Breaking-in the new 77FC on Thanksgiving

[Brent Swartzentruber]

Thanks for the info Bob. If this gen slide-out is an after-market
add-on then it's a poor excuse for one or a bad installation.
Has anyone installed or reinstalled one of these. Any pictures?

If the original gen compartment didn't have a slide-out, how was the
gen accessed? Does anyone have pictures of their original no slide?
I have an Onan Marquis 7KW and I'm considering a better way to mount
it. Some of the original mounting brackets have been cut-off, so new
vertical supports will need to be welded to the frame.

The tires are 8 years old but show no signs of cracking. Do they
deteriorate on the inside? I do intend to replace them before our
first big trip in four weeks - La Paz, Baja.


Brent
Ventura, CA
77FC31

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "one_dusty_hoot"
wrote:
>
> Brent, The '77 FC31 did not have a slide-out, what
> you have is an after market add-on.
>
> Tach is attached to front of engine, could be DC gen.
> The coupling could be broken as well.
>
> Valve to circulate water may be off, manual valve.
>
> Age on tires says that would be priority item.
>
> Tire size larger than std could affect the speedo or
> it may just be off.
>
> Tapping a starter to get the last out of it is a
> sign the brushes are worn out and the armature is dirty.
>
> You'll Love the Adventure,
> Welcome, and happy trails in your new to you bird.
>
> Bob Janes, '87FC35, Greenville, SC
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent Swartzentruber"
> <swartzentruber1@> wrote:
> >
> > We are really excited about our new Wanderlodge. I got our new
> 1977
> > FC31 home last Saturday from Eugene, OR. The 900 mile drive home
> > was mostly a pleasure, though my ears where ringing after 12.5
> > hours. I averaged 10 mpg - mostly 60-63 mph. (I think I can do
> > better with practice).
> >
> > here are some pictures of the new rig, my wife Hillary, and her
> > sister at the beach near Ventura, CA where we spent Thanksgiving
> > (bbq'd the turkey)
> > http://www.pbase.com/bajaroad/wanderlodge
> >
> > I must admit the purchase was a stressful process. The generator
> > wasn't as new as suggested, the engine heaters don't work, the
> > instrument panel lights are mostly out, the tach doesn't work,
the
> > speedo is off by about 5%, the front tires are about 8yrs old,
the
> > storage compartment pans are rusting badly, and the previous
owner
> > didn't know the ins & outs of the rig's systems.
> > The interior, the body & paint, brakes, engine, and trans all
seem
> > in good shape and well maintained.
> >
> > The generator worked fine after I got home. In fact I used it to
> > power my saw to trim a low hanging tree. But later in the week
it
> > wasn't cranking over. I could here the starter clicking when I
> > toggled the switch, but no crank. I removed the starter this
> > morning and it is definitely shot. One of the permanent magnets
is
> > broken, but I'm not sure if I did that while initially persuading
> > the starter to work with a few light taps with a wrench. So I
will
> > replace the starter and see if that was the problem.
> > ? Anyone have experience with an Onan non-OEM replacement starter.
> >
> > The issue I am most determined to remedy, but fear could get
> > expensive, is the generator slide-mount. Whoever installed the
> Onan
> > did a hack job and didn't maintain the same level of mechanical
> > structure. I had to use a come-along to pull it out. The Onan
> > doesn't require as much overhead clearance, so I would like to
> raise
> > the whole system while I'm at it.
> > ? Has anyone had experience with these slide supports
> >
> > Brent
> > 77FC31
> > Ventura, CA
> >
>

[w3ww]

Brent,

Congratulations on the "new" Bird. It is sure a great looking one, the color
scheme is unique.
The few problems, you will work out..... and have fun at the same time. It's a
great learning experience and you will get tons of help on this forum.

Don Mohney
87FC35
Jensen Beach, Florida

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

[one_dusty_hoot]

Brent,
The original 6.5KW Onan sits on a plate with about
a 6" lip on the front side. Secured in place with
6-1/2" stud bolts, 3 each side.

