. Got a taste of a breakdown at mile marker 37 , on I-10 in (Arizona) . Engine got hot , had a tuff time getting back in the right lane as traffic was very fast and heavy . Couldn't get off the road very far about 5 feet past the white stripe . Dash shows nothing , blank . Go back to check . See a coolant trail leading up to the coach . The coolant tank was completely full . The oil in tank that runs the steering system was full . Turned the key , went back to engine start button , started engine , no fan ------darn-----. Called James T. he said right off it is the pump motor on the passenger side of the transmission that runs the fan. Only had a few miles to go to get to Brenda to our camp ground . James said wait there till the engine cools , then drive slowly with the dash heater on full . Did that , got to the CG ,got parked , hooked up.----Amen twice . Called Foretravel , spoke to Mike , the parts MGR. , he had already been talking to James and had the parts boxed up ready to ship . ----WOW -- didn't expect all that so fast . He was waiting for me to call with an address . The parts should get here next week about Thursday . Don't know how they could have been any better . Have decided they do not pay James enough . Brad Metzger
Bummer!!! No overnight delivery??
What a great bunch of guys at FOT. Good luck with the repair.
Brad,
If you have to stay till next week for parts you need to at least go out for dinner Saturday. Here is one of the best steak houses around Cattleman's Steakhouse, visit a legendary Texas Steakhouse (http://www.cattlemanssteakhouse.com/) If you are on the east side of El Paso it is well worth the drive. Hope you get back on the road soon.
Pamela & Mike
quite a different tone from much of the "Realm" thread. ^.^d very encouraging -- maybe even for those of us with much more modest coaches ::)
Just talked to Brad and told him when we arrive at Q Sunday we will all see what can be done to get the truck and ATV off his coach and driven to Q thereby removing a lot of weight from coach. maybe he then can in a couple of spurts drive the coach to Q and when part arrives go pick it up and install at Q. Will talk to all at Q when we arrive and figure something out for them.
JohnH
You guys rock!
OK, now round up some folks to help Bill C. and Jo get their toad fixed and make it to Q ;)
I missed that post of Bill's trouble. What is it under and were is he?
JohnH
Just west of Van Horn, TX. Toad lost a wheel and brake assembly "Q" sign In/Out page (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=23600.msg184427#msg184427)
Brads email to me said they are at Black Rock RV park at mile marker 31 on 60 just before I10 in site 005, NOT at mm39 on I 10 as in posting. About 17 miles east of Q. I will go see them on our way Sunday and figure out what needs to be done and accessability of part on coach. talk once we get to Q and let you all know.
JohnH
Got to mention --we will be here a full month . My goal once the parts arrive is to hire a mechanic to change out the parts here at the camp ground . If all else fails , will have the coach towed to Quartzsite where this can be done . Now , the twist to this mess , ----my toad is a F-250 4by4 diesel truck . Jim Dunivan drove it to push the coach to the camp ground still hooked up with the tow bar . Sure like that old ford truck . Brad Metzger
Brad,
I misread where you were at. Thought you were just down the road from Bill C close to El Paso. Looks like you have a plan of attack as soon as the parts arrive.
Pamela
Wow what an experience. Hope the engine fared ok.
What a great response by everyone. I wish I could be there to help also. I love this forum even when we disagree.
I have been under this coach a bunch here lately , and getting to know it too darn well from there . Now , removing that hydraulic pump is something I don't see as getting done without loosing most or all of ones religion . It is at the front of the transmission very close to the engine with so little room to do anything with your hands much less using a wrench . There is a wire plug connector on top that snaps on and has to be released . Problem is there is two things on that have to be released at the same time but------there is only enough room to get one finger into position at a time . Must bee some small device to do that ? This pump is cast iron . My guess is it is heavy , maybe 65 pounds or so . Now holding the new pump up there and aligning the bolts will be one interesting maneuver that I want to see . Now , got to find someone that can do it . This just might be the hardest part of this whole ordeal . ??? ??? ??? ??? Brad Metzger
Brad, I hate those d.. little fingers that you have to release to get the plug loose.
Try using a small screwdriver pushed into one of the fingers to release it and then maybe you can release the other one with your finger.
Good luck.
Gary B
I hear you Gary , That electric connector sits on top of the electric control dome feeling kind of thing . Now this thing is on top of the pump . If only I could see it maybe I could figure something to solve it . Can not get my hand to it , only a finger . Maybe it has to be unbolted and lowered down some to get it . Can not see it getting done any other way . This pump is heavy , so when the last bolt is out it hast to be held there long enough for some one else to unplug it . I can easily see torn out wires from who knows where . Sure don't need that on top of all this mess . Brad Metzger
I use a mirror and a light to see stuff or put your cell phone up with the flash and get a peek at what you are facing.
