Service in Florida

[transportcycles]

Just purchased, and moved from Cincinnati, OH area to Orland area a
1991 WLWB. New to both motorhoming and Bluebirds, although I've
always had a fondness for the older birds.

Need to have several things looked at including Alternators (Fault
light is on), transmission (light came on on trip down, checked fluid
and added 2 quarts, but light stayed on), new generator muffler (looks
like a real job to get at), leveling jacks (clicking noise but nothing
moves), electric curtain operators (some work and some don't). I
boought from a dealer in Cincy that really didn't have a clue about
Bluebirds. Any help with shops that could help with any of these
services would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Tom Gibbs

[p_a_lazar]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "transportcycles"
wrote:

> boought from a dealer in Cincy that really didn't have a clue about
> Bluebirds. Any help with shops that could help with any of these
> services would be greatly appreciated.

Tom,

Not sure where in Fl you need to be, but Parliament Coach in
Clearwater is an excellent dealer and BB distributor as well as
Prevost converter. They have a few full hookup sites while there for
repairs and they know BBs.

Paul
97wb43

[William Jensen]

Tom:

In Orlando, Florida Detroit Diesel is a good choice to take your
Bird for Engine and Tranny related problems. For general RV
service, You can go west to Parliment (ST. Pete) , a little closer
in Lakeland at Buddy Gregg (I-4 and US 98) Buddy used to be a Bird
Dealer and his mechanics still know a thing or two.

Several Birds have had great service from JOSAM for wheel and
alignment concerns. (8849 Echange Drive, Orlando, 407-438-7020)

Florida Detroit Diesel is also a Allison Tranny service center. If
you have the DDEC engine they can hook it up to the computer and see
why your check light is on.

Alternator fault lights are usually broken belts, or a bad
alternator. On the front dash, the alternator switch has a number
one and two. The middle detent position is for combination of
output of both alternators. Number one alt is the front one, number
two the back alternator.

Hope this helps you out.

William Jensen
1993 PT40 WBWL "Maudi"
Deerfield Beach, FL



-- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "transportcycles"
wrote:
> Just purchased, and moved from Cincinnati, OH area to Orland area
a
> 1991 WLWB. New to both motorhoming and Bluebirds, although I've
> always had a fondness for the older birds.
>
>

[William Jensen]

Tom:

Had another thought.....You may want to talk to Vantare Coach in
Sanford. They may be willing to work on your coach too. I don't know
this for sure.......but they often take wanderlodges in for trades on
the Prevost conversions. I'm not sure where in Orlando are you are,
but that may save you some miles.

Your generator is made by Powertech. These units are built in
Leesburg, FL, just up the road from you. They will only work on your
gennie, don't know if they are in the muffler business.

It is often hard to find one shop that will address all your needs.
Part of the problem when you have so many different systems on a coach.

Sorry about the double post.

William Jensen
1993 PT40 WBWL "Maudi"
Deerfield Beach, FL

On the road to W. Virginia in the AM.........need to get out of the
rain down here. 14 inches in the month of June so far!!!

[ronmarabito2002]

Sorry that I haven't gotten back to you. Been busy with
housekeeping on the forum lately.

First on the alternator fault light. Do you have it with both of
the alternators. Change switch from 1 to 2 and also look at the
amps output on the dash for the chassis 12 volt system. If you have
amperage output, it could be that only one of the alternators is
bad. Any good generator shop should be able to recondition the
alternator for under $150, but that's if you deliver it. If only
one alternator is putting out, you can go into the engine
compartment on the passenger side firewall and disconnect each
alternator charging cable directly below the shunt, one at a time to
see which one is working. That's the easy part. One alternator is
mounted under the rear of the engine directly below the a/c
compressor. It is easiest removed by accessing it from the top
after removing the a/c compressor and tying it up to one side. The
lines are long enough. There is a cooling air line covering the end
of the alternator to remove also. NOW! if it's the other
alternator, that is mounted on the front of the engine near the top
and must be accessed from the bedroom floor. Not a pretty job. If
you take it to a shop, the labor will be in the neighborhood of $500
just to remove and reinstall. If you need more information on this,
let me know.

About the transmission light. I suggest you take the coach to a
local Detroit Dealer and have him check the fault codes and clear
all the old ones. The connection for the reader is located in the
lower side dash console below the shifter panel. I can email you
the fault codes and explain how to read them tomorrow. It's too
late tonight to do that.

Can't help with the generator muffler. Since you are in Florida
now, get a hold of Power Tech and they can give you some good help
with this item. Call service at 954-979-8946.

