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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Exhaust Brake
Roy....Some do, some don't. My 2005 Diplomat was suppose to, but somewhere the wiring connection is missing. I took it back to Monaco twice and they couldn't find what was wrong. It made me mad because I was trying to add the "Brake Switch" aftermarket accessory to mine which allows you to activate the exhaust brake by tapping the brake vs using the switch. It also lets you use the cruise control while the exhaust brake switch is on. The newer coaches do this automatically.CAT can do that, but it costs $200+ just for PC programming time. Grrrrr
The re-programming of the engine ECM charge for changing a Caterpillar engine to "LATCH" mode is up to the dealer. $200 sounds excessive and more than most have reported.
In LATCH mode, exhaust brake comes on when you are off the throttle and apply the service brake (even lightly). It then stays on (whether you stay on the service brake OR MORE IMPORTANTLY, TAKE YOU FOOT OFF THE SERVICE BRAKE until you apply throttle.
A very good choice, IMO. It allows for full time exhaust brake for any emergency stop, but also allows my favorite "gear" coasting!
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wolfe10
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05/22/12 07:28am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Houston, Tx to Eureka Springs, AR
You need to let us know your skill and comfort level in the mountains, as the direct route from Hot Springs to Eureka Springs IS reasonably narrow and winding (and beautiful).
We have driven it in our coach and enjoyed it. But at the CG we stayed in, the CG owner said if you don't now how to drive a big rig on grades you could damage your brakes (they said they occasionally smell rigs coming in with way overheated brakes. Don't think I used anything more than engine brake more than 2-3 times.
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wolfe10
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05/20/12 05:20pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Fluid leaking down inside front tire
YES.
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wolfe10
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05/20/12 05:13pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Fluid leaking down inside front tire
The repair takes less than 2 hours.
BUT, I would not move it one inch until you verify that your oil level is correct. Any 90 weight gear lube can be used to top it off, as they will be draining and changing it when the do the seals and brakes. Have you popped off the center cap and checked oil level?
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wolfe10
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05/20/12 04:16pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Help!! Safari with a 7.2L Cat
A 1998 Cat 3126 is good for 8-9 MPG if driven conservatively. In the same coach, it will give you more power than the Cummins B engine and probably cost you a MPG or so. There are a lot of them on the road-- many medium duty trucks used the same motor. The 3126/Allison 3000 6 speed transmission it is mated with is an excellent drivetrain, as was your Cummins B if mated with the Allison 3000.
Yes, later engines with emissions controls got worse MPG.
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wolfe10
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05/20/12 04:13pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: If I wanted a project, I'd be tempted
Go for it, Paul!
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wolfe10
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05/19/12 08:01pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Colorado Highway 550
Much of the answer depends on the driver's skill-- something we can't comment on.
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wolfe10
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05/19/12 07:08pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Fluid leaking down inside front tire
Front wheel will be gear lube from the oil bath wheel bearings.
DO NOT MOVE until you check the oil level-- remove the center cap. There is a clear plastic cap with an arrow and circle to designate the proper oil level.
There are only a few ounces of oil in there. Drive with no oil, and the bearings can seize-- not something you want to experience!
Any OTR truck shop can replace the seals-- and it takes a dial indicator to set bearing end play. Brake pads/shoes on both front wheels will need to be replaced.
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wolfe10
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05/19/12 05:35pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: shocks
What year, chassis maker and shocks do you have?
How many miles on them?
Have you checked them-- are they leaking, bushings bad or not dampening properly after a bump?
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wolfe10
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05/19/12 12:51pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 22,000 to 23,000 lb rear axle
Dan,
Yes, the Federal bridge limit (used by many states and enforced by a few) is 20,000 on an axle.
But, I like to see a 22000 or 23000 axle as long as it is not loaded to over 20000.
That way the axle and components can be loaded to 20000 and still give you a reasonable safety reserve.
Said another way, capacity and actual weight aren't necessarily the same.
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wolfe10
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05/19/12 10:31am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: What are the best shocks to use
What chassis?
Advice for a Ford F53 won't do you much good if you have a Chevy P chassis.
