CAT Mega Diesel Crane: Long Crank Time? (Baltimore Trip -Part 2)

Two more quick diags to go before we get to the grand finale...
'11 Ford F150: EVAP P0451- Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Performance
'05 Chevy Trailblazer - No Crank
Final stop is in Baltimore, MD where the big CAT-powered crane is waiting for us.
Owner tells me that once he arrives on a job site, he shuts off the engine at the "carrier" and then has to restart it from the "Super Structure". Sometimes it has to crank for longer than 10 seconds to fire up!
Let's use wiring diagrams and LOGIC to see why there would be a difference in crank times between the two ignition switch locations.
THINK TOOL PROS:
www.amazon.com/dp/B08XXWHQVJ?...
ASTRO AI DC AMP CLAMP:
www.amazon.com/dp/B08MTCMWLB?...
Enjoy!
Ivan

[@elcheapo5302]

Next video: "2008 Boeing 747-400 #3 engine starts and stalls"

[@calholli]

Green crusties... I knew it

[@mattcat231]

"This is your Captain speaking, as im sure you've heard the noises and seen little flames from the compressor stalls, do not worry, there is a mechanic on board and is in the cargo hold fixing the issue, he said he won't need any parts, just access to his luggage for some kind of Deoxit spray and his volt meter, please clear the overwing exit path as we decend to 10,000 feet and add flaps 40 so we fly slower and don't lose him, everyone please hold the rope tightly!"

[@HouseCallAutoRepair]

Single cylinder aircraft only....

[@richnewall8091]

No parts required...... Solution...... modified it to become a glider! 😂👍👌

[@davidreese9984]

I noticed at 23:20, the lower ignition switch supplies 24v to the computer immediately in the run position, so the computer is up and ready to go. When you try the superstructure key, the run position does NOT supply that 24v. Probably the real issue here, although this solution is perfect. Not only no parts required, 2 fewer parts required!

[@ecaparts]

Yeah, its like trying to make a phone call when your phone is powered off vs powered on. There is a boot up delay...

[@billsimpson604]

Ivan probably set a Guinness World Record for the most vehicles repaired at different locations in X hours. It was The Amazing Race (or whatever the TV show title is) of vehicle repair, only he was racing the clock, instead of other technicians.

[@steveo6631]

Awesome to watch your logical procedure, whether a VW Bug or Super Structure, logic and a set of wiring diagrams leads to the problem.... Love the road trip series, but you've gone every direction except north... New England is waiting for you.... LOL

[@lint2023]

Haha. Waiting for Texas road trip too!

[@steveo6631]

@@lint2023 LOL... Hey, but you did have Scotty Kilmer for quite a while with his "fancy scan tool".... LOL

[@bonedaddy4670]

It’s great that the owner understood what was happening and the problem and could unfix the fix.

[@daveunbranded]

One day Ivan will be able to crawl around on blacktop..seems like most of your customers have rocks when you need to get under something

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Better than mud 😜

[@joecorrie1]

As a retired mechanic mainly construction equipment and a lot of crane repair although never being as savvy as Pinehollow with electrical I would like to mention a lot of electrical issues happened at the so-called Christmas tree or electrical swivel it’s in the center of the ring gear that the upper swings continuously 360° on, it is a Series of spring loaded brass fingers that ride on individual brass rings on the swivel cone resembling a Christmas tree this is the only way to send electrical signals from the upper to the lower and they do get corroded and need to be cleaned from time to time and just for the FYI the hydraulics do the same thing, that’s what the Christmas tree is mounted on top of is the Hydraulic swivel.

[@robertoruiz7069]

Hi IVAN good video. you showed something that is so important in the industry.That is having a schematic on any repair. The more relays and terminations in wiring you have the more you need a roadmap.I can only say that 1st and foremost for me ,I ALWAYS just look for stuff out of the ordinary.ADDED STUFF !!! if it not from the factory or has been touched before i need to know why.Remember it worked when it left the factory.What changed?Loose wire,broken part ,clogged hose,missing part?Part of a test in school was trouble shooting a broken car,the most devious way my teacher would get guys is> cut a wire INSIDE the wire harness then RE-TAPE it with the old tape then sprinkle dust and dirt to MATCH the rest of the dirt.And that's how you weed out 98 percent of your class.haha But not the one that can read a schematic and can figure out WHAT WIRE is broken.And that's what you show,so thanks IVAN.