I use a floor jack finding Center of Gravity, lower
and drag it anywhere, set it down on 2 concrete blocks
either end to work on it.

Carbon should be removed from cylinder heads every
500 hours. Here you cannot buy just the head gasket
anymore, have to buy the whole kit, about $140 +/-?
You can't get the manifold heated choke anymore. Use
a choke cable and manual choke. Check the generator
brushes when you have it out.

LaPaz Baja is in Mexico, right? You have the testicles
of a brass monkey if you think you can make it there
and back without problems. If you are taking anyone
along that you care about, you would be changing out
those 8 year old tires. You will not get ANYONE on this
forum to agree with you that they will be fine for the
trip. You have 27,000# in your hands, precaution is the
word of the day.

Bob Janes, Greenville, SC
'87FC35 "Traveller"
'77FC31 "Ruffin it EZ"


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent Swartzentruber"
<swartzentruber1@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks for the info Bob. If this gen slide-out is an after-market
> add-on then it's a poor excuse for one or a bad installation.
> Has anyone installed or reinstalled one of these. Any pictures?
>
> If the original gen compartment didn't have a slide-out, how was
the
> gen accessed? Does anyone have pictures of their original no slide?
> I have an Onan Marquis 7KW and I'm considering a better way to
mount
> it. Some of the original mounting brackets have been cut-off, so
new
> vertical supports will need to be welded to the frame.
>
> The tires are 8 years old but show no signs of cracking. Do they
> deteriorate on the inside? I do intend to replace them before our
> first big trip in four weeks - La Paz, Baja.
>
>
> Brent
> Ventura, CA
> 77FC31
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "one_dusty_hoot"
> wrote:
> >
> > Brent, The '77 FC31 did not have a slide-out, what
> > you have is an after market add-on.
> >
> > Tach is attached to front of engine, could be DC gen.
> > The coupling could be broken as well.
> >
> > Valve to circulate water may be off, manual valve.
> >
> > Age on tires says that would be priority item.
> >
> > Tire size larger than std could affect the speedo or
> > it may just be off.
> >
> > Tapping a starter to get the last out of it is a
> > sign the brushes are worn out and the armature is dirty.
> >
> > You'll Love the Adventure,
> > Welcome, and happy trails in your new to you bird.
> >
> > Bob Janes, '87FC35, Greenville, SC
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent Swartzentruber"
> > <swartzentruber1@> wrote:
> > >
> > > We are really excited about our new Wanderlodge. I got our new
> > 1977
> > > FC31 home last Saturday from Eugene, OR. The 900 mile drive
home
> > > was mostly a pleasure, though my ears where ringing after 12.5
> > > hours. I averaged 10 mpg - mostly 60-63 mph. (I think I can
do
> > > better with practice).
> > >
> > > here are some pictures of the new rig, my wife Hillary, and her
> > > sister at the beach near Ventura, CA where we spent
Thanksgiving
> > > (bbq'd the turkey)
> > > http://www.pbase.com/bajaroad/wanderlodge
> > >
> > > I must admit the purchase was a stressful process. The
generator
> > > wasn't as new as suggested, the engine heaters don't work, the
> > > instrument panel lights are mostly out, the tach doesn't work,
> the
> > > speedo is off by about 5%, the front tires are about 8yrs old,
> the
> > > storage compartment pans are rusting badly, and the previous
> owner
> > > didn't know the ins & outs of the rig's systems.
> > > The interior, the body & paint, brakes, engine, and trans all
> seem
> > > in good shape and well maintained.
> > >
> > > The generator worked fine after I got home. In fact I used it
to
> > > power my saw to trim a low hanging tree. But later in the week
> it
> > > wasn't cranking over. I could here the starter clicking when I
> > > toggled the switch, but no crank. I removed the starter this
> > > morning and it is definitely shot. One of the permanent
magnets
> is
> > > broken, but I'm not sure if I did that while initially
persuading
> > > the starter to work with a few light taps with a wrench. So I
> will
> > > replace the starter and see if that was the problem.
> > > ? Anyone have experience with an Onan non-OEM replacement
starter.
> > >
> > > The issue I am most determined to remedy, but fear could get
> > > expensive, is the generator slide-mount. Whoever installed the
> > Onan
> > > did a hack job and didn't maintain the same level of mechanical
> > > structure. I had to use a come-along to pull it out. The Onan
> > > doesn't require as much overhead clearance, so I would like to
> > raise
> > > the whole system while I'm at it.
> > > ? Has anyone had experience with these slide supports
> > >
> > > Brent
> > > 77FC31
> > > Ventura, CA
> > >
> >
>

