Maiden Voyage with 95 WBDA 4203

[Pete Masterson]

My maiden voyage (2168.2 miles) with the coach formerly owned by George.

George Lowry traded in his Wanderlodge last December. Shortly
thereafter, it showed up at Mr. Oliver's in Princeton Texas. While
this coach was of high interest to me, my spouse was still thinking
of reasons to put off our life-change plan (which also involves a
more active involvement with her elderly parents). Mr Oliver's
"forced" the decision by putting the coach up on eBay at a rather
attractive no-reserve starting price.

Ultimately, I was the only and winning bidder.

Due to a long-planned business trip, I wasn't able to get to
Princeton, TX until Saturday 5/19. Paul Davis owner of Mr. Oliver's
met me at DFW airport and drove me (and another RV buyer who arrived
at DFW shortly before me) to Princeton. Since the other buyer was
already familiar with large RVs, Mr. Davis proceeded to finalize the
other buyer's deal while I was loaned Mr. Davis' personal car to go
to Walmart for some supplies and to grab a lunch.

We spent the next several hours going over the systems in the
Wanderlodge and making a final 'approval' inspection. Eventually we
commenced a test drive. We got about 1/2 mile when the "engine fire"
light and buzzer came on. After inspecting the engine ... and finding
no fire ... we proceeded with a slightly shorter test run. After a
telephone consultation with the service technician for Mr. Oliver's
(on his day off), we determined that the sensor next to the engine
compartment light on the left of the engine near the exhaust pipe had
been replaced, presumably with one of a too-low temperature value.
(The original was found to have a bent and corroded connection pin
and was replaced "from stock on hand" at Mr. Oliver's.) We
disconnected the sensor. I presume that this part can be ordered from
Bluebird ... or does anyone know of an alternative source?

Mr. Davis took me to dinner that evening ... and I spent my first
night in the Wanderlodge. The next morning (Sunday, 5/20), as I was
performing a pre-departure check, Mr. Davis appeared and assisted me.
I was on the road for Denver (where I would be stopping to help my
father-in-law with a business matter) by about 9:30 AM.

Observation: Mr. Oliver's has received some criticism on this forum
-- however, my experience was that every thing was as represented and
there were no problems or misunderstandings in the deal. I was
satisfied by the transaction and have no complaint about Paul Davis,
who was gracious and quite helpful in getting me on the road.

I should point out that this was my first time behind the wheel of
such a large vehicle in about 40 years (when I was certified through
18 wheelers in an Army Reserve unit).

My trip from Princeton, TX took me north on I-35 across Oklahoma and
into Kansas, then west on I-70 to Denver.

I spent my first night near Hays KS after an uneventful first day. I
was getting a feel for the beast. I soon put a piece of tape on the
dashboard to help me 'track' the lane markings so I could properly
position the coach in the lane. On that first night, I stayed in a
dumpy little RV park that I happened upon just as I was about to quit
for the day. Hooked up power and water, but didn't bother to level
the coach (the parking 'pad' was just gravel and I wasn't comfortable
with the support it might provide) or dump the gray/black tanks (they
were both less than 1/4 full).

On the second day, the weather was warm and I was running fairly fast
toward Denver (hardly any traffic) -- cruising around 70 much of the
time. The engine temp hovered around the top end of the "normal"
range (according to the manual a range of 180-220 degrees is normal,
if I recall correctly). Oil temp was up around 220 or so as well.
(Engine is a DD Series 60 with 470 HP.)

I arrived in Denver in mid-afternoon. The next morning (with the
engine cool), I needed to add about 1/2 gal of coolant mix and about
1-1/2 gal of oil (I like that air pressurized oil thing!) to get
things up to the mark. I assumed that the warm engine temps may have
caused some of the fluid losses.

After concluding my business in Denver, I took I-25 to Cheyenne and
would then continue on I-80 to the SF Bay Area.

I stopped for the night (5/24) at "Tex's RV Park" in Green River, WY.
I was given a pull through space in a new section of the park. Smooth
pavement but no grass and pathetic (recently planted) trees. A poorly
placed light pole gave me a challenge in getting into the space.
However, after a bit of back-and-forth I managed to get "the coach
formerly owned by George" into the spot with both body paint and
light pole untouched.

The next day was to be a long run from Green River, WY to Reno NV.
Stopped in Evanston WY to refuel (load up on the cheap fuel while I
can). Again, engine temps (both water and oil) hovered at the high-
end of the "normal" range.