[@billsmith2212]

Actually , Ivan did not get back for 3 days ! He was flagged down at a Hooters . They needed someone to " check out " some HIGH BEAMS inside ! He stayed the extra time to monitor the repairs !

[@blueskiesmobileauto4253]

Super interesting and informative as usual! Awesome case studies!

[@FruitTreeForest]

Very nice Ivan

[@baxrok2.]

Very interesting diagnosis Ivan!

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

Great job Ivan from trucks to crane getting it done.

[@johnstancato8785]

It is a diesel and I do know most diesels you have to turn the ignition on and leave it on for a minute before you crank it up especially when it's cold out

[@brianmason8400]

What I believe you're referring to by leaving the ign switch on for a minute, is so the glow plugs can cycle. This machine may oray not have those.

[@hpelisr]

Trip must have been a long one , great job Ivan.

[@user-dc4tx3qr5d]

Thanks for what you do. I have 7 vehicles to maintain and you have taught me a lot.

[@thomasbailey8306]

. Great Diagnosis Bud...You are Good at it ..Great Video.

[@62ejo]

Thxs Ivan great road trip and video.....

[@fieldsofomagh]

The customer is happy. Variety is the spice of life and no shortage.

[@mikefoehr235]

That is quite a step up going from a zoom boom to a crane. Great road trip to watch.

[@rickchowsr2532]

Great road trip. Great diags

[@AP9311]

Wow, what a great video to watch!! Enjoying the fast diagnosis and repairs! You got the best of the bunch! Now you're getting the new name. FEWER parts required! Haha, as i see the owner took out the relay lol!! Nice diag! I bet it's your first "crane" fix, lol

[@agmc4me]

Closest you have gotten about an hour from where I am. Always a viewer. Love the problem solving. Go ivan

[@roxanneabbott8424]

Wow so cool Ivan! I just cant get enough, lol!!! Great job!

[@cranemech567]

I really like your videos and your logical approach to troubleshooting, I subbed to your channel after you and Eric O. of SMA collaborated on a video at his shop. If I understand correctly, the owner is starting the crane from lower, leaving the lower key in the on position and is then able to run the crane from the upper without having to re-start the engine from the upper. If he is unable to shutdown the engine from the upper and has any type of issue where he needs to kill the engine ie. blown hydraulic hose, it is going to suck having to jump out of the upper and run to the lower cab. LOL For future troubleshooting on cranes, at 16:47 that is the symbol they use for the slip ring assemblies in the electrical swivel which can be problematic as well.

[@robbflynn4325]

Love the road trip videos. Been in and out of Williamsport many times from when I worked for Pepsi.

[@MalcDavison]

You're a wizard my friend.....A wizard.

[@Surjnarine]

The wire was an excellent show. Set in the great city of Baltimore

[@ReubenHorner]

That crane is crazy. By design it makes you stop the engine before jumping into the top and it also means that the glows or intake heater won't run until the ECM starts (DURING CRANK!!)

[@amtpdb1]

My 04 f150 had the same issue a couple of years back when I wrote to you, I checked everything and had to replace the sensor with all the hoses that came in a package for $250.

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

The computer takes time to boot up. Many won't even allow engine cranking until the are fully awake. I'm surprised that the starter function was on the key switch without going through the computer. Usually the start signal from the key switch is sent to a computer input. The computer then outputs that signal but only when it is ready. Some machines have an audible alarm when the key is turned to the on position that goes off when the computer is ready.

[@jerrymoore7669]

Tech tip---You should cut some Masonite hard board/ peg board into a 2,x4 size that will fit in the car. That way you can slide it under the car to have something better to lay on.

