Up date on the Craig's Coach

[Ralph L. Fullenwider]

Happy New Year everyone:

An up date on Wallace and Faye Craig's '95PT42WB. As you know the
transmission went on the trip home from the LSB Rally in Bourne, Tx. Cause
was engine coolant getting into the transmission and ruining the computer
and seals. An Allison Factory rebuilt was ordered and finally installed.

On the way home from the shop in San Antonio, the engine warning lights
came on once again, and Wallace had the Coach towed back to the shop. As it
turned out, this time, the engine code said it was due to low coolant! Well
the coolant was freshly changed at that shop and had been toped off.

Second problem found: As it turned out, the filler neck to the coolant
tank, about 3 inches or so long, had a split in it just below the pressure
cap. So as pressure increased the coolant ran out of the split to who knows
where and of course the engine code signaled the engine stop light.

The neck will be repaired tomorrow and all should be go at that time.

Bottom line on the second problem is this, Those with Coaches, umm I would
say '92/'93 on, might want to check this short neck filler tube that goes
into the top of the reservoir tank for any signs of splits or what ever.



Safe travels,

Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
Ralph's RV Solutions, Duncan, Oklahoma
http://home.swbell.net/rlf47/index.htm

[iwander_85pt40]

Back in the days I owned a service station/auto repair business, we
tested the cooling system, after repair, with a pressure tester. We
pressurized the system to at least the factory pressure specification,
or a couple of pounds higher, and let the pump sit for awhile to see
if there was a pressure drop off. The key was to leave the pressure
pump alone for at least 15-20 minutes and watch for a pressure drop
and/or leaks.

Then we ran the engine until it was at operating temperature, with
pressure cap in place, and aqain visually checked for leaks.

In my opinion, unless that crack occurred AFTER Wallace left the shop,
somebody at the shop dropped the ball.

What is the shop's response?


Phil and Christina Corpus
'iWander' '85PT40
Southern California






--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ralph L. Fullenwider"
wrote:
>
> Happy New Year everyone:
>
> An up date on Wallace and Faye Craig's '95PT42WB. As you know the
> transmission went on the trip home from the LSB Rally in Bourne, Tx.
Cause
> was engine coolant getting into the transmission and ruining the
computer
> and seals. An Allison Factory rebuilt was ordered and finally installed.
>
> On the way home from the shop in San Antonio, the engine warning lights
> came on once again, and Wallace had the Coach towed back to the
shop. As it
> turned out, this time, the engine code said it was due to low
coolant! Well
> the coolant was freshly changed at that shop and had been toped off.
>
> Second problem found: As it turned out, the filler neck to the coolant
> tank, about 3 inches or so long, had a split in it just below the
pressure
> cap. So as pressure increased the coolant ran out of the split to
who knows
> where and of course the engine code signaled the engine stop light.
>
> The neck will be repaired tomorrow and all should be go at that time.
>
> Bottom line on the second problem is this, Those with Coaches, umm I
would
> say '92/'93 on, might want to check this short neck filler tube that
goes
> into the top of the reservoir tank for any signs of splits or what ever.
>
>
>
> Safe travels,
>
> Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
> Ralph's RV Solutions, Duncan, Oklahoma
> http://home.swbell.net/rlf47/index.htm
>

[Mike Hohnstein]

Shop dropped the ball was what I was thinkin'. Too many lazy worker bees out
there who don't think about the implications of their lack of ethics, or give a
s#$%, which ever you prefer.
Mike Hohnstein
----- Original Message -----
From: iwander_85pt40
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, January 02, 2006 2:23 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Up date on the Craig's Coach


Back in the days I owned a service station/auto repair business, we
tested the cooling system, after repair, with a pressure tester. We
pressurized the system to at least the factory pressure specification,
or a couple of pounds higher, and let the pump sit for awhile to see
if there was a pressure drop off. The key was to leave the pressure
pump alone for at least 15-20 minutes and watch for a pressure drop
and/or leaks.

Then we ran the engine until it was at operating temperature, with
pressure cap in place, and aqain visually checked for leaks.