After I got into Nevada, climbing over the several grades between
Wendover and Elko,(ambient temps about 90 degrees), I had to pull
off several times to let the engine cool down (it was way too close
to the overheat zone). On the upgrades, I slowed to 25 mph ... and
still the engine would heat way up. (The transmission fluid temp was
also 'up' but not a serious concern as it was reasonably in the safe
range.) Eventually I got the "check engine" light ... but I was able
to pull off and in a very short time the light went out as the temps
dropped back into the top of the "normal" range. After that, I
crawled up a couple more grades --- pulling off several more times as
necessary --- eventually, the road flattened out and the temps backed
off but tended to stay toward the top of the range.

Got into Reno as it approached 9 PM. (The dash board lighting is
really "something" in the dark.) Stayed in a _very_ nice RV park on
US395 north of Reno at "Bordertown Casino" Only $23 and change for
the night.

Next morning (Friday 5/26), I was dreading the Sierras after my
experience in eastern Nevada --- but (to my surprise) when I checked
the fluids both the oil and water were OK. In fact, the oil on the
dipstick was still just about 1/8 inch below the "f" mark as it had
been when I 'topped it off' in Denver. It was a cool, and slightly
overcast day. (High near 70-75.)

During the climb into the Sierras, the engine temp hovered just above
190 degrees and the oil temp was about the same. (I had the "fan
override" switch in the on position.) Didn't stop until I reached
Donner summit (where I stopped to eat lunch). During the 40 miles of
mostly downgrade, the temp still held at about 190. Even across the
Sacramento Valley, temps stayed right at 190 or so, even though the
outside temps were in the 80s. Made it home without incident. (Oil
and coolant levels remained OK.)

So, I suspect that the radiator needs to be steam cleaned --- Is
there anything others might add or suggest? Should I add an oil
cooler? Or is there something else that I might/should do to improve
the cooling in the engine?

I note that the radiator cover has 3 fasteners at the top edge. The
centers are thoroughly rusted -- but they look to have once been
allen wrench holes. I assume that these are some kind of quick twist
fastners --- As it looks like I'm going to have a struggle getting
these open, does anyone have experience replacing these? Would it
make sense to install a hinge and lock as on the opposite side of the
engine?

By the way, I tracked fuel use between 4.5 and 6.5 MPG with 1 to 3
roof ACs on with the generator operating. The 6.5 included the 40
mile downgrade from Donner summit with only 1 roof AC running. The
4.5 included many hours with the generator running while parked in
Denver.

Reminds me ... I generally had the generator running so I could run
the roof AC units to keep the coach comfortable. Two or three times
(I don't remember exactly) the generator would "cut out" and stop
generating power (the motor would continue to run) then after 30 or
60 seconds the power would come back on. Does anyone have any ideas
about what's going on with that?

I set up a 30 amp hookup at my house to keep up the batteries --- the
Link 2000 R controller is showing 13.5 volts last evening... I
actually have 30 amp 220 V available, but the "standard" 30 amp
hookup adapter, plug and extension cord (necessary with my location)
only have 110 V capability.

Any comments will be very much appreciated. Overall, I'm quite
pleased with the coach and it's condition is quite good --- although
we do plan some interior renovation and alteration to better fit our
lifestyle. Neighbors (with smaller RVs) are quite impressed. My wife
has (finally) decided that this will be an interesting adventure.


Pete Masterson
aeonix1@...
'95 WBDA 4203
"the coach formerly owned by George"
El Sobrante CA

[Ralph L. Fullenwider]

Pete:

Congratulations on your Coach. May your travels be many, the miles be
wonderful and the sights along the way, inspiring.