[@EngineerLewis]

A strong large cardboard box flattened works a treat too! You can slide on that and evens out the rough surface!

[@2aminitials]

I use a cheap yoga mat on concrete. Probably too cheap for gravel.

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

I was anticipating so much the crane repair and I could not watch it until now 😞 That was a very strange problem! Initially I thought there might be a problem with the diodes that split the two start circuits, but it was really a problem of not letting the ECM have time to stabilize (degraded caps?) when powered from the SS (that aftermarket relay is also odd). Seems the final solution is better - great diagnostic again, Ivan!

[@juancarloscrane8089]

Basic knowledge and the use of good equipment goes along way and yes a do learn whit every of your videos

[@dwoodog]

alls well that ends well is really all you can say about the crane. Great road trip.

[@neilmurphy845]

Another great job

[@CubasAutomotive]

You're living the dream Ivan. Love this! I adore this lifestyle. Being mobile and doing diags, you get to see so much.... both in cars or the jobs taken on but also in scenery or sights.

[@600lwp]

did wife kick you out?

[@CubasAutomotive]

@@600lwp I am a female... I am not a lesbian, and have no wife. I am a mobile technician similar to Ivan and we both work on just about anything with a motor. I just admire his approach to this biz.

[@georgetzekov445]

@@CubasAutomotive Well done Cuba 😂❤!

[@sweetwilliam49]

@@600lwp ikr. Haven’t seen her in a while

[@williamhague2768]

That was very cool that he had a copy of ET and the communicator! There’s some money there!!

[@jkbear29]

My dad had a 05-06 blazer he didn’t believe me when he first bought it that it takes 7 qts of oil he used his for his business over all was a good truck for him he traded it in with 325,000 miles did regular maintenance and wrote everything down in his book

[@dendkmac]

Busy time and lots of diag time on the trip, interesting crane solution.

[@calholli]

Also Ivan-- I just wanted to tell you: When on your computer and looking at websites/ alldata, ect... You can change the size of your screen just by holding CTRL and pressing plus or minus ( + - ) up near the zero on your top number line of the keyboard. That will zoom in or out of any screen used in a web browser. (not really related to this video-- but I'm still binge watching your other playlist.) :)

[@TheCrazy243]

On Chevy trailblazer. I helped a friend to change our starter at work parking lot. Yep the stud and nut were snapped off. 2008 Chevy trailblazer. Nice series. Learned a lot!

[@nevillegoddard4966]

@DeafAuto gidday! Dang blasted rusted starter motor studs ay! I must have been lucky - the '72 xa falcons I had years ago both had galvanised main terminal studs, so rust here was never a problem. It's so obvious they should be gal, being low down & at the back of the engine their gonna cop spray from off the road whenever it's wet. Oh but wait - you guys throw salt on the roads don't youse? Yeah I forgot about that! Bugger all snow in Straya! So maybe your studs might have originally been galvanised but the salt rusted it off already? Sorry, I probly just answered my own question!

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

All is well that ends well!

[@marty0715yt]

This was a good one Ivan. That stupid fuel tank sensor is $53.00 from Rockauto!! Made in China of course! That crane guy did a sweet slice to eliminate the weiner relay.

[@jesusmalagon4336]

Thanks Ivan

[@zoidberg444]

As Burrell said in an episode of the wire: This is Baltimore gentlemen, the gods will not save you! 😂

[@tomtomgarage9760]

Good job

[@williegillie5712]

Don’t let that maze of wires scare you Ivan. It almost seems like something is robbing the fuel pump of power for a short time before it starts. As you crank it over the oil pressure must be what supplies the ground to the fuel pump. I’ll bet that relay that was thrown in there may be part of the problem. Maybe checking with a test light how soon the fuel pump gets pressure. Best to be cautious. The relay may have been for some kind of safety. (Tip over, loss of oil pressure). You’d have to study the schematic to see what triggers the relay when your trying to start it from the cab. I thoroughly enjoyed the video Ivan

[@hooptierescue2540]

I stand with you cranes!