Brad, Another thought, that cable must lead to another control, solenoid, pressure switch etc, is it possible you can trace that wire and find that there is a connector on the other end you can reach ?
Or... Best case is that new pump comes with harness attached ..... You can dream anyway.
Gary B
Maybe like an old VW, drop the engine & transmission to work on it ?
Sorry, no help, but you have my sympathy, the old hands just don't work as well any longer.
Buy a cheap borescope at harborfreight, amazon, etc.
These last few days , I have been talking to the local people about diesel mechanics and where and who would they call to get this done . One thing that comes out quickly is " stay away from that bunch at Quartzsite" usually followed up with they will scam you or a bunch of crooks etc etc . After all this , I am pointed to Salome and Tony Garcia . I go there , meet his resident mechanic ---"Greasy" and he looks the part . He states that they do this stuff all the time . Says Tony is out on a call but will call and set it up . Nothing yet , but feels good to know something is in the works that can produce results . I'll call him when the new pump arrives from Foretravel . :) :) :) Brad Metzger
Much to my surprise , the pump boxes arrived . Yep , two of them . Heavy as the dickens . Both in a tight wooden box . Now all that's left is to get that mechanic here and do it . The feeling of having your coach sitting there and knowing it can't be driven is a bit much for me . Not used to having anything in this situation . I like to keep my stuff up and running and ready to go . This Mechanic better have small hands , be strong and be smart , otherwise I might be here till July . Brad Metzger
Now that I have what better be the right parts , I notified the Mechanic that say's they (he) will be here tomorrow about noon to do the job . He said it might take most of the day to do it . Still see no way to do that without a cutting torch to remove all the stuff that is in the way . He said we have done a few of these pumps and it is tight but we can and will do it . All this is music to my ears. By the end of the day tomorrow we'll know for sure . Brad Metzger
Brad I just happened to talk with James. I mentioned that you got the pump and he said don't forget to tell him that if you remove the tag tire your access will be much easier. I thought I would relay that message.
Thanks for your input . Yes , I got to get it started , raise as high as it will go , lift passenger side tag , remove the wheel completely . This will give the mechanic best possible chance to have enough space to do a very tough job . I guess it can be done but it will be one interesting event to say the least . They called today to say they will be here about 1:00pm tomorrow afternoon . This alone is a biggie . Just getting a qualified mechanic in this part of the state is a big deal . All the repair places in Quartzsite have a bundle of baggage in the rip off area , so feel good about the guys that are coming tomorrow . Brad Metzger
Yes , I spoke to James also . This afternoon about 3:00 the mechanic came by just to size up the job .He said this is no big deal and don't worry with the tag wheel . Said , my guy will slide in there and get it done . Looks to me to be real tough . Not in this kind of business so we will see . Brad Metzger
I'll buy first class tickets for you, Phyllis and Barney home, trade you even up, as is, where is. :-) Where do I send the tickets?
:-)!!
Tim,
If he takes you up on it, I will fly you first class to Phoenix to pick it up in trade for your rig. :)) :)) :))
If Brad accepts, you have a deal!!!!
John, sorry to hear you're having a problem.
The fore travel I-10 jinx is still preset from what I read. Got me nervous as I am due to get on I-10 in a couple of weeks. Hopefully New Orleans voodoo will help East of the big easy! ^.^d
Brad, will FT still be in business in a week when we get the units towed there?
I feel good about were I am now parked as this shop is big and fancy so sure they can fix it but to pay for the fancy bldg they may charge big bucks. If so I will be calling Bro dave for a loan???
JohnH
Hi John,
So sorry to hear about your continuing adventure! Makes our little bum genny and fried EMS issues seem paltry. Here's hoping that the stop engine light that has flickered on and off doesn't put us in the same bucket... I hope you get some good answers from FOT or Cummins and can put a rest to it.
Don & Tys
This is my 4th Foretravel and the 1st time to be broke down . This bad feeling is something I could do without very well . But---------I do understand the mechanical factor . In short , stuff breaks . It is supposed to be the other guy's stuff that breaks . Guess it is just my turn , "drats" I fully expect this mess to turnout ok . If this local wizard mechanic can't make this engine good as new , I'll have it towed to Cummins and be John's neighbor . Brad Metzger
I would consider John and Ruth's company to be a plus ^.^d
If you drive enough you will break down. The question is how you get it fixed and what it costs and the inconvience. I love Cummins as they are professional and will get it fixed right the first time.