Safe travels,

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

At 12:16 PM 5/29/2006 -0700, you wrote:
>My maiden voyage (2168.2 miles) with the coach formerly owned by George.
>
>George Lowry traded in his Wanderlodge last December. Shortly
>thereafter, it showed up at Mr. Oliver's in Princeton Texas. While
>this coach was of high interest to me, my spouse was still thinking
>of reasons to put off our life-change plan (which also involves a
>more active involvement with her elderly parents). Mr Oliver's
>"forced" the decision by putting the coach up on eBay at a rather
>attractive no-reserve starting price.
>
>Ultimately, I was the only and winning bidder.
>
>Due to a long-planned business trip, I wasn't able to get to
>Princeton, TX until Saturday 5/19. Paul Davis owner of Mr. Oliver's
>met me at DFW airport and drove me (and another RV buyer who arrived
>at DFW shortly before me) to Princeton. Since the other buyer was
>already familiar with large RVs, Mr. Davis proceeded to finalize the
>other buyer's deal while I was loaned Mr. Davis' personal car to go
>to Walmart for some supplies and to grab a lunch.
>
>We spent the next several hours going over the systems in the
>Wanderlodge and making a final 'approval' inspection. Eventually we
>commenced a test drive. We got about 1/2 mile when the "engine fire"
>light and buzzer came on. After inspecting the engine ... and finding
>no fire ... we proceeded with a slightly shorter test run. After a
>telephone consultation with the service technician for Mr. Oliver's
>(on his day off), we determined that the sensor next to the engine
>compartment light on the left of the engine near the exhaust pipe had
>been replaced, presumably with one of a too-low temperature value.
>(The original was found to have a bent and corroded connection pin
>and was replaced "from stock on hand" at Mr. Oliver's.) We
>disconnected the sensor. I presume that this part can be ordered from
>Bluebird ... or does anyone know of an alternative source?
>
>Mr. Davis took me to dinner that evening ... and I spent my first
>night in the Wanderlodge. The next morning (Sunday, 5/20), as I was
>performing a pre-departure check, Mr. Davis appeared and assisted me.
>I was on the road for Denver (where I would be stopping to help my
>father-in-law with a business matter) by about 9:30 AM.
>
>Observation: Mr. Oliver's has received some criticism on this forum
>-- however, my experience was that every thing was as represented and
>there were no problems or misunderstandings in the deal. I was
>satisfied by the transaction and have no complaint about Paul Davis,
>who was gracious and quite helpful in getting me on the road.
>
>I should point out that this was my first time behind the wheel of
>such a large vehicle in about 40 years (when I was certified through
>18 wheelers in an Army Reserve unit).
>
>My trip from Princeton, TX took me north on I-35 across Oklahoma and
>into Kansas, then west on I-70 to Denver.
>
>I spent my first night near Hays KS after an uneventful first day. I
>was getting a feel for the beast. I soon put a piece of tape on the
>dashboard to help me 'track' the lane markings so I could properly
>position the coach in the lane. On that first night, I stayed in a
>dumpy little RV park that I happened upon just as I was about to quit
>for the day. Hooked up power and water, but didn't bother to level
>the coach (the parking 'pad' was just gravel and I wasn't comfortable
>with the support it might provide) or dump the gray/black tanks (they
>were both less than 1/4 full).
>
>On the second day, the weather was warm and I was running fairly fast
>toward Denver (hardly any traffic) -- cruising around 70 much of the
>time. The engine temp hovered around the top end of the "normal"
>range (according to the manual a range of 180-220 degrees is normal,
>if I recall correctly). Oil temp was up around 220 or so as well.
>(Engine is a DD Series 60 with 470 HP.)
>
>I arrived in Denver in mid-afternoon. The next morning (with the
>engine cool), I needed to add about 1/2 gal of coolant mix and about
>1-1/2 gal of oil (I like that air pressurized oil thing!) to get
>things up to the mark. I assumed that the warm engine temps may have
>caused some of the fluid losses.
>
>After concluding my business in Denver, I took I-25 to Cheyenne and
>would then continue on I-80 to the SF Bay Area.
>
>I stopped for the night (5/24) at "Tex's RV Park" in Green River, WY.
>I was given a pull through space in a new section of the park. Smooth