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Except for a safety or emergency shutdown on the upper switch, it looks like the lower switch could do the quick start/run time job.

[@annierenard5954]

excellent, thank you

[@dustcommander100]

Great Job! When will we see you working on a train, helicopter, and airplane?????? You've just about got every type of vehicle or equipment covered!

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Ivan, Enjoyed you Road Trip. I'd say you had a great variety of problems you dealt with. Always facinating! Thanks for Sharing!

[@markknights5109]

Top man once again 🍻🍻

[@kennedy67951]

Hey Ivan, do you ever use your Power Probe Ultra Sonic Scanner to Track Down Wire Connection? Thanks for the Video Ivan. I will say, 'your the Best Machinic I've seen so far, Bud. Kudo's to ya.

[@feeneysmechanical6215]

Great video and series Ivan. I will send you a 24 volt test light.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thanks Greg! No need for a special test light that I would use maybe once a year. I can just connect two bulbs in series on my existing setup ;)

[@MitzvosGolem1]

All upper house electrical on cranes go through a rotary electrical connector in center above hyd rotary manifold. It has brush commutators which get dirty and cause intermittent issues . You can clean them . 3126 CAT heui motor are notorious for ECM IPS and IPR fails . Two cam sensors one for low one for high rpm also fail .

[@mattcat231]

The Cat C7 and C7 Acert ecms are not far behind the older 3126 in reliability, buy man I wish I had 3126 engines in my 2 2007 freightliner box trucks!

[@MitzvosGolem1]

@@mattcat231 Just spent $4500 on a 3126 nightmare. Heui motors are junk I like common rail new system.

[@mtebaldi1]

Reminds me of GM diesel 6.5L engine. The engine is IDI ("indirect injection"). Need to heat up the diesel before starting. most likely not the cause but it does delay the startup.

[@waiting4aliens]

Good video. Maybe a roll up yoga mat would be more gentile on you than gravel? Keep you dryer too.

[@fluffyblue4006]

If the thing is not potted in resin or otherwise repair-inhibited, I'd check over that engine computer before getting a new one. There are probably some bad solder joints in there, and/or leaky capacitors. There's a difference in the heat and vibrations of 1 hour of idling, versus 1 hour of road vibrations and engine at load. If it's leaky caps, you might not want to wait until it fails completely. The juice corrodes the board. But for now, the relay-delete is an excellent repair. Depending on what's more expensive (unexpected crane downtime / new ECU / time needed for ECU fix-up), it would be wise not to wait with taking the next step.

[@Ram14250]

That dude needs to clean inside his Trailblazer ...cluster lens looked like a live petri dish. Yuk! Hope he changes his oil better than he cleans.

[@Bub61fd]

Ivan you deserve Hazard Pay- having to lay on those rocks- Thanks Bub in Cali.

[@mjmcomputers]

Sounds like the crane ecm may have some capacitors that are starting to fail.

[@RobertHancock1]

With the cannon plugs and single color wiring in that control cabinet, seems almost like aircraft or military vehicle wiring..

[@jonnycando]

Locomotives have a lot of them too….necessary when there is miles of wiring.

[@jerryplante4239]

Ivan just shows up and things fix.

[@cullenmiller8170]

Did you look at contacts going through the center pin? Cranes have to be able to swing around in circles and there are no solid wires and hydraulic lines running from the super structure to the carrier. They used to have slip rings and brushes stacked on a shaft going through the center pin to do that. I guess it's similar to a clock spring in a car steering wheel. I'm not sure what model Grove crane that was, but some you have a steering wheel and controls in the super structure to drive the carrier as well. Looks like a long busy day road tripping.

[@larryskeeper1197]

My thoughts also. Poor contact at sliprings on the rotary coupling. This should have been a primary check....

