Maiden Voyage Complete!!! - Printable Version +- Wanderlodge Gurus - The Member Funded Wanderlodge Forum (http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com) +-- Forum: Yahoo Groups Archive (/forumdisplay.php?fid=61) +--- Forum: WanderlodgeForum (/forumdisplay.php?fid=63) +--- Thread: Maiden Voyage Complete!!! (/showthread.php?tid=6870) |
Maiden Voyage Complete!!! - Curt Sprenger - 06-19-2008 16:23 Drawer CATCHES...contact Stephen Birtles. If the CATCHES are the ones that a friend made up for us...I sent the inventory to Stephen Birtles for him to market as I did not want to deal with distributing them. Replacement Bulbs...contact Stephen Birtles. 215 oil temp if fine, actually very good if the oil temp gauge is right on. Coolant temp. should be about 180/185. Radiator cleaning is a good thing to do. Full Power Boost...about 20 +/- is good. The DDEC engines might be different than my non DDEC. I can get 20 +/-. More important is to watch the boost temp. gauge. On Thu, Jun 19, 2008 at 5:35 PM, coreyg67 <"corey@cwgraham.com"> wrote:
-- Curt Sprenger 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" Anaheim Hills, CA Maiden Voyage Complete!!! - David Brady - 06-20-2008 02:27 Curt, Climbing long 6% grades out west on hot days, you'll see your oil temps approach 230 deg F, you'll also see your water temps climb, possible beyond 210 deg F. My owners manual, and this is for a 2002 LXi, states that the cooling system is engineered for full power use on a 100 deg F day. We all know that Las Vegas in the summer time can be well above that. If ambient is above 100, you need to gear down and slow down. The water temp needs to be managed. Under sub 100 deg F ambient, it should average to 195 deg F with peaks on long 6 % climbs to the low 200's. On my coach, with a series 60 and DDEC IV, I see boost pressures as high as 29psi. You have a DDEC III, I believe, you may want to call Detroit Diesel to see what you should get. David Brady '02 LXi, NC Curt Sprenger wrote:
Maiden Voyage Complete!!! - Stephen Birtles - 06-20-2008 05:27 Give me a call 1 888 668 4288 stephen dupreeproducts.com --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "coreyg67" > > More questions. > > I have several drawers that will not stay in the locked position, so every time we turn > right, the drawers come flying open. Is there any trick to repairing the guides, or are > they a replace only type item? > > I am also having a problem locating a list of replacement bulbs for the coach. I have > thumbed through every manual that came with the bus, and cant find any light bulb info. > Is there a list somewhere that contains part numbers for lights? I need just about every > bulb in the coach from headlight to taillight and everything in between. I'm hoping to > get a big shopping list and go buy all the necessary bulbs at once rather than make 6 > trips to the automotive supply house. > > Im having a locksmith come out tomorrow to rekey everything and get multiple keys to > the coach so that I can have access to everything, then I am going to spend the > afternoon cleaning the radiator as I learned in the Temps thread that is going around. I > noticed temps around 215 for oil, which seemed high to me, so I figure a good cleaning > is in order. > > Can anyone tell me what the full power boost level should be? I am only getting 17psi > on full throttle pulls up hills, and I really figured I would be closer to 24-25psi. > > Thanks again everyone, sorry Im writing a novel!! > > Corey and Jenni Graham > 1996 PT 42' > Prosper,TX > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson wrote: > > > > > > On Jun 16, 2008, at 8:22 PM, coreyg67 wrote: > > > > > Still no luck on the levelers. I pulled the panel from the front > > > of the coach, replaced both > > > fuse #24 and #69 just to see, no luck. Checked all the sensors on > > > the bay doors, best I > > > can tell, all are functioning. I did find two that the ground had > > > broken, but after fixing > > > ground, no luck still. > > > Pulled HWH panel from wall, and checked to see if wire was > > > disconnected, all seems > > > proper. So now I'm starting to worry. It is rather uncomfortable > > > walking in and sleeping > > > in a coach that is on an incline or angle, so I really need to > > > figure this out. > > > > > > I will begin to list some of the other problems. > > > > > > 1. no key for safe, > > > > Ace key is used (the round ones) -- probably need a locksmith to get > > in to that one. Try the plastic barrel of a pen -- that was famously > > used to pick similar locks on bicycle locks. > > > > > 2. door lock button for front door will not lock door, although I > > > can hear it trying. > > > > Probably the door isn't correctly aligned with the latch. The > > solenoid is not very strong and isn't able to overcome even the least > > amount of friction. It's possible that something is loose inside the > > door. You'll have to take off the inside panel to work on that. Be > > sure the door is tightly closed when you try. > > > > > 3. Compartment lock will not lock front curbside compartment, > > > although I can hear it > > > trying to. This isnt good, I don't have a key for the bays > > > > See a locksmith about making up a set of keys for the bays. The key > > to the electric hookup cord is the same as the bays on my coach. > > > > I had one sticky latch on my coach. You can take off the inside cover > > on the bay door (bunch of screws around the perimeter) -- then clean > > and lubricate the latch mechanism. It ought to work, then (if you can > > hear it clicking when you hit the lock button). If there's no sound, > > then there might be a loose wire. > > > > The keyless entry pad will lock the front door (if it was working) > > and the compartments by hitting the two right-most buttons (5/6 and > > 7/8) at the same time. Enter your 5 digit code then immediately press > > "6" and that should unlock the bay doors (that work). > > > > > 4. fridge is not cooling, but freezer works great > > ?? What kind of fridge? I have a home-style Amana. I was told by the > > previous owner that it was once recharged with "freon". > > > > > 5. Engine break works great most of the time, but then other times > > > it wont engage. It > > > will still shift transmission for breaking, but no Jake brake > > > > Possibly a wiring problem -- I have some weirdness with my Jake > > brake. I also suspect that the on-off switch is malfunctioning. > > During a recent service visit at CCW, they put the computer on the > > system and got a report of a "problem" on the DD side of the DDEC > > unit. My Jake brake was apparently rewired to avoid the fault in the > > DDEC (instead of low-med-high, I only have low and high settings). > > The "solution" is a new DDEC board -- very expensive. > > > > > 6. standard items such as light bulbs, needs servicing all the way > > > around, rope light has > > > several burned out bulbs, needs replacing > > > > Me too. Some of the "burned out" light bulbs actually