>pavement but no grass and pathetic (recently planted) trees. A poorly
>placed light pole gave me a challenge in getting into the space.
>However, after a bit of back-and-forth I managed to get "the coach
>formerly owned by George" into the spot with both body paint and
>light pole untouched.
>
>The next day was to be a long run from Green River, WY to Reno NV.
>Stopped in Evanston WY to refuel (load up on the cheap fuel while I
>can). Again, engine temps (both water and oil) hovered at the high-
>end of the "normal" range.
>
>After I got into Nevada, climbing over the several grades between
>Wendover and Elko,(ambient temps about 90 degrees), I had to pull
>off several times to let the engine cool down (it was way too close
>to the overheat zone). On the upgrades, I slowed to 25 mph ... and
>still the engine would heat way up. (The transmission fluid temp was
>also 'up' but not a serious concern as it was reasonably in the safe
>range.) Eventually I got the "check engine" light ... but I was able
>to pull off and in a very short time the light went out as the temps
>dropped back into the top of the "normal" range. After that, I
>crawled up a couple more grades --- pulling off several more times as
>necessary --- eventually, the road flattened out and the temps backed
>off but tended to stay toward the top of the range.
>
>Got into Reno as it approached 9 PM. (The dash board lighting is
>really "something" in the dark.) Stayed in a _very_ nice RV park on
>US395 north of Reno at "Bordertown Casino" Only $23 and change for
>the night.
>
>Next morning (Friday 5/26), I was dreading the Sierras after my
>experience in eastern Nevada --- but (to my surprise) when I checked
>the fluids both the oil and water were OK. In fact, the oil on the
>dipstick was still just about 1/8 inch below the "f" mark as it had
>been when I 'topped it off' in Denver. It was a cool, and slightly
>overcast day. (High near 70-75.)
>
>During the climb into the Sierras, the engine temp hovered just above
>190 degrees and the oil temp was about the same. (I had the "fan
>override" switch in the on position.) Didn't stop until I reached
>Donner summit (where I stopped to eat lunch). During the 40 miles of
>mostly downgrade, the temp still held at about 190. Even across the
>Sacramento Valley, temps stayed right at 190 or so, even though the
>outside temps were in the 80s. Made it home without incident. (Oil
>and coolant levels remained OK.)
>
>So, I suspect that the radiator needs to be steam cleaned --- Is
>there anything others might add or suggest? Should I add an oil
>cooler? Or is there something else that I might/should do to improve
>the cooling in the engine?
>
>I note that the radiator cover has 3 fasteners at the top edge. The
>centers are thoroughly rusted -- but they look to have once been
>allen wrench holes. I assume that these are some kind of quick twist
>fastners --- As it looks like I'm going to have a struggle getting
>these open, does anyone have experience replacing these? Would it
>make sense to install a hinge and lock as on the opposite side of the
>engine?
>
>By the way, I tracked fuel use between 4.5 and 6.5 MPG with 1 to 3
>roof ACs on with the generator operating. The 6.5 included the 40
>mile downgrade from Donner summit with only 1 roof AC running. The
>4.5 included many hours with the generator running while parked in
>Denver.
>
>Reminds me ... I generally had the generator running so I could run
>the roof AC units to keep the coach comfortable. Two or three times
>(I don't remember exactly) the generator would "cut out" and stop
>generating power (the motor would continue to run) then after 30 or
>60 seconds the power would come back on. Does anyone have any ideas
>about what's going on with that?
>
>I set up a 30 amp hookup at my house to keep up the batteries --- the
>Link 2000 R controller is showing 13.5 volts last evening... I
>actually have 30 amp 220 V available, but the "standard" 30 amp
>hookup adapter, plug and extension cord (necessary with my location)
>only have 110 V capability.
>
>Any comments will be very much appreciated. Overall, I'm quite
>pleased with the coach and it's condition is quite good --- although
>we do plan some interior renovation and alteration to better fit our
>lifestyle. Neighbors (with smaller RVs) are quite impressed. My wife
>has (finally) decided that this will be an interesting adventure.
>
>
>Pete Masterson
>aeonix1@...
>'95 WBDA 4203
>"the coach formerly owned by George"
>El Sobrante CA
>
>