[Gardner Yeaw]

Brent,
I just happened to pull out my Onan to fix it yesterday. I have
pictures but am having a problem getting them uploaded. Somethinfg is
happenning with Yahoo Groups since I have the same problem on another
forum from two different PC's and two different networks.

I builot a platform from 2X10's and plywood and slid the generator
out onto it. It is a pain in the neck but you shouldn't need to do it
that often.

Gardner
78FC33 (with no slide)


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "one_dusty_hoot"
wrote:
>
> Brent,
> The original 6.5KW Onan sits on a plate with about
> a 6" lip on the front side. Secured in place with
> 6-1/2" stud bolts, 3 each side.
>
> I use a floor jack finding Center of Gravity, lower
> and drag it anywhere, set it down on 2 concrete blocks
> either end to work on it.
>
> Carbon should be removed from cylinder heads every
> 500 hours. Here you cannot buy just the head gasket
> anymore, have to buy the whole kit, about $140 +/-?
> You can't get the manifold heated choke anymore. Use
> a choke cable and manual choke. Check the generator
> brushes when you have it out.
>
> LaPaz Baja is in Mexico, right? You have the testicles
> of a brass monkey if you think you can make it there
> and back without problems. If you are taking anyone
> along that you care about, you would be changing out
> those 8 year old tires. You will not get ANYONE on this
> forum to agree with you that they will be fine for the
> trip. You have 27,000# in your hands, precaution is the
> word of the day.
>
> Bob Janes, Greenville, SC
> '87FC35 "Traveller"
> '77FC31 "Ruffin it EZ"
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent Swartzentruber"
> <swartzentruber1@> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks for the info Bob. If this gen slide-out is an after-
market
> > add-on then it's a poor excuse for one or a bad installation.
> > Has anyone installed or reinstalled one of these. Any pictures?
> >
> > If the original gen compartment didn't have a slide-out, how was
> the
> > gen accessed? Does anyone have pictures of their original no
slide?
> > I have an Onan Marquis 7KW and I'm considering a better way to
> mount
> > it. Some of the original mounting brackets have been cut-off, so
> new
> > vertical supports will need to be welded to the frame.
> >
> > The tires are 8 years old but show no signs of cracking. Do they
> > deteriorate on the inside? I do intend to replace them before
our
> > first big trip in four weeks - La Paz, Baja.
> >
> >
> > Brent
> > Ventura, CA
> > 77FC31
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "one_dusty_hoot"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Brent, The '77 FC31 did not have a slide-out, what
> > > you have is an after market add-on.
> > >
> > > Tach is attached to front of engine, could be DC gen.
> > > The coupling could be broken as well.
> > >
> > > Valve to circulate water may be off, manual valve.
> > >
> > > Age on tires says that would be priority item.
> > >
> > > Tire size larger than std could affect the speedo or
> > > it may just be off.
> > >
> > > Tapping a starter to get the last out of it is a
> > > sign the brushes are worn out and the armature is dirty.
> > >
> > > You'll Love the Adventure,
> > > Welcome, and happy trails in your new to you bird.
> > >
> > > Bob Janes, '87FC35, Greenville, SC
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent Swartzentruber"
> > > <swartzentruber1@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > We are really excited about our new Wanderlodge. I got our
new
> > > 1977
> > > > FC31 home last Saturday from Eugene, OR. The 900 mile drive
> home
> > > > was mostly a pleasure, though my ears where ringing after
12.5
> > > > hours. I averaged 10 mpg - mostly 60-63 mph. (I think I can
> do
> > > > better with practice).
> > > >
> > > > here are some pictures of the new rig, my wife Hillary, and
her
> > > > sister at the beach near Ventura, CA where we spent
> Thanksgiving
> > > > (bbq'd the turkey)
> > > > http://www.pbase.com/bajaroad/wanderlodge
> > > >
> > > > I must admit the purchase was a stressful process. The
> generator
> > > > wasn't as new as suggested, the engine heaters don't work,
the
> > > > instrument panel lights are mostly out, the tach doesn't
work,
> > the
> > > > speedo is off by about 5%, the front tires are about 8yrs
old,
> > the
> > > > storage compartment pans are rusting badly, and the previous
> > owner
> > > > didn't know the ins & outs of the rig's systems.
> > > > The interior, the body & paint, brakes, engine, and trans all
> > seem
> > > > in good shape and well maintained.
> > > >
> > > > The generator worked fine after I got home. In fact I used
it
> to
> > > > power my saw to trim a low hanging tree. But later in the
week
> > it
> > > > wasn't cranking over. I could here the starter clicking when
I
> > > > toggled the switch, but no crank. I removed the starter this
> > > > morning and it is definitely shot. One of the permanent
> magnets
> > is
> > > > broken, but I'm not sure if I did that while initially
> persuading
> > > > the starter to work with a few light taps with a wrench. So
I
> > will
> > > > replace the starter and see if that was the problem.
> > > > ? Anyone have experience with an Onan non-OEM replacement
> starter.
> > > >
> > > > The issue I am most determined to remedy, but fear could get
> > > > expensive, is the generator slide-mount. Whoever installed
the
> > > Onan
> > > > did a hack job and didn't maintain the same level of
mechanical
> > > > structure. I had to use a come-along to pull it out. The
Onan
> > > > doesn't require as much overhead clearance, so I would like
to
> > > raise
> > > > the whole system while I'm at it.
> > > > ? Has anyone had experience with these slide supports
> > > >
> > > > Brent
> > > > 77FC31
> > > > Ventura, CA
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

