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dickandlois

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Posts posted by dickandlois

  1. Posted · Report reply

    Joe !I can not remember for sure, LOL 

    There is one of the Coaches in the series in pristine condition in the RV Museum. I kind of remember them having a switch and the fuel gauge would read the level in both the main and Aux. tanks.  The information on the fuel system that I forwarded shows the location of the transfer valve .

    That being the case , think that there is a bad ground, the odes of both float's failing is slim to none.

    They are nice units and a number of owners keep them in good condition. 

    The weak link in the design is the front wheel drive will spin when the roads are wet. Dad owned a Old's Toranado and it never had a front wheel drive issue. They where built like tanks and a real sweet drive.  The weight to load ratio was no issue, they where good snow machine.

    Rich.

             https://www.rvmhhalloffame.org

  4. Posted · Report reply

    14Fleetwood, Welcome to the FMCA Forum !

    There have been problems with the dash support on the passenger side. The support frame under the dash needs a little extra frame work. 

    A picture of the general area would help. Thinking you will need to remove the kick panel from in front of the passenger side. finding all the screws can be a challenge.

    Then a picture of the area. 

    Question, are you kind of a handyman ?

    Rich.

  5. Posted · Report reply

    2 hours ago, Skykingtcb said:

    Anybody have a recommendation of a mobile repair person near Des Moines, Iowa?

    Please help 559 917 3407

    You might find the info and link helpful .       

        Nationwide service locator

    This is the link I entered information and my local road service truck(s) came up. This link offers a wide range of possible road service help. More then any other sight I found.

       https://fixonroad.com/home/

    Might get you started in the search for different mobile services.

    Rich

  6. Posted · Report reply

    2 hours ago, meleconn said:

    ok thats a start thanks

    Think you will need to mention 5 axles. The catch is they charge the same amount for the tow car weight as the 50,000 Lbs of the Coach when the 2 are connected.

    Might want to ask questions regarding this one.

    Rich.

  7. Posted · Report reply

    Five, Sounds like there might be an issue with a ride height setting or maybe in the connection link between the axle and valve assembly. those rubber connection bushings dry out or just ware out over time.

    As good a place to start as any and you can spray soapy water on the connections.

    Rich.

  9. Posted · Report reply

    18 hours ago, floydfowler said:

    I need to replace closet door which has cracked but would like to replace entire frame  and hardware as the finish is peeling off and rollers are worn.  Sticker says Consolidated Glass Mirror but I have been unable to locate any info on them.

    Floyd, You might try and contact Them at this link and see if they supplied the OEM  Door as a starting point.

    https://www.cgcglass.com/contact-us/

    Rich.

  10. Posted · Report reply

    21 minutes ago, leaveittobeaver said:

    I have a 1996 Beaver that has a "Silverleaf" computer monitoring system. Recently while going through WV I hit a dip in the road (at about 50mph) and within 30 miles I was sitting at the side of the road disabled. Now the dip may or may not have anything to do with it. I was towed to a truck repair and final diagnosis was power to the ecm and a new line was installed as they could not find the break or bad wire. So I am looking for a response preferably from Beaver owners with a "Silverleaf" monitor for the following question. The "Silverleaf" gives continuous readouts on various items but the one of concern is Voltage. After I left the truck repair and was continuing on my way I noticed my voltage readouts fluctuating from anywhere between 11.1 to 14.1 and in fact through one cycle I might see 12.7, 13.8, 11.1 then next cycle might be 12.4, 12.7, 12.4 and next cycle 13.8, 14. I have no recollection of this happening earlier in the trip or on previous trips. Another factor to note is that 13 months ago the alternator was replaced. At that time I found out that the Allison transmission won't shift if battery is not supplying sufficient voltage. (last year voltage was charging as low as 8.9V before new alternator). So my question for "Silverleaf" Beaver owners. Is this normal? Does your voltage readout fluctuate like this or do I have a problem? I might add that there is also an analog gauge on the dash for voltage and that appeared to read steady at a little over 13 volts and would not fluctuate unless I turned lights on and then it would drop to a little over 12. Thanks for your thoughts.

