Breakdown Information

[Badeye]

Moderators Note: This thread is intending to report a problem and its resolution. If you are seeking help or information to help you resolve a problem you would best be served by initiating a thread on the class A forum proper

After some conversation with Diesel-Lover and others on this forum I thought I would try to start a thread concerning breakdowns on the road. We try to prevent this by good maintenance and driving reasonably but it can still happen. As I observed in a previous post, on a roughly 350 mile northbound drive on I-75 I saw 4 class A MH broken down. All were southbound.

If we should have a breakdown and would post the following information on this thread it could be a resource and reminder for others.

RV particulars:
Driveline (Engine, Transmission):
Miles:
Year:
Break Down Description: (You can add any description of the problem here that you think would help others in understanding the situation and problem.)
Symptoms:
Effect:
Cause:
Outcome:

This is the type of information that is recorded in the aircraft industry and other maintenance activities to track failure trends. It will take a while before we see a lot of value in this. If it continues for a time and sufficient data is available, I will analyze the data and put it into a form that I can send by email to any interested parties. I would suspect that an initial report could be done in about three months or when we have about 100 to 150 cases.

What do you think?

[egh33]

Breakdown on road , but lucky. Chev 454 Itasca with less than 25,000 miles on it, just east of Artesia, N.M. a couple of summers ago I lost power,engine started missing but was able to limp into the town of Artesia. Found the Chevy dealer. He could not get to me till the next afternoon.but the camp ground was on the same street about a mile away. Made it to the camp ground started to check things out (you know kicking the tires and checking the oil)didn't know what I was looking for. Next day got back in to the dealer He found a badly burnt spark plug wires and a very coroded distrubitor cap. They told me that it was caused by water being slpashed up on top of the motor.
They replaced wires and some other parts and I was on my way with more power than I had all first part of the year.
Last summer was heading in to Silverton,Colo. and the heat gauge went clear over to hot as far as it could go. I Quickly moved to a off the road spot and checked the engine the raditor was almost cool enough to lay my hand on it. The motor did not smell hot so I turned it off and the heat gauge returned to cool real fast,after checking the oil and water and transmission every thing seemed to be fine I started on up the road about 5 miles down the road the heat gauge again went over to hot.Again I stopped and checked every thing out. all OK. On my return trip I found a Chevrolet dealer and they put it on the computer, found that the heat sensor in the block was bad. Put in a new one and about $75.00 I was back on the road. Guage has not showed hot since.

[2_4_Da_Road]

RV particulars: 2003 Coachmen Aurora DS 3510Class A. (Gas)
Driveline: 8.1 Vortec, Allison 5-speed.
Miles: 3,138 total miles.
Year: 2003
Breakdown description: Motorhome broke down 01 Aug,2003 on return side of its maiden voyage to Loveland, Co. With no prior warning, the engine light came on and lcd display indicated "0" oil pressure. We were eastbound on I-90 1/2 mile from the Sherburn, Minn. exit. we immediately exited and pulled into a parking lot just as the lifters began to clatter. We unhooked the toad, called Coach-net Road service, and waited for tow truck to arrive. We had to leave MH at Mel Carlson Chevrolet in Truman, Minn. (600 mi from home) to be repaired, because it was going to take 3 weeks to get parts. Returned on 24 Aug and drove our repaired Coach home.
Symptoms: Engine light illuminated, "0" oil pressure indicated on computer readout.
Effect: Motor home had to be towed approx 20 miles to authorized repair shop. Left motor home behind and waited 3 weeks for parts procurement/repairs.
Cause: Broken oil pump drive shaft.
Outcome: Parts replaced: oil pump, oil pumpshaft(broken), pumpshaft-to-cam coversion gear,(gear scored), camshaft(wear marks on gear teeth), all the solid lifters (matched to camshaft), and gaskets. Towing covered by Easy Care, All repairs covered by Workhorse Warranty. Still waiting for expenses re-imbursement checks from from both Easy Care and Workhorse. Received calls from both of them today that checks are being processed and that I should have them next week. Although this was a traumatic experience at times, It had a positive outcome for us. Warranty covered repairs, We are going to be reimbursed for most, not all our out-of-pocket expenses. Mel Carlson Chevrolet provided excellent service, left the motorhome spic and span inside and out. They and our RV Dealer (Hilltop RV and Superstore of Escanaba, MI) contacted us almost daily with status and progress updates. They handled allof the coordination and interface with Workhorse and Coachmen. When we got it back home, we had some other issues Hilltop had us bring it in and they started work on it. We never got it back because they made us "a deal we couldn't refuse"! But that's another adventure! (See Signature below).

[Larry_Linda2]

RV particulars: Damon Ultrasport
Driveline (Engine, Transmission): Cat 300, Allison 3000
Miles: 10414
Year: 2002
Break Down Description: Unable to start after changing fuel filter
Symptoms: Low power going up steep grade in New Mexico
Effect: Maximum speed was about 40 mph going up hill, rough engine at full throttle.
Cause: Dirty fuel filter
Outcome: Per the owners manual, change fuel filter every 15,000 miles. I carry a spare so I consulted the CAT owners manual and it said to NEVER fill the fuel filter with fuel when you only have one 3-micron in-line filter to prevent contamination and early injector pump failure. Engine would not stay running after I changed the filter per the manual. Towed 75 miles to Caterpillar repair center (thanks Good SAMS ERS). Per the senior service technician, "you must fill the filter with fuel or it won't start." DAH! $200.00 to purge air with portable hand pump.