[orbitalsolutions]

Hello, and Congrats on purchasing a very fine bus.

About running hot ... Clean the radiator with pressurized hot
water. It's amazing how this simple maintance task can have such a
dramatic effect on your engine temp. Most likely, this will be all
that is needed.

If still running warm, check the flow rate of your water pump.

If still running warm, I would contact an authorized DD shop and let
them trouble-shoot the situation.

That's my two cents, good luck and best wishes.


James
78FC33SB "Old School"
Tunica MIss.



--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson
wrote:
>
> My maiden voyage (2168.2 miles) with the coach formerly owned by
George.
>
> George Lowry traded in his Wanderlodge last December. Shortly
> thereafter, it showed up at Mr. Oliver's in Princeton Texas.
While
> this coach was of high interest to me, my spouse was still
thinking
> of reasons to put off our life-change plan (which also involves a
> more active involvement with her elderly parents). Mr Oliver's
> "forced" the decision by putting the coach up on eBay at a rather
> attractive no-reserve starting price.
>
> Ultimately, I was the only and winning bidder.
>
> Due to a long-planned business trip, I wasn't able to get to
> Princeton, TX until Saturday 5/19. Paul Davis owner of Mr.
Oliver's
> met me at DFW airport and drove me (and another RV buyer who
arrived
> at DFW shortly before me) to Princeton. Since the other buyer was
> already familiar with large RVs, Mr. Davis proceeded to finalize
the
> other buyer's deal while I was loaned Mr. Davis' personal car to
go
> to Walmart for some supplies and to grab a lunch.
>
> We spent the next several hours going over the systems in the
> Wanderlodge and making a final 'approval' inspection. Eventually
we
> commenced a test drive. We got about 1/2 mile when the "engine
fire"
> light and buzzer came on. After inspecting the engine ... and
finding
> no fire ... we proceeded with a slightly shorter test run. After
a
> telephone consultation with the service technician for Mr.
Oliver's
> (on his day off), we determined that the sensor next to the
engine
> compartment light on the left of the engine near the exhaust pipe
had
> been replaced, presumably with one of a too-low temperature
value.
> (The original was found to have a bent and corroded connection
pin
> and was replaced "from stock on hand" at Mr. Oliver's.) We
> disconnected the sensor. I presume that this part can be ordered
from
> Bluebird ... or does anyone know of an alternative source?
>
> Mr. Davis took me to dinner that evening ... and I spent my first
> night in the Wanderlodge. The next morning (Sunday, 5/20), as I
was
> performing a pre-departure check, Mr. Davis appeared and assisted
me.
> I was on the road for Denver (where I would be stopping to help
my
> father-in-law with a business matter) by about 9:30 AM.
>
> Observation: Mr. Oliver's has received some criticism on this
forum
> -- however, my experience was that every thing was as represented
and
> there were no problems or misunderstandings in the deal. I was
> satisfied by the transaction and have no complaint about Paul
Davis,
> who was gracious and quite helpful in getting me on the road.
>
> I should point out that this was my first time behind the wheel
of
> such a large vehicle in about 40 years (when I was certified
through
> 18 wheelers in an Army Reserve unit).
>
> My trip from Princeton, TX took me north on I-35 across Oklahoma
and
> into Kansas, then west on I-70 to Denver.
>
> I spent my first night near Hays KS after an uneventful first day.
I
> was getting a feel for the beast. I soon put a piece of tape on
the
> dashboard to help me 'track' the lane markings so I could
properly
> position the coach in the lane. On that first night, I stayed in
a
> dumpy little RV park that I happened upon just as I was about to
quit
> for the day. Hooked up power and water, but didn't bother to
level
> the coach (the parking 'pad' was just gravel and I wasn't
comfortable
> with the support it might provide) or dump the gray/black tanks
(they
> were both less than 1/4 full).
>
> On the second day, the weather was warm and I was running fairly
fast
> toward Denver (hardly any traffic) -- cruising around 70 much of
the
> time. The engine temp hovered around the top end of the "normal"
> range (according to the manual a range of 180-220 degrees is
normal,
> if I recall correctly). Oil temp was up around 220 or so as well.
> (Engine is a DD Series 60 with 470 HP.)
>
> I arrived in Denver in mid-afternoon. The next morning (with the
> engine cool), I needed to add about 1/2 gal of coolant mix and
about
> 1-1/2 gal of oil (I like that air pressurized oil thing!) to get
> things up to the mark. I assumed that the warm engine temps may
have
> caused some of the fluid losses.
>
> After concluding my business in Denver, I took I-25 to Cheyenne
and
> would then continue on I-80 to the SF Bay Area.
>
> I stopped for the night (5/24) at "Tex's RV Park" in Green River,
WY.
> I was given a pull through space in a new section of the park.
Smooth
> pavement but no grass and pathetic (recently planted) trees. A
poorly
> placed light pole gave me a challenge in getting into the space.
> However, after a bit of back-and-forth I managed to get "the
coach
> formerly owned by George" into the spot with both body paint and
> light pole untouched.
>
> The next day was to be a long run from Green River, WY to Reno
NV.
> Stopped in Evanston WY to refuel (load up on the cheap fuel while
I
> can). Again, engine temps (both water and oil) hovered at the high-