[Gardner Yeaw]

Brent,
I got the pictures up under genset in/out. There are 4 bolts
securing the generator base to the bottom of the bay. Across the
front of the bay there is a large angle iron attached with three
bolts. Also there is the gas line, electrical connections, battery
and exhaust connections.

I built a platform the same hdight as the bay floor so I would
have a solid place to slide the generator onto. It ain't light, so
build solid. I used 2X10's and three inch screws.

I built another tool from a piece of oak hardwood with a slot
about two inches from the end across the face. The slot fits over the
generator pan edge. I drilled several holes and widened them so I
could put a screwdriver through the holes and pry against the front
edge of the bay. That way I could pull the generator out in a
controlled fashion rather then wrench my back. Others will put a
jack under the entire bay floor and unbolt the whole floor and lower
it down. I was concderned that I might dump it off the jack and
damage it or myself in the process.

Gardner
78FC33



--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gardner Yeaw"
wrote:
>
> Brent,
> I just happened to pull out my Onan to fix it yesterday. I have
> pictures but am having a problem getting them uploaded. Somethinfg
is
> happenning with Yahoo Groups since I have the same problem on
another
> forum from two different PC's and two different networks.
>
> I builot a platform from 2X10's and plywood and slid the
generator
> out onto it. It is a pain in the neck but you shouldn't need to do
it
> that often.
>
> Gardner
> 78FC33 (with no slide)
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "one_dusty_hoot"
> wrote:
> >
> > Brent,
> > The original 6.5KW Onan sits on a plate with about
> > a 6" lip on the front side. Secured in place with
> > 6-1/2" stud bolts, 3 each side.
> >
> > I use a floor jack finding Center of Gravity, lower
> > and drag it anywhere, set it down on 2 concrete blocks
> > either end to work on it.
> >
> > Carbon should be removed from cylinder heads every
> > 500 hours. Here you cannot buy just the head gasket
> > anymore, have to buy the whole kit, about $140 +/-?
> > You can't get the manifold heated choke anymore. Use
> > a choke cable and manual choke. Check the generator
> > brushes when you have it out.
> >
> > LaPaz Baja is in Mexico, right? You have the testicles
> > of a brass monkey if you think you can make it there
> > and back without problems. If you are taking anyone
> > along that you care about, you would be changing out
> > those 8 year old tires. You will not get ANYONE on this
> > forum to agree with you that they will be fine for the
> > trip. You have 27,000# in your hands, precaution is the
> > word of the day.
> >
> > Bob Janes, Greenville, SC
> > '87FC35 "Traveller"
> > '77FC31 "Ruffin it EZ"
> >
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent Swartzentruber"
> > <swartzentruber1@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Thanks for the info Bob. If this gen slide-out is an after-
> market
> > > add-on then it's a poor excuse for one or a bad installation.
> > > Has anyone installed or reinstalled one of these. Any pictures?
> > >
> > > If the original gen compartment didn't have a slide-out, how
was
> > the
> > > gen accessed? Does anyone have pictures of their original no
> slide?
> > > I have an Onan Marquis 7KW and I'm considering a better way to
> > mount
> > > it. Some of the original mounting brackets have been cut-off,
so
> > new
> > > vertical supports will need to be welded to the frame.
> > >
> > > The tires are 8 years old but show no signs of cracking. Do
they
> > > deteriorate on the inside? I do intend to replace them before
