to find a diagram or pic of that cover. It looks like it's sealed with an o-ring? I'm guessing 438 is a ring/gasket and 429 is a filter? If so, I'm wondering what it is filtering? It's def not something I've serviced in the past 2-3 years I've had this truck.

In terms of fuel, it's a big tank! I've got it as low as just under 1/4 tank and didn't see anything obvious with a flash light. But I did not drain it and I'm hesitant to open the system and pressurize it with air unless I'm at a place with experienced help. I'd hate to be stranded due to air in the lines.
 
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loonwheeler

Adventurer

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