> end of the "normal" range.
>
> After I got into Nevada, climbing over the several grades between
> Wendover and Elko,(ambient temps about 90 degrees), I had to
pull
> off several times to let the engine cool down (it was way too
close
> to the overheat zone). On the upgrades, I slowed to 25 mph ...
and
> still the engine would heat way up. (The transmission fluid temp
was
> also 'up' but not a serious concern as it was reasonably in the
safe
> range.) Eventually I got the "check engine" light ... but I was
able
> to pull off and in a very short time the light went out as the
temps
> dropped back into the top of the "normal" range. After that, I
> crawled up a couple more grades --- pulling off several more times
as
> necessary --- eventually, the road flattened out and the temps
backed
> off but tended to stay toward the top of the range.
>
> Got into Reno as it approached 9 PM. (The dash board lighting is
> really "something" in the dark.) Stayed in a _very_ nice RV park
on
> US395 north of Reno at "Bordertown Casino" Only $23 and change
for
> the night.
>
> Next morning (Friday 5/26), I was dreading the Sierras after my
> experience in eastern Nevada --- but (to my surprise) when I
checked
> the fluids both the oil and water were OK. In fact, the oil on
the
> dipstick was still just about 1/8 inch below the "f" mark as it
had
> been when I 'topped it off' in Denver. It was a cool, and
slightly
> overcast day. (High near 70-75.)
>
> During the climb into the Sierras, the engine temp hovered just
above
> 190 degrees and the oil temp was about the same. (I had the "fan
> override" switch in the on position.) Didn't stop until I reached
> Donner summit (where I stopped to eat lunch). During the 40 miles
of
> mostly downgrade, the temp still held at about 190. Even across
the
> Sacramento Valley, temps stayed right at 190 or so, even though
the
> outside temps were in the 80s. Made it home without incident.
(Oil
> and coolant levels remained OK.)
>
> So, I suspect that the radiator needs to be steam cleaned --- Is
> there anything others might add or suggest? Should I add an oil
> cooler? Or is there something else that I might/should do to
improve
> the cooling in the engine?
>
> I note that the radiator cover has 3 fasteners at the top edge.
The
> centers are thoroughly rusted -- but they look to have once been
> allen wrench holes. I assume that these are some kind of quick
twist
> fastners --- As it looks like I'm going to have a struggle
getting
> these open, does anyone have experience replacing these? Would it
> make sense to install a hinge and lock as on the opposite side of
the
> engine?
>
> By the way, I tracked fuel use between 4.5 and 6.5 MPG with 1 to
3
> roof ACs on with the generator operating. The 6.5 included the 40
> mile downgrade from Donner summit with only 1 roof AC running.
The
> 4.5 included many hours with the generator running while parked
in
> Denver.
>
> Reminds me ... I generally had the generator running so I could
run
> the roof AC units to keep the coach comfortable. Two or three
times
> (I don't remember exactly) the generator would "cut out" and stop
> generating power (the motor would continue to run) then after 30
or
> 60 seconds the power would come back on. Does anyone have any
ideas
> about what's going on with that?
>
> I set up a 30 amp hookup at my house to keep up the batteries ---
the
> Link 2000 R controller is showing 13.5 volts last evening... I
> actually have 30 amp 220 V available, but the "standard" 30 amp
> hookup adapter, plug and extension cord (necessary with my
location)
> only have 110 V capability.
>
> Any comments will be very much appreciated. Overall, I'm quite
> pleased with the coach and it's condition is quite good ---
although
> we do plan some interior renovation and alteration to better fit
our
> lifestyle. Neighbors (with smaller RVs) are quite impressed. My
wife
> has (finally) decided that this will be an interesting adventure.
>
>
> Pete Masterson
> aeonix1@...
> '95 WBDA 4203
> "the coach formerly owned by George"
> El Sobrante CA
>

[Pete Masterson]

James,

Thanks....

I managed to get the radiator grill off this afternoon and using a
bright light from the inside, the top 1/3 was fairly clean; the
middle portion showed some material clogging the fins, and the bottom
1/3 seemed pretty blocked up (but not totally). I'll get it steam
cleaned before our next outing...