    I have use Silver Leaf for years and the voltage readout on the screen do very depending on the load placed on the alternator, the headlights will cause .5 to .75 volt drop in the reading and that has been the case for years. The Beaver wiring regarding the alternator is very close to all the wiring used in the industry. 

          Over the years I have lost the regulators in 3 or more alternators and the reason was heat and the size of alternator installed originally. Went up to a 175 amp alternator with a voltage level sensor circuit built into the alternator. When an alternator is failing the voltage levels very over a wider range then you posted and at varying intervals time wise.  When you get the readings over time is it happen when rough road surfaces are being driven on?

    The numbers you offered tend to indicate  a alternator failure or failing one, the only thing is it was fine until the sharp dip was encountered. That fact could lead to a compromised ground lead somewhere in the alternator circuit between it and the batteries or even a positive voltage connection. 

    Rich.

  11. Posted · Report reply

    Chris, We had a 1988 coach on a P-30 Chassis with a 454 engine. We put 120,000 miles on the unit with no failures. It was traded in on our first Diesel Class A Coach, that allowed us to get 4 to 6 more miles per gallon. Interestingly the price for Diesel was 0.80 cents less then Gasoline at the time.  

    The key was constant maintenance. plus 2 updates. Replaced the oil pump, because the lifters would click when it  was idling after it had been running down the road and everything was hot. The replaced oil pump idle pressure was increased to 70 psi. when idling hot. Also installed a large oil cooler and always used a 2 quart oil filters.

    The oil ans filer was changed every winter so there was no contaminated oil in the engine over the winter when it was parked for 3 to 4 months. regardless of the mileage on the oil.

    The gas tank was always topped off before it went into storage. 

    One of the hardest items to keep in good condition was the 4 barrel carburetor. Always put some high quality carburetor cleaner / Top oil  in the tank before storing.  When the roads and weather allowed, it was driven for 20 to 30 miles every month.  

    Rich.  

  12. Posted · Report reply

    Ray, mentioned I have a couple of fans running all the time for the hot weather. 

    That is a good plan, the inverter / chargers do run warm and there is limited space in the bays and heat is the enemy for them.

    I did replace our unit after it failed with a bigger true sine wave unit and upgraded the air flow system in the bay it is mounted in.

    Rich.

  13. Posted · Report reply

    6 hours ago, EDRUTHC said:

    We have a 1997 Fleetwood Discovery. We have replaced the chassis batteries and now our Jacks will not work. The panel will not turn on. 

    Welcome to the FMCA Forum.

    The leveling system power in supplied through the ignition switch when in the run position. So Herman's thought of bad fuse is a possibility ! The other  possibility is one of the ground wires from the chassis batteries did not get connected after the batteries where replace. Wires tend to get lost, just because they fall down behind the batteries. 

    Rich. 

  15. Posted · Report reply

    11 hours ago, DLRollingCondo said:

    We pulled the outlet and checked for power coming into the outlet with a meter and there is no power getting to the outlet. We were wondering if their was a relay or something we are missing.

    Need to ask if the Microwave outlet has no AC when connected to shore power ?

    There is a bypass relay in the inverter that switches the microwave power from inverter to shore power and visa-versa. If power is missing when on shore power  or generator power, the relay might have failed - might also check the continuity of the circuit breaker powering the microwave. NO POWER from generator or shore power when testing this breaker and the Inverter should be off also !

    Please post the Make and Model of your inverter . charger>

     Rich.

  16. Posted · Report reply

    On 7/21/2019 at 1:32 PM, Golohre said:

    Traveling with cruise control on and ABS alert light appeared momentarily followed by a puff of burnt smoke from dash vent.

    Turned cruise control off, checked brakes which were operational.

