strange odor

[Pete Masterson]

From time to time, I encounter that "electrical smell" in one part
or another of the coach. There are electrical distribution panels
(12vdc) above the windshield and in the rear closet (as well as below
the driver's window on newer coaches or across the front of the coach
on the wide body models).

Several times, when I smelled "the smell" I've searched and checked
high-and-low but have not found anything clearly identifiable as the
source. (Although I note that the last electrical smell was coming
from somewhere near the inverters and one of my two is apparently no
longer inverting -- I'll find out tomorrow when I disconnect and hit
the road.)

So, I don't really have any suggestions -- and it is likely not a
good thing going on -- but it may be weeks (months or years) before
something actually occurs. Indeed, it took two years from the time
that my Kool-o-matic started having some odd symptoms until it
actually failed (and I've now clearly determined that the K-o-m motor
is dead). There wasn't (much) smell to the fan going out, if only
that any smell it generated went out the vent when the fan was
running...

I've also determined that appearances can be very misleading. For
example, in the case of the Kool-o-matic, I'd have sworn (after
inspection) that the thermostat was defective (due to a considerable
build up of 'crud' on the back side of the lower 1/3 of the circuit
board) -- but after a very thorough troubleshooting session, I proved
to my satisfaction that the thermostat works just fine, despite the
appearance.

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at Edinburg, VA



On Oct 23, 2008, at 3:12 PM, David Brady wrote:

> Folks,
>
> After a long drive (500 miles) I detect an electrical odor from
> the bedroom area of the bus. It smells like an overheated
> transistor, but I can't identify it's origin. Everything seems to
> be operating normally, no leaks, smoke, or overheating. The
> inverters are at normal temp, the alternator is normal, nothing
> is overly hot. Any ideas?
>
> Thanks,
> David Brady
> '02 LXi, NC
>