On May 30, 2006, at 12:00 PM, orbitalsolutions wrote:

> Hello, and Congrats on purchasing a very fine bus.
>
> About running hot ... Clean the radiator with pressurized hot
> water. It's amazing how this simple maintance task can have such a
> dramatic effect on your engine temp. Most likely, this will be all
> that is needed.
>
> If still running warm, check the flow rate of your water pump.
>
> If still running warm, I would contact an authorized DD shop and let
> them trouble-shoot the situation.
>
> That's my two cents, good luck and best wishes.
>
>
> James
> 78FC33SB "Old School"
> Tunica MIss.
>

Pete Masterson
aeonix1@...
'95 WBDA 4203
Formerly "George's coach"
El Sobrante CA

[Rob Robinson]

Pete could you tell us what was involved in getting the grill to open up.
Were those hex things frozen? Is the grill hinged and if so where is the
hinge (side, bottom)

On 30/05/06, Pete Masterson wrote:
>
> James,
>
> Thanks....
>
> I managed to get the radiator grill off this afternoon and using a
> bright light from the inside, the top 1/3 was fairly clean; the
> middle portion showed some material clogging the fins, and the bottom
> 1/3 seemed pretty blocked up (but not totally). I'll get it steam
> cleaned before our next outing...
>
> On May 30, 2006, at 12:00 PM, orbitalsolutions wrote:
>
> > Hello, and Congrats on purchasing a very fine bus.
> >
> > About running hot ... Clean the radiator with pressurized hot
> > water. It's amazing how this simple maintance task can have such a
> > dramatic effect on your engine temp. Most likely, this will be all
> > that is needed.
> >
> > If still running warm, check the flow rate of your water pump.
> >
> > If still running warm, I would contact an authorized DD shop and let
> > them trouble-shoot the situation.
> >
> > That's my two cents, good luck and best wishes.
> >
> >
> > James
> > 78FC33SB "Old School"
> > Tunica MIss.
> >
>
> Pete Masterson
> aeonix1@...
> '95 WBDA 4203
> Formerly "George's coach"
> El Sobrante CA
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>


--
Rob, Sue & Merlin Robinson
94 WLWB


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

[Pete Masterson]

Rob,

The radiator grill has 3 'twist' fasteners along the top edge. The
bottom edge is held in place by an "L" shaped piece of metal that
fits over the bottom rail that holds the body in place. Once the
fasteners are unlatched, you tip the grill outward and lift up to
completely remove it from the body.

The fasteners appeared to once have had Allen wrench "holes" in the
center, but over the years they had become completely corroded and
are a rusty mess... and no longer have "corners". (The allen wrench
that fits simply goes round and round.) So, using a Dremel tool with
a cut-off wheel, I ground a grove that a wide blade screw driver
would fit. Once I had something that would give me leverage, it only
took a quarter turn to unlatch the fasteners.

On May 30, 2006, at 4:55 PM, Rob Robinson wrote:

> Pete could you tell us what was involved in getting the grill to
> open up.
> Were those hex things frozen? Is the grill hinged and if so where
> is the
> hinge (side, bottom)
>
> On 30/05/06, Pete Masterson wrote:
>>
>> James,
>>
>> Thanks....
>>
>> I managed to get the radiator grill off this afternoon and using a
>> bright light from the inside, the top 1/3 was fairly clean; the
>> middle portion showed some material clogging the fins, and the bottom
>> 1/3 seemed pretty blocked up (but not totally). I'll get it steam
>> cleaned before our next outing...
>>
>> On May 30, 2006, at 12:00 PM, orbitalsolutions wrote:
>>
>>> Hello, and Congrats on purchasing a very fine bus.
>>>
>>> About running hot ... Clean the radiator with pressurized hot
>>> water. It's amazing how this simple maintance task can have such a
>>> dramatic effect on your engine temp. Most likely, this will be all
>>> that is needed.
>>>
>>> If still running warm, check the flow rate of your water pump.
>>>
>>> If still running warm, I would contact an authorized DD shop and let
>>> them trouble-shoot the situation.
>>>
>>> That's my two cents, good luck and best wishes.
>>>
>>>
>>> James
>>> 78FC33SB "Old School"
>>> Tunica MIss.
>>>
>>
>> Pete Masterson
>> aeonix1@...
>> '95 WBDA 4203
>> Formerly "George's coach"
>> El Sobrante CA
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Yahoo! Groups Links
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> Rob, Sue & Merlin Robinson
> 94 WLWB
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------
> ~-->
> Protect your PC from spy ware with award winning anti spy
> technology. It's free.
> http://us.click.yahoo.com/97bhrC/LGxNAA/.../pkiolB/TM
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> ~->
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>

