Removing the doghouse 84FC35

[erniecarpet@...]

Keith- on your front bumper, is there 2 small hinges under the bottom edge?
You still have 4 bolts on the bumper. Just curious.

Ernie Ekberg
83PT40
Livingston, Mt




************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.


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

[Keith Strehle]

I recently saw a post on removing the doghouse. I'm having some
maintenance done tomorrow by a mobile mechanic and thought it would be
a good idea to be familiar with doghouse removal. He says he will check
all the belts , hoses, and air filter, etc. I think it says "dynapak"
on the filter housing and I'm certain I'll need to remove the doghouse
to get at the belts, etc.

Your help is appreciated, Keith

84FC35

[Eric Johnson]

Keith,
You won't need to remove the doghouse to check the belts, hoses and air filter
but you
will need to open up the front of the coach which is much easier than removing
the
doghouse. If you have a swing radiator, it will be a pretty short job to get to
the front of
the engine. If you don't have a swing radiator (I don't) you will need to drain
the radiator
and remove it. Takes about an hour when you're used to doing it.

Removing the doghouse is required when you need to get into the top of the
engine to
adjust valves, replace injectors, etc. I posted a Wanderlodge procedure for
this in the Files
section of this forum. I just had an experienced BB mechanic pull the doghouse
to do
some engine work. Took him 2 hours to get it out and 2 hours to put it back in.
It's heavy
and cumbersome to work with in a fairly tight area. Avoid this unless it's time
to adjust
valves (every 40,000 miles per Caterpillar).

Regards, Eric in San Antonio
84FC35SBWL2

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Keith Strehle"
wrote:
>
> I recently saw a post on removing the doghouse. I'm having some
> maintenance done tomorrow by a mobile mechanic and thought it would be
> a good idea to be familiar with doghouse removal. He says he will check
> all the belts , hoses, and air filter, etc. I think it says "dynapak"
> on the filter housing and I'm certain I'll need to remove the doghouse
> to get at the belts, etc.
>
> Your help is appreciated, Keith
>
> 84FC35
>

[erniecarpet@...]

Eric, did your mechanic take the top cover off the doghouse? Even then, it
takes 2 people to get the bottom section out of the coach- unless you are
really strong.

Ernie Ekberg
83PT40
Livingston, Mt




************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.


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

[Keith Strehle]

I just bought the Bird and I'm trying to catch up on some of the more
immediate maintenance issues. Oil/filter change, fuel filter, air
filter, check belts and hoses, lube the chasis, etc. The guy said he
can do most of this in three hours. However, as it turns out, this
Bird has 36,000 miles so it seems like a good time to adjust the
valves.

But one thing at a time... I don't have a swing radiator. I'm just
wondering if he can get at the air filter without removing the dog
house. And is there any access to check/adjust the belts from the
bottom?

Keith
84FC35

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
wrote:
>
> Keith,
> You won't need to remove the doghouse to check the belts, hoses and
air filter but you
> will need to open up the front of the coach which is much easier
than removing the
> doghouse. If you have a swing radiator, it will be a pretty short
job to get to the front of
> the engine. If you don't have a swing radiator (I don't) you will
need to drain the radiator
> and remove it. Takes about an hour when you're used to doing it.
>
> Removing the doghouse is required when you need to get into the top
of the engine to
> adjust valves, replace injectors, etc. I posted a Wanderlodge
procedure for this in the Files
> section of this forum. I just had an experienced BB mechanic pull
the doghouse to do
> some engine work. Took him 2 hours to get it out and 2 hours to
put it back in. It's heavy
> and cumbersome to work with in a fairly tight area. Avoid this
unless it's time to adjust
> valves (every 40,000 miles per Caterpillar).
>
> Regards, Eric in San Antonio
> 84FC35SBWL2
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Keith Strehle"
wrote:
> >
> > I recently saw a post on removing the doghouse. I'm having some
> > maintenance done tomorrow by a mobile mechanic and thought it
would be
> > a good idea to be familiar with doghouse removal. He says he will
check
> > all the belts , hoses, and air filter, etc. I think it
says "dynapak"
> > on the filter housing and I'm certain I'll need to remove the
doghouse
> > to get at the belts, etc.
> >
> > Your help is appreciated, Keith
> >
> > 84FC35
> >
>

[Eric Johnson]

Keith,
If your air cleaner filter is mounted on the top of the engine like mine is,
there is
absolutely no reason to remove the doghouse to change it. It's a large, square,
metal box
that sits right on top of the turbo intake. I recently changed mine out in
20-30 minutes.