In my opinion, unless that crack occurred AFTER Wallace left the shop,
somebody at the shop dropped the ball.

What is the shop's response?


Phil and Christina Corpus
'iWander' '85PT40
Southern California






--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ralph L. Fullenwider"
wrote:
>
> Happy New Year everyone:
>
> An up date on Wallace and Faye Craig's '95PT42WB. As you know the
> transmission went on the trip home from the LSB Rally in Bourne, Tx.
Cause
> was engine coolant getting into the transmission and ruining the
computer
> and seals. An Allison Factory rebuilt was ordered and finally installed.
>
> On the way home from the shop in San Antonio, the engine warning lights
> came on once again, and Wallace had the Coach towed back to the
shop. As it
> turned out, this time, the engine code said it was due to low
coolant! Well
> the coolant was freshly changed at that shop and had been toped off.
>
> Second problem found: As it turned out, the filler neck to the coolant
> tank, about 3 inches or so long, had a split in it just below the
pressure
> cap. So as pressure increased the coolant ran out of the split to
who knows
> where and of course the engine code signaled the engine stop light.
>
> The neck will be repaired tomorrow and all should be go at that time.
>
> Bottom line on the second problem is this, Those with Coaches, umm I
would
> say '92/'93 on, might want to check this short neck filler tube that
goes
> into the top of the reservoir tank for any signs of splits or what ever.
>
>
>
> Safe travels,
>
> Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
> Ralph's RV Solutions, Duncan, Oklahoma
> http://home.swbell.net/rlf47/index.htm
>





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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Wallace Craig]

Ralph, thanks for posting the information about what was going on with the
coach. We indeed did leave San Antonio today after getting the reservoir neck
repaired. It was actually a pin sized hole which I took a picture of before it
was repaired. I cannot in good concience complain too loudly about them not
finding that because it was covered by a layer of sthyrofoam which was used to
seal it in place. The prior owner did know somthing was wrong because there was
a low coolant code left on the computer from May 30th; he may not have told
buddy gregg and he may have. Short of having the CIA torture him I doubt that I
will ever know.

What did really frost Faye was the dirty coach that they left for her to clean
up. I had her save the rags( filthy) which she cleaned with and I am going to
photo them and send to S&S management along with a letter congratulating some
workers and speaking ill of others.

Keep the faith and remember to water your yard if the flames get close.

Now in Clifton, Tx to see friends.
Wallace & Faye


"Ralph L. Fullenwider" wrote
Happy New Year everyone:

An up date on Wallace and Faye Craig's '95PT42WB. As you know the
transmission went on the trip home from the LSB Rally in Bourne, Tx. Cause
was engine coolant getting into the transmission and ruining the computer
and seals. An Allison Factory rebuilt was ordered and finally installed.

On the way home from the shop in San Antonio, the engine warning lights
came on once again, and Wallace had the Coach towed back to the shop. As it
turned out, this time, the engine code said it was due to low coolant! Well
the coolant was freshly changed at that shop and had been toped off.

Second problem found: As it turned out, the filler neck to the coolant
tank, about 3 inches or so long, had a split in it just below the pressure
cap. So as pressure increased the coolant ran out of the split to who knows
where and of course the engine code signaled the engine stop light.

The neck will be repaired tomorrow and all should be go at that time.

Bottom line on the second problem is this, Those with Coaches, umm I would
say '92/'93 on, might want to check this short neck filler tube that goes
into the top of the reservoir tank for any signs of splits or what ever.



Safe travels,

Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
Ralph's RV Solutions, Duncan, Oklahoma
http://home.swbell.net/rlf47/index.htm




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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Ralph L. Fullenwider]

Wallace and Faye:

Good to hear your home safe and sound. All I can say about the mess, good
thing Faye is not talking to S&S because that Lady can give those people
something that they want no part of!