Hope you don't have to have the hook to get there and find that out Brad. It seems I will want to avoid I 10 for a while.
Finally, I think this will become a bigger issue as we go forward as the installed user base of coaches age.
Boy, this saga makes me ill! Been there, and I know it isn't fun, funny, or in ANY way enjoyable. Wish you the best, and MUCH better than your experience to date.
Wishing you a favorable outcome.
Dick & Rockey
I feel for both you and John, being broke down and having the repair folks massage your wallet gets old in a hurry. Let alone not fixing the problem, easy to get enough real quick. But those of us that ride around in 15-20 year old mechanical houses are going to be in the same boat at some point. I guess is just a matter of how much one can put up with.
We sold the house and everything In it and fixing to retire and get gone the end of March. Nothing wrong with us!!!
Don,
Good reply, except that if local charge out rates apply it is probably $130.00 you can charge! or more if you have a pit?
Geoffh
Did I miss the post about Brad's coach being repaired?
Brad says the mechanic is supposed to come out Saturday afternoon around 2 pm- we will see.
He will post more when things happen.
Ted
Brad's coach had a hydraulic pump go out, I believe. He has the part and is waiting for mechanic to install it.
Haven't heard from John- his coach got the stop engine light and lost throttle control. Hope we will hear good news from him today.
How is your coach running Elliot? Did Bernd put in new fuel lines? Do you like the resonator?
We are in California now
Ted & Karen
John,
I purchased a new Progressive EMS and put it in as the dealer there at Q said he couldn't exchange it for me. The old one smelled fried when I opened it up. I will deal with the factory to get them to repair or replace the fried one, and then I will put it up by the generator. Speaking of the generator, I haven't fixed that issue yet, but the last three times I tried to start it (now that we don't need to use it! :D ), it started right up!!! Argh! As far as my stop engine light, it came on once very briefly (just enough time to read it before it went back out) up a slight grade under moderate load after we left Q on our way to Caliente Hot Springs. It didn't come on at all on the next leg to Menifee. I am not foolish enough to think it is in any way solved, but happy not to think about it for a few days!
Don
Just got a call from the mechanic . He said as soon as they finish lunch they would be here and change out the pump . Am about to think there will be a fly in the pie some how . After John's mess , I expect something along the same lines . Missing gasket. wrong hose connection -------like that . When I spoke to Mike at FOT parts , I told him , put everything in that box that I will need . So , we will see shortly and I will keep you all posted on how it pans out . I will take the finished product on the interstate and run the be-Jesus out of it to be sure . Brad Metzger
Finally some good news from the I-10 mess . The mechanics just finished the pump change out . It works , no leaks, yes , one happy camper . Too late to drive test it , dark etc etc . The failure is -- the splines were bone dry , no grease or sign of ever having grease on them resulting in the inner and outer splines were warn to the point on slipping past each other and nearly smooth . Results of this , the pump was not being driven and no fan is the result . The new replacement pump has some special grease with it for that purpose so it was applied . Was charged $400.00 and am ok with that . That is one tuff tight , greasy miserable job . It required him to remove the mud flap . remove the batteries just to be able to get to the Area where the pump is located so the job could be done . Wow , am relieved , happy ,and shickeled titless to have it done . Brad Metzger
Great news Brad, one down and one to go now. Hope johns issues get resolved soon also.
Interesting having 60,000 (?) miles on the 2010 Phenix with dry splines, it should go for ever with the correct grease on the splines. :o ,
Wonder if FOT or (?) feels any pain for the lack of proper assembly procedure ?
Just glad to know it is road ready. b^.^d
Brad,
Do I understand that the drive splines had to be replaced along with the pump shaft. If so that would be a bad job to do even setting in a shop. Hope your test drive goes well and you are back on the road.
Pamela & Mike
Brad, this is good news, happy for you. Bon voyage!
suspence, suspence !!!!!!..........
how did the test drive go !!!!!!!!
This pump is a two piece bolted together and the two shafts are what connects to it together ( Inner and outer) . One part is the gear box , the other is the pump . This is bolted to the transmission as a unit . This unit is heavy , about 100 pounds + or - . One wire plug , one output hose and a large return hose . The mechanic said , if it would have had grease on that spline it would most likely last as long as the engine . You have to hand it to James T. , he said that was the problem from the get go . Mike , parts mgr. sent exactly the correct parts . Can not fault Foretravel one bit . Went to bed last night with the feeling that that big gray thing with a trunk stepped off my foot . :) :) :) Want to get this coach on the interstate and hammer down to get the temp up to see that the fan goes into high output mode . Brad Metzger
Brad,
That makes sense. I was wondering if it was the main drive splines that had wore. That should fix the problem.
