dickandlois

TexasSkunk, Thanks for the information. I have to ask: Could a Air Brake button and setup, like the ones used on the majority of Class AD coaches be used; instead of trying to come up with a floor pedal? You have air ride and it sure would a lot simpler to make a air cylinder bracket to replace the failed mechanical system. IMHO Well ! Brett just set me straight about no air on board ! My bad !! Would have lost some money on this one. A call to Freightliner Customer service might be in order though and see what is going on. Rich.

Marisa, There is one more item that you might check. If changing the filter did not clear the problem and the system is priming, thinking that would eliminate the lift pump. The starting issue-is it after the coach has been setting for a period of time? Should this be the case then you might have a problem the the intake manifold per-heater circuit. This would cause the problem when cold, if it starts when it is hot / warm then this would also point the the per-heater. I did forget to ask this question when you made your first post. Rich.

Brett, She posted an ISL in her Not starting thread. Rich.

char194, Welcome to the FMCA Forum! I sent you some information that might help in a PM. Rich.

MarisaHicks, Welcome to the FMCA Forum. First, you posted - Removed air filter sprayed ether fired up OK. Ether is not good to use on Diesel engines !!! They are equipped with Pre heaters and the ether could explode and or damage the cylinder(s) The closest thing to Diesel in a spray can form is WD-40. From your information, my first thought is lack of fuel. Possible causes. 1- fuel filters 2- fuel lift pump 3- fuel lift pump relay 4- small leak(s)in the supply side fuel lines to the lift pump. Small pin sized holes in this part of the fuel system will cause hard starting, due to fuel leak back. once the engine is running this is not as noticeable, but can cause decreased performance. 5- water in the water / fuel separator Have noticed any check engine light when it does not start or shortly afterwards ? Rich.

SharDonnay, Thanks for the updates! Looks like you are getting some good information. Just got to ask - Are all the batteries 12 volts. Both the chassis, quite often 2 series 31 in size and connected in parallel. The coach batteries are generally set up with 4-6 volt cells connected in a series / parallel configuration. The 6 volt cells are built to survive a deeper discharge and multiple recharging cycles. Rich.

SharDonnay, Welcome to the FMCA Forum! The fact that you smell rotten eggs sounds like the battery's are boiling. Check the coach 6 volt battery wiring layout and the way they are wired! Wrong wiring can cause the batteries to boil, both the chassis and coach batteries. You might want to have them checked quickly because a boiling battery is discharging high levels of Hydrogen. Very Explosive should it is concentrating in an area. You can attach a picture to a post so the group can get a good look at the wiring configuration. If not please have it checked !!!!! The charger / inverter could also cause issues, but first check the batteries because they are also charged by the alternator and you need the alternator when running the coach. One can still use the coach with out the inverter / charger if needed. I do consider this to be a safety issue !!! Rich.

Calnon, Welcome to the FMCA Forum! You might take a look at this information. The flagpole is currently out of stock though. http://www.energyonemfg.com/product.php?productid=35&cat=3&page=1 Rich.

Tomboy257, The comparison of the tires in question has been covered. With all the different threads in the tire section it gets buried. So check this link and the information provided by Brett. Posted 11 April 2014 - 08:31 PM http://community.fmca.com/topic/6825-michelin-xrv-vs-xze-tires/ Rich.

Smarksel, Welcome to the FMCA Forum! Bio Diesel fuel is kind of a double edged sword> They are here to stay and most engines will run fine on them. With ULSD you loose lubricity, but the Bio increases that level. The need for some bio-side being added increases with the blend. The bio blend has the ability to clean residuals from the system, so filters might need to be changed at a more frequent interval's, especially if the engine has not been used a lot between the time when ULSD an LSD change over happened. So if the coach is new to you there is a need to monitor filters and condition of the fuel for a period of time. Also, some of the seals and gasket materials did not hold up well when the ULSD first came on the market - this item caused some problems with fuel pumps and fuel lines. Rich. I see that Brett already gave you a good link to check out!

popatop, Welcome to the FMCA Forum! The real key to having slides is understanding there is a load limit. That varies form slide to slide and different manufactures. This item is not covered well in the owners manuals or buy the point of sale personal. The other item is the maintenance of the operating system and the weather seals. Rich.