Bear in mind, there are various skill levels out there when it comes to
mechanical help.
This guy may be able to "check" belts and hoses but I wouldn't let him near the
3208
engine internals (I'm talking valve adjustments, etc) unless he is a trained,
experienced,
diesel mechanic. Many of the really qualified people don't like to mess with
motorhomes
and things like doghouse removal, so you will need to talk to other Bird owners
in your
area or conduct your own search to find someone that CAN do it and WANTS to do
it at
some reasonable cost. Hint...your local Caterpillar shop may do the job, on
their terms,
but you will pay very dearly. My first valve adjustment/injector change cost
$2,400 done
by Cat. This was after they estimated the cost at $800. They blamed it all on
the time it
took to remove and replace the doghouse.

There is no way to check condition, replace belts and retension your belts
without
removing the radiator. Same goes for hoses. There are quite a number of hoses
you can't
even really see from above or below the engine. I open up the front or our
coach at least
annually to look things over. Check the file I posted in the files section
under "3208 Belts
FC" if you want more data on belts and tensioning.

Changing oil/filters, air filter belts and hoses is a good place to start. Do
you know the
original owner so you can find out when and what maintenance items he has done
recently? There is a real laundry list of other items, as I'm sure you're
aware, of other
things to look at. I can send you a maintenance spreadsheet I use to keep track
of stuff on
our coach if you're interested.

Finding an 84FC with only 36,000 miles is quite a find. If it was stored and
maintained
well you are in luck. Low mileage is great from a cosmetic wear standpoint but
these units
do best from a mechanical standpoint when they are used regularly.

Regards, Eric in San Antonio
84FC35SBWL2
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Keith Strehle"
wrote:
>
> I just bought the Bird and I'm trying to catch up on some of the more
> immediate maintenance issues. Oil/filter change, fuel filter, air
> filter, check belts and hoses, lube the chasis, etc. The guy said he
> can do most of this in three hours. However, as it turns out, this
> Bird has 36,000 miles so it seems like a good time to adjust the
> valves.
>
> But one thing at a time... I don't have a swing radiator. I'm just
> wondering if he can get at the air filter without removing the dog
> house. And is there any access to check/adjust the belts from the
> bottom?
>
> Keith
> 84FC35
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
> wrote:
> >
> > Keith,
> > You won't need to remove the doghouse to check the belts, hoses and
> air filter but you
> > will need to open up the front of the coach which is much easier
> than removing the
> > doghouse. If you have a swing radiator, it will be a pretty short
> job to get to the front of
> > the engine. If you don't have a swing radiator (I don't) you will
> need to drain the radiator
> > and remove it. Takes about an hour when you're used to doing it.
> >
> > Removing the doghouse is required when you need to get into the top
> of the engine to
> > adjust valves, replace injectors, etc. I posted a Wanderlodge
> procedure for this in the Files
> > section of this forum. I just had an experienced BB mechanic pull
> the doghouse to do
> > some engine work. Took him 2 hours to get it out and 2 hours to
> put it back in. It's heavy
> > and cumbersome to work with in a fairly tight area. Avoid this
> unless it's time to adjust
> > valves (every 40,000 miles per Caterpillar).
> >
> > Regards, Eric in San Antonio
> > 84FC35SBWL2
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Keith Strehle"
> wrote:
> > >
> > > I recently saw a post on removing the doghouse. I'm having some
> > > maintenance done tomorrow by a mobile mechanic and thought it
> would be
> > > a good idea to be familiar with doghouse removal. He says he will
> check
> > > all the belts , hoses, and air filter, etc. I think it
> says "dynapak"
> > > on the filter housing and I'm certain I'll need to remove the
> doghouse
> > > to get at the belts, etc.
> > >
> > > Your help is appreciated, Keith
> > >
> > > 84FC35
> > >
> >
>

[Keith Strehle]

Unfortunately the folks I bought the bird from were not very familiar
with the maintenance schedule. It appears the Bird was maintained on
a regular schedule but was stored outside. It has a very new
appearance on the inside but the outside has suffered a little. Not
much though. It was a "family" bus. Several brothers used the bus
from time to time and none of them were real clear on what had been
done. I had a friend and fellow bird owner, Robert Britton, check it
out for me. I drove it from San Jose to San diego 500+ miles with no
problems.