Ralph and Charolette

At 05:16 PM 1/3/2006 -0800, you wrote:
>Ralph, thanks for posting the information about what was going on with the
>coach. We indeed did leave San Antonio today after getting the reservoir
>neck repaired. It was actually a pin sized hole which I took a picture of
>before it was repaired. I cannot in good concience complain too loudly
>about them not finding that because it was covered by a layer of
>sthyrofoam which was used to seal it in place. The prior owner did know
>somthing was wrong because there was a low coolant code left on the
>computer from May 30th; he may not have told buddy gregg and he may
>have. Short of having the CIA torture him I doubt that I will ever know.
>
> What did really frost Faye was the dirty coach that they left for her
> to clean up. I had her save the rags( filthy) which she cleaned with and
> I am going to photo them and send to S&S management along with a letter
> congratulating some workers and speaking ill of others.
>
> Keep the faith and remember to water your yard if the flames get
> close.
>
> Now in Clifton, Tx to see friends.
> Wallace & Faye
>
>

[Gregory OConnor]

Wallace, I have a Stewart Warner trans cooler setup on my 94pt40.
Was this the part that failed on your coach? I know the damage was
unpredictable and I wonder if it would be a prudent measure to
replace the SW part then I send my coach to Bluebird for a radiator
flush. Do you know the cost of the part?
Gregory O'Connor
94pt40 Romoland California

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Wallace Craig
wrote:
>
> Ralph, thanks for posting the information about what was going on
with the coach. We indeed did leave San Antonio today after getting
the reservoir neck repaired. It was actually a pin sized hole which
I took a picture of before it was repaired. I cannot in good
concience complain too loudly about them not finding that because it
was covered by a layer of sthyrofoam which was used to seal it in
place. The prior owner did know somthing was wrong because there was
a low coolant code left on the computer from May 30th; he may not
have told buddy gregg and he may have. Short of having the CIA
torture him I doubt that I will ever know.
>
> What did really frost Faye was the dirty coach that they left for
her to clean up. I had her save the rags( filthy) which she cleaned
with and I am going to photo them and send to S&S management along
with a letter congratulating some workers and speaking ill of
others.
>
> Keep the faith and remember to water your yard if the flames
get close.
>
> Now in Clifton, Tx to see friends.
> Wallace & Faye
>
>
> "Ralph L. Fullenwider" wrote
> Happy New Year everyone:
>
> An up date on Wallace and Faye Craig's '95PT42WB. As you know the
> transmission went on the trip home from the LSB Rally in Bourne,
Tx. Cause
> was engine coolant getting into the transmission and ruining the
computer
> and seals. An Allison Factory rebuilt was ordered and finally
installed.
>
> On the way home from the shop in San Antonio, the engine warning
lights
> came on once again, and Wallace had the Coach towed back to the
shop. As it
> turned out, this time, the engine code said it was due to low
coolant! Well
> the coolant was freshly changed at that shop and had been toped off.
>
> Second problem found: As it turned out, the filler neck to the
coolant
> tank, about 3 inches or so long, had a split in it just below the
pressure
> cap. So as pressure increased the coolant ran out of the split to
who knows
> where and of course the engine code signaled the engine stop light.
>
> The neck will be repaired tomorrow and all should be go at that
time.
>
> Bottom line on the second problem is this, Those with Coaches, umm
I would
> say '92/'93 on, might want to check this short neck filler tube
that goes
> into the top of the reservoir tank for any signs of splits or what
ever.
>
>
>
> Safe travels,
>
> Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
> Ralph's RV Solutions, Duncan, Oklahoma
> http://home.swbell.net/rlf47/index.htm
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Yahoo! Photos
> Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events,
holidays, whatever.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[mbulriss]

Wallace -

Since you unfortunately have had recent experience with towing,
inquiring minds want to know which company you have your road service
with? Were you pleased with the towing services you received?
Was it towed or flat-bedded? Did you have to pay any additional for
the towing? What was their reaction to the second call?

Thanks,
Mike Bulriss
1983 PT40 "Stagecoach" - FOR SALE
1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX - unfortunately now back from South Padre!



