88 power problem update

[Robert & Teri Rahn]

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.

[Mike McMahan]

Robert, You can buy a portable charger and hook it to the batteries
to get them up so you can use the coach. There should be an electric
plug in the rear compartment by the batteries. Check the connections
coming out of the charger. Any corrosion, loose connecter, etc. can
cause the problem you are experienceiing. It happened on my coach a
year or so ago and I am tryong to remember what I did to fix but it
was very simple. I will go out to the coach in a few minutes and
look to see if I can see anything else. Mike McMahan

--- 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.
>

[mbulriss]

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 jumped
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.
>

[whistles_n_bells]

As a Wannabe (still), I am impressed with the members of this forum for
their willingness to offer assistance for their fellow Bird owners. This
is networking at it's best. Having spent many years as an OTR bus
driver, I can appreciate that help is offered to those who have
occasional mechanical problems. Driving for a well established
transportation company has the perks of maintenance support with
mechanics, parts, and funds to pay for all of this.

Enjoying the RV lifestyle with a BB is the "cat's meow." When problems
arise, it's not an option to pull into a repair facility like one would
with an automobile - the BB is a big and complex machine. So, my hat is
off to all who are willing to assist those who are in a situation that
can sometimes seem overwhelming; and in the process, everyone learns
something. Of course, the marvels of the Internet surely contribute to
getting back on the road again.

I'll continue hanging out here and get my BB education - hopefully one
day, the "Wannabe" will not be part of my signature. However, if that
does not happen, I will still have gained. You're good folks, real
professionals.

Be careful out there.

Joe (Pappy) Hagan
Wannabe
St. George, UT



--- 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 jumped
> 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"
> chaunceyboyblu@ 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.
> >
>

[one_dusty_hoot]

It's called the Budwieser Wreck Out. Stuart took
the honors and 215K.

bob janes, 87fc35, greenville, sc


--- 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
jumped
> 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.
> >
>

[ernieekberg@...>]

Joe- I want to thank you for your knowledge as you gave us some good driving
tips.
Ernie Ekberg
83PT40
Livingston,Montana
----- Original Message -----
From: whistles_n_bells
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, February 10, 2007 7:43 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: 88 power problem update


As a Wannabe (still), I am impressed with the members of this forum for
their willingness to offer assistance for their fellow Bird owners. This
is networking at it's best. Having spent many years as an OTR bus
driver, I can appreciate that help is offered to those who have
occasional mechanical problems. Driving for a well established
transportation company has the perks of maintenance support with
mechanics, parts, and funds to pay for all of this.

Enjoying the RV lifestyle with a BB is the "cat's meow." When problems
arise, it's not an option to pull into a repair facility like one would
with an automobile - the BB is a big and complex machine. So, my hat is
off to all who are willing to assist those who are in a situation that
can sometimes seem overwhelming; and in the process, everyone learns
something. Of course, the marvels of the Internet surely contribute to
getting back on the road again.

I'll continue hanging out here and get my BB education - hopefully one
day, the "Wannabe" will not be part of my signature. However, if that
does not happen, I will still have gained. You're good folks, real
professionals.

Be careful out there.

Joe (Pappy) Hagan
Wannabe
St. George, UT

--- 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 jumped
> 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"
> chaunceyboyblu@ 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.
> >
>





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

[Henry Jay Hannigan]

---JOE:
I drove thru your city; Beautiful place!
Regards,
Hank Hannigan
90SP36
80FC31











In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, wrote:
>
> Joe- I want to thank you for your knowledge as you gave us some
good driving tips.
> Ernie Ekberg
> 83PT40
> Livingston,Montana
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: whistles_n_bells
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Saturday, February 10, 2007 7:43 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: 88 power problem update
>
>
> As a Wannabe (still), I am impressed with the members of this
forum for
> their willingness to offer assistance for their fellow Bird
owners. This
> is networking at it's best. Having spent many years as an OTR bus
> driver, I can appreciate that help is offered to those who have
> occasional mechanical problems. Driving for a well established
> transportation company has the perks of maintenance support with
> mechanics, parts, and funds to pay for all of this.
>
> Enjoying the RV lifestyle with a BB is the "cat's meow." When
problems
> arise, it's not an option to pull into a repair facility like
one would
> with an automobile - the BB is a big and complex machine. So, my
hat is
> off to all who are willing to assist those who are in a
situation that
> can sometimes seem overwhelming; and in the process, everyone
learns
> something. Of course, the marvels of the Internet surely
contribute to
> getting back on the road again.
>
> I'll continue hanging out here and get my BB education -
hopefully one
> day, the "Wannabe" will not be part of my signature. However, if
that
> does not happen, I will still have gained. You're good folks,
real
> professionals.
>
> Be careful out there.
>
> Joe (Pappy) Hagan
> Wannabe
> St. George, UT
>
> --- 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
jumped
> > 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"
> > chaunceyboyblu@ 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.
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[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.
> >
>

[mbulriss]

Leroy,

That's not a bad little check list even if you if you don't think you
are experiencing a power failure. In the fog and confusion of an "Oh,
crap" moment, it is all too easy to overlook the basics. For
instance, when my "Do not shift" light (AKA "you can not shift" ;^p)
came on at the Grand Canyon blocking traffic, it took probably 15-20
minutes with several of us frantically checking gauges, switches and
lights to finally notice that the volt meter on the dash was under 12V
and realize that we had lost the alternators. I think I'll print your
little check list out on a 3x5 card and put it up by the 12V
electronic master switch as a reminder to always proceed methodically
with the simple stuff first when disaster strikes. Thanks bud.

As far as your ghost switch turning itself off,.... well I'd keep an
eye on the grandkids and lay off the adult beverages.

On the topic of who wins, based on all your #8 flags in that picture
at least one of those brand X cars didn't win last night, you know
Ford, Dodge or Toyota. LOL!

Mike Bulriss
1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX




--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "jwasnewski"
wrote:
>
> -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.
> > >
> >
>

[Richard Hayden]

What a really great post Pappy, thank you.

Dick Hayden - '87 PT 38 - Lake Stevens, WA

----- Original Message -----
From: whistles_n_bells
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, February 10, 2007 6:43 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: 88 power problem update


As a Wannabe (still), I am impressed with the members of this forum for
their willingness to offer assistance for their fellow Bird owners. This
is networking at it's best. Having spent many years as an OTR bus
driver, I can appreciate that help is offered to those who have
occasional mechanical problems. Driving for a well established
transportation company has the perks of maintenance support with
mechanics, parts, and funds to pay for all of this.

Enjoying the RV lifestyle with a BB is the "cat's meow." When problems
arise, it's not an option to pull into a repair facility like one would
with an automobile - the BB is a big and complex machine. So, my hat is
off to all who are willing to assist those who are in a situation that
can sometimes seem overwhelming; and in the process, everyone learns
something. Of course, the marvels of the Internet surely contribute to
getting back on the road again.

I'll continue hanging out here and get my BB education - hopefully one
day, the "Wannabe" will not be part of my signature. However, if that
does not happen, I will still have gained. You're good folks, real
professionals.

Be careful out there.

Joe (Pappy) Hagan
Wannabe
St. George, UT

--- 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 jumped
> 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"
> chaunceyboyblu@ 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.
> >
>





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