This mobile mechanic was recommended by a local and well respected RV
shop in Escondido. But I agree and don't plan on letting him do
anything except general maintenance. I like to do as much of the
work as I can. Doghouse removal is one of the things I'll do before
having the valve adjustment done. Same with the hoses and belts.
The air filter is just like yours and shouldn't be a problem.

I plan to turn it into a "proven" coach by putting some miles and
some usage on it.

So tomorrow I'm getting the front tires replaced and then the general
maintenance stuff. Just trying to get a little peace of mind before
driving to Arizona in April.

I guess I'll have to save the coolant change, belts and hoses for
another weekend. I'll get the mobile mechanic to help me out. I'll
do the grunt work.

Then I'll need to get the tranny serviced...

It never ends does it? But it's been a lot of fun so far!

Keith
84FC35


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
wrote:
>
> Keith,
> If your air cleaner filter is mounted on the top of the engine like
mine is, there is
> absolutely no reason to remove the doghouse to change it. It's a
large, square, metal box
> that sits right on top of the turbo intake. I recently changed
mine out in 20-30 minutes.
>
> Bear in mind, there are various skill levels out there when it
comes to mechanical help.
> This guy may be able to "check" belts and hoses but I wouldn't let
him near the 3208
> engine internals (I'm talking valve adjustments, etc) unless he is
a trained, experienced,
> diesel mechanic. Many of the really qualified people don't like to
mess with motorhomes
> and things like doghouse removal, so you will need to talk to other
Bird owners in your
> area or conduct your own search to find someone that CAN do it and
WANTS to do it at
> some reasonable cost. Hint...your local Caterpillar shop may do
the job, on their terms,
> but you will pay very dearly. My first valve adjustment/injector
change cost $2,400 done
> by Cat. This was after they estimated the cost at $800. They
blamed it all on the time it
> took to remove and replace the doghouse.
>
> There is no way to check condition, replace belts and retension
your belts without
> removing the radiator. Same goes for hoses. There are quite a
number of hoses you can't
> even really see from above or below the engine. I open up the
front or our coach at least
> annually to look things over. Check the file I posted in the files
section under "3208 Belts
> FC" if you want more data on belts and tensioning.
>
> Changing oil/filters, air filter belts and hoses is a good place to
start. Do you know the
> original owner so you can find out when and what maintenance items
he has done
> recently? There is a real laundry list of other items, as I'm sure
you're aware, of other
> things to look at. I can send you a maintenance spreadsheet I use
to keep track of stuff on
> our coach if you're interested.
>
> Finding an 84FC with only 36,000 miles is quite a find. If it was
stored and maintained
> well you are in luck. Low mileage is great from a cosmetic wear
standpoint but these units
> do best from a mechanical standpoint when they are used regularly.
>
> Regards, Eric in San Antonio
> 84FC35SBWL2
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Keith Strehle"
wrote:
> >
> > I just bought the Bird and I'm trying to catch up on some of the
more
> > immediate maintenance issues. Oil/filter change, fuel filter,
air
> > filter, check belts and hoses, lube the chasis, etc. The guy
said he
> > can do most of this in three hours. However, as it turns out,
this
> > Bird has 36,000 miles so it seems like a good time to adjust the
> > valves.
> >
> > But one thing at a time... I don't have a swing radiator. I'm
just
> > wondering if he can get at the air filter without removing the
dog
> > house. And is there any access to check/adjust the belts from
the
> > bottom?
> >
> > Keith
> > 84FC35
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Keith,
> > > You won't need to remove the doghouse to check the belts, hoses
and
> > air filter but you
> > > will need to open up the front of the coach which is much
easier
> > than removing the
> > > doghouse. If you have a swing radiator, it will be a pretty
short
> > job to get to the front of
> > > the engine. If you don't have a swing radiator (I don't) you
will
> > need to drain the radiator
> > > and remove it. Takes about an hour when you're used to doing
it.
> > >
> > > Removing the doghouse is required when you need to get into the
top
> > of the engine to
> > > adjust valves, replace injectors, etc. I posted a Wanderlodge
> > procedure for this in the Files
> > > section of this forum. I just had an experienced BB mechanic
pull
> > the doghouse to do
> > > some engine work. Took him 2 hours to get it out and 2 hours
to
> > put it back in. It's heavy
> > > and cumbersome to work with in a fairly tight area. Avoid this
> > unless it's time to adjust
> > > valves (every 40,000 miles per Caterpillar).
> > >
> > > Regards, Eric in San Antonio
> > > 84FC35SBWL2
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Keith Strehle"
> > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I recently saw a post on removing the doghouse. I'm having
some
> > > > maintenance done tomorrow by a mobile mechanic and thought it
> > would be
> > > > a good idea to be familiar with doghouse removal. He says he
will
> > check
> > > > all the belts , hoses, and air filter, etc. I think it
> > says "dynapak"
> > > > on the filter housing and I'm certain I'll need to remove the
> > doghouse
> > > > to get at the belts, etc.
> > > >
> > > > Your help is appreciated, Keith
> > > >
> > > > 84FC35
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