--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Wallace Craig
wrote:
>
> Ralph, thanks for posting the information about what was going on
with the coach. We indeed did leave San Antonio today after getting
the reservoir neck repaired. It was actually a pin sized hole which I
took a picture of before it was repaired. I cannot in good concience
complain too loudly about them not finding that because it was covered
by a layer of sthyrofoam which was used to seal it in place. The
prior owner did know somthing was wrong because there was a low
coolant code left on the computer from May 30th; he may not have told
buddy gregg and he may have. Short of having the CIA torture him I
doubt that I will ever know.
>
> What did really frost Faye was the dirty coach that they left for
her to clean up. I had her save the rags( filthy) which she cleaned
with and I am going to photo them and send to S&S management along
with a letter congratulating some workers and speaking ill of others.
>
> Keep the faith and remember to water your yard if the flames
get close.
>
> Now in Clifton, Tx to see friends.
> Wallace & Faye
>
>
> "Ralph L. Fullenwider" wrote
> Happy New Year everyone:
>
> An up date on Wallace and Faye Craig's '95PT42WB. As you know the
> transmission went on the trip home from the LSB Rally in Bourne, Tx.
Cause
> was engine coolant getting into the transmission and ruining the
computer
> and seals. An Allison Factory rebuilt was ordered and finally installed.
>
> On the way home from the shop in San Antonio, the engine warning lights
> came on once again, and Wallace had the Coach towed back to the
shop. As it
> turned out, this time, the engine code said it was due to low
coolant! Well
> the coolant was freshly changed at that shop and had been toped off.
>
> Second problem found: As it turned out, the filler neck to the coolant
> tank, about 3 inches or so long, had a split in it just below the
pressure
> cap. So as pressure increased the coolant ran out of the split to
who knows
> where and of course the engine code signaled the engine stop light.
>
> The neck will be repaired tomorrow and all should be go at that time.
>
> Bottom line on the second problem is this, Those with Coaches, umm I
would
> say '92/'93 on, might want to check this short neck filler tube that
goes
> into the top of the reservoir tank for any signs of splits or what ever.
>
>
>
> Safe travels,
>
> Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
> Ralph's RV Solutions, Duncan, Oklahoma
> http://home.swbell.net/rlf47/index.htm
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Yahoo! Photos
> Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events,
holidays, whatever.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[Wallace Craig]

I do not know the cost of the part as an individual item since its failure
caused me to have to replace the entire transmission at a cost of $17,000+_. I
kept the offending part and will get Ralph to look at it and see what he thinks.
I don't see right off hand how one could predict this sort of event and I don't
know what could be done to prevent it. It seems to be a part failure which is
probably metal fatigue which can only be detected by fluxing the part as I
understand it.

A word of caution!! After S & S thought the problem was fixed and after I
got about 10 miles down the road all the alarms went off and I shut down on the
side of the 410 freeway in SA. S & S sent mechanic out and he thought that he
detected trans. fluid in the radiator. ( Inspection confirmed this and a
reflushing seemed to correct that issue.) Towed back to S & S and got good
mechanic in over the holidays and he found a leak in the neck of the filler tank
which is where you initially place the coolant. It was a pin hole and covered
by stryofoam as a factory sealant. His theory is that the foam trapped water
and caused the neck to rust and when the radiator coolant got hot it was forced
out the pin hole and when it lost enough it triggered the alarm. (sounds right
to me; but then I am a lawyer and you can sell us anything.)
Radiator shop sealed the hole and soldered the whole neck to prevent further
incident.
A code was left in the coach computer that indicated the coach had a low
coolant event on 5-31, I think of 05. This obviously means that the owner who
traded it to Buddy Gregg knew something was going on; whether or not he told
anyone could probably only be learned under CIA renditation techniques.

Enough babble; we drove the coach back from SA today and it ran well and true
with appropriate readings at all points. I have a two year warranty on a
rebuilt transmission and S & S ate the cost of the second event.