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

"looking at contacts" is not really productive... Electricity is voltage and current, so I look at the scope signals at the affected component. If there are no issues there, why start digging a rabbit hole? 😁

[@cullenmiller8170]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics Here is my question then. Could a dirty contact or a burned brush on that rotating ring cause the delay on the starter button? Obviously, I'm trying to learn more from you and try to figure out if my fundamental understanding is wrong. I'm thinking resistance would be like a restriction in a kinked hose and cause the delay. Thanks for your response and all the great videos you share.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

@@cullenmiller8170 the scope readings at the ECM power wire are key. If you see a significant voltage drop, then you can go upstream and see if any connection or wire has excessive resistance etc

[@jackiemay9471]

love it

[@consaka1]

I was wondering if it's got an oil pressure switch in that circuit?

[@EngineerLewis]

Impressive work on that crane with aftermarket messing about with the wiring. Also how do you get access to electrical diagrams for a specialist vehicle like that as opposed to cars?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Luckily owner was well prepared with the OEM diagrams printed out 👌

[@kc360awareness]

Not mention the CAT ET software. They don’t give that stuff away! Well…. There are ways to get it free, but I digress.

[@longrangelauber]

If Ivan is doing road trips can I request a stop in the Northern VA area to determine the issues of my P0420/ 430 codes? 😂 I've had it at an independent shop and the dealer and neither can figure it out. Dealer won't proceed without replacing the cat y-pipe back to stock (independent shop replaced cats w/ Magnaflow cats and all new O2 sensors, still the same issue.)

[@annaplojharova1400]

The voltage level for the computer can not be any issue, mainly on 24V systems. The computer itself should be happy with 6V (to be able to generate internal 5V for the electronics and active sensors), only some power elements like solenoids or so may need a bit more, but definitely 12V should be enough for a 24V system. That is way below what the actual starter needs to successfully start the engine ( usually around 15V). So there is quite a few V margin for extra drops, even when the starter is barely moving (due to weak battery,...). So the only effect such relay could ever bring is the power feed becoming intermittent once the relay itself starts to weaken...

[@douglasburford8452]

My previous employer had 150 - 200 Ford pickups. The fuel tank pressure sensors were failing so fast that Ford could not supply replacements.

[@randy1ization]

paint the new starter with high temp engine paint and cover terminals with liquid electrical tape too. must be in the rust belt.

[@lesbender236]

Since the power goes through a diode on each circuit, could the one for the upper control have a poor connection or is starting to fail?

[@600lwp]

owner problem difference in starting in 1 sec and 1.7 sec is crazy

[@secretsquirrel9722]

How do you manage to organise all these diags on route to the crane job at the same time? Is it pure luck, or have these people contacted you at some point. And when you get enough to justify the time on the road. Let them know you're coming?

[@RK-kn1ud]

Can somebody explain the test for ground on the F-150 (@ 7:30)? Specifically the readings on the DMM. Are the millivolt readings a voltage drop check or something? I'm guess I'm not understanding how it's wired up.

[@JDel709]

"Oh no! We fixed it!"

[@TreyCook21]

So you bypassed the bypass to fix it? Previous owner fixed it until it was broke I guess.

[@calholli]

I don't see why they aren't holding the key on for several seconds anyway, because of the glow plugs. (on the crane). I've never seen a diesel that you start immediately.

[@marty0715yt]

Only my neighbor's (he's 82) 1960's Case Construction King Backhoe that is diesel with NO glowplugs and starts immediately in 0 F degree weather. I can't and don't believe it everytime he does it. He also has a 1958 ford 600 tractor 4 cylinder that starts on 1/2 a revolution of the crank. They sure don't make em like that anymore.😀

[@RobertHancock1]

Depends on the engine. A lot of the heavy duty diesels don't have glow plugs or grid heaters.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

The owner is! But putting the upper key in ON doesn't do the same thing as the lower key if you were paying attention to the video... That's the entire customer complaint! 😅

[@calholli]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics Yeah. I wrote this at the very beginning of the video. lol..

[@calholli]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics Also Ivan-- I just wanted to tell you: When on your computer and looking at websites/ alldata, ect... You can change the size of your screen just by holding CTRL and pressing plus or minus ( + - ) up near the zero on your top number line of the keyboard.. That will zoom in or out of any screen used in a web browser. (not really related to this video-- but I'm still binge watching your other playlist.) :)

[@scottmcintosh2988]

It will let it build oil pressure before starting good !

