Run a Way diesel motor

[fowlscay]

O my way in to work this AM I saw a guy pull in to BJ,s parking lot with a run a way diesel motor on his truck . Good thing for him is that BJ,s is right out back of the OCMD fire station .I have heard about this happening but have never seen it happen . I can tell you this would really suck if it was a boat offshore .
Tommy

[Tenacious]

Wow! We make air intake shutoff's for that very reason!!!

[Avenger]

YIKES!!

You're right, that would suck royally if it happened offshore. Keep a bunch of rags for the intake handy!!!

[Captain Fred Archer]

They call them "runaways" because that is exactly what an experienced driver does when they happen. Left to its own devices, the least you'll get will be a bad fire, but far worse is the massive explosion and flying shrapnel that can and does happen.

It is an utter horror on a boat, where there is no place to run to. EVERY diesel boat should have engine (air) shutoff valves installed and one should never hesitate to use them if they suspect that one of these things is starting up. Once they get going they are basically nigh onto impossible to stop, other than maybe risking all and going into the engine room with that screaming banshee and smothering the air intakes of the runaway engine with a wet towel. I know that one because I had to do it once. It scared the hell out of me and I got some major burns in the process, but I got her shut down, avoiding certain death for my crew and passengers.

That was the last day that I ever owned or operated a diesel vessel without the shut off valves. I also tested them regularly.

Runaways...yaaarrrggghhh!

[giantfan]

Thanks for the post.

I am new to owning a diesel and had no idea this could happen.

[Water_Rat]

It would be very scary for sure. I have the halon system controls on the dash next to the start up buttons. I think if the halon system were engaged, and worked properly it would shut it down. It displaces the oxygen from the engine compartment.

Capt.Mark

[nautiduck]

Does shutting the fuel off not help as well, I am just asking because I honestly dont know. I have an idea of what is going on when it runs away, but Im not positive. Im guessing that it is similar to the dieseling affect on a gasoline engine when it wont shut down.

[fowlscay]

even with the fuel off it starts pulling oil out of the crank case and runs out of control on it . That motor was screaming the whole time .

[g_max_2003@hotmail.com]

Does shutting the fuel off not help as well, I am just asking because I honestly dont know. I have an idea of what is going on when it runs away, but Im not positive. Im guessing that it is similar to the dieseling affect on a gasoline engine when it wont shut down.

no I dont think that shutting the fuel makes no difference because a runaway is usually caused an internal fuel leak that leaks fuel into the oil sump so the engine is basically burning a mixture of fuel and oil

greg

[nautiduck]

Damn! So suffocating it is the only way to stop it?