Since I don't have a hand prime pump, or a fuel filter fill plug, I found that I can insert a 3/4 inch NPT pipe plug in the center of the filter and then fill it with fuel. This filters all fuel so there is no contamination. I now carry a spare filter, pipe plug and about 1/2 gallon of fuel in case this ever happens again.

I suspect I may have had algae in the fuel tank since it had the same fuel in the tank for several months (I bought it new off the lot late in 2002, build date was 2/2002). I now add biocide to the fuel if it is going to set for any length of time (wish dealer did). I only fill at Flying-J or Loves.

Larry

Edited to add year and model of MH

[Richard_and_Cri]

Driveline: Cummins ISC 325 hp
miles: 36000
Yr: 1998
Breakdown: Engine wouldn't start
Symptoms: Starter turned but no starting
effect: no engine running
Cause: faulty fuel shut off solenoid
Outcome: replaced solenoid two different times as they were faulty but under warranty.

[E_d]

Badeye, THIS IS GREAT! Maybe they will start a forum just for this topic. In your database, are you going to split it between diesel and gas engines so that we can view only that type that pertains to us? just a thought.

RV particulars:
Driveline F-53, ford 460
Miles: 20000
Year: 1997

Break Down Description: while on vacation in the summer, when I would slow down to 55-50 to pull off the highway, the engine would quit. Outside temp 100+.

Symptoms: Difficult to start or if it did would not be enough power to move. After several hours of cool down, rig ran great until the next time I slowed down.

Effect:

Cause: Thought is was vapor lock like in the old days with carbs only this is FI. Turned out to be bad fuel pump in tank

Outcome:Under extended warranty, had dealer replace fuel pump and problem went away. Cost was $850.00 see comment below

Talked to several others and they had the same problem and the only cure was to replace the fuel pump. there is someone, don't remember his name at the moment, who came up with a way to install an external fuel pump instead of replacing the one inside or to use the external in conjunction with the one inside. His repair is a good one and he also has pictures with a complete description on how to install it.

[bob_b1]

third one:

RV particulars: Itasca Suncruiser DP
Driveline 190hp 5.9L Cummins, Allison 4
Miles: 91,000
Year: 1993
Break Down Description: Hydraulic leak from HWH stabilizer hose.
Symptoms: Greasy tires and a messy driveway.
Effect: Fluid was dripping onto the front tire from the controller above.
Cause: The hose was leaking near the controller box.
Outcome: Called HWH (they are very helpful) and they determined that tightening wouldn’t help since the leak was where the rubber meets the fitting. I removed the hose and brought it to the local hydraulic hose shop. It took them ten minutes to repair the hose with a new fitting. I reinstalled it without purging the system. The HWH stabilizer system will self-purge any air in the lines. Cost was only $5.

[bob_b1]

Second one:

RV particulars: Itasca Suncruiser DP
Driveline 190hp 5.9L Cummins, Allison 4
Miles: 91,000
Year: 1993
Break Down Description: Electrical Malfunction
Symptoms: Blindness at 65mph
Effect: Driving lights cycling on and off (mostly OFF) while on a highway at night. Brights would work only if I held the stalk in the ‘flash-to-pass’ position.
Cause: Corrosion inside the Headlamp Switch was breaking the connection.
Outcome: Purchased a new Headlamp switch for $14. Installation was easy.

[jrj9871]

RV particulars: PaceArrow Vision
Driveline (Ford Triton V10 engine and Ford Transmission):
Miles: 19k
Year: 1999
Break Down Description: (Started up the RV after having it in storage for two months. The service engine soon light stays lit, but the RV runs fine. I am on my way to Ford to have the unit serviced [good thing]).
Symptoms: The light is on, but RV is running fine.
Effect: None
Cause: The siginal from the transmission is not getting to the
computer.
Outcome: Ford found and fixed the short, "The Plan" extended
service contract paid the bill, thank god we were just
getting ready for our winter trip to Brownsville TX and
not on the road already.

