wolfe10

Couple of points: The fact that your Allison shift pad window goes from "6" to "2" (or any other gear that has been programmed in for that matter) does NOT, repeat NOT mean it instantly shifts to that gear. That is the gear TOWARD WHICH the transmission will shift when safe to do so without over-speeding the engine. Just as when you are sitting at a stop light and the shift pad shows "6". You are not in 6th gear-- that is the gear TOWARD WHICH the transmission will shift. And, gearing down RAISES engine RPM, not lowers it. Your Allison transmission is programmed such that you can not harm it by using the down arrows. If you down arrow to 2nd at 60 MPH, nothing bad will happen. The transmission will downshift as it is safe to do so. The critical thing for driving any heavy vehicle is that the service brakes (brake pedal) is NOT designed to control speed on long descents. Gears and engine braking is!

Actually, not sure there is one BEST. If you keep a toad for a long time, a permanently installed system is great. Change toads often or two two different vehicles, a poor choice. Is your coach on a gas chassis or DP with air system-- that helps define those that work better with your toad. Tell us more about your coach, toad and needs and we may be able to assist in YOUR choice, rather than just telling what worked best for US.

You could, but much better to wire it directly to the battery (close but not in same compartment. The battery will both act as a "filter" and provide less electrical loss when operating off the battery (larger gauge cables AND shorter run).

At a time when an organization is spending more money than they are taking in, they should evaluate all programs for "cost/benefit" to the largest number of members. I suspect that the mail forwarding program was found wanting on the number of members it helped vs the cost to all members.

With a side radiator, you can get most of the dirt off from the OUTSIDE, since air (and dirt) flow from outside to inside. Said another way, the CAC collects most of the debris (on either rear or side radiator designs) as it is the first thing in the cooling package and "filters" out most of the debris.

Carl, Agree. The only progress we have made is that Cummins has challenged/denied the alleged advice to start the ISM/ISX frequently for supposedly galvanic reaction reasons. Hopefully the OP will post a link so that can be corrected.

Also been around diesel most of my life, starting with MB diesels in the 1970's, followed by marine diesels and DP's. I will continue to do what has worked and does not add moisture to the crankcase: Change oil BEFORE storing. Only start it if I can drive a minimum of 25 highway miles-- enough to get the oil up to operating temperature. Since we live in S Texas and the only "white" I ever want to see is on a beach, a monthly drive is not a problem. I suspect that most areas do have at least one nice day a month!

OK, this thread is stepping over the line! Personal attacks are NOT permitted. Bill has made a valid point about a non-FMCA member being able to view the offer. I have asked him (PM) to get with Chris Smith tomorrow to help figure out why he is not able to access it, yet Chris said anyone (member and non-member) can access links to all FMCA Benefits. So, suggest we call this one until Bill can report back. Thanks.

Sorry, my bad. Let us know what you find. Thanks. FMCA Roadside Rescue For administrative and general inquiries, or to sign up please call (877) 581-8581.

srflorie, Very first sentence in program description: Once you have verified you are an FMCA member in good standing for 2 years or more and have verified your primary email address you will be able to proceed through the online portal and onto Verizon’s registration page. Since the Verizon contract period (no increase in cost) is two years, that is also the period during which you need to be an FMCA member to take advantage of this benefit.

Just received this from Cummins: Brett. I am not aware of a recommendation to run any of our engines “frequently for a few minutes.” If your inquirer has a reference link or document, I would very much like to see it. Our current owner’s manuals do not contain information on how to prepare an engine for storage. There is information in our service manuals for long term storage, mostly focused on engines that are not installed in equipment. For Onan generators, we recommend exercising once a month with at least 50% electrical load for 2 hours to lubricate parts, expel moisture, and control fuel varnishing especially in gasoline generators. Running for 2 hours is preferable to several short periods. Current Cummins engine owner’s manuals don’t mention exercising. However, Cummins has suggested in seminars that it is a good idea to start the drive engine while you are exercising the generator. This has many benefits including: charges system batteries, lubricate components, expels moisture from the lubricating oil, and renews fuel in pumps and injectors. There are options depending on your situation: Good – start and run at high idle (hit cruise set switch) until coolant reaches operating temperature Better – allow engine to reach operating temperature and drive the coach forward and back to lube axle and transmission components Best – go for a 30 minute highway speed drive

Also, check to make sure that if you have an outside shower that both hot and cold are turned off at the faucet, as that is another possible "mix" point.

Bill, So, you can not access the link I posted? OR From the FMCA homepage, can not view "benefits"?

Why all the speculation??? This from the e-blast to all FMCA members-- I received mine 13 minutes after 9AM/after formal announcement of the program: Active FMCA membership is required. FMCA dues must be paid in full for the 2-year contract period at the start of the service period. This is an online offer only; FMCA staff is not authorized to sign up members for the plan. Members must sign up via the online portal.

No need for confusion. On FMCA's home page under "benefits" the very first thing: https://www.fmca.com/benefits/verizon.html

Stand by guys. Heard from my contact at Cummins today. Before offering "THE ANSWER", he wants to run it by both engineers and service gurus. Will post when I get answer.

Draw keys hold the king pin FIRMLY in the steering knuckle. If loose, they allow the king pin to move around-- a 100% guarantee of WEAR. There are two per side and you should be able to find torque specs from your axle manufacturer. And, to Herman's comment about bushing alignment-- The very first tech to attempt to lube it would KNOW there was an issue since he was unable to get any grease in.

Agree. Most inverter/chargers do NOT have a "turn off battery charging" function. When they receive 120 VAC from any source, they charge the batteries. Yes, by turning off the breaker that supplies the inverter, you can turn off charge function.

Bill, Go to the Parker/Racor website and input your model number. May be OK, or may be superseded because of excessive issues. If superseded, then you decide if you want to do it.

Both mine (home and RV) were under the recall. Both being replaced free of charge. Thanks.

Bill, Racor did have a series of fuel filters with a very high failure rate-- yes, the ones with the clear plastic cylinder with O rings. The do have a supersession to address the issues with the original design. I also have no problem with replace your primary filter with a "plain" Racor with clear bowl. That is what I would do. And make sure your Caterpillar secondary fuel filter has the Caterp8llar manual primer pump.

Wayne, Not sure I understand. The steps which are 12 VDC. For them to draw enough amps to "overwhelm" the inverter/charger should surely blow a fuse (or cause a fire).

Really depends on what is wrong and what caused it: Improper shimming? Draw keys loose? Clogged grease fitting? Grease channel not drilled (grease not getting in)? etc.

Gary, Welcome to the FMCA Forum. No, never heard of that unless they are not greased or front axle went under water. These are the same components used in medium and HD trucks and normally go hundreds of thousands of miles. Guess one set could have been improperly shimmed leading to either too tight or too much vertical play. But two with the same issue?? Exactly what is out of spec on them?

Done. This discussion moved to: http://community.fmca.com/topic/11726-starting-cummins-ismisx-during-storage/ SO, any more discussion on that topic should be on the new thread. Thanks.