> our
> > > first big trip in four weeks - La Paz, Baja.
> > >
> > >
> > > Brent
> > > Ventura, CA
> > > 77FC31
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "one_dusty_hoot"
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Brent, The '77 FC31 did not have a slide-out, what
> > > > you have is an after market add-on.
> > > >
> > > > Tach is attached to front of engine, could be DC gen.
> > > > The coupling could be broken as well.
> > > >
> > > > Valve to circulate water may be off, manual valve.
> > > >
> > > > Age on tires says that would be priority item.
> > > >
> > > > Tire size larger than std could affect the speedo or
> > > > it may just be off.
> > > >
> > > > Tapping a starter to get the last out of it is a
> > > > sign the brushes are worn out and the armature is dirty.
> > > >
> > > > You'll Love the Adventure,
> > > > Welcome, and happy trails in your new to you bird.
> > > >
> > > > Bob Janes, '87FC35, Greenville, SC
> > > >
> > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent
Swartzentruber"
> > > > <swartzentruber1@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > We are really excited about our new Wanderlodge. I got our
> new
> > > > 1977
> > > > > FC31 home last Saturday from Eugene, OR. The 900 mile
drive
> > home
> > > > > was mostly a pleasure, though my ears where ringing after
> 12.5
> > > > > hours. I averaged 10 mpg - mostly 60-63 mph. (I think I
can
> > do
> > > > > better with practice).
> > > > >
> > > > > here are some pictures of the new rig, my wife Hillary, and
> her
> > > > > sister at the beach near Ventura, CA where we spent
> > Thanksgiving
> > > > > (bbq'd the turkey)
> > > > > http://www.pbase.com/bajaroad/wanderlodge
> > > > >
> > > > > I must admit the purchase was a stressful process. The
> > generator
> > > > > wasn't as new as suggested, the engine heaters don't work,
> the
> > > > > instrument panel lights are mostly out, the tach doesn't
> work,
> > > the
> > > > > speedo is off by about 5%, the front tires are about 8yrs
> old,
> > > the
> > > > > storage compartment pans are rusting badly, and the
previous
> > > owner
> > > > > didn't know the ins & outs of the rig's systems.
> > > > > The interior, the body & paint, brakes, engine, and trans
all
> > > seem
> > > > > in good shape and well maintained.
> > > > >
> > > > > The generator worked fine after I got home. In fact I used
> it
> > to
> > > > > power my saw to trim a low hanging tree. But later in the
> week
> > > it
> > > > > wasn't cranking over. I could here the starter clicking
when
> I
> > > > > toggled the switch, but no crank. I removed the starter
this
> > > > > morning and it is definitely shot. One of the permanent
> > magnets
> > > is
> > > > > broken, but I'm not sure if I did that while initially
> > persuading
> > > > > the starter to work with a few light taps with a wrench.
So
> I
> > > will
> > > > > replace the starter and see if that was the problem.
> > > > > ? Anyone have experience with an Onan non-OEM replacement
> > starter.
> > > > >
> > > > > The issue I am most determined to remedy, but fear could
get
> > > > > expensive, is the generator slide-mount. Whoever installed
> the
> > > > Onan
> > > > > did a hack job and didn't maintain the same level of
> mechanical
> > > > > structure. I had to use a come-along to pull it out. The
> Onan
> > > > > doesn't require as much overhead clearance, so I would like
> to
> > > > raise
> > > > > the whole system while I'm at it.
> > > > > ? Has anyone had experience with these slide supports
> > > > >
> > > > > Brent
> > > > > 77FC31
> > > > > Ventura, CA
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

