tkranz
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Cummins 5.9 ISB - metal in oil samples
I have had two oil samples in a row show high metal particle content in the oil; chromium, I believe, especially. The motor has 130,000 miles, and is running perfectly. After first oil sample showed metal, I took a chance and drove from Arizona back to New York. No problems. Cummins of Western New York in Buffalo changed the oil, took another sample, and their techs listened to the motor. They agreed that it is running and sounding normally. What experience have you folks had with abnormal oil samples predicting motor failures? Cummins advises monitoring and driving, then resampling once again. Their advice is also, if I don't want to continue to gamble, tear the motor down in place. Pull the head and look for cylinder scoring, and drop the pan and pull some bearing caps.1.6KViews0likes8CommentsHeater core replacement
I have a 1998 Winnebago grand vectra on a Freightliner chassis. Freightliner has diagnosed a very, very slow coolant leak as coming from the heater core after a pressure test. When we are traveling, we lose maybe a cup of coolant in two days on the road. We can live with this at this rate, but it will only get worse over time. Looking around up front it appears that it will be a no-fun job. Cannot even see the heater core behind various covers and dash components. Has anyone had a class A Winnebago heater core replaced? What has to come off to get at it? How expensive a job was it for you? (not planning to do the work myself)5.2KViews0likes6CommentsRe: RV driving lessons ASAP Please!
Never Let Yourself be Rushed While you are gaining experience making tight turns with your new rig, remember to never be in a hurry if you are worried about clearing a turn, especially in busy traffic. Watch those mirrors. STOP if necessary. Worst case, let your partner get out and direct you even if 10 other drivers are honking their horns at you. It is very embarrassing, but who cares. Soon you won't have to take that extra time as you learn what your rig acts like in traffic.705Views0likes0CommentsBright & Dim headlight question
When I recently bought a 1998 Winnebago Vectra (Freightliner), the headlights were wired as follows: Headlights dim = one bulb in each headlight assembly is lighted (dim bulb) Headlights bright = the other bulb, just one, the "bright" bulb is lighted - NOT both bulbs My local mechanic tells me this is normal and the way it is supposed to be. It seems to me that when brights are on, both bulbs should be lit - that's the way my passenger car works. The way my coach is wired, bright lights seem very dim close in front of the coach. Am I correct that both bulbs in each assembly should be lit when brights are on? WHich way does your coach work? Tom2.6KViews0likes6CommentsRe: Flooring, laminate or wood?
Daveinet wrote: X2 on no Pergo. What every you do choose, get a small sample and stick it in a glass of water for a month. If it doesn't swell up, then it is a consideration. Specifically my neighbor installed Pergo. Water spilled on it, ran over the edge, and wicked under the floor. This caused the floor to swell up, and eventually buckle. A motorhome is very vulnerable to mishaps. This means the products you use must be water proof, and much more durable than what is required for a stick house. I, too, have 3/4" real cherry planks which we installed only recently. Nailed & glued. Yes, we are concerned that it may have problems with changing temperature and humidity, but it is beautiful for the time being. Hope it stays that way.282Views0likes0CommentsGentle jack retract?
Might have already posted this. On my older RV, I had HWH jacks with manual valve levers. I could gently retract the jacks. On my newer rig, I have touch pad controls. The minute I hit the "store" button, they come down suddenly and hard. Am I missing something, or is this how they are supposed to work?3.4KViews0likes11CommentsRe: Too Old?
For my wife and I, it's not so much when I should give up RV driving all together, but under what conditions should I not drive. We are lucky - she is much younger and a very good driver, so we always have a choice who drives. My worst is in the rain at night; I just don't see the road well then, so it is always she under those conditions. My endurance is not what it used to be. I used to be good for all day driving, with suitable breaks. Now I rarely put in more than three hours a day, and that is in several stints with the wife driving shifts in between. So for our family, the question is not yet about giving up the class A driving, it is about conditions and guidelines.270Views0likes0Comments
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