[rcatterall]

RV particulars:2003 Safari Cheetah 38' double slide
Driveline (Engine, Transmission):Cat 330hp, Allison 6
Miles: 10,000
Year:2003
Break Down Description: (You can add any description of the problem here that you think would help others in understanding the situation and problem.)
Symptoms: Less than expected power and mileage (previously had 300 hp Cat)
Effect: Mileage was approx 7mpg had gotten 10 + with previous unit
Cause: Hole in hose from turbo to engine
Outcome: Safari paid Cat for fix as hose was routed improperly causing it to rub thru. Didn't offer to pay for the wasted juice though

[rcatterall]

RV particulars:2003 Safari Cheetah 38' double slide
Driveline (Engine, Transmission):Cat 330hp, Allison 6 spd
Miles: 14,000
Year:2003 Break Down Description: (You can add any description of the problem here that you think would help others in understanding the situation and problem.)
Symptoms: Chassis batteries dead after unit sits for a couple of days even if connected to shore power
Effect: Engine needed boost
Cause: Safari had wired several components including fridge into the chassis battery
Outcome: My tech said was told that was deliberate ! I would not have the foggiest reason why they would do this. Safari advised tech to add an Echo charger to keep the chassis batteries up at my expense. Would not authorize tech to change wiring said I could come to FL Service center and they would do it. I know it sounds like bs but I swear it is true. I was having fridge problems and just happened to notice the fridge was off (I leave it on always as I use the coach 4 or 5 days out of 7) I hit on and nothing. I went to start the coach and the chassis battery was dead. Back to the panel the house batteries were full (I have and auto-start generator). Used the transfer switch to get engine started went back and hit the fridge on button again and Voila it came on as did the old light bulb. Btw had already replaced one set of chassis batteries under warranty

[rcatterall]

2nd incident

RV particulars:2003 Safari Cheetah 38' double slide
Driveline (Engine, Transmission):Cat 330hp, Allison 6
Miles: 12,000
Year:2003
Break Down Description: (You can add any description of the problem here that you think would help others in understanding the situation and problem.)
Symptoms: Poor acceleration intermittedly, problems with cruise control engaging
Effect: None really but familiar with problem from previous incident. Could obviously have been serious
Cause: Brakes dragging
Outcome: Safari replaced all components on both axles at n/c thru a Barlow Freightliner in Little Rock. Barlow was excellent. Safari had a big problems in getting the right parts there and wasted at least a week of our time and caused us several hundred dollars in travel expenses that we have not sought restituion for yet

[rcatterall]

RV particulars:2003 Safari Cheetah 38' double slide
Driveline (Engine, Transmission):Cat 330hp, Allison 6
Miles: 4,000
Year:2003 New just picked up at /Monaco/Safari Service Ctr, Wildwood,FL
Break Down Description: (You can add any description of the problem here that you think would help others in understanding the situation and problem.)
Symptoms: Poor acceleration
Effect: Front wheels hot, noticed by a Wal-Mart truck driver
Cause: Brakes dragging
Outcome: Safari replaced all components on front axle at n/c

[Horsedoc]

This is a good idea. Just found it. I never read the stuff in bold print at top of forums;

2000 Itasca Horizon DP 36'
300 Cat
6 speed Allison
towing 4dr. 4wd Tracker

Heading west over the Bighorns in Wyoming from Yellowstone through Cody. Long pull to top of pass and the engine starts overheating. Pull over to check coolant and it is fine and full. Engine cools down within normal range almost immediately. In the next 8-12 miles had to pull over to cool 5-6 times.
Figured the altitude and toad causing the heating. Not further problems until some long hills in South Dakota when the temp indicator went up but no warning buzzer.
No further problems until August coming out of Alabama and heat went up. Same thing in NC crossing mountain and buzzere went off. Engine cooled down very quickly.
This coach had made a trip from Georgia to Las Vegas the previous year with no problems at all.

Resolution:
RV.net member PM'd after hearing of the problem and said he thought the radiator was partially blocked. Trip to a quarter carwash and a handfull of change and a tremendous amount of dirt and oily crud washed out of the radiator. Turns out Freightliner left the puke pipe from the crankcase breaker too short and it dumps the oily smoke and fumes on the radiator core. Dust and road debris collects on that and causes air flow restriction.
Cost: frayed nerves for a few hours and about 4 dollars and 20 minutes with high pressure spray and degreaser.

[NoGoSlo]

RV particulars:
Engine: Cummins 350, Allison
Miles: 40,000
Year: 1997
Break Down Description: (You can add any description of the problem here that you think would help others in understanding the situation and problem.)
Symptoms: Loss of air pressure
Effect: Had to stop before brakes locked up
Cause: Air dryer seal
Outcome: Good Sam Road Service dispatched diesel mechanic who bypassed air dryer to continue trip. Replaced seals when we got home. Told that this is a maintenance item.

Lesson: Put the air dryer on your annual maintenance list.

[Toronto_John]

2000 Holiday Rambler Endeavor 38'
3126 Cat 330HP, Allison3000
Freightliner XC Chassis

Breakdown details: In Dec 2000 AC Compressor replaced under warranty at 10,000 miles. In November 2001 at 18,000 miles temp gauge showed serious overheating about 25 miles east of Billings,Montana. Limped along for a few miles and then checked engine to discover that serpentine belt was broken. First Emergency Road Service arrived two hours later with closest replacement belt he could find and advised that the real problem was seized AC compressor that was run by the same belt and caused fraying and breakage. Three hours later towed to Freightliner in Billings and waited over weekend plus Monday for new Compressor to come in from Reno. Compressor and belt replaced and everything fine after that.

2003 DSDP 4004 triple slide
350 ISC, Spartan, Allison3000
2002 Honda CRV