P & M
The frustration of being broke down and not being able to drive off is a bummer . The mental defeat feeling is a tuffy as well . Mine was bad enough but John's ----well that has got to be a test of what keeps men from saying bad things out loud . I know the feeling John is going thru . I expect he can handle it better than myself . Brad Metzger
Brad
James new what part you needed because almost every nimbus and Phoenix has had this problem. I had a 2009 nimbus with 26,000 miles on it when the pto shelled out. Foretravel is aware of the problem and does nothing about it.
I have to agree with you on that . I knew there were other failures , just didn't tune in on it since it wasn't me . My big point on this issue is this ----where is the grease -----? Why wasn't it applied when installed ? Is it because some one didn't give a toot , or didn.t follow instructions ???? The more I think on this , the more questions come up . Drats squared twice !!! Did Foretravel install this pump ? Did it come from Allison installed ---I doubt it --? Will ask some key FOT folks and let every one know the results . Like I said before , the mechanic said that pump should have lasted as long as the engine . Goes right back to grease . I seam to be ready to hit the road when ready . Still ticked off about it . Brad Metzger
You won't get an answer. "There isn't a problem" is all you will hear from the factory.
Country Coach also had a problem with the drive for their hydraulic pumps that run off the Allison transmission pto. I have changed quite a few with a new kit, which was a bear to do. Glad that I am not doing that anymore.
I watched that guy named (greasy) for 4 hours under that coach . His boss handed him tools . That has got to be considered a really bad job to do . I could not do it , too big , and old . Made me tired just watching him working in such a tight close area . His boss said that Greasy likes jobs that other people don't like . Said it makes him feel important . :) Brad Metzger
Sure makes one glad there's still workers like that still around.
@Brad Glad everything is back together. Hope the the drive goes well tomorrow. We need some good news! :)
see ya
ken
I didn't know if this was applicable to Foretravel or not but after hearing Brad's experience, I guess I should mention what I know from when I worked at Country Coach in '08:
My understanding of the PTO problem is that a wet kit needs to be added that fills the spline chamber with engine oil from a small hose tapped into the engine oil galley. A second hose is a drain. Grease will work for only a limited time. The root cause I was told was that Cummins changed the idle such that the engine doesn't always fire on every cylinder (to decrease fuel consumption at idle) and a type of vibration is sent through the power train. The vibration causes "fretting corrosion" on the splines. Prior to '08 this step up was used for years in a dry (assembly grease only) configuration with no issues, then suddenly many failures in '08. This took all manufactures by surprise who use this setup. One of those things you could never predict ahead of time. Hard to say how many miles the grease will last because it's actually a function of idle time. If it were me I would get a kit installed as soon as convenient. I think the kit is just a supply hose(s), fittings and maybe some gaskets. Country Coach, LLC. had to do a recall for this due to the loss of power steering. Started on the Magna/Affinity line but I read lately owners of all models with PTO's are adding the wet kit.
Here's a good description from the new Country Coach Corporation.
Starts on page 5: http://www.countrycoach.com/pdf/destinations/Fall_2011-1.pdf
Looks like everyone will need to do this conversion. I knew about it on CC as they announced it but FT is silent on it. Time for them to contact owners.
Interesting. Nice that CC provided a write up explaining everything in great detail on the PTO failure. Why do we not see this from FOT?
So , now we have the rest of the story . Where is Foretravel on this issue ?? Why do we have to find out about this from Country Coach . ?? Appears Foretravel is either hiding it or just plain don't give a damn about it's customers . They had to know . James is on top of this kind of information , and my bet he was told to keep his mouth shut about it . Boy does this fire up my negative thoughts about the top guy . This oil kit should have been done prior to these coaches being built . Damn --damn and double damn . I am not upset one bit ---do you believe that ? Brad Metzger
Now that I run my mouth a bit much , I will have that oil bath kit installed . Got to locate the right place to get it done . Maybe that shop in NAC I.ve been hearing about . Anybody have ideas on this . Brad Metzger
I bet Bernd can do it but you might sit a while getting it done. Or you could see if Cloverdale could do it for you on the way home.
FYI, the posts related to John Haygarth's throttle control problems have been split into their own topic here Throttle control failure (split from Break down on I-10 ) (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=23673.0)
This info from CC just adds fire to my comment a while back "what is happening at FT lately, especially with serious updates of info that owners of affected coach's should be kept up to date on"
These are to me serious issues and does not sound like the FT of old. Are we seeing the sinking of the "mothership"???
Bad paintwork on new models, no updating for owners on system requirements, technical help for select people only. This is not what we want to see and hear.
