For The Mechanics: 2000 Ford E450

[mikeleblanc413]

While changing the oil today I found this leak.Appears to be an air conditioning hose. Didn't notice the leak last time I changed oil. About August 2013. I run the cab air on occasion and is still cooling. If this is not an A/C leak...what is it. If it is an A/C leak...what's the problem with just waiting till the air doesn't cool anymore. I bought the unit in 2011 and had freon (?) put in at that time. No problems since then. All input appreciated.

[ron_dittmer]

Thanks fellows for the education. I didn't realize Steer Safe used such hardware in their product.

[mikeleblanc413]

OOPS...didn't see that j-d had responded.

ron.dittmer said, "I am perplexed as to the purpose of those heavy duty screen-door springs. I never seen those under any E-Series before. Are they used for steering stabilization?"

Yes they are Ron. The product is Steer Safe. There are two large springs on each side. When I bought Winnie, there were only two. I put 4 new springs. I like the way she handles.

[j-d]

It's a SteerSafe made in Deming NM. It's a centering device like the springs hidden under a cover on Safe-T-Plus.
I say "Centering" because it doesn't incorporate a hydraulic damper. Has to rely on the coach having its own.

[Mich_F]

ron.dittmer wrote:


I am perplexed as to the purpose of those heavy duty screen-door springs. I never seen those under any E-Series before. Are they used for steering stabilization?

I think they are part of a unit called Safe T Steer or something like that. They were supposed to help with general handling and if you got a blow out in a front tire.

[ron_dittmer]

Some hydraulic rubber hoses are pre-fabricated with unique fittings on the ends. If that is your case, they can be purchased at places like Auto Zone, and quite affordable too. A year or two ago, I had to replace both my pre-fabricated power steering hoses on my old 1996 Ford Ranger. I was surprised they were only $12 to $15 a piece and in-stock too.

I am perplexed as to the purpose of those heavy duty screen-door springs. I never seen those under any E-Series before. Are they used for steering stabilization?

[j-d]

No, Mike. If it's for the transmission cooler, there is in fact "Transmission Cooler Hose." When I needed some, not all the big box chain auto supplies had it. Maybe only one and it might've been Autozone. Subject to change, of course, and I'm sure NAPA would have it. I'd use fuel line hose in a pinch, but not hardware store water hose.

[mikeleblanc413]

THANKS for all of the replies. Since this may very well be the original (2000 Winnebago) hose, I am considering replacing hose and clamps. Is this hose something that can be bought at a hardware store? All input appreciated.

[Gene_in_NE]

midnightsadie wrote:
pull it off put a tappered doll rod in and then make a new cut, you,ll loose about a couple spoons full of oil.

"tappered doll rod" could be called a golf tee. :B
Works for me.

[tatest]

There should be no air conditioning lines that low on the chassis. Something else with nonvolatile oils is leaking.

[midnightsadie]

pull it off put a tappered doll rod in and then make a new cut, you,ll loose about a couple spoons full of oil.

[jjj]

Like mitch f150 said. AC leak is a gas form only a small amount of oil in freon. I had a chevy astro van with a freon leak and where the leak is at is get very dirty from dust collecting on the freon oil and it does not have enough to run down the pan like that. Must be trans, collant , or oil.

[carringb]

mikeleblanc413 wrote:
So, if I cut away an inch or so...nothing is going to leak out?

It will. Whatever volume is in the hose. Lay down some cardboard, have some rags handy, wear some old clothes and safety glasses, and have the new hose clamp ready to go.:)

[MitchF150]

It'll leak a bit, so have a rag handy! 😉 It won't drain the entire trans however... 😉

Could be the front oil pan seal leaking too? Hard to tell from that single pic.

A/C leaking would be in a 'gas' form and your A/C would not get cool at all, as it would have zero pressure in it.

Good luck!

Mitch

[mikeleblanc413]

So, if I cut away an inch or so...nothing is going to leak out?