were ok, but > > the ground or something was not good. Just fiddling with the light > > and fixture brought a couple back to life. The rope lights are > > probably hopeless. The entire rope would have to be replaced. I > > mostly only use the one around the base of the bed (at night) and > > once the novelty wore off, I've rarely turned on the others. > > > > > 7. The fresh water drain in the bay with the pumps has a broken > > > valve, so I cant get good > > > pressure from the fresh water system. I did get it to pressurize, > > > by rigging the valve > > > shut, and it appears everything is in good working order. > > > > You don't really need that valve anyway. The main fresh water dump > > valve is in the sewer dump side -- a white pipe with manual slide > > valve behind the tall door. > > > > My pumps were leaking so I replaced them with a single variable speed > > pump and I simplified the plumbing, eliminating the expansion tank. I > > re-plumbed the drain valve and installed a brass valve. > > > > I got "flair-it" compression fittings from pexconnection.com to > > transfer from the (gray) polybutylene plumbing to (new) Pex tubing > > and a "Flair-it" (note the spelling) pex to mpt (pipe thread) fitting > > -- then I used "normal" hardware store plumbing parts to re-plumb the > > drain valve. > > > > > 8. I have no idea how to use the aquahot, and I am a little afraid > > > to mess something up. > > > > > Do you have any hot water? If you do, the aquahot is already working. > > To use it: > > turn on aqua hot switch (labeled hydronic heating) on the dash. That > > allows the diesel burner to operate. It has no effect on the 2000 > > watt electric element that works when you're plugged into shore power. > > > > Turn on the three AC switches on the dash. (This is non-intuitive: > > turn on AC for heat.) > > > > Set the Dometic thermostats (the rectangular, gray ones) to a higher > > temperature than ambient. Heat should shortly start coming out of > > various places. Under the galley and probably under the sofa. There > > are little radiators all around. On an older coach, some of the fans > > may not be working. There are also A-H radiators in the basement and > > a special low-temperature thermostat (minimum setting 40 degrees) on > > the forward bulkhead inside the first curbside bay. Use in freezing > > temperature situations to keep the bays from freezing and keep the > > plumbing (in the basement) from freezing. > > > > There are two "regular" thermostats in the bath. One controls an > > electric toe kick space heater the other controls the aquahot > > (hydronic) heat. > > > > The heat in the bedroom comes out from behind the bed in the side- > > island arrangement. (controlled by the bedroom thermostat). The > > various hydronic heaters will have a little or a lot of fan noise, > > depending. > > > > You can check the A-H unit, when the heat is turned on, you should > > hear the burner start up. There is an exhaust pipe just below the A-H > > that will get quite warm when the burner is running. > > > > The A-H also has a 2000 watt electric element that gives heat for > > domestic hot water when the coach is plugged in to shore power or on > > the generator. The burner (burns diesel) will fire up if there's no > > electricity. The A-H is a continuous flow water heater, so you never > > run out of hot water (if everything is set properly). > > > > The hot water in the A-H is about 16 gallons, the electric element > > can't keep up with (say) a shower, so you'll run out of hot at 16 > > gallons. You can take an endless shower if you have the burner running. > > > > When you're on the road, the A-H gets heat from the engine cooling > > system to provide hot water and hydronic heating. > > > > You should probably contact A-H (they're in the Denver area as I > > recall) and get a referral to a local A-H service technician. The A-H > > should have the burner orifice replaced annually and some other > > burner compartment cleaning, etc. An A-H technician can explain more > > about the care and operation of the unit. > > > > Be absolutely sure that the coolant (see the overflow container) on > > the bulkhead behind and to one side of the A-H system) is properly > > filled. Running the burner without coolant will risk serious > > (expensive) internal damage to the burner section. In the two years > > I've had my coach, the A-H has rarely required any additional > > coolant. Use the same stuff you use for the DD series 60. (Note that > > there are specific coolant requirements for the Series 60 -- do not > > use regular automotive coolant.) > > > > The burner uses about 1/4 to 1/2 gallon of diesel per hour (if I > > recall correctly). But it doesn't run all the time so it's not a big > > drain on your fuel. > > > > > > > > I guess I need to find someone in the DFW area whom is familiar > > > with Bluebirds, > > > preferably a 96', and pay them to walk through the entire coach > > > with me and help with > > > all my little questions. > > > > Go to a Lone Star Birds rally -- there are usually several folks who > > can help you. > > > > Pete Masterson > > '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 > > El Sobrante CA > > aeonix1@ > > > Maiden Voyage Complete!!! - coreyg67 - 06-23-2008 05:40 Will do Stephen, Thanks Corey 1996 PT42 --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Stephen Birtles" > > > Give me a call 1 888 668 4288 > stephen > dupreeproducts.com > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "coreyg67" > > > > More questions. > > > > I have several drawers that will not stay in the locked position, so > every time we turn > > right, the drawers come flying open. Is there any trick to > repairing the guides, or are > > they a replace only type item? > > > > I am also having a problem locating a list of replacement bulbs for > the coach. I have > > thumbed through every manual that came with the bus, and cant find > any light bulb info. > > Is there a list somewhere that contains part numbers for lights? I > need just about every > > bulb in the coach from headlight to taillight and everything in > between. I'm hoping to > > get a big shopping list and go buy all the necessary bulbs at once > rather than make 6 > > trips to the automotive supply house. > > > > Im having a locksmith come out tomorrow to rekey everything and get > multiple keys to > > the coach so that I can have access to everything, then I am going > to spend the > > afternoon cleaning the radiator as I learned in the Temps thread > that is going around. I > > noticed temps around 215 for oil, which seemed high to me, so I > figure a good cleaning > > is in order. > > > > Can anyone tell me what the full power boost level should be? I am > only getting 17psi > > on full throttle pulls up hills, and I really figured I would be > closer to 24-25psi. > > > > Thanks again everyone, sorry Im writing a novel!! > > > > Corey and Jenni Graham > > 1996 PT 42' > > Prosper,TX > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson > wrote: > > > > > > > > > On Jun 16, 2008, at 8:22 PM, coreyg67 wrote: > > > > > > > Still no luck on the levelers. I pulled the panel from the front > > > > of the coach, replaced both > > > > fuse #24 and #69 just to see, no luck. Checked all the sensors on > > > > the bay doors, best I > > > > can tell, all are functioning. I did find two that the ground had > > > > broken, but after fixing > > > > ground, no luck still. > > > > Pulled HWH panel from wall, and checked to see if wire was > > > > disconnected, all seems > > > > proper. So now I'm starting to worry. It is rather uncomfortable > > > > walking in and sleeping > > > > in a coach that is on an incline or angle, so I really need to > > > > figure this out. > > > > > > > > I will begin to list some of the other problems. > > > > > > > > 1. no key for safe, > > > > > > Ace key is used (the round ones) -- probably need a locksmith to get > > > in to that one. Try the plastic barrel of a pen -- that was famously > > > used to pick similar locks on bicycle locks. > > > > > > > 2. door lock button for front door will not lock door, although I > > > > can hear it trying. > > > > > > Probably the door isn't correctly aligned with the latch. The > > > solenoid is not very strong and isn't able to overcome even the > least > > > amount of friction. It's possible that something is loose inside the > > > door. You'll have to take off the inside panel to work on that. Be > > > sure the door is tightly closed when you try. > > > > > > > 3. Compartment lock will not lock front curbside compartment, > > > > although I can hear it > > > > trying to. This isnt good, I don't have a key for the bays > > > > > > See a locksmith about making up a set of keys for the bays. The key > > > to the electric hookup cord is the same as the bays on my coach. > > > > > > I had one sticky latch on my coach. You can take off the inside > cover > > > on the bay door (bunch of screws around the perimeter) -- then clean > > > and lubricate the latch mechanism. It ought to work, then (if you > can > > > hear it clicking when you hit the lock button). If there's no sound, > > > then there might be a loose wire. > > > > > > The keyless entry pad will lock the front door (if it was working) > > > and the compartments by hitting the two right-most buttons (5/6 and > > > 7/8) at the same time. Enter your 5 digit code then immediately > press > > > "6" and that should unlock the bay doors (that work). > > > > > > > 4. fridge is not cooling, but freezer works great > > > ?? What kind of fridge? I have a home-style Amana. I was told by the > > > previous owner that it was once recharged with "freon". > > > > > > > 5. Engine break works great most of the time, but then other times > > > > it wont engage. It > > > > will still shift transmission for breaking, but no Jake brake > > > > > > Possibly a wiring problem -- I have some weirdness with my Jake > > > brake. I also suspect that the on-off switch is malfunctioning. > > > During a recent service visit at CCW, they put the computer on the > > > system and got a report of a "problem" on the DD side of the DDEC > > > unit. My Jake brake was apparently rewired to avoid the fault in the > > > DDEC (instead of low-med-high, I only have low and high settings). > > > The "solution" is a new DDEC board -- very expensive. > > > > > > > 6. standard items such as light bulbs, needs servicing all the way > > > > around, rope light has > > > > several burned out bulbs, needs replacing > > > > > > Me too. Some of the "burned out" light bulbs actually were ok, but > > > the ground or something was not good. Just fiddling with the light > > > and fixture brought a couple back to life. The rope lights are > > > probably hopeless. The entire rope would have to be replaced. I > > > mostly only use the one around the base of the bed (at night) and > > > once the novelty wore off, I've rarely turned on the others. > > > > > > > 7. The fresh water drain in the bay with the pumps has a broken > > > > valve, so I cant get good > > > > pressure from the fresh water system. I did get it to pressurize, > > > > by rigging the valve > > > > shut, and it appears everything is in good working order. > > > > > > You don't really need that valve anyway. The main fresh water dump > > > valve is in the sewer dump side -- a white pipe with manual slide > > > valve behind the tall door. > > > > > > My pumps were leaking so I replaced them with a single variable > speed > > > pump and I simplified the plumbing, eliminating the expansion > tank. I > > > re-plumbed the drain valve and installed a brass valve. > > > > > > I got "flair-it" compression fittings from pexconnection.com to > > > transfer from the (gray) polybutylene plumbing to (new) Pex tubing > > > and a "Flair-it" (note the spelling) pex to mpt (pipe thread) > fitting > > > -- then I used "normal" hardware store plumbing parts to re- plumb > the > > > drain valve. > > > > > > > 8. I have no idea how to use the aquahot, and I am a little afraid > > > > to mess something up. > > > > > > > Do you have any hot water? If you do, the aquahot is already > working. > > > To use it: > > > turn on aqua hot switch (labeled hydronic heating) on the dash. That > > > allows the diesel burner to operate. It has no effect on the 2000 > > > watt electric element that works when you're plugged into shore power. > > > > > > Turn on the three AC switches on the dash. (This is non- intuitive: > > > turn on AC for heat.) > > > > > > Set the Dometic thermostats (the rectangular, gray ones) to a higher > > > temperature than ambient. Heat should shortly start coming out of > > > various places. Under the galley and probably under the sofa. There > > > are little radiators all around. On an older coach, some of the fans > > > may not be working. There are also A-H radiators in the basement and > > > a special low-temperature thermostat (minimum setting 40 degrees) on > > > the forward bulkhead inside the first curbside bay. Use in freezing > > > temperature situations to keep the bays from freezing and keep the > > > plumbing (in the basement) from freezing. > > > > > > There are two "regular" thermostats in the bath. One controls an > > > electric toe kick space heater the other controls the aquahot > > > (hydronic) heat. > > > > > > The heat in the bedroom comes out from behind the bed in the side- > > > island arrangement. (controlled by the bedroom thermostat). The > > > various hydronic heaters will have a little or a lot of fan noise, > > > depending. > > > > > > You can check the A-H unit, when the heat is turned on, you should > > > hear the burner start up. There is an exhaust pipe just below the > A-H > > > that will get quite warm when the burner is running. > > > > > > The A-H also has a 2000 watt electric element that gives heat for > > > domestic hot water when the coach is plugged in to shore power or on > > > the generator. The burner (burns diesel) will fire up if there's no > > > electricity. The A-H is a continuous flow water heater, so you never > > > run out of hot water (if everything is set properly). > > > > > > The hot water in the A-H is about 16 gallons, the electric element > > > can't keep up with (say) a shower, so you'll run out of hot at 16 > > > gallons. You can take an endless shower if you have the burner > running. > > > > > > When you're on the road, the A-H gets heat from the engine cooling > > > system to provide hot water and hydronic heating. > > > > > > You should probably contact A-H (they're in the Denver area as I > > > recall) and get a referral to a local A-H service technician. The > A-H > > > should have the burner orifice replaced annually and some other > > > burner compartment cleaning, etc. An A-H technician can explain more > > > about the care and operation of the unit. > > > > > > Be absolutely sure that the coolant (see the overflow container) on > > > the bulkhead behind and to one side of the A-H system) is properly > > > filled. Running the burner without coolant will risk serious > > > (expensive) internal damage to the burner section. In the two years > > > I've had my coach, the A-H has rarely required any additional > > > coolant. Use the same stuff you use for the DD series 60. (Note that > > > there are specific coolant requirements for the Series 60 -- do not > > > use regular automotive coolant.) > > > > > > The burner uses about 1/4 to 1/2 gallon of diesel per hour (if I > > > recall correctly). But it doesn't run all the time so it's not a big > > > drain on your fuel. > > > > > > > > > > > I guess I need to find someone in the DFW area whom is familiar > > > > with Bluebirds, > > > > preferably a 96', and pay them to walk through the entire coach > > > > with me and help with > > > > all my little questions. > > > > > > Go to a Lone Star Birds rally -- there are usually several folks who > > > can help you. > > > > > > Pete Masterson > > > '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 > > > El Sobrante CA > > > aeonix1@ > > > > > > Maiden Voyage Complete!!! - coreyg67 - 06-23-2008 05:52 More questions for you guys! I spent the majority of the weekend playing around with the coach to try and correct some problems, as well as to better learn my way around. 1. The propane tank shows to be a little over a 1/2 full, and I verified this by removing the panel in the driver side bay and looking at the guage on the tank itself. Problem is, I cant get the fridge, or the princess cooktop to light. I have checked the main valve at the tank, it is on. The LPG master switch is on, and the detector pad under the kitchen cabinets has both lights green, so I'm assuming this should tell me the valve is open, and all is functioning correctly. I do have a second detector pad mounted to the wall above the dinette, (driver side) but cannot get anything on the pad to light up. any suggestions? 2. I fixed the leak on the freshwater system, but i don't totally understand the operation of the switches in the water/sewage service bay. No matter which way i have the switch flipped for the tank fill, it appears that the tank continues to fill, and I cant get any pressure from the city side of the system. So far I have had very little luck getting any water to pump through the system at all. I'm sure there is an easy method of setting this up properly, but I'm not familiar with this system. 3. The front A/C unit is leaking water in the coach, so I'm assuming the condensate drain is blocked. I have found the drain (i think) for the middle and rear units, but dont know where the drain for the front unit is located? 4. I'm working on the leveling system, and currently waiting for a return call from HWH. I did find the brain for the system last night in the bay and found three blown 15amp fuses. These were the three fuses servicing the battery input, ignition input, and I don't recall the last input. Hopefully if I can locate the cause of the blown fuses, we will finally be able to level the coach. Does anyone have any ideas where I should start to trouble shoot the fuse problem? Thanks again everyone for all the help, this is so much fun to learn my way around with your help!! Corey & Jenni Graham 1996 PT 42' --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Stephen Birtles" > > > Give me a call 1 888 668 4288 > stephen > dupreeproducts.com > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "coreyg67" > > > > More questions. > > > > I have several drawers that will not stay in the locked position, so > every time we turn > > right, the drawers come flying open. Is there any trick to > repairing the guides, or are > > they a replace only type item? > > > > I am also having a problem locating a list of replacement bulbs for > the coach. I have > > thumbed through every manual that came with the bus, and cant find > any light bulb info. > > Is there a list somewhere that contains part numbers for lights? I > need just about every > > bulb in the coach from headlight to taillight and everything in > between. I'm hoping to > > get a big shopping list and go buy all the necessary bulbs at once > rather than make 6 > > trips to the automotive supply house. > > > > Im having a locksmith come out tomorrow to rekey everything and get > multiple keys to > > the coach so that I can have access to everything, then I am going > to spend the > > afternoon cleaning the radiator as I learned in the Temps thread > that is going around. I > > noticed temps around 215 for oil, which seemed high to me, so I > figure a good cleaning > > is in order. > > > > Can anyone tell me what the full power boost level should be? I am > only getting 17psi > > on full throttle pulls up hills, and I really figured I would be > closer to 24-25psi. > > > > Thanks again everyone, sorry Im writing a novel!! > > > > Corey and Jenni Graham > > 1996 PT 42' > > Prosper,TX > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson > wrote: > > > > > > > > > On Jun 16, 2008, at 8:22 PM, coreyg67 wrote: > > > > > > > Still no luck on the levelers. I pulled the panel from the front > > > > of the coach, replaced both > > > > fuse #24 and #69 just to see, no luck. Checked all the sensors on > > > > the bay doors, best I > > > > can tell, all are functioning. I did find two that the ground had > > > > broken, but after fixing > > > > ground, no luck still. > > > > Pulled HWH panel from wall, and checked to see if wire was > > > > disconnected, all seems > > > > proper. So now I'm starting to worry. It is rather uncomfortable > > > > walking in and sleeping > > > > in a coach that is on an incline or angle, so I really need to > > > > figure this out. > > > > > > > > I will begin to list some of the other problems. > > > > > > > > 1. no key for safe, > > > > > > Ace key is used (the round ones) -- probably need a locksmith to get > > > in to that one. Try the plastic barrel of a pen -- that was famously > > > used to pick similar locks on bicycle locks. > > > > > > > 2. door lock