[Brent Swartzentruber]

Gardner & Bob - thanks for the valuable information.

I like the floor jack method except for the balancing part because I
don't have a nice smooth level surface to work over. I did use my
floor jack to unweight the slide to help pull it out.
Maybe some minor mods to the floor jack to attach it to the gen
support would help with balance or possibly a platform like Gardners.

I am definitely going to replace the tires. I just wanted a better
understanding of the failure mechanism as tires age.

Yes LaPaz is in Baja Sur (south). It's about 800 miles south of the
boarder in California. Drive slow, don't drive at night and pay
attention - words to live by in Baja.
Brent
Ventura,CA
77FC31

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "one_dusty_hoot"
wrote:
>
> Brent,
> The original 6.5KW Onan sits on a plate with about
> a 6" lip on the front side. Secured in place with
> 6-1/2" stud bolts, 3 each side.
>
> I use a floor jack finding Center of Gravity, lower
> and drag it anywhere, set it down on 2 concrete blocks
> either end to work on it.
>
> Carbon should be removed from cylinder heads every
> 500 hours. Here you cannot buy just the head gasket
> anymore, have to buy the whole kit, about $140 +/-?
> You can't get the manifold heated choke anymore. Use
> a choke cable and manual choke. Check the generator
> brushes when you have it out.
>
> LaPaz Baja is in Mexico, right? You have the testicles
> of a brass monkey if you think you can make it there
> and back without problems. If you are taking anyone
> along that you care about, you would be changing out
> those 8 year old tires. You will not get ANYONE on this
> forum to agree with you that they will be fine for the
> trip. You have 27,000# in your hands, precaution is the
> word of the day.
>
> Bob Janes, Greenville, SC
> '87FC35 "Traveller"
> '77FC31 "Ruffin it EZ"
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent Swartzentruber"
> <swartzentruber1@> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks for the info Bob. If this gen slide-out is an after-
market
> > add-on then it's a poor excuse for one or a bad installation.
> > Has anyone installed or reinstalled one of these. Any pictures?
> >
> > If the original gen compartment didn't have a slide-out, how was
> the
> > gen accessed? Does anyone have pictures of their original no
slide?
> > I have an Onan Marquis 7KW and I'm considering a better way to
> mount
> > it. Some of the original mounting brackets have been cut-off,
so
> new
> > vertical supports will need to be welded to the frame.
> >
> > The tires are 8 years old but show no signs of cracking. Do
they
> > deteriorate on the inside? I do intend to replace them before
our
> > first big trip in four weeks - La Paz, Baja.
> >
> >
> > Brent
> > Ventura, CA
> > 77FC31
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "one_dusty_hoot"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Brent, The '77 FC31 did not have a slide-out, what
> > > you have is an after market add-on.
> > >
> > > Tach is attached to front of engine, could be DC gen.
> > > The coupling could be broken as well.
> > >
> > > Valve to circulate water may be off, manual valve.
> > >
> > > Age on tires says that would be priority item.
> > >
> > > Tire size larger than std could affect the speedo or
> > > it may just be off.
> > >
> > > Tapping a starter to get the last out of it is a
> > > sign the brushes are worn out and the armature is dirty.
> > >
> > > You'll Love the Adventure,
> > > Welcome, and happy trails in your new to you bird.
> > >
> > > Bob Janes, '87FC35, Greenville, SC
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent
Swartzentruber"