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wolfe10
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05/19/12 10:01am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Solenoid testing
Lights work off the house battery bank, So, no light: showed dead.
The ignition/engine start works off the chassis battery bank: showed dead.
If you check voltage at each battery bank and it is 12.2+ (a 50% discharged battery as measured with the battery at rest) start by removing, cleaning and tightening the ground and positive wires at batteries and chassis, starter, etc.
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wolfe10
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05/19/12 06:28am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 93 safari continental friend want to buy
IF, repeat IF not maintained (i.e. you can't review maintenance records and they are reasonably complete), I totally agree.
But, if maintained, it was from a time when machines were much simpler-- both fewer systems and systems that are easier to repair.
Yes, be afraid of an older DP that has not been maintained. Do NOT be afraid of one that has.
That is the reason that for older coaches, "book value" is of little value. Their maintenance over the years is much more critical than is a book. Book on a well maintained an upgraded coach is basically the same as for one that has had 19 years of neglect. Their value is VERY different.
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wolfe10
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05/18/12 08:42pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Gauge of wire for paralleling 12 Volt Batteries?
The gauge of wire is determined by the largest load that will be on that wire.
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wolfe10
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05/18/12 05:37pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: isolator ??
As stated the 12 VDC batteries will be in PARALLEL.
Very unlikely that there is a diode-based isolator in the charger circuit-- those are normally only used for alternator output. But I have seen a lot of weirdly wired units.
I think his issue is that his inverter running only what he thinks is a small load depletes in 2-3 hours. So first issue it to VERIFY that no other loads are on (refrigerator and electric water heater element come to mind). If you turn off all the breakers in the main box except those you want to run on the inverter, you will know no other loads are on. One of the reasons I like to see inverter output run through a sub-panel with ONLY those things that you want to be able to run on the inverter on it.
You also need to verify that the batteries are getting to full charge. If plugged in to shore power overnight on a good charger, converter or inverter/charger, they should be fully charged.
If wet cell, buy a battery hydrometer-- under $10 at any auto parts house and check SG of the batteries when fully charged.
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wolfe10
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05/18/12 08:55am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Diesel loss of power
Sandra,
What exhaust brake did you have/did you order?
And when was it last lubed (if PacBrake)?
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wolfe10
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05/18/12 06:42am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Colorado mountain passes
Reality-- a lot of what is doable/not doable depends on the driver.
Very difficult for any of us to know that part of the equation.
Said another way, I know some drivers who could take a substantially lower powered coach over the mountains with no issues. Others would not be safe driving them in ANY rig.
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wolfe10
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05/17/12 08:23pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Ford Escape toad
I called Ford Canada today and asked the service people - all she could do was read the supplement but then said if I had not received anything in the mail it should not apply to my car. I asked her to confirm this and to send me something in writing. Also told her that my manual says I can, I got nothing from Ford stating differently and that I would expect them to do something if it is damaged.
She is going to try to get me a definite answer by tomorrow but think I will call my dealer tomorrow as well as ask the service manager to look into it. We were just about to get the tow equipment installed
:((
Pat
Pat,
The service department at a large Ford dealership here in the Houston area was NOT aware of this. It is an addendum to the owners manual, and did not come to them as a service bulletin. So, might want to check with sales department as well. Ford is NOT doing a good job of getting the information out on this. My calls and e-mails to the Ford help line showed they did not even know that there was an addendum preventing towing 4 wheels down!
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wolfe10
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05/17/12 06:23pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 2005 Ford V - 10
The blowing of plugs was mainly caused by the use of antiseeze compounds and improper torque when changing plugs.
No experience working on the Ford V10, but a LOT of experience working on air cooled VW's (aluminum heads with steel thread spark plugs).
We ALWAYS used anti-seize on the plug threads. If we didn't they would pull threads from the head when they were next removed. We could always tell if someone put them in dry.
Please post a link to NOT using anti-seize on steel thread spark plugs going into an aluminum head.
Thanks.
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wolfe10
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05/17/12 06:18pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Across the Gulf?
Overland is the only way I know. You would go in through the Texas Rio Grande Valley.
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wolfe10
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05/17/12 05:07pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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