Tal, Thanks for the update. Hope Thor supplies some useful information. Now, if they do not have a fuse location and size, ask if they used a fusible link and where they placed it. Because coach builders change things around from year to year and model to model and at times change suppliers to keep the assembly lines running makes for a challenge tying things together. Rich.

Tal, The coach builders do not include wiring drawings in the owners manuals, but they often do picture the chassis fuse panels and the coach panels in the electrical section. Freightliner just replied that the coach builder is the one that wired the ac unit. This is correct, but the key here is that they supply coach builder circuits from the chassis wiring to supply power to the dash heater and AC system. Also the power steps and accessory outlets. The interesting thing is that the chassis fuse panel and fuse are listed in and older model owners manual. This includes the fuse for the Blower motor and system servo board and the fuse for the AC evaporator fan. Did Freightliner supply you with the PDF chassis wiring drawings for your Vin. number chassis? I could PM my email info so you can forward a copy that I could look over if you wish.. Another thought - Did frightliner install the evaporator and cooling fan before shipping the chassis. To be truthful, my feeling is NO. Because of the damage to the wiring harness and if the wires used for the fan circuit are not numbered. Then they did not build the circuit into the chassis harness. That leaves the coach builder!!! Rich.

The fact that you get good cooling with water flowing over the evaporator leaves the lack of 12 volts to the fan as the key. Good work-never thought about hosing down the evaporator ! A new trick to add to my file! Do you have the owners manual? Does it list the fuse panel fuses and the circuit related to them? The fuse sizes are common, the primary fuse is the 30 amp. Then the 25 and or 20 amp fuses power different portions of the system. servo system and blower motor. The 30 amp fuse powers the fan circuit in question on many systems, but all of your system works accept the cooling fan. SO it sure sounds like a blow FL. Exhaust pipes make for good grounds and heat melts insulation. I need to see if by chance I have any wiring info. for the Mandalay on file. The coach-I know that there are no drawings for the 09 chassis on file. 05 model is the closest model on file- Fuse # 31 is listed as the Condenser fuse and is rated at 25 amps. Fuse panel is located under the cover just in front of the steering column. Rich. Oh, look for some numbers on the wires if you get time!

jbrooks357, Welcome to the FMCA Forum! Take a look at the link below and check out there shift control systems. orschelnproducts.com http://orschelnproducts.com/products/electronic-shift-control-systems/electronic-shift-actuator-system-esas/ I did find this one possibility in my files and I think there might be one more somewhere, but finding them is sometimes a challenge. By chance do you have the OEM part number for the NLA part ? This might also be helpful. www.hurst-shifters.com Rich.

talgutbir, Welcome to the forum! The AC system is installed by the Coach builder. When you activate the AC system the evaporator fan is powered by a harness installed by Freightliner along with The 3 fuses in the chassis harness. a 20, 25 and 30 amp. there is also a fusible link installed by Freightliner along with a relay. The fusible link supplies the 12 volts that powers the evaporator fan circuit. (This wiring layout is quite common on coach dash AC systems). The fact that the evaporator fan runs when you apply power to the motor and the wires have been compromised by the exhaust heat and there are no blown fuses, would indeed lead one to suspect a blown FL (fusible link) The Frightliner wiring for your chassis has numbers printed on each wire, So if you can find the numbers - copy them down. Like 1652- 4 digits long in most cases. Like Brett mentioned, contact Freightliner with the last 6 numbers of the Vin Code. Ask for a PDF copy of the Chassis electrical wiring. Not knowing your back ground in reading electrical drawings- you might have the ability to trace these wires to where they originate. Also, you might want to ask where they mount the evaporator fan relay and where to find the fusible link. FYI it should be connected to a primary 12 volt supply point, but where it would be in this case is the big question. With out the cooling fan running, the high pressure switch opens - this in turn disengages the magnetic clutch on the Compressor. This action would allow for very little cooling, but you might get some. Rich. The system is most likely supplied by DENSO

JR, Welcome to the FMCA Forum! You mentioned the main slide are others creeping as well? Thor (Four Winds) Hurricane 32A. What year is the coach? Rich.