[ac7880]

Since you have an 84, I am guessing you do indeed have the swing
radiator. Are your sure it is not a swing radiator?

Dan prior 83 Fc35
NM

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Keith Strehle"
wrote:
>
> Unfortunately the folks I bought the bird from were not very
familiar
> with the maintenance schedule. It appears the Bird was maintained
on
> a regular schedule but was stored outside. It has a very new
> appearance on the inside but the outside has suffered a little.
Not
> much though. It was a "family" bus. Several brothers used the bus
> from time to time and none of them were real clear on what had been
> done. I had a friend and fellow bird owner, Robert Britton, check
it
> out for me. I drove it from San Jose to San diego 500+ miles with
no
> problems.
>
> This mobile mechanic was recommended by a local and well respected
RV
> shop in Escondido. But I agree and don't plan on letting him do
> anything except general maintenance. I like to do as much of the
> work as I can. Doghouse removal is one of the things I'll do
before
> having the valve adjustment done. Same with the hoses and belts.
> The air filter is just like yours and shouldn't be a problem.
>
> I plan to turn it into a "proven" coach by putting some miles and
> some usage on it.
>
> So tomorrow I'm getting the front tires replaced and then the
general
> maintenance stuff. Just trying to get a little peace of mind
before
> driving to Arizona in April.
>
> I guess I'll have to save the coolant change, belts and hoses for
> another weekend. I'll get the mobile mechanic to help me out.
I'll
> do the grunt work.
>
> Then I'll need to get the tranny serviced...
>
> It never ends does it? But it's been a lot of fun so far!
>
> Keith
> 84FC35
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
> wrote:
> >
> > Keith,
> > If your air cleaner filter is mounted on the top of the engine
like
> mine is, there is
> > absolutely no reason to remove the doghouse to change it. It's a
> large, square, metal box
> > that sits right on top of the turbo intake. I recently changed
> mine out in 20-30 minutes.
> >
> > Bear in mind, there are various skill levels out there when it
> comes to mechanical help.
> > This guy may be able to "check" belts and hoses but I wouldn't
let
> him near the 3208
> > engine internals (I'm talking valve adjustments, etc) unless he
is
> a trained, experienced,
> > diesel mechanic. Many of the really qualified people don't like
to
> mess with motorhomes
> > and things like doghouse removal, so you will need to talk to
other
> Bird owners in your
> > area or conduct your own search to find someone that CAN do it
and
> WANTS to do it at
> > some reasonable cost. Hint...your local Caterpillar shop may do
> the job, on their terms,
> > but you will pay very dearly. My first valve adjustment/injector
> change cost $2,400 done
> > by Cat. This was after they estimated the cost at $800. They
> blamed it all on the time it
> > took to remove and replace the doghouse.
> >
> > There is no way to check condition, replace belts and retension
> your belts without
> > removing the radiator. Same goes for hoses. There are quite a
> number of hoses you can't
> > even really see from above or below the engine. I open up the
> front or our coach at least
> > annually to look things over. Check the file I posted in the
files
> section under "3208 Belts
> > FC" if you want more data on belts and tensioning.
> >
> > Changing oil/filters, air filter belts and hoses is a good place
to
> start. Do you know the
> > original owner so you can find out when and what maintenance
items
> he has done
> > recently? There is a real laundry list of other items, as I'm
sure
> you're aware, of other
> > things to look at. I can send you a maintenance spreadsheet I
use
> to keep track of stuff on
> > our coach if you're interested.
> >
> > Finding an 84FC with only 36,000 miles is quite a find. If it
was
> stored and maintained
> > well you are in luck. Low mileage is great from a cosmetic wear
> standpoint but these units
> > do best from a mechanical standpoint when they are used regularly.
> >
> > Regards, Eric in San Antonio
> > 84FC35SBWL2
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Keith Strehle"
> wrote:
> > >
> > > I just bought the Bird and I'm trying to catch up on some of
the
> more
> > > immediate maintenance issues. Oil/filter change, fuel filter,
> air
> > > filter, check belts and hoses, lube the chasis, etc. The guy
> said he
> > > can do most of this in three hours. However, as it turns out,
> this
> > > Bird has 36,000 miles so it seems like a good time to adjust
the
> > > valves.
> > >
> > > But one thing at a time... I don't have a swing radiator. I'm
> just
> > > wondering if he can get at the air filter without removing the
> dog
> > > house. And is there any access to check/adjust the belts from
> the
> > > bottom?
> > >
> > > Keith
> > > 84FC35
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"

> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Keith,
> > > > You won't need to remove the doghouse to check the belts,
hoses
> and
> > > air filter but you
> > > > will need to open up the front of the coach which is much
> easier
> > > than removing the
> > > > doghouse. If you have a swing radiator, it will be a pretty
> short
> > > job to get to the front of
> > > > the engine. If you don't have a swing radiator (I don't) you
> will
> > > need to drain the radiator
> > > > and remove it. Takes about an hour when you're used to doing
> it.
> > > >
> > > > Removing the doghouse is required when you need to get into
the
> top
> > > of the engine to
> > > > adjust valves, replace injectors, etc. I posted a
Wanderlodge
> > > procedure for this in the Files
> > > > section of this forum. I just had an experienced BB mechanic
> pull
> > > the doghouse to do
> > > > some engine work. Took him 2 hours to get it out and 2 hours
> to
> > > put it back in. It's heavy
> > > > and cumbersome to work with in a fairly tight area. Avoid
this
> > > unless it's time to adjust
> > > > valves (every 40,000 miles per Caterpillar).
> > > >
> > > > Regards, Eric in San Antonio
> > > > 84FC35SBWL2
> > > >
> > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Keith Strehle"
> > > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > I recently saw a post on removing the doghouse. I'm having
> some
> > > > > maintenance done tomorrow by a mobile mechanic and thought
it
> > > would be
> > > > > a good idea to be familiar with doghouse removal. He says
he
> will
> > > check
> > > > > all the belts , hoses, and air filter, etc. I think it
> > > says "dynapak"
> > > > > on the filter housing and I'm certain I'll need to remove
the
> > > doghouse
> > > > > to get at the belts, etc.
> > > > >
> > > > > Your help is appreciated, Keith
> > > > >
> > > > > 84FC35
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

[ac7880]

Since you have an 84, I am guessing you do indeed have the swing
radiator. Are your sure it is not a swing radiator?