> > > <swartzentruber1@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > We are really excited about our new Wanderlodge. I got our
new
> > > 1977
> > > > FC31 home last Saturday from Eugene, OR. The 900 mile drive
> home
> > > > was mostly a pleasure, though my ears where ringing after
12.5
> > > > hours. I averaged 10 mpg - mostly 60-63 mph. (I think I
can
> do
> > > > better with practice).
> > > >
> > > > here are some pictures of the new rig, my wife Hillary, and
her
> > > > sister at the beach near Ventura, CA where we spent
> Thanksgiving
> > > > (bbq'd the turkey)
> > > > http://www.pbase.com/bajaroad/wanderlodge
> > > >
> > > > I must admit the purchase was a stressful process. The
> generator
> > > > wasn't as new as suggested, the engine heaters don't work,
the
> > > > instrument panel lights are mostly out, the tach doesn't
work,
> > the
> > > > speedo is off by about 5%, the front tires are about 8yrs
old,
> > the
> > > > storage compartment pans are rusting badly, and the previous
> > owner
> > > > didn't know the ins & outs of the rig's systems.
> > > > The interior, the body & paint, brakes, engine, and trans
all
> > seem
> > > > in good shape and well maintained.
> > > >
> > > > The generator worked fine after I got home. In fact I used
it
> to
> > > > power my saw to trim a low hanging tree. But later in the
week
> > it
> > > > wasn't cranking over. I could here the starter clicking
when I
> > > > toggled the switch, but no crank. I removed the starter
this
> > > > morning and it is definitely shot. One of the permanent
> magnets
> > is
> > > > broken, but I'm not sure if I did that while initially
> persuading
> > > > the starter to work with a few light taps with a wrench. So
I
> > will
> > > > replace the starter and see if that was the problem.
> > > > ? Anyone have experience with an Onan non-OEM replacement
> starter.
> > > >
> > > > The issue I am most determined to remedy, but fear could get
> > > > expensive, is the generator slide-mount. Whoever installed
the
> > > Onan
> > > > did a hack job and didn't maintain the same level of
mechanical
> > > > structure. I had to use a come-along to pull it out. The
Onan
> > > > doesn't require as much overhead clearance, so I would like
to
> > > raise
> > > > the whole system while I'm at it.
> > > > ? Has anyone had experience with these slide supports
> > > >
> > > > Brent
> > > > 77FC31
> > > > Ventura, CA
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

[Pete Masterson]

The tires can degrade from the inside while the exterior looks OK --
but the tire isn't sound. RVs rarely wear out tires, but rather they
time out. Most tire manufacturers suggest replacing tires after 5 to
7 years -- check the DOT dates on the tires.

Obvious checking or cracking in the sidewall is a sure sign of
imminent tire failure, but the visible sidewall may have been treated
with cosmetic preservatives (such as Armor All) -- but the back side
of the tire was not -- there is a possibility that the tire looks OK
but you can't see the parts that have deteriorated.

The only way to be certain that an older tire is OK is to unmount it
and inspect it on the inside and the outside. Often, an older tire
will crumble as it's being removed from the rim ... proving the point
about its condition.

If you are located where you can get to a Les Schwab tire store, take
your 'bird there for both good prices and good service.

Pete Masterson
aeonix1@...
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42'
El Sobrante, CA

> <snip>
> I am definitely going to replace the tires. I just wanted a better
> understanding of the failure mechanism as tires age.
<snip>


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