Well, I have to admit that I can not find the post made by one of the Forum members regarding this issue. R and R of the engine tappet cover to replace failed gasket that is located on the intake manifold side of the engine. Think the OP mentioned he had a Cummins ISB series engine with a Bosh VP-44 Injector pump. This set up requires removing the fuel injector pump to gain access to at least one of the 6 bolts used to secure the valve tappet cover plate and removing the fuel filter might make things easier. I'm not referring to the Rocker Arm cover at the top of the engine! When the injector pump is removed it will need to be installed with the proper timing for the pump to operate properly. Removing the tappet cover is not difficult when you have access. Had to look at the engine manual and the set up to understand the difficulty of this repair and the fact that one is almost standing on there head to reach down along the side if the engine. Rich. Well posting it twice is better then hitting the wrong key and starting over !! LOL

wheelsandpaws, Try this link - just maybe there is a coach owner with the same coach and some helpful information. Like many forums, there are those that are nervous when it comes to posting. I have to admit that I also was not comfortable posting or replying on them. Age kind of lessened the fear and then Brett W. contacted me an now I have a feeling that he might regret that email at times. http://www.thorforums.com/forums/ Rich

magtnobody, The blue wire is the one that supplies power from the control panel / board. Is there 12 volts present on the blue wire when pressing the button on the panel? No power - then check for defective connection(s) or blown fuse. With 12 volts always present at one side of the solenoid, coming from the battery bank. One can use a jumper cable to jump across the large cable terminal lugs - Note ! Connect the cable to the side with no 12 volts, then you can just tap the hot terminal. Did the pump Run ? Running pump means bad solenoid / coil if 12 volts is present when jack panel button is present. Rich.

You will need to address the issue at some point. So when would the down time fit your plans. The key hear is - what make manifold- OEM ? there are stainless steel ones and split units that can expand and each half covers 2 exhaust ports. This an expense point. Then with your chose of Manifold - will the current exhaust pipes connect to the replaced manifold ? I call this, the Domino effect. Changing one item can lead to other items needing replacement. The bonus hear is that with the proper upgrade the engine will operate cooler, with better power and MPG in many cases. Cooler is really relevant to engine breathing better - displacing real hot exhaust. Rich.

John, Most likely your thought regarding sliding it out would work, but they are hefty so a good means to raise and lower them is also necessary - Plan ahead on just how you might get a good pull point to get the unit back under the coach and still be able to get it back up and to also move side to side / back and forth to get the mounting bolts into place. Rich.

John, The majority of the generators that are bolted to the frame require the center section of the front cowl be removed, then one needs to raise the front of the coach. Removing the 12 volt wiring, the 120 volt at the interface J box between the coach wiring and the generator, the fuel lines and exhaust plumbing. Loosen the bolts holding the generator and the coach frame. Then one needs at-least a pallet jack or forklift. Blocking things where needed and with the center section removed from the front of the coach, most will roll out through that space. Then replace anything that needs replacing / check everything over closely. You should be able to run the generator to test it if it is very stable on the jack or pallet before reinstalling. Not knowing your skill sets it might be better to get some help! Rich.

cwaldon, Welcome to the Forum! This might be the problem, but one question - when you turn off the ignition key - does the engine quit ? Think on your coach there might be a battery isolator - it is mounted on the engine fire wall - color might be blue if it is OEM. Is there a smaller gauge yellow wire connected to a terminal somewhere near the center ? If so remove the wire from the terminal - did the pump and or engine stop ? Also, like Brett asked, could you include the Model year and Chassis. Thinking from your post that you have a P-30 series chassis. Rich.

X2 !!!!! The Chassis and Coach Connections on our older coach are very close. However, there are wiring items / changes with no documentation and one keeps finding points where the chassis structure was installed before the wiring harnesses where run. This creates some interesting work a rounds. Rich.