Dan prior 83 Fc35
NM

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Keith Strehle"
wrote:
>
> Unfortunately the folks I bought the bird from were not very
familiar
> with the maintenance schedule. It appears the Bird was maintained
on
> a regular schedule but was stored outside. It has a very new
> appearance on the inside but the outside has suffered a little.
Not
> much though. It was a "family" bus. Several brothers used the bus
> from time to time and none of them were real clear on what had been
> done. I had a friend and fellow bird owner, Robert Britton, check
it
> out for me. I drove it from San Jose to San diego 500+ miles with
no
> problems.
>
> This mobile mechanic was recommended by a local and well respected
RV
> shop in Escondido. But I agree and don't plan on letting him do
> anything except general maintenance. I like to do as much of the
> work as I can. Doghouse removal is one of the things I'll do
before
> having the valve adjustment done. Same with the hoses and belts.
> The air filter is just like yours and shouldn't be a problem.
>
> I plan to turn it into a "proven" coach by putting some miles and
> some usage on it.
>
> So tomorrow I'm getting the front tires replaced and then the
general
> maintenance stuff. Just trying to get a little peace of mind
before
> driving to Arizona in April.
>
> I guess I'll have to save the coolant change, belts and hoses for
> another weekend. I'll get the mobile mechanic to help me out.
I'll
> do the grunt work.
>
> Then I'll need to get the tranny serviced...
>
> It never ends does it? But it's been a lot of fun so far!
>
> Keith
> 84FC35
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
> wrote:
> >
> > Keith,
> > If your air cleaner filter is mounted on the top of the engine
like
> mine is, there is
> > absolutely no reason to remove the doghouse to change it. It's a
> large, square, metal box
> > that sits right on top of the turbo intake. I recently changed
> mine out in 20-30 minutes.
> >
> > Bear in mind, there are various skill levels out there when it
> comes to mechanical help.
> > This guy may be able to "check" belts and hoses but I wouldn't
let
> him near the 3208
> > engine internals (I'm talking valve adjustments, etc) unless he
is
> a trained, experienced,
> > diesel mechanic. Many of the really qualified people don't like
to
> mess with motorhomes
> > and things like doghouse removal, so you will need to talk to
other
> Bird owners in your
> > area or conduct your own search to find someone that CAN do it
and
> WANTS to do it at
> > some reasonable cost. Hint...your local Caterpillar shop may do
> the job, on their terms,
> > but you will pay very dearly. My first valve adjustment/injector
> change cost $2,400 done
> > by Cat. This was after they estimated the cost at $800. They
> blamed it all on the time it
> > took to remove and replace the doghouse.
> >
> > There is no way to check condition, replace belts and retension
> your belts without
> > removing the radiator. Same goes for hoses. There are quite a
> number of hoses you can't
> > even really see from above or below the engine. I open up the
> front or our coach at least
> > annually to look things over. Check the file I posted in the
files
> section under "3208 Belts
> > FC" if you want more data on belts and tensioning.
> >
> > Changing oil/filters, air filter belts and hoses is a good place
to
> start. Do you know the
> > original owner so you can find out when and what maintenance
items
> he has done
> > recently? There is a real laundry list of other items, as I'm
sure
> you're aware, of other
> > things to look at. I can send you a maintenance spreadsheet I
use
> to keep track of stuff on
> > our coach if you're interested.
> >
> > Finding an 84FC with only 36,000 miles is quite a find. If it
was
> stored and maintained
> > well you are in luck. Low mileage is great from a cosmetic wear
> standpoint but these units
> > do best from a mechanical standpoint when they are used regularly.
> >
> > Regards, Eric in San Antonio
> > 84FC35SBWL2
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Keith Strehle"
> wrote:
> > >
> > > I just bought the Bird and I'm trying to catch up on some of
the
> more
> > > immediate maintenance issues. Oil/filter change, fuel filter,
> air
> > > filter, check belts and hoses, lube the chasis, etc. The guy
> said he
> > > can do most of this in three hours. However, as it turns out,
> this
> > > Bird has 36,000 miles so it seems like a good time to adjust
the
> > > valves.
> > >
> > > But one thing at a time... I don't have a swing radiator. I'm
> just
> > > wondering if he can get at the air filter without removing the
> dog
> > > house. And is there any access to check/adjust the belts from
> the
> > > bottom?
> > >
> > > Keith
> > > 84FC35
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"

> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Keith,
> > > > You won't need to remove the doghouse to check the belts,
hoses
> and
> > > air filter but you
> > > > will need to open up the front of the coach which is much
> easier
> > > than removing the
> > > > doghouse. If you have a swing radiator, it will be a pretty
> short
> > > job to get to the front of
> > > > the engine. If you don't have a swing radiator (I don't) you
> will
> > > need to drain the radiator
> > > > and remove it. Takes about an hour when you're used to doing
> it.
> > > >
> > > > Removing the doghouse is required when you need to get into
the
> top
> > > of the engine to
> > > > adjust valves, replace injectors, etc. I posted a
Wanderlodge
> > > procedure for this in the Files
> > > > section of this forum. I just had an experienced BB mechanic
> pull
> > > the doghouse to do
> > > > some engine work. Took him 2 hours to get it out and 2 hours
> to
> > > put it back in. It's heavy
> > > > and cumbersome to work with in a fairly tight area. Avoid
this
> > > unless it's time to adjust
> > > > valves (every 40,000 miles per Caterpillar).
> > > >
> > > > Regards, Eric in San Antonio
> > > > 84FC35SBWL2
> > > >
> > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Keith Strehle"
> > > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > I recently saw a post on removing the doghouse. I'm having
> some
> > > > > maintenance done tomorrow by a mobile mechanic and thought
it
> > > would be
> > > > > a good idea to be familiar with doghouse removal. He says
he
> will
> > > check
> > > > > all the belts , hoses, and air filter, etc. I think it
> > > says "dynapak"
> > > > > on the filter housing and I'm certain I'll need to remove
the
> > > doghouse
> > > > > to get at the belts, etc.
> > > > >
> > > > > Your help is appreciated, Keith
> > > > >
> > > > > 84FC35
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

[Keith Strehle]

Yep, very sure. I may install one later but right now I just want to
attend to the immediate maintenance issues. Seems like pulling the
radiator is not too much trouble? I need to change the coolant
anyway.

Speaking of coolant --- I've heard mention of coolant conditioners
and checking the pH level? Do you know about that? Some have said
it may be in the form of a filter?