button for front door will not lock door, although I > > > > can hear it trying. > > > > > > Probably the door isn't correctly aligned with the latch. The > > > solenoid is not very strong and isn't able to overcome even the > least > > > amount of friction. It's possible that something is loose inside the > > > door. You'll have to take off the inside panel to work on that. Be > > > sure the door is tightly closed when you try. > > > > > > > 3. Compartment lock will not lock front curbside compartment, > > > > although I can hear it > > > > trying to. This isnt good, I don't have a key for the bays > > > > > > See a locksmith about making up a set of keys for the bays. The key > > > to the electric hookup cord is the same as the bays on my coach. > > > > > > I had one sticky latch on my coach. You can take off the inside > cover > > > on the bay door (bunch of screws around the perimeter) -- then clean > > > and lubricate the latch mechanism. It ought to work, then (if you > can > > > hear it clicking when you hit the lock button). If there's no sound, > > > then there might be a loose wire. > > > > > > The keyless entry pad will lock the front door (if it was working) > > > and the compartments by hitting the two right-most buttons (5/6 and > > > 7/8) at the same time. Enter your 5 digit code then immediately > press > > > "6" and that should unlock the bay doors (that work). > > > > > > > 4. fridge is not cooling, but freezer works great > > > ?? What kind of fridge? I have a home-style Amana. I was told by the > > > previous owner that it was once recharged with "freon". > > > > > > > 5. Engine break works great most of the time, but then other times > > > > it wont engage. It > > > > will still shift transmission for breaking, but no Jake brake > > > > > > Possibly a wiring problem -- I have some weirdness with my Jake > > > brake. I also suspect that the on-off switch is malfunctioning. > > > During a recent service visit at CCW, they put the computer on the > > > system and got a report of a "problem" on the DD side of the DDEC > > > unit. My Jake brake was apparently rewired to avoid the fault in the > > > DDEC (instead of low-med-high, I only have low and high settings). > > > The "solution" is a new DDEC board -- very expensive. > > > > > > > 6. standard items such as light bulbs, needs servicing all the way > > > > around, rope light has > > > > several burned out bulbs, needs replacing > > > > > > Me too. Some of the "burned out" light bulbs actually were ok, but > > > the ground or something was not good. Just fiddling with the light > > > and fixture brought a couple back to life. The rope lights are > > > probably hopeless. The entire rope would have to be replaced. I > > > mostly only use the one around the base of the bed (at night) and > > > once the novelty wore off, I've rarely turned on the others. > > > > > > > 7. The fresh water drain in the bay with the pumps has a broken > > > > valve, so I cant get good > > > > pressure from the fresh water system. I did get it to pressurize, > > > > by rigging the valve > > > > shut, and it appears everything is in good working order. > > > > > > You don't really need that valve anyway. The main fresh water dump > > > valve is in the sewer dump side -- a white pipe with manual slide > > > valve behind the tall door. > > > > > > My pumps were leaking so I replaced them with a single variable > speed > > > pump and I simplified the plumbing, eliminating the expansion > tank. I > > > re-plumbed the drain valve and installed a brass valve. > > > > > > I got "flair-it" compression fittings from pexconnection.com to > > > transfer from the (gray) polybutylene plumbing to (new) Pex tubing > > > and a "Flair-it" (note the spelling) pex to mpt (pipe thread) > fitting > > > -- then I used "normal" hardware store plumbing parts to re- plumb > the > > > drain valve. > > > > > > > 8. I have no idea how to use the aquahot, and I am a little afraid > > > > to mess something up. > > > > > > > Do you have any hot water? If you do, the aquahot is already > working. > > > To use it: > > > turn on aqua hot switch (labeled hydronic heating) on the dash. That > > > allows the diesel burner to operate. It has no effect on the 2000 > > > watt electric element that works when you're plugged into shore power. > > > > > > Turn on the three AC switches on the dash. (This is non- intuitive: > > > turn on AC for heat.) > > > > > > Set the Dometic thermostats (the rectangular, gray ones) to a higher > > > temperature than ambient. Heat should shortly start coming out of > > > various places. Under the galley and probably under the sofa. There > > > are little radiators all around. On an older coach, some of the fans > > > may not be working. There are also A-H radiators in the basement and > > > a special low-temperature thermostat (minimum setting 40 degrees) on > > > the forward bulkhead inside the first curbside bay. Use in freezing > > > temperature situations to keep the bays from freezing and keep the > > > plumbing (in the basement) from freezing. > > > > > > There are two "regular" thermostats in the bath. One controls an > > > electric toe kick space heater the other controls the aquahot > > > (hydronic) heat. > > > > > > The heat in the bedroom comes out from behind the bed in the side- > > > island arrangement. (controlled by the bedroom thermostat). The > > > various hydronic heaters will have a little or a lot of fan noise, > > > depending. > > > > > > You can check the A-H unit, when the heat is turned on, you should > > > hear the burner start up. There is an exhaust pipe just below the > A-H > > > that will get quite warm when the burner is running. > > > > > > The A-H also has a 2000 watt electric element that gives heat for > > > domestic hot water when the coach is plugged in to shore power or on > > > the generator. The burner (burns diesel) will fire up if there's no > > > electricity. The A-H is a continuous flow water heater, so you never > > > run out of hot water (if everything is set properly). > > > > > > The hot water in the A-H is about 16 gallons, the electric element > > > can't keep up with (say) a shower, so you'll run out of hot at 16 > > > gallons. You can take an endless shower if you have the burner > running. > > > > > > When you're on the road, the A-H gets heat from the engine cooling > > > system to provide hot water and hydronic heating. > > > > > > You should probably contact A-H (they're in the Denver area as I > > > recall) and get a referral to a local A-H service technician. The > A-H > > > should have the burner orifice replaced annually and some other > > > burner compartment cleaning, etc. An A-H technician can explain more > > > about the care and operation of the unit. > > > > > > Be absolutely sure that the coolant (see the overflow container) on > > > the bulkhead behind and to one side of the A-H system) is properly > > > filled. Running the burner without coolant will risk serious > > > (expensive) internal