The clicking sound on the jacks is probably a bad solenoid. There
are two for the system. One is located on the front right wheel
well vertical water deflector at the front and just behing the
stepwell into the coach. Have someone feel this solenoid while you
operate the switch. If that functions, then check for power to the
one attached directly to the pump motor under the steps in the
stepwell. Stay clear of the step or get rid of all the air in the
auxiliary system so the step can't function. If you are not
comfortable with the electrical, the generator shop might be able to
troubleshoot it for you. I just recently had the main terminal
replaced on my pump motor.

Someone else on the forum should be able to give you assistance with
the curtain motors. I only have one in my coach and I've never had
any problems with it.

Hope this helps.

R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
Moderator
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "transportcycles"
wrote:
> Just purchased, and moved from Cincinnati, OH area to Orland area
a
> 1991 WLWB. New to both motorhoming and Bluebirds, although I've
> always had a fondness for the older birds.
>
> Need to have several things looked at including Alternators (Fault
> light is on), transmission (light came on on trip down, checked
fluid
> and added 2 quarts, but light stayed on), new generator muffler
(looks
> like a real job to get at), leveling jacks (clicking noise but
nothing
> moves), electric curtain operators (some work and some don't). I
> boought from a dealer in Cincy that really didn't have a clue
about
> Bluebirds. Any help with shops that could help with any of these
> services would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Tom Gibbs

[mbulriss]

Another Florida option might be Liberty Coach in Stuart. Troy Moody
is the service manager there now. He used to work at the factory and
was the Bird specialist at Buddy Gregg's in Dallas. Some of us
believe that he is a walking encylopedia of Bird wiring diagrams.
Right, Mike McMahan??



--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "William Jensen"
wrote:
> Tom:
>
> In Orlando, Florida Detroit Diesel is a good choice to take your
> Bird for Engine and Tranny related problems. For general RV
> service, You can go west to Parliment (ST. Pete) , a little closer
> in Lakeland at Buddy Gregg (I-4 and US 98) Buddy used to be a Bird
> Dealer and his mechanics still know a thing or two.
>
> Several Birds have had great service from JOSAM for wheel and
> alignment concerns. (8849 Echange Drive, Orlando, 407-438-7020)
>
> Florida Detroit Diesel is also a Allison Tranny service center. If
> you have the DDEC engine they can hook it up to the computer and see
> why your check light is on.
>
> Alternator fault lights are usually broken belts, or a bad
> alternator. On the front dash, the alternator switch has a number
> one and two. The middle detent position is for combination of
> output of both alternators. Number one alt is the front one, number
> two the back alternator.
>
> Hope this helps you out.
>
> William Jensen
> 1993 PT40 WBWL "Maudi"
> Deerfield Beach, FL
>
>
>
> -- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "transportcycles"
> wrote:
> > Just purchased, and moved from Cincinnati, OH area to Orland area
> a
> > 1991 WLWB. New to both motorhoming and Bluebirds, although I've
> > always had a fondness for the older birds.
> >
> >

[mbulriss]

On the electric curtains, if the motors are operating, then the cords
have stretched and need to tightened up at the knotted ends on the
sliders in the runners, or more probably, the drive wheel rubber
"tires" have worn down. When you remove the cover on the curtain
motor there are three wheels with rubber tires on them. Usually the
center drive wheel is the worn culprit and you may be able to switch
the tire off one of the other two idler/guide wheels to get things
working. There is a link to the repair wheel tires on the Vintage
Birds site under parts. You could also do a search on the archives as
I seem to recall a recent post on this regarding the repair parts for
the tires.

Mike Bulriss
83 PT40 "Stagecoach" - FOR SALE
91 PT40 "Texas Minivan" - also new to me, so keep asking questions on
the new-to-you 91!


