Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: MAZ on August 30, 2010, 05:04:04 pm

Title: Dash Switch Question
Post by: MAZ on August 30, 2010, 05:04:04 pm
   I have a switch on my dash that is not mentioned in the manual. I assume it is a engine fan switch but I am not sure. Any input on its use would be helpful. Thanks

Regards, Mark Zettek

See Picture Attached (switch on the right)

Title: Re: Dash Switch Question
Post by: Barry Beam on August 30, 2010, 06:08:42 pm
 
Quote
  I have a switch on my dash that is not mentioned in the manual. I assume it is a engine fan switch but I am not sure. Any input on its use would be helpful.

Looks as if someone added a engine fan control switch and a entry step switch. These were not standard.
Title: Re: Dash Switch Question
Post by: Kent Speers on August 30, 2010, 06:30:58 pm
It may be a non-standard electric radiator fan. I installed one on my coach for additional cooling in the hot Oklahoma Summers. If so, I think you should be able to hear it come on and turn off if your standing back by the radiator. They have a distinctive sound. Have someone in the cockpit turn it on and off while you are standing near the radiator.
Title: Re: Dash Switch Question
Post by: MAZ on August 31, 2010, 11:49:47 am
Thanks Barry and Kent,
      I will have my son turn it on and off and see what I can hear or see in the engine compartment.

  Regards, Mark
Title: Re: Dash Switch Question
Post by: MAZ on November 22, 2010, 01:32:59 pm
Barry you were right about the switch. I talked with the original owner yesterday and found out it is a switch the factory installed to bypass the temp sensor for the engine fans. He said it is used to help keep the trans cooler when the retarder is in heavy use. Also found out why my coach says U285 Special on it. He said he bought five new top of the line coaches from Foretravel over the years. When he went to buy the 99 he asked them to build him a U320 with the light oak cabinets in it. The factory said no they only put them in a U270. After a lot of bargaining he asked them to take a U270 on the lot and run it back throught the factory and put all the U320 options on it. He had the U285 Special logo's made up and put them on the coach as a joke to the factory because it is the only one of its kind out there. It was interesting to talk with him about all that he did to the coach and how well he took care of it.

Regards , Mark
Title: Re: Dash Switch Question
Post by: Dave Katsuki on November 22, 2010, 02:18:06 pm
That's a great idea.  I was muddling about, heading toward the same idea, since when the engine is cool (as when going down a hill), the fan doesn't turn on high, and I've noticed our trans doesn't get cooled as much.  Could also be that in my U270, the low speed fan isn't turning as fast as it should?    Anyhow, should be not too hard to add an electrically controlled shunt valve across the hydraulic thermostat valve on the radiator feed pipe, sort of like Barry Leavitt did with a manual one.  http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=3433.msg12608#msg12608 (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=3433.msg12608#msg12608)
Quote
Our 1997 Cummins coach has a thermostatic hydraulic valve on the radiator line from the thermostat housing to the radiator.
This valve is supposed to close when coolant reaches about 185-190 or so. When this valve closes the two radiator fan motors are supposed to rotate faster. The fastest speed is reached at about 2,000 engine RPM, when hydraulic pump pressures are quite high.
I put a ball valve on the small hydraulic line to close off the valve so I can keep the fans at high speed all the time.
I did this bypass because the thermostatic hydraulic valve may have failed. But we have seen higher heat since this manual bypass, so it may rule out the thermostatic hydraulic valve. Barry & Cindy
Anyone got an idea for sources for an electric valve?
Title: Re: Dash Switch Question
Post by: Karl Brenneman on November 22, 2010, 10:22:21 pm
Hi Guys

I too have a dash switch That says reset on it. Dose anyone know what it is for?
Thanks fore your help.  Nothing in the manual address it.

2004 U320 42
Title: Re: Dash Switch Question
Post by: Barry Beam on November 22, 2010, 10:34:17 pm
I too have a dash switch That says reset on it. Dose anyone know what it is for?
Nothing in the manual address it.
2004 U320 42
Is it on the side panel with the other rocker switches?
Then it would be the HWH reset.
Title: Re: Dash Switch Question
Post by: Karl Brenneman on November 22, 2010, 10:53:24 pm
Hi Barry
No it is next to the parking brake. ( It says over ride) its a rocker switch.
Thanks Karl
Title: Re: Dash Switch Question
Post by: Dave Head on November 22, 2010, 11:15:35 pm
With a 42 footer it sounds like tag axle override.