    Drove to RV park and discovered the engine would not turn off even with the key removed. Engine stopped by removing Battery cables.

    Freightliner custom chassis, ISB 5.9 300 hp /  2001 Allegro Bay Pusher Tiffin. 

    Any thoughts?

    This might help find a suitable replacement. The power distribution systems have changed considerably over the last 10 years or so. 

    You can give them a call for more detailed information. They are in the Central Time Zone. The link will offer info related to power distribution, but they are a full line company.

    https://www.waytekwire.com/products/1369/Power-Distribution-Modules/

    Rich.

  17. Posted · Report reply

    On 7/25/2019 at 4:39 PM, F463216 said:

    My Onan 5500 Marquis generator does not want to keep running. Initially, when it is cold, it will stat and run without a heavy load (only the charger, i suspect), then will die - not always suddenly; sometimes it lugs down, picks up, and eventually lugs down to stop. When it is running it seems to generate ample power, as the A/Cs work. The fuel pump delivers ample flow, with and without the fuel filter.

    I have replaced the plug, oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, fuel pump and fuel line as far as I am able tho reach. This is in a '99 Fleetwood Southwind (class A). I noticed that the oil was slightly overfilled, so I drained it to the point that it is barely in the safe area on the dipstick.

    The generator has 1,688 hours on the tach, all but 260 having put on it in the past three years. I suspect that the previous owner(s) seldom ran the generator as should have been to keep it in top shape. The motorhome had slightly more than 61,000 miles on it when purchased.

    All service and replacement parts used by me have been Onan parts. Until the last two oil changes all oil used was Onan. It now has Mobile One.

    The maintenance that I have performed, as stated above, has resulted in no change with he problem.

    Model #5.5 BGMFA26105H, S/N A990848563.

    I cannot determine what might be keeping it from running properly. My suspicions: (carburetor, though when it runs, it runs fine; or, 2) bad (cracked or clogged) fuel line or pickup where I cannot get to it.

     

    Any advice out there?

    This is a link to the Onan Handbook that covers the generator and a parts list is on page 21.

         https://cdn.ltvdns.com/leisurevans.com/owners/3rdparty/Cummins-Onan-RV-Generator-Handbook.pdf

                  Series                            Spec Letter  Operators Man    Parts List      Service Man    Installation Man

    RV QG 5500/5500 EVAP

    7000/7000 EVAP HGJAB       A-E                 983-0101              983-0201      983-0501           981-0600              These Manual and Parts List Cover Both the 5000 and 7000 series units 

    Rich.

  18. Posted · Report reply

    On 7/22/2019 at 8:12 PM, Keithl said:

    Last few weeks I was out I would start leveling only front would till I tried second time then all worked properly .  Now this week second stop only rear go down and I have to manually set front any help I’m not real knowledgeable on these hoping I can learn some in minot but for I will appreciate any clues 

     

    Keith 

    Model, Make and Year of the Coach plus some information on What Model leveling system is installed in the coach will help the members offer some relevant information to your question.

    Rich.

  20. Posted · Report reply

    9 hours ago, craigc51 said:

     Thanks Rich much appreciated will be picking up my coach this coming Friday after a new turbos installed and will be doing that maintenance now  I would assume that they would lube it when they install the new turbo 

    Ask the service center that is replacing the turbo to show you the old one and what failed an why. Bearings, damaged spool, failed waste gate and or linkage system.

    Pictures of the failed item is good to have on file. Use them for reference. The hardest part for me is remembering what folder I put them in. The organic file system is not as reliable now days.

    Rich.

  21. Posted · Report reply

    Freightliner and Cummings sell small  bottles of turbo lubricant  used to keep them free moving.

    You need to look up from under the coach, (One needs to use jack stands when under the coaches)

    Look  at the turbo assembly and you will see the linkage and the 2 main pivot points, there in a tight location to get to and you want the engine to have cooled off over night. I have used my hand to get the high temp oil applied to the linkage. 