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

Is there a single reference book/diagnostic manual which you has helped you to better understand the systems involved and to establish your personalized evaluation techniques, and to which you can refer viewers? This would would help us learn to be better able to recognize and diagnose engine/automotive issues in the same general but quick way that has been successful in your practice. From an outsider's point of view, it would would seem that trying to use measured, but assumed accurate, changes from a typical 5 volt reference voltage to the signal actually received from a control circuit, could be the cause of a host of problems because of the diminishing ability over time of the effect of increased resistance in wires and connectors to accurately transmit those critical, but very small, voltage changes to the various computer modules required in automobiles and light trucks to meet emission and other standards. I gather that crane manufacturers as well as motorized military equipment manufacturers prefer 24 volt or higher system voltages in part to overcome resistance/corrosion-induced control circuit errors which tend to occur in the harsh environments within which such equipment is often required to operate 24/7/365. Thanks for making this video and for sharing your knowledge and diagnostic techniques with us.

[@richardcranium5839]

i seen that trailblazer starter and just cringed, knowing what was about to happen. that relay at the computer was in a bad spot. too much vibration and probably unnecessary the way it was hooked up. instead of a latching relay a 5 pin relay controlled by the super structure ign source with the n.o. contacts hooked to the ss ign and center term to ecm power and the n.c. going to the truck ign power.

[@for2utube]

You should have a cup of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee at each stop😀

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Like the legendary Keith 😅

[@mmichaeldonavon]

Ivan. I hate it when the customer continuously "looks over your shoulder." Kind of maddening, IMHO. :-)

[@rodvan-zeller6360]

What happened with the second volvo?

[@rickjohnson1632]

👍

[@madjimbo4176]

That Chevy Just needs a need starter solenoid which is 20 bucks at the most.

[@ghettsumm7949]

That's a brand new truck,... factory stickers and all !! Shameful to have any issues 😕 😔

[@aymenmohamed1134]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🌷

[@pontificusvascillious5287]

"that's the way he wants his crane to start" as would anyone ...

[@mrkttrdr2919]

How on earth did u get all that traveling and diag done in 1 day and have time to eat? U sir are a tru time traveler fixem up dude!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Crane operator took me to late dinner after the diag lol

[@notsureigaf]

13:30 🎵 When you walk through the garden You better watch your back Well I beg your pardon Walk the straight & narrow track If you walk with Jesus He's gonna save your soul You gotta keep the devil Way down in the hole 🎶

[@billziegmond4943]

logic and testing method wins again.

[@randy1ization]

for commercial vehicles like that crane I would definitely have a different charge schedule. they charge 3 to 500 bucks just to get to the job site, then 100 to 300 an hour., lots of maintenance to keep those monsters running., hes lucky it starts at All being a diesel.diesel is shitty fuel, glow plugs take time to warm the cylinders, water in the fuel because the fuel water seperators dont work that well.. just crude dinosaurs that you have to coax to get started.. fuel tends to sit in them for long periods between jobs in 100 gallon tanks,,, many owners get them hooked on starting fluid and they wont start without it,, DIESEL DOGS!!! Most diesels you have to put it to acessorie position for a few seconds to let the glow plugs warm the cylinders.

[@randy1ization]

I dont think the engine computer is getting warmed up, I think the computer is delaying ignition until the glow plugs get activated.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

No glow plugs here... Just an intake air heater 😁

[@ecaparts]

The suspicious aftermarket relay looks like the cheap 12v relays, good riddance...

[@mikeselsvik8357]

That muffler looks bad

[@billmalec]

What a waste of time, energy, and resources(ventilation systems).

[@jonnycando]

Certain years of the Ford evap system was total garbage….

[@jolujo5842]

CAT Mega diesel??? Click bait video

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

🤣Biggest piece of machinery I've diagnosed to date! NOT CLICK BAIT 😜