Reflecting on Wallace's transmission issue

[iwander_85pt40]

Hi all,

Christina and I were discussing projects related to 'iWander' and the
subject of Wallace's transmission issue came up.

Apparently, the first time Wallace was aware he had a problem was when
the engine warning light/buzzer came on. As is the case with warning
lights, it was too late in the game.

To the previously posted suggetions regarding the detection of a
potential engine/transmission/cooling system problem, I'd like to add
the following:

1. The most obvious--pull the dipsticks and check the appearance of
the transmission fluid and crankcase oil before each start-up. Don't
just check the level--take a close look at the COLOR of the fluid and
oil. If the transmission fluid or engine oil is discolored (that
creamy, slick look, or any color other than normal), or the level has
moved ABOVE the full mark (or whatever level it was at the last
check), DON'T start the engine. It's time to step back and analyze
the situation.

2. Check the radiator level before start up, also. Any color other
than the normal color of the coolant you use is cause to check further
before start up. If there is a sudden drop in the cold level of the
coolant and no external leaks, suspect a leak into the engine or
transmission.

3. At the end of a trip, pull the transmission dipstick during the
cool down idle time and check the level and color. Again, anything
out of the ordinary is cause for further investigation.

4. As a carhauler/truck driver, I am supposed to stop every 200
miles or so to check my load securement. During this time, I do a
walk around to check for anything out of the ordinary--low/flat tires,
ride level, oil/coolant leaks, etc. The same process can be applied
to our RV's whenever we stop, AND, at the end of each day's trip--walk
around to check for anything out of the ordinary. During this walk
around, open the engine compartment and pull the transmission
dipstick, and check the level and color.

While all this won't prevent the problem like the one Wallace
encountered, you may at least have early warning that something is
happening and can minimize the potential damage/cost.

Phil and Christina Corpus
"iWander" 85PT40
Ventura County, CA

[guysmalley]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "iwander_85pt40" wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> Christina and I were discussing projects related to 'iWander' and the
> subject of Wallace's transmission issue came up.
>
> Apparently, the first time Wallace was aware he had a problem was when
> the engine warning light/buzzer came on. As is the case with warning
> lights, it was too late in the game.
>
> To the previously posted suggetions regarding the detection of a
> potential engine/transmission/cooling system problem, I'd like to add
> the following:
>
> 1. The most obvious--pull the dipsticks and check the appearance of
> the transmission fluid and crankcase oil before each start-up. Don't
> just check the level--take a close look at the COLOR of the fluid and
> oil. If the transmission fluid or engine oil is discolored (that
> creamy, slick look, or any color other than normal), or the level has
> moved ABOVE the full mark (or whatever level it was at the last
> check), DON'T start the engine. It's time to step back and analyze
> the situation.
>
> 2. Check the radiator level before start up, also. Any color other
> than the normal color of the coolant you use is cause to check further
> before start up. If there is a sudden drop in the cold level of the
> coolant and no external leaks, suspect a leak into the engine or
> transmission.
>
> 3. At the end of a trip, pull the transmission dipstick during the
> cool down idle time and check the level and color. Again, anything
> out of the ordinary is cause for further investigation.
>
> 4. As a carhauler/truck driver, I am supposed to stop every 200
> miles or so to check my load securement. During this time, I do a
> walk around to check for anything out of the ordinary--low/flat tires,
> ride level, oil/coolant leaks, etc. The same process can be applied
> to our RV's whenever we stop, AND, at the end of each day's trip--walk
> around to check for anything out of the ordinary. During this walk
> around, open the engine compartment and pull the transmission
> dipstick, and check the level and color.
>
> While all this won't prevent the problem like the one Wallace
> encountered, you may at least have early warning that something is
> happening and can minimize the potential damage/cost.
>
> Phil and Christina Corpus
> "iWander" 85PT40
> Ventura County, CA
>Phil & Christina
good advice

guy smalley

[Wallace Craig]

Phil, all of your comments are totally right and should be followed by everyone.
I might have caught something if I had done that. On the other hand the coach
had gone through pre-buy less than 500 miles before and passed. I have saved
the transmission cooler for someone with more experience than me to look at; I
do know that the previous owner knew something was going on because S & S found
a "low coolant" code that had been left in the computer from May 31, 05 I have
no reason to believe that he ever passed this information on to the trade in
buddy gregg and no reason to believe that Paul at Mr. Oliver knew.

Guess what, I have what should be a reliable transmission now.

Wallace
95WLWB42
Azle,Tx Still no rain

guysmalley wrote:
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "iwander_85pt40"
wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> Christina and I were discussing projects related to 'iWander' and the
> subject of Wallace's transmission issue came up.
>
> Apparently, the first time Wallace was aware he had a problem was when
> the engine warning light/buzzer came on. As is the case with warning
> lights, it was too late in the game.
>
> To the previously posted suggetions regarding the detection of a
> potential engine/transmission/cooling system problem, I'd like to add
> the following:
>
> 1. The most obvious--pull the dipsticks and check the appearance of
> the transmission fluid and crankcase oil before each start-up. Don't
> just check the level--take a close look at the COLOR of the fluid and
> oil. If the transmission fluid or engine oil is discolored (that
> creamy, slick look, or any color other than normal), or the level has
> moved ABOVE the full mark (or whatever level it was at the last
> check), DON'T start the engine. It's time to step back and analyze
> the situation.
>
> 2. Check the radiator level before start up, also. Any color other
> than the normal color of the coolant you use is cause to check further
> before start up. If there is a sudden drop in the cold level of the
> coolant and no external leaks, suspect a leak into the engine or
> transmission.
>
> 3. At the end of a trip, pull the transmission dipstick during the
> cool down idle time and check the level and color. Again, anything
> out of the ordinary is cause for further investigation.
>
> 4. As a carhauler/truck driver, I am supposed to stop every 200
> miles or so to check my load securement. During this time, I do a
> walk around to check for anything out of the ordinary--low/flat tires,
> ride level, oil/coolant leaks, etc. The same process can be applied
> to our RV's whenever we stop, AND, at the end of each day's trip--walk
> around to check for anything out of the ordinary. During this walk
> around, open the engine compartment and pull the transmission
> dipstick, and check the level and color.
>
> While all this won't prevent the problem like the one Wallace
> encountered, you may at least have early warning that something is
> happening and can minimize the potential damage/cost.
>
> Phil and Christina Corpus
> "iWander" 85PT40
> Ventura County, CA
>Phil & Christina
good advice

guy smalley







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