Now if it will only rain.
Wallace & Faye Craig
Bone dry Azle, Texas


Gregory OConnor wrote:
Wallace, I have a Stewart Warner trans cooler setup on my 94pt40.
Was this the part that failed on your coach? I know the damage was
unpredictable and I wonder if it would be a prudent measure to
replace the SW part then I send my coach to Bluebird for a radiator
flush. Do you know the cost of the part?
Gregory O'Connor
94pt40 Romoland California

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Wallace Craig
wrote:
>
> Ralph, thanks for posting the information about what was going on
with the coach. We indeed did leave San Antonio today after getting
the reservoir neck repaired. It was actually a pin sized hole which
I took a picture of before it was repaired. I cannot in good
concience complain too loudly about them not finding that because it
was covered by a layer of sthyrofoam which was used to seal it in
place. The prior owner did know somthing was wrong because there was
a low coolant code left on the computer from May 30th; he may not
have told buddy gregg and he may have. Short of having the CIA
torture him I doubt that I will ever know.
>
> What did really frost Faye was the dirty coach that they left for
her to clean up. I had her save the rags( filthy) which she cleaned
with and I am going to photo them and send to S&S management along
with a letter congratulating some workers and speaking ill of
others.
>
> Keep the faith and remember to water your yard if the flames
get close.
>
> Now in Clifton, Tx to see friends.
> Wallace & Faye
>
>
> "Ralph L. Fullenwider" wrote
> Happy New Year everyone:
>
> An up date on Wallace and Faye Craig's '95PT42WB. As you know the
> transmission went on the trip home from the LSB Rally in Bourne,
Tx. Cause
> was engine coolant getting into the transmission and ruining the
computer
> and seals. An Allison Factory rebuilt was ordered and finally
installed.
>
> On the way home from the shop in San Antonio, the engine warning
lights
> came on once again, and Wallace had the Coach towed back to the
shop. As it
> turned out, this time, the engine code said it was due to low
coolant! Well
> the coolant was freshly changed at that shop and had been toped off.
>
> Second problem found: As it turned out, the filler neck to the
coolant
> tank, about 3 inches or so long, had a split in it just below the
pressure
> cap. So as pressure increased the coolant ran out of the split to
who knows
> where and of course the engine code signaled the engine stop light.
>
> The neck will be repaired tomorrow and all should be go at that
time.
>
> Bottom line on the second problem is this, Those with Coaches, umm
I would
> say '92/'93 on, might want to check this short neck filler tube
that goes
> into the top of the reservoir tank for any signs of splits or what
ever.
>
>
>
> Safe travels,
>
> Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
> Ralph's RV Solutions, Duncan, Oklahoma
> http://home.swbell.net/rlf47/index.htm
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Yahoo! Photos
> Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events,
holidays, whatever.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>







Yahoo! Groups Links










---------------------------------
Yahoo! Photos
Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, holidays,
whatever.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Julia Bonser]

I am not a lawyer so I want to know what are "renditation"
techniques. If they are useful I will sic the CIA on the former owner
who mixed coolants in the radiator and we had to pay over $18,000 for
an engine rebuild to S & S in San Leandro two years ago.

For what it is worth the engine and reporting systems have been doing
there job since then.


Julie Bonser
1992 WLWB PT 40'



On Jan 4, 2006, at 6:34 PM, Wallace Craig wrote:

> A code was left in the coach computer that indicated the coach had
> a low coolant event on 5-31, I think of 05. This obviously means
> that the owner who traded it to Buddy Gregg knew something was
> going on; whether or not he told anyone could probably only be
> learned under CIA renditation techniques.

[Wallace Craig]

Julie, the CIA won't tell us what techniques they use; everyone would want to
duplicate them. Its all part of owning a motorhome rather than a donkey and
haycart.
Wallace Craig
Rainless, Azle Texas

Julia Bonser wrote:
I am not a lawyer so I want to know what are "renditation"
techniques. If they are useful I will sic the CIA on the former owner
who mixed coolants in the radiator and we had to pay over $18,000 for
an engine rebuild to S & S in San Leandro two years ago.

For what it is worth the engine and reporting systems have been doing
there job since then.


Julie Bonser
1992 WLWB PT 40'



On Jan 4, 2006, at 6:34 PM, Wallace Craig wrote:

> A code was left in the coach computer that indicated the coach had
> a low coolant event on 5-31, I think of 05. This obviously means
> that the owner who traded it to Buddy Gregg knew something was
> going on; whether or not he told anyone could probably only be
> learned under CIA renditation techniques.




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---------------------------------
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Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, holidays,
whatever.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]