Thanks, Keith
84FC35


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ac7880"
wrote:
>
> Since you have an 84, I am guessing you do indeed have the swing
> radiator. Are your sure it is not a swing radiator?
>
> Dan prior 83 Fc35
> NM
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Keith Strehle"
> wrote:
> >
> > Unfortunately the folks I bought the bird from were not very
> familiar
> > with the maintenance schedule. It appears the Bird was
maintained
> on
> > a regular schedule but was stored outside. It has a very new
> > appearance on the inside but the outside has suffered a little.
> Not
> > much though. It was a "family" bus. Several brothers used the
bus
> > from time to time and none of them were real clear on what had
been
> > done. I had a friend and fellow bird owner, Robert Britton, check
> it
> > out for me. I drove it from San Jose to San diego 500+ miles with
> no
> > problems.
> >
> > This mobile mechanic was recommended by a local and well
respected
> RV
> > shop in Escondido. But I agree and don't plan on letting him do
> > anything except general maintenance. I like to do as much of the
> > work as I can. Doghouse removal is one of the things I'll do
> before
> > having the valve adjustment done. Same with the hoses and
belts.
> > The air filter is just like yours and shouldn't be a problem.
> >
> > I plan to turn it into a "proven" coach by putting some miles and
> > some usage on it.
> >
> > So tomorrow I'm getting the front tires replaced and then the
> general
> > maintenance stuff. Just trying to get a little peace of mind
> before
> > driving to Arizona in April.
> >
> > I guess I'll have to save the coolant change, belts and hoses for
> > another weekend. I'll get the mobile mechanic to help me out.
> I'll
> > do the grunt work.
> >
> > Then I'll need to get the tranny serviced...
> >
> > It never ends does it? But it's been a lot of fun so far!
> >
> > Keith
> > 84FC35
> >
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Keith,
> > > If your air cleaner filter is mounted on the top of the engine
> like
> > mine is, there is
> > > absolutely no reason to remove the doghouse to change it. It's
a
> > large, square, metal box
> > > that sits right on top of the turbo intake. I recently changed
> > mine out in 20-30 minutes.
> > >
> > > Bear in mind, there are various skill levels out there when it
> > comes to mechanical help.
> > > This guy may be able to "check" belts and hoses but I wouldn't
> let
> > him near the 3208
> > > engine internals (I'm talking valve adjustments, etc) unless he
> is
> > a trained, experienced,
> > > diesel mechanic. Many of the really qualified people don't
like
> to
> > mess with motorhomes
> > > and things like doghouse removal, so you will need to talk to
> other
> > Bird owners in your
> > > area or conduct your own search to find someone that CAN do it
> and
> > WANTS to do it at
> > > some reasonable cost. Hint...your local Caterpillar shop may
do
> > the job, on their terms,
> > > but you will pay very dearly. My first valve
adjustment/injector
> > change cost $2,400 done
> > > by Cat. This was after they estimated the cost at $800. They
> > blamed it all on the time it
> > > took to remove and replace the doghouse.
> > >
> > > There is no way to check condition, replace belts and retension
> > your belts without
> > > removing the radiator. Same goes for hoses. There are quite a
> > number of hoses you can't
> > > even really see from above or below the engine. I open up the
> > front or our coach at least
> > > annually to look things over. Check the file I posted in the
> files
> > section under "3208 Belts
> > > FC" if you want more data on belts and tensioning.
> > >
> > > Changing oil/filters, air filter belts and hoses is a good
place
> to
> > start. Do you know the
> > > original owner so you can find out when and what maintenance
> items
> > he has done
> > > recently? There is a real laundry list of other items, as I'm
> sure
> > you're aware, of other
> > > things to look at. I can send you a maintenance spreadsheet I
> use
> > to keep track of stuff on
> > > our coach if you're interested.
> > >
> > > Finding an 84FC with only 36,000 miles is quite a find. If it
> was
> > stored and maintained
> > > well you are in luck. Low mileage is great from a cosmetic
wear
> > standpoint but these units
> > > do best from a mechanical standpoint when they are used
regularly.
> > >
> > > Regards, Eric in San Antonio
> > > 84FC35SBWL2
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Keith Strehle"
> > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I just bought the Bird and I'm trying to catch up on some of
> the
> > more
> > > > immediate maintenance issues. Oil/filter change, fuel
filter,
> > air
> > > > filter, check belts and hoses, lube the chasis, etc. The guy
> > said he
> > > > can do most of this in three hours. However, as it turns
out,
> > this
> > > > Bird has 36,000 miles so it seems like a good time to adjust
> the
> > > > valves.
> > > >
> > > > But one thing at a time... I don't have a swing radiator.
I'm
> > just
> > > > wondering if he can get at the air filter without removing
the
> > dog
> > > > house. And is there any access to check/adjust the belts
from
> > the
> > > > bottom?
> > > >
> > > > Keith
> > > > 84FC35
> > > >
> > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
>
> > > > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Keith,
> > > > > You won't need to remove the doghouse to check the belts,
> hoses
> > and
> > > > air filter but you
> > > > > will need to open up the front of the coach which is much
> > easier
> > > > than removing the
> > > > > doghouse. If you have a swing radiator, it will be a
pretty
> > short
> > > > job to get to the front of
> > > > > the engine. If you don't have a swing radiator (I don't)
you
> > will
> > > > need to drain the radiator
> > > > > and remove it. Takes about an hour when you're used to
doing
> > it.
> > > > >
> > > > > Removing the doghouse is required when you need to get into
> the
> > top
> > > > of the engine to
> > > > > adjust valves, replace injectors, etc. I posted a
> Wanderlodge
> > > > procedure for this in the Files
> > > > > section of this forum. I just had an experienced BB
mechanic
> > pull
> > > > the doghouse to do
> > > > > some engine work. Took him 2 hours to get it out and 2
hours
> > to
> > > > put it back in. It's heavy
> > > > > and cumbersome to work with in a fairly tight area. Avoid
> this
> > > > unless it's time to adjust
> > > > > valves (every 40,000 miles per Caterpillar).
> > > > >
> > > > > Regards, Eric in San Antonio
> > > > > 84FC35SBWL2
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Keith Strehle"
> > > > wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I recently saw a post on removing the doghouse. I'm
having
> > some
> > > > > > maintenance done tomorrow by a mobile mechanic and
thought
> it
> > > > would be
> > > > > > a good idea to be familiar with doghouse removal. He says
> he
> > will
> > > > check
> > > > > > all the belts , hoses, and air filter, etc. I think it
> > > > says "dynapak"
> > > > > > on the filter housing and I'm certain I'll need to remove
> the
> > > > doghouse
> > > > > > to get at the belts, etc.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Your help is appreciated, Keith
> > > > > >
> > > > > > 84FC35
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>