88 power problem update

[jwasnewski]

-As I review the problem as I always do, that's how I learn more, I
realize that I deviated from my established policy when
troubleshooting power failure in the Bird. It is; before proceeding
to do anything do at least the following:
i
1. Check the 12v power source (the batteries)for on.
2. Check the 120v power source for on. (plugged into 50 amp-2 legs)
3. Check the volt meter at the drivers dash for at least 12v...
4. Check the AC guages for 120v power.(measuring guages for item 2.)
5. Check the generator volt meter for 12v.
6. Check the 12v electronic master switch for on.
7. If it will not start, check the A/T switch(off) and the Front/Rear
start control switch in the engine bay.(In front position)
Proceed in a methodical manner to locate the problem if it still
exists.
I'll be happy to add others ideas to my list.

I have and use a voltage measuring surge protector that I bought from
a forum member. I have twice found 120v power problems while using
the unit. It is quick and easy to use. Every bird owner should own
one.

I regret that I did not follow my procedure, because it extended the
time frame for the diagnosis.

Just for information purposes, my 12v electronic master switch has
turned itself off twice in the last three years, once in motion and
once sitting around. I have never found the reason and I ain't
smokin' anything either! It's the truth. Some things are better
left unexplained.

On a lighter note, we don't care who wins, we go for the party. Plus
we have fun aggravating our rowdy friends in that Black Bluebird.

Leroy Eckert
1990 WB-40"Smoke N Mirrors"
Niceville, FL
Hope all is well in the freezing cold in MT


-- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mbulriss" <mbulriss@...>
wrote:
>
> Wellll, I just got back in from moving ~300 cubic feet of mulch by
> hand (I'll pay for that tomorrow, but I have 100s more to go!) and I
> see that it was indeed batteries. DING, DING, DING - we have a
> winner - score one for them Texas boys - actually Mike McMahn. Well
> actually, even a blind hog gets lucky and finds a root or an acorn
> sometimes.
>
> I actually think the discussion was very well contained, but it did
> point out the need to ask the right questions and to try to be
> thorough in describing our problems. I think everyone rightly jumpe
> to the 120V conclusion based on the early statements of 0 amps
and "no
> power" in the front. It wasn't until after several exchanges and
> ideas that we read that the volt meters read 110 and 120. That
would
> have been useful information or a question raised sooner by one of
us
> to restore power last night. Then when the Missus got involved with
> the "OK, while he's out, let me tell y'all what's really
happening.."
> it became apparent it was 12V and probably battery related. Mike &
I
> had talked off line about the charger being weak or bad and the cold
> weather up in MT eating the batteries in no time. That's also
another
> reason to sign your posts properly as the Rahns did. So we know
where
> you are in case someone is close and also to be able to take
location
> into account when diagnosing heating, cooling, starting, power
> problems, etc.
>
> I'm not picking on anyone here, just pointing out how we *all*
jumped
> to the same conclusion of 120V based on the early posts and never
got
> around to asking what exactly was going on. We all need to take
this
> lesson to heart the next time we start diagnosing.
>
> Just my 2 centavos, and keeping with the Bird of the Week picture
this
> week, now it is time to go get a cold one and go watch the Busch
Clash
> or whatever they call it these days. Goooo #8!!
>
> Mike Bulriss
> 1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
> San Antonio, TX
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Robert & Teri Rahn"
> wrote:
> >
> > I went and bought a tester and tested the batteries. I went from
neg of
> > one to pos of another and it showed very low, like .03. I tested
my
> > little jump starter that was fully charged to make sure I had the
> > tester on the right setting and it showed 12.5 v. So all the
batteries
> > are completely dead. I checked the water and they are all full.
The
> > charger which is original blue bird and located above the
batteries in
> > the same compartment and the fan is runningf in it, my tester
> > showed .30 volts at the place where the two wires connect to a
terminal
> > below the charger under a cover. So it seems the charger is bad.
I
> > didnt see any reset on it. So it looks like I need to buy a new
charger
> > and batteries. Is there anything left to check befor I do this?
> >
> > Robert Rahn
> > 88 pt 40
> > Kalispell, Mt.
> >
>