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ronmarabito2002"
wrote:
> Sorry that I haven't gotten back to you. Been busy with
> housekeeping on the forum lately.
>
> First on the alternator fault light. Do you have it with both of
> the alternators. Change switch from 1 to 2 and also look at the
> amps output on the dash for the chassis 12 volt system. If you have
> amperage output, it could be that only one of the alternators is
> bad. Any good generator shop should be able to recondition the
> alternator for under $150, but that's if you deliver it. If only
> one alternator is putting out, you can go into the engine
> compartment on the passenger side firewall and disconnect each
> alternator charging cable directly below the shunt, one at a time to
> see which one is working. That's the easy part. One alternator is
> mounted under the rear of the engine directly below the a/c
> compressor. It is easiest removed by accessing it from the top
> after removing the a/c compressor and tying it up to one side. The
> lines are long enough. There is a cooling air line covering the end
> of the alternator to remove also. NOW! if it's the other
> alternator, that is mounted on the front of the engine near the top
> and must be accessed from the bedroom floor. Not a pretty job. If
> you take it to a shop, the labor will be in the neighborhood of $500
> just to remove and reinstall. If you need more information on this,
> let me know.
>
> About the transmission light. I suggest you take the coach to a
> local Detroit Dealer and have him check the fault codes and clear
> all the old ones. The connection for the reader is located in the
> lower side dash console below the shifter panel. I can email you
> the fault codes and explain how to read them tomorrow. It's too
> late tonight to do that.
>
> Can't help with the generator muffler. Since you are in Florida
> now, get a hold of Power Tech and they can give you some good help
> with this item. Call service at 954-979-8946.
>
> The clicking sound on the jacks is probably a bad solenoid. There
> are two for the system. One is located on the front right wheel
> well vertical water deflector at the front and just behing the
> stepwell into the coach. Have someone feel this solenoid while you
> operate the switch. If that functions, then check for power to the
> one attached directly to the pump motor under the steps in the
> stepwell. Stay clear of the step or get rid of all the air in the
> auxiliary system so the step can't function. If you are not
> comfortable with the electrical, the generator shop might be able to
> troubleshoot it for you. I just recently had the main terminal
> replaced on my pump motor.
>
> Someone else on the forum should be able to give you assistance with
> the curtain motors. I only have one in my coach and I've never had
> any problems with it.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
> Moderator
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "transportcycles"
> wrote:
> > Just purchased, and moved from Cincinnati, OH area to Orland area
> a
> > 1991 WLWB. New to both motorhoming and Bluebirds, although I've
> > always had a fondness for the older birds.
> >
> > Need to have several things looked at including Alternators (Fault
> > light is on), transmission (light came on on trip down, checked
> fluid
> > and added 2 quarts, but light stayed on), new generator muffler
> (looks
> > like a real job to get at), leveling jacks (clicking noise but
> nothing
> > moves), electric curtain operators (some work and some don't). I
> > boought from a dealer in Cincy that really didn't have a clue
> about
> > Bluebirds. Any help with shops that could help with any of these
> > services would be greatly appreciated.
> >
> > Thanks in advance.
> >
> > Tom Gibbs

[Curt Sprenger]

When we got our PT38 the up side/front electric curtains would not
work...the drive motors would run but the curtains only jiggled at best,
nothing more. I ordered six new wheels...removed the exiting
wheels...installed the new wheels...result is the curtains are working
as they should. The old wheels were well grooved compared to the new
wheels. Let me know if you need the info. to order the new wheels. My
filing should have the information.

Curt Sprenger ‘87PT38, Anaheim, Calif.


mbulriss wrote:

> On the electric curtains, if the motors are operating, then the cords
> have stretched and need to tightened up at the knotted ends on the
> sliders in the runners, or more probably, the drive wheel rubber
> "tires" have worn down. When you remove the cover on the curtain
> motor there are three wheels with rubber tires on them. Usually the
> center drive wheel is the worn culprit and you may be able to switch
> the tire off one of the other two idler/guide wheels to get things
> working. There is a link to the repair wheel tires on the Vintage
> Birds site under parts. You could also do a search on the archives as
> I seem to recall a recent post on this regarding the repair parts for
> the tires.
>
> Mike Bulriss
> 83 PT40 "Stagecoach" - FOR SALE
> 91 PT40 "Texas Minivan" - also new to me, so keep asking questions on
> the new-to-you 91!
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ronmarabito2002"
> wrote:
> > Sorry that I haven't gotten back to you. Been busy with
> > housekeeping on the forum lately.
> >
> > First on the alternator fault light. Do you have it with both of
> > the alternators. Change switch from 1 to 2 and also look at the
> > amps output on the dash for the chassis 12 volt system. If you have
> > amperage output, it could be that only one of the alternators is
> > bad. Any good generator shop should be able to recondition the
> > alternator for under $150, but that's if you deliver it. If only
> > one alternator is putting out, you can go into the engine
> > compartment on the passenger side firewall and disconnect each
> > alternator charging cable directly below the shunt, one at a time to
> > see which one is working. That's the easy part. One alternator is
> > mounted under the rear of the engine directly below the a/c
> > compressor. It is easiest removed by accessing it from the top
> > after removing the a/c compressor and tying it up to one side. The
> > lines are long enough. There is a cooling air line covering the end
> > of the alternator to remove also. NOW! if it's the other
> > alternator, that is mounted on the front of the engine near the top
> > and must be accessed from the bedroom floor. Not a pretty job. If
> > you take it to a shop, the labor will be in the neighborhood of $500
> > just to remove and reinstall. If you need more information on this,
> > let me know.
> >
> > About the transmission light. I suggest you take the coach to a
> > local Detroit Dealer and have him check the fault codes and clear
> > all the old ones. The connection for the reader is located in the
> > lower side dash console below the shifter panel. I can email you
> > the fault codes and explain how to read them tomorrow. It's too
> > late tonight to do that.
> >
> > Can't help with the generator muffler. Since you are in Florida
> > now, get a hold of Power Tech and they can give you some good help
> > with this item. Call service at 954-979-8946.
> >
> > The clicking sound on the jacks is probably a bad solenoid. There
> > are two for the system. One is located on the front right wheel
> > well vertical water deflector at the front and just behing the
> > stepwell into the coach. Have someone feel this solenoid while you
> > operate the switch. If that functions, then check for power to the
> > one attached directly to the pump motor under the steps in the
> > stepwell. Stay clear of the step or get rid of all the air in the
> > auxiliary system so the step can't function. If you are not
> > comfortable with the electrical, the generator shop might be able to
> > troubleshoot it for you. I just recently had the main terminal
> > replaced on my pump motor.
> >
> > Someone else on the forum should be able to give you assistance with
> > the curtain motors. I only have one in my coach and I've never had
> > any problems with it.
> >
> > Hope this helps.
> >
> > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
> > Moderator
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "transportcycles"
> > wrote:
> > > Just purchased, and moved from Cincinnati, OH area to Orland area
> > a
> > > 1991 WLWB. New to both motorhoming and Bluebirds, although I've
> > > always had a fondness for the older birds.
> > >
> > > Need to have several things looked at including Alternators (Fault
> > > light is on), transmission (light came on on trip down, checked
> > fluid
> > > and added 2 quarts, but light stayed on), new generator muffler
> > (looks
> > > like a real job to get at), leveling jacks (clicking noise but
> > nothing
> > > moves), electric curtain operators (some work and some don't). I
> > > boought from a dealer in Cincy that really didn't have a clue
> > about
> > > Bluebirds. Any help with shops that could help with any of these
> > > services would be greatly appreciated.
> > >
> > > Thanks in advance.
> > >
> > > Tom Gibbs
>
>
>
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--

[rodsams]

Ring Power has many locations around the state.
http://www.ringpower.com/company/locations.html
I broke down in FL after another motorhome repair center in Florida
failed to install the fan bolts after replacing the fan belt. As a
result, the bolts worked out, the fan wobbled and I lost all the
belts, had extensive damage, and lost air to the brakes. I was
stranded on I-95.
The men at Ring Power were fantastic. Repair shops always see me
coming and this one of the few places that didn't take advantage of
me.
Rod Sams
84 fc35

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "transportcycles"
wrote:
> Just purchased, and moved from Cincinnati, OH area to Orland area
a
> 1991 WLWB. New to both motorhoming and Bluebirds, although I've
> always had a fondness for the older birds.
>
> Need to have several things looked at including Alternators (Fault
> light is on), transmission (light came on on trip down, checked
fluid
> and added 2 quarts, but light stayed on), new generator muffler
(looks
> like a real job to get at), leveling jacks (clicking noise but
nothing
> moves), electric curtain operators (some work and some don't). I
> boought from a dealer in Cincy that really didn't have a clue
about
> Bluebirds. Any help with shops that could help with any of these
> services would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Tom Gibbs

[Tom Gibbs]

Thanks for both posts. Lots of useful info. Would you think that
Florida Detroit Diesel would be a better choice for the
engine/transmission stuff than Parliament or Vantare?

-----Original Message-----
From: William Jensen [mailto:fljensen@...]
Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2005 10:37 PM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Service in Florida


Tom:

Had another thought.....You may want to talk to Vantare Coach in
Sanford. They may be willing to work on your coach too. I don't know
this for sure.......but they often take wanderlodges in for trades on
the Prevost conversions. I'm not sure where in Orlando are you are,
but that may save you some miles.

Your generator is made by Powertech. These units are built in
Leesburg, FL, just up the road from you. They will only work on your
gennie, don't know if they are in the muffler business.

It is often hard to find one shop that will address all your needs.
Part of the problem when you have so many different systems on a coach.

Sorry about the double post.

William Jensen
1993 PT40 WBWL "Maudi"
Deerfield Beach, FL

On the road to W. Virginia in the AM.........need to get out of the
rain down here. 14 inches in the month of June so far!!!




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