    The product is made by Super Lub and is a high temperature synthetic.

    Good to oil them once a year and twice a year if it is not driven very often.

    Rich.

    The only item that will damage the turbos is heat in most cases because the engines where shutdown before cooling off after running under heavy load conditions, like climbing a long or steep grade. 

  22. Posted · Report reply

    23 minutes ago, craigc51 said:

    What would cause a turbo to go bad with about 46,000 miles on the engine . I recently took my 2004 Damon with a 5.9 Cummins engine for service and for a check engine light . It came on after starting the engine and  and stayed on for about a minute and then we’ll go off .  They told me that the turbo was only opening to 25% . Diesel engines  aren’t  my specialty So I was wondering if there something I did ,lack of maintenance  or just driving it wrong . I am the third owner and I’ve had it now for a year and a half and done all the maintenance  since I’ve owned it . Didn’t notice anything in performance going down the freeway was fine on flats going up a hill was slow but other than that the mileage seem to be OK just want any insight of what might happen thanks 

    The 5.9 engine turbo is a totally mechanical setup.  The main issues with them is the boost gate rusting and not moving properly. Because of there location under the exhaust manifold the linkage and the gate pivot do not get lubricated on a regular basis.

    The exhaust manifold gaskets fail causing low turbo pressure, using s light one can see the carbon buildup around the area of the 6 exhaust seals. The turbo activators do rust from setting and hole(s) will develop. 

    going up a hill was slow but other than that the mileage seem to be OK just want any insight of what might happen thanks . This can be an indication of low turbo pressure !

    Rich.

    Boost level max is around 25 psi. when they are working properly.

  23. Posted · Report reply

    ainaire,

    jbell mentioned the current draw of the charger and on bulk mode they can easily exceed 20 amps . 

         The charger / inverter systems common shore power source is L-1

    Not knowing the main power breaker setup for your coach, there is a possibility of a bad breaker, coach system in bulk charge and or bad house battery(s). Depending on the wiring there could be a bad chassis battery because it sounds like the coach is now just setting on a privet sight at the time.

    Rich. 

     

  24. Posted · Report reply

    14 hours ago, glandreman said:

    My wife and I recently purchased a 20' trailer (2009).  Of course it doesn't have a generator so I started looking at choices.  I wanted something (at least) 3000 watts and quiet.  Not wanting to put $2000 in a honda I started looking at alternatives.  I monitor some of the online auction sites and saw a Briggs and Stratton p4500.  It was listed as "damaged" so I took a risk and it paid-off.  I purchased it for a fraction of the $1200 list on Amazon.  The damage consisted of a smashed wheel and some small cracks to the case around the damaged wheel.

    After recharging the internal battery, I then discovered it had zero hours.  I'm suspecting it was damaged during shipping (probably to a customer) so it ended-up on the auction site.  I filled it with oil and gas and, after a couple of failed starts (pushing the start button) it fired-up!   It's VERY quiet.  I haven't heard the Honda 3000 so I can't really compare.  Our HR Endeavor has an Onan 7000 and it runs quieter than the Onan.

    I'll be connecting it to the 20' camper in the next few days.  We have some work to do in the camper and, with 90+ degree weather here in Cincinnati, the AC will come in handy 🙂 I'll report back after we get some hours on the P4500 and let you know how it works out.

    Welcome to the FMCA Forum !

    Your feedback will be welcome as are all the posts made on the forum. You will, if you have not already realized. That not all the members have had same experiences or luck with even the the make, model and year of RV. That I attribute to personal expectations. 

            Regarding the use of generators, one should always be sensitive to others even though we have opinions. The one item to always be vary aware of is the generators exhaust and the danger of CO-2, for all including ones self. So if your trailer in this case does not include a working detector - make sure your's works.

    Noise levels can be annoying to others, so sometimes modifications like exhaust spark  suppression and how the exhaust is directed need to be considered.   

    Rich.

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