---
Pete Masterson

========================================================
Aeonix@...
Author of Book Design and Production: A Guide for Authors and Publishers
Cover and Book Design, Layout, and Production
Voice & FAX: (510) 222-6743 -- 9AM to 5PM M-F Pacific Time
Visit my web site at http://www.aeonix.com for publishing hints
P.O. Box 20985, El Sobrante, CA 94820-0985
========================================================

[Rob Robinson]

Thank you Pete. Now I understand how the grill works. You should write tech
manuals VBG

On 30/05/06, Pete Masterson wrote:
>
> Rob,
>
> The radiator grill has 3 'twist' fasteners along the top edge. The
> bottom edge is held in place by an "L" shaped piece of metal that
> fits over the bottom rail that holds the body in place. Once the
> fasteners are unlatched, you tip the grill outward and lift up to
> completely remove it from the body.
>
> The fasteners appeared to once have had Allen wrench "holes" in the
> center, but over the years they had become completely corroded and
> are a rusty mess... and no longer have "corners". (The allen wrench
> that fits simply goes round and round.) So, using a Dremel tool with
> a cut-off wheel, I ground a grove that a wide blade screw driver
> would fit. Once I had something that would give me leverage, it only
> took a quarter turn to unlatch the fasteners.
>
> On May 30, 2006, at 4:55 PM, Rob Robinson wrote:
>
> > Pete could you tell us what was involved in getting the grill to
> > open up.
> > Were those hex things frozen? Is the grill hinged and if so where
> > is the
> > hinge (side, bottom)
> >
> > On 30/05/06, Pete Masterson wrote:
> >>
> >> James,
> >>
> >> Thanks....
> >>
> >> I managed to get the radiator grill off this afternoon and using a
> >> bright light from the inside, the top 1/3 was fairly clean; the
> >> middle portion showed some material clogging the fins, and the bottom
> >> 1/3 seemed pretty blocked up (but not totally). I'll get it steam
> >> cleaned before our next outing...
> >>
> >> On May 30, 2006, at 12:00 PM, orbitalsolutions wrote:
> >>
> >>> Hello, and Congrats on purchasing a very fine bus.
> >>>
> >>> About running hot ... Clean the radiator with pressurized hot
> >>> water. It's amazing how this simple maintance task can have such a
> >>> dramatic effect on your engine temp. Most likely, this will be all
> >>> that is needed.
> >>>
> >>> If still running warm, check the flow rate of your water pump.
> >>>
> >>> If still running warm, I would contact an authorized DD shop and let
> >>> them trouble-shoot the situation.
> >>>
> >>> That's my two cents, good luck and best wishes.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> James
> >>> 78FC33SB "Old School"
> >>> Tunica MIss.
> >>>
> >>
> >> Pete Masterson
> >> aeonix1@...
> >> '95 WBDA 4203
> >> Formerly "George's coach"
> >> El Sobrante CA
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Yahoo! Groups Links
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> > --
> > Rob, Sue & Merlin Robinson
> > 94 WLWB
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------
> > ~-->
> > Protect your PC from spy ware with award winning anti spy
> > technology. It's free.
> > http://us.click.yahoo.com/97bhrC/LGxNAA/.../pkiolB/TM
> > --------------------------------------------------------------------
> > ~->
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> ---
> Pete Masterson
>
> ========================================================
> Aeonix@...
> Author of Book Design and Production: A Guide for Authors and Publishers
> Cover and Book Design, Layout, and Production
> Voice & FAX: (510) 222-6743 -- 9AM to 5PM M-F Pacific Time
> Visit my web site at http://www.aeonix.com for publishing hints
> P.O. Box 20985, El Sobrante, CA 94820-0985
> ========================================================
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>


--
Rob, Sue & Merlin Robinson
94 WLWB


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

[Pete Masterson]

On May 30, 2006, at 5:42 PM, Rob Robinson wrote:

> Thank you Pete. Now I understand how the grill works. You should
> write tech
> manuals VBG

Actually, I've written a "tech manual" for self publishers describing
the steps to design, typeset, and print their own book.

Pete Masterson
aeonix1@...
'95 WBDA 4203
Formerly "George's coach"
El Sobrante CA