Mike_Schriber
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Damaged hydraulic leveler hoses
I've noticed that the hoses for my hydraulic leveling system are losing the outer rubber protective later. It's just cracking and falling away. Beneath I can see a woven layer that I imagine is what contains the pressure of the inner hose. The woven layer looks pristine. Do I need to immediately worry about replacing these hoses or can I monitor them for deterioration of the now exposed pressure layer? Thanks!1.5KViews0likes9Comments2006 Ford F53 transmission and wheel bearing maintenance
I have a 2006 F53 chassis with the V-10 and five speed transmission. I'm at 66,000 miles. I'm about to head out on a ~3,500 mile trip and I just realized that I spaced doing my transmission fluid and filter change at 60,000 miles (I last did it at around 30,000 miles). The fluid looks normal but is a tad low (at the top of the "cold" measuring marks when at operating temperature). I know this is a very subjective question but... anyone think I'm making a mistake if I top up the fluid and leave the change until after the trip? Changing the fluid before the trip would be a hell of a scramble. Second question... the manual talks about lubricating the front wheel bearings, replacing the seals and adjusting the bearings, also at 60,000 miles. I have to admit I assumed the wheel bearings were sealed units and never noticed this in the maintenance schedule before now . I grease the steering and front suspension components but I've never messed with the bearings. So, pretty much like the transmission... should I rush to try and have this done before the trip or just wait until after? I lifted the front end and checked for play and found none. I have noticed a sound for a while (several years) that's sort of like a medium or high pitch warble that seems more pronounced when turning. It almost sounds like a wheel cover but I know it's not that. It's not super loud but is audible at lower speeds. Now I'm wondering if it's wheel bearing related but I've never heard a bearing make a sound like that before. I do check the wheels with my hand at most gas stops for excessive heat but that's probably only going to detect a major problem with the wheel covers on. Feeling like a dumbass for getting myself in this situation but it is what it is. Thanks in advance for any and all feedback!1.8KViews0likes3CommentsRe: Diagnosing a HVAC vacuum issue on a Ford F53
Wow. This got going. My issue is solved. As I posted, there was still vacuum more than a half hour after the engine was turned off so all the other lines are good and so is the accumulator. I've had an issue with this line before. It's not shielded and it's exposed to heat, etc. Looking to replace the entire thing. I've put 50,000 miles on this rig with plenty of high throttle extended uphill running and I've never run out of vacuum. YMMV. Mike1.5KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Diagnosing a HVAC vacuum issue on a Ford F53
Found it! I ignored the critical axiom, test like you fly. It only was leaking in recirculation mode and I wasn't testing it that way (because it was cold and I had the heat on) even though that's how I usually have it set. Found several leaks in the hose "under" the hood leading to that baffle. Easy fix with some tubing I had lying around from a previous repair. Thanks for the feedback! Mike369Views0likes0CommentsRe: Diagnosing a HVAC vacuum issue on a Ford F53
Actually... I just unplugged the hose from the accumulator where it connects to the dash controls. The baffle for the defroster immediately dropped and the line was hissing. The engine has been off for a half hour so that tells me the accumulator is fine. It would also suggest there's no leak elsewhere in the system which makes no sense. Any thoughts? It could be between the manifold and the accumulator but as near as I can tell that line is fine. The other vacuum line from the manifold goes to a device with an electrical connector on the driver's side valve cover. I'm guessing this is a valve related to the PCV system and if it was bad I guess it could deprive the whole system of vacuum but I don't want to go down that road without more information. Thanks (again)! Mike374Views0likes0CommentsDiagnosing a HVAC vacuum issue on a Ford F53
The AC/heat is switching to the defroster under higher RPM conditions on my 2006 F53 chassis Damon. It actually seems to be doing it now under low throttle steady state conditions as well. Obviously a vacuum issue but I'm not finding any obvious leaks. The leads me to focus on the vacuum accumulator but I'm not sure how to test it. I can't even figure out how to remove the lines going in and out and I don't want to break anything fumbling around. Any suggestions? Thanks! Mike5.9KViews0likes22CommentsRe: Microwave and converter fried at campground
Garden of The God's Campground. RSD559 wrote: Which campground in Colorado Springs was this? It's good to know that they stepped up and took responsibility. We spent a week at the KOA there earlier this year. Speaking of that KOA, really great water park for the grandkids. It opened the day we left. I guess they open it up to outsiders for a fee. It was well populated. Our daughter said that she would bring the kids across town to play there when it's hot.548Views0likes0Comments
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