damage to the burner section. In the two years > > > I've had my coach, the A-H has rarely required any additional > > > coolant. Use the same stuff you use for the DD series 60. (Note that > > > there are specific coolant requirements for the Series 60 -- do not > > > use regular automotive coolant.) > > > > > > The burner uses about 1/4 to 1/2 gallon of diesel per hour (if I > > > recall correctly). But it doesn't run all the time so it's not a big > > > drain on your fuel. > > > > > > > > > > > I guess I need to find someone in the DFW area whom is familiar > > > > with Bluebirds, > > > > preferably a 96', and pay them to walk through the entire coach > > > > with me and help with > > > > all my little questions. > > > > > > Go to a Lone Star Birds rally -- there are usually several folks who > > > can help you. > > > > > > Pete Masterson > > > '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 > > > El Sobrante CA > > > aeonix1@ > > > > > > Maiden Voyage Complete!!! - Glenn Allen - 06-23-2008 06:30 Corey, On my older unit, there is a valve under the cooktop cover and another value behind the refrigerator. My fresh water fill switch is pneumatic....must have air in the Aux system to work. If your A/Cs are rooftop, see if you can access the drain from the roof with a compressed air nozzle. I don't have any insight to your leveling problems. Glenn 1986 PT-40 Marietta, GA --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "coreyg67" wrote: > > More questions for you guys! > > I spent the majority of the weekend playing around with the coach to > try and correct some problems, as well as to better learn my way > around. > > 1. The propane tank shows to be a little over a 1/2 full, and I > verified this by removing the panel in the driver side bay and > looking at the guage on the tank itself. Problem is, I cant get the > fridge, or the princess cooktop to light. I have checked the main > valve at the tank, it is on. The LPG master switch is on, and the > detector pad under the kitchen cabinets has both lights green, so I'm > assuming this should tell me the valve is open, and all is > functioning correctly. I do have a second detector pad mounted to > the wall above the dinette, (driver side) but cannot get anything on > the pad to light up. any suggestions? > > 2. I fixed the leak on the freshwater system, but i don't totally > understand the operation of the switches in the water/sewage service > bay. No matter which way i have the switch flipped for the tank > fill, it appears that the tank continues to fill, and I cant get any > pressure from the city side of the system. So far I have had very > little luck getting any water to pump through the system at all. I'm > sure there is an easy method of setting this up properly, but I'm not > familiar with this system. > > 3. The front A/C unit is leaking water in the coach, so I'm assuming > the condensate drain is blocked. I have found the drain (i think) > for the middle and rear units, but dont know where the drain for the > front unit is located? > > 4. I'm working on the leveling system, and currently waiting for a > return call from HWH. I did find the brain for the system last night > in the bay and found three blown 15amp fuses. These were the three > fuses servicing the battery input, ignition input, and I don't recall > the last input. Hopefully if I can locate the cause of the blown > fuses, we will finally be able to level the coach. Does anyone have > any ideas where I should start to trouble shoot the fuse problem? > > Thanks again everyone for all the help, this is so much fun to learn > my way around with your help!! > > Corey & Jenni Graham > 1996 PT 42' > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Stephen Birtles" > > > > > > > Give me a call 1 888 668 4288 > > stephen > > dupreeproducts.com > > > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "coreyg67" wrote: > > > > > > More questions. > > > > > > I have several drawers that will not stay in the locked position, > so > > every time we turn > > > right, the drawers come flying open. Is there any trick to > > repairing the guides, or are > > > they a replace only type item? > > > > > > I am also having a problem locating a list of replacement bulbs > for > > the coach. I have > > > thumbed through every manual that came with the bus, and cant find > > any light bulb info. > > > Is there a list somewhere that contains part numbers for lights? > I > > need just about every > > > bulb in the coach from headlight to taillight and everything in > > between. I'm hoping to > > > get a big shopping list and go buy all the necessary bulbs at once > > rather than make 6 > > > trips to the automotive supply house. > > > > > > Im having a locksmith come out tomorrow to rekey everything and > get > > multiple keys to > > > the coach so that I can have access to everything, then I am going > > to spend the > > > afternoon cleaning the radiator as I learned in the Temps thread > > that is going around. I > > > noticed temps around 215 for oil, which seemed high to me, so I > > figure a good cleaning > > > is in order. > > > > > > Can anyone tell me what the full power boost level should be? I > am > > only getting 17psi > > > on full throttle pulls up hills, and I really figured I would be > > closer to 24-25psi. > > > > > > Thanks again everyone, sorry Im writing a novel!! > > > > > > Corey and Jenni Graham > > > 1996 PT 42' > > > Prosper,TX > > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > On Jun 16, 2008, at 8:22 PM, coreyg67 wrote: > > > > > > > > > Still no luck on the levelers. I pulled the panel from the > front > > > > > of the coach, replaced both > > > > > fuse #24 and #69 just to see, no luck. Checked all the > sensors on > > > > > the bay doors, best I > > > > > can tell, all are functioning. I did find two that the > ground had > > > > > broken, but after fixing > > > > > ground, no luck still. > > > > > Pulled HWH panel from wall, and checked to see if wire was > > > > > disconnected, all seems > > > > > proper. So now I'm starting to worry. It is rather > uncomfortable > > > > > walking in and sleeping > > > > > in a coach that is on an incline or angle, so I really need > to > > > > > figure this out. > > > > > > > > > > I will begin to list some of the other problems. > > > > > > > > > > 1. no key for safe, > > > > > > > > Ace key is used (the round ones) -- probably need a locksmith > to get > > > > in to that one. Try the plastic barrel of a pen -- that was > famously > > > > used to pick similar locks on bicycle locks. > > > > > > > > > 2. door lock button for front door will not lock door, > although I > > > > > can hear it trying. > > > > > > > > Probably the door isn't correctly aligned with the latch. The > > > > solenoid is not very strong and isn't able to overcome even the > > least > > > > amount of friction. It's possible that something is loose > inside the > > > > door. You'll have to take off the inside panel to work on that. > Be > > > > sure the door is tightly closed when you try. > > > > > > > > > 3. Compartment lock will not lock front curbside > compartment, > > > > > although I can hear it > > > > > trying to. This isnt good, I don't have a key for the bays > > > > > > > > See a locksmith about making up a set of keys for the bays. The > key > > > > to the electric hookup cord is the same as the bays on my coach. > > > > > > > > I had one sticky latch on my coach. You can take off the inside > > cover > > > > on the bay door (bunch of screws around the perimeter) -- then > clean > > > > and lubricate the latch mechanism. It ought to work, then (if > you > > can > > > > hear it clicking when you hit the lock button). If there's no > sound, > > > > then there might be a loose wire. > > > > > > > > The keyless entry pad will lock the front door (if it was > working) > > > > and the compartments by hitting the two right-most buttons (5/6 > and > > > > 7/8) at the same time. Enter your 5 digit code then immediately > > press > > > > "6" and that should unlock the bay doors (that work). > > > > > > > > > 4. fridge is not cooling, but freezer works great > > > > ?? What kind of fridge? I have a home-style Amana. I was told > by the > > > > previous owner that it was once recharged with "freon". > > > > > > > > > 5. Engine break works great most of the time, but then other > times > > > > > it wont engage. It > > > > > will still shift transmission for breaking, but no Jake brake > > > > > > > > Possibly a wiring problem -- I have some weirdness with my > Jake > > > > brake. I also suspect that the on-off switch is > malfunctioning. > > > > During a recent service visit at CCW, they put the computer on > the > > > > system and got a report of a "problem" on the DD side of the > DDEC > > > > unit. My Jake brake was apparently rewired to avoid the fault > in the > > > > DDEC (instead of low-med-high, I only have low and high > settings). > > > > The "solution" is a new DDEC board -- very expensive. > > > > > > > > > 6. standard items such as light bulbs, needs servicing all > the way > > > > > around, rope light has > > > > > several burned out bulbs, needs replacing > > > > > > > > Me too. Some of the "burned out" light bulbs actually were ok, > but > > > > the ground or something was not good. Just fiddling with the > light > > > > and fixture brought a couple back to life. The rope lights are > > > > probably hopeless. The entire rope would have to be replaced. > I > > > > mostly only use the one around the base of the bed (at night) > and > > > > once the novelty wore off, I've rarely turned on the others. > > > > > > > > > 7. The fresh water drain in the bay with the pumps has a > broken > > > > > valve, so I cant get good > > > > > pressure from the fresh water system. I did get it to > pressurize, > > > > > by rigging the valve > > > > > shut, and it appears everything is in good working order. > > > > > > > > You don't really need that valve anyway. The main fresh water > dump > > > > valve is in the sewer dump side -- a white pipe with manual > slide > > > > valve behind the tall door. > > > > > > > > My pumps were leaking so I replaced them with a single variable > > speed > > > > pump and I simplified the plumbing, eliminating the expansion > > tank. I > > > > re-plumbed the drain valve and installed a brass valve. > > > > > > > > I got "flair-it" compression fittings from pexconnection.com > to > > > > transfer from the (gray) polybutylene plumbing to (new) Pex > tubing > > > > and a "Flair-it" (note the spelling) pex to mpt (pipe thread) > > fitting > > > > -- then I used "normal" hardware store plumbing parts to re- > plumb > > the > > > > drain valve. > > > > > > > > > 8. I have no idea how to use the aquahot, and I am a little > afraid > > > > > to mess something up. > > > > > > > > > Do you have any hot water? If you do, the aquahot is already > > working. > > > > To use it: > > > > turn on aqua hot switch (labeled hydronic heating) on the dash. > That > > > > allows the diesel burner to operate. It has no effect on the > 2000 > > > > watt electric element that works when you're plugged into shore > power. > > > > > > > > Turn on the three AC switches on the dash. (This is non- > intuitive: > > > > turn on AC for heat.) > > > > > > > > Set the Dometic thermostats (the rectangular, gray ones) to a > higher > > > > temperature than ambient. Heat should shortly start coming out > of > > > > various places. Under the galley and probably under the sofa. > There > > > > are little radiators all around. On an older coach, some of the > fans > > > > may not be working. There are also A-H radiators in the > basement and > > > > a special low-temperature thermostat (minimum setting 40 > degrees) on > > > > the forward bulkhead inside the first curbside bay. Use in > freezing > > > > temperature situations to keep the bays from freezing and keep > the > > > > plumbing (in the basement) from freezing. > > > > > > > > There are two "regular" thermostats in the bath. One controls > an > > > > electric toe kick space heater the other controls the aquahot > > > > (hydronic) heat. > > > > > > > > The heat in the bedroom comes out from behind the bed in the > side- > > > > island arrangement. (controlled by the bedroom thermostat). > The > > > > various hydronic heaters will have a little or a lot of fan > noise, > > > > depending. > > > > > > > > You can check the A-H unit, when the heat is turned on, you > should > > > > hear the burner start up. There is an exhaust pipe just below > the > > A-H > > > > that will get quite warm when the burner is running. > > > > > > > > The A-H also has a 2000 watt electric element that gives heat > for > > > > domestic hot water when the coach is plugged in to shore power > or on > > > > the generator. The burner (burns diesel) will fire up if > there's no > > > > electricity. The A-H is a continuous flow water heater, so you > never > > > > run out of hot water (if everything is set properly). > > > > > > > > The hot water in the A-H is about 16 gallons, the electric > element > > > > can't keep up with (say) a shower, so you'll run out of hot at > 16 > > > > gallons. You can take an endless shower if you have the burner > > running. > > > > > > > > When you're on the road, the A-H gets heat from the engine > cooling > > > > system to provide hot water and hydronic heating. > > > > > > > > You should probably contact A-H (they're in the Denver area as > I > > > > recall) and get a referral to a local A-H service technician. > The > > A-H > > > > should have the burner orifice replaced annually and some > other > > > > burner compartment cleaning, etc. An A-H technician can explain > more > > > > about the care and operation of the unit. > > > > > > > > Be absolutely sure that the coolant (see the overflow > container) on > > > > the bulkhead behind and to one side of the A-H system) is > properly > > > > filled. Running the burner without coolant will risk serious > > > > (expensive) internal damage to the burner section. In the two > years > > > > I've had my coach, the A-H has rarely required any additional > > > > coolant. Use the same stuff you use for the DD series 60. (Note > that > > > > there are specific coolant requirements for the Series 60 -- do > not > > > > use regular automotive coolant.) > > > > > > > > The burner uses about 1/4 to 1/2 gallon of diesel per hour (if > I > > > > recall correctly). But it doesn't run all the time so it's not > a big > > > > drain on your fuel. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I guess I need to find someone in the DFW area whom is > familiar > > > > > with Bluebirds, > > > > > preferably a 96', and pay them to walk through the entire > coach > > > > > with me and help with > > > > > all my little questions. > > > > > > > > Go to a Lone Star Birds rally -- there are usually several > folks who > > > > can help you. > > > > > > > > Pete Masterson > > > > '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 > > > > El Sobrante CA > > > > aeonix1@ > > > > > > > > > > Maiden Voyage Complete!!! - Pete Masterson - 06-23-2008 06:50 Pete Masterson '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 El Sobrante CA "aeonix1@mac.com" On Jun 23, 2008, at 10:52 AM, coreyg67 wrote:
Fill tank: Pump off. Fill switch on. No (or minimal) water pressure in coach plumbing. City water: Pump off, fill switch off. Should have about 45# pressure in coach plumbing. BB has a built in pressure reducer at the water inlet. Both the fill and internal plumbing are limited to 45 psi. Tank Water. No input from shore (disconnect hose). Turn pump on. If tank has water, you will have whatever pressure the pump provides. If it isn't working like this, then there are "problems" that need to be checked. The fill tank switch activates an infamous Sporlan valve. These sometimes need to be cleaned or have the internal seal replaced. If the Sporlan valve isn't working right, the tank won't fill (when the fill switch is on) or the tank will fill and the city water will never reach the internal plumbing. (i.e. the Sporlan can be "stuck" in either position.) Running the pump while the fill switch is on will cause it to run constantly as the system won't pressurize and cycle the pump off. I don't think the internal plumbing will have significant pressure in this situation. Note that some owners, having had trouble with the Sporlan valve (hard water build up is a source of ongoing problems) have taken the Sporlan out of the system and then the 'city water' only fills the tank and all internal water pressure is provided by the pump only. Look near the pump to ensure that the Sporlan valve (it's brass and silver, if I recall correctly) is located on the bulkhead wall near the pumps.
Maiden Voyage Complete!!! - Pete Masterson - 06-23-2008 07:05 On Jun 23, 2008, at 10:52 AM, coreyg67 wrote:
Sorry, I clicked the send button before I finished....
There's two tubes, one on each side. They're near the front wheels. I found by curb side tube had some rust and debris that clogged the one-way valve on the end. I cut off the one-way valve and it drained. Works fine now. It's easiest to go on the roof, take off the plastic cover and use air pressure to blow out the lines from the top. This will also give you a chance to clean out around the AC and lubricate the motors (if they're not sealed bearings). Be sure to check that the condenser fins are clean as mud daubers, etc. may have built nests. (Some say to do this at the beginning of each season.) It is also possible that the seal around the AC opening has degraded. You can get new seals at Camping World or other RV supply places. Replacing it requires lifting the AC from it's mounting (there's screws and clamps to remove both inside and outside the coach). Best if two people lift the AC -- it's heavy.
Since I've had no serious issues with my HWH, can't say. I do know that HWH technical support is very good and they did help me with a relatively minor problem. I wasn't satisfied with the quality or consistency of the leveling and thought the sensor in the basement needed adjusting, so I called to get the procedure. After discussing it with them, I determined that the level was "in spec" and that adjustment of the sensor was unlikely to improve the initial level or consistency. I now check the level manually once the HWH has finished its automatic run. Then I "tweak" the level manually if it doesn't meet my preferences. On my coach, the curb side tends to end up high by about 1/4 bubble about half the time. A momentary press of the "down" button for that side usually brings it to near-perfect level. Front to rear is often a trifle off, but that's much less annoying than the side-to-side position. HWH told me that within about 1/4 bubble is about as accurate as you can get automatically. Pete Masterson '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 El Sobrante CA "aeonix1@mac.com" Maiden Voyage Complete!!! - bumpersbird - 06-23-2008 07:20 Corey, You should also have a toggle swithch at the propane fill on the roadside fueling door. I don't know if up is on or off mine isn't marked and I have to fool with it everytime I fill the Propane tank. It shoud be set to on as well as the gas on inside the coach, if I am correct. My system is also kinda finicky. The sporland valve is the problem. Sometimes the only way I can restart the gas is by turning on and off the AT, ( Anti-Theft ), switch on the dash. It should be next to the Wanderlodge logo in the center just below the Amp. gauge. All it does is kill all the DC systems. Sometimes it helps in getting the valve to open. Also you might try hitting the test buttom on the gas detector, but get ready becaude it is LOUD You should have a three of four position switch in the bathroon that turns on the pumps. It's usually under a cabinet, mine is just above the commode, under a medicine cabinet. There is also a pump switch on the console above the drivers seat around the Generator start switch. Don't forget to turn off the water fill switch in the Water/Sewage Bay. The front AC has two drains just behind the front wheel wells on each side. They are small red plastic tubes. Hunt around you'll find them. I tried to clear mine by blowing compressed air up the tubes. It didn't work. I ended up sealing the drains at the AC on the roof. Not a great fix I get water comming off the roof and down the side drivers window and when conditions are correct it will blow onto the windshield. I no help on the levelers. Kurt Horvath 95 PT-42 WLWB Fayetteville TN Maiden Voyage Complete!!! - bumpersbird - 06-23-2008 07:26 Pete, There is a one way valve on the end on the drain tubes?????? How far up are they? I tried to clear them and had no luck. My BB GURU told me to block the drain up at the roof. I did and it stopped leaking inside the coach. Now I get AC runoff on the drivers window and sometime a vortex makes it hit the windshield as I'm driving, very annoying. Kurt Horvath 95PT-42 WLWB 10AC |