JohnH
Thanks John S. , but--------and but again-----I just got off the phone with James T. and he said , the rebuilt pumps that they send out for replacement (all) have a Zerk grease fitting installed . Boy is this good news or what . When you change oil and grease your coach , give it a shot of grease . Wow ---this just might be the cure . I my have to hold off on the strangulation think after all . He said the newer pumps have oil bath , but my coach has the older model and can not be fitted with oil bath . I would believe the grease fitting might be cure on my model since it will not run dry as long as I own it . That James knows some stuff for sure . He is the guy at FOT that can be trusted all the time . :) :) :) Brad Metzger
James was good in oct 87 when I met him at the unihome intro at Nac
So , as the story goes . The older model pumps where installed with grease applied at that time . Problem is after a period of time the grease is slung off and now it is dry splines working against each other . This will result in failure . It is just a matter of time , It's going to happen . So the grease fitting should save the day . :) :) :) Brad Metzger
I had my Sheppard Steering box replaced last November because it was leaking badly and on the verge of failure. Now I am reading in the CC pdf that the PTO can fail and cause a loss of power steering and hydraulics.
Being a user, not a mechanic, can anyone tell me if this is something I have on my 2001 U270 and how I can check to see if it has a grease zert?
Thanks for your help.
Ted
PS- Brad- so glad you are fixed and back on the road .
Now Let's hope Cummins can help John.
Brad, glad you are all fixed up. Did James say in what year they started putting zerk fittings on the pumps? Would be nice to know.
Richard B
I didn't ask and James did not say. Only later models were stated . I'll find out and post . Brad Metzger
Well, that is a good thing they put it on there. I would say it is not just a FT issue but I worry that the problem will not be solved with only a grease point. I will be looking at your experience closely.
Interesting details about the PTO issue.
This problem is not for most foretravels that have a belt driven pump. It is for newer models that have a PTO on the transmission that drives the hydraulic pump. A squirt of grease on the splines every now and then will make it last---same as splined couplings in industry.
The biggest difference with the Foretravel issue is that a pump failure will disable the cooling fan but not the steering, as Foretravel's have a separate power steering pump. The CC's did not have this auxiliary power steering pump. In addition the wet kit as it is called was used because there was enough room for its installation. foretravel tried this but alas no room so they went to the zerk fitting greasable fitting. This same issue had been shown on certain over the road trucks with ptos. Many went the zerk method and it just is a matter of routine lubrication as with the drive shaft etc., I believe the change occurred some time after Brads build as my 08 doesn't have the fitting, and I am going to upgrade soon with their greasable PTO. Is this going to cost me something yeas but my coach is 8 years old and it was never a safety issue like the CC's. I believe that it only affects coaches from 08 on till the switch.
What I don't understand is why foretravel doesn't send out a letter and warn people about problem. My coach had 26,000 miles on it when PTO shelled out ruining the PTO and pump. The final bill was over $4,000.00
Because if they do, they might be on the hook to pay for it and I doubt that they want to do that. So, it will be spread as usual by this forum and that is why it is so valuable.
I crawled under to inspect my PTO. No jerk/grease fitting. One possibility would be to disconnect the pump slightly from the PTO and fill the coupling with grease. May get another 50K miles out of it. Mine has 60K so far. "Knock on wood".
It is tight but with the coach fully raised it is doable.
steering and cooling are separate. typical redundant foretravel
You might be right about that . Batteries , radiator cap , left wheel bearing ---hell , no telling . The hope is that it is on the bottom area reachable while on a creeper . Didn't know that it had a grease fitting on it until I spoke to James T. . was pleasantly surprised when he told me . Am anxious to look and find it . But here in this CG it is all gravel and not the nice round soft type :D . I do have a foldable creeper with me and when on a paved surface I will have a look see where it is on that pump . Brad Metzger
James T. said they have seen several of the PTO shaft failures. Enough that they take a "wet lube" kit supplied by Chelsea and rebuild those returned or replaced at FT. Instead of putting a fluid line on the shaft housing where Chelsea threaded, FT installs a zerk fitting because of clearance issues. So this is not an uncommon failure.
Seems FT could have sent out a bulletin and informed everyone to have the kit installed. I would pay for the kit versus, on the side of the road failure, tow, PTO AND Pump replacement costs.
BUT, it took one of our Forum members to inform us.
Yup, me too. I would rather fix it before it left me on the side of the road. Fat fell down on that agin. Kind of like the stealth repairs on the old aquahots.
If you have an ISC, I think your hydraulic pump is belt-driven, like ours. Check the left rear of the engine, and if the hydraulic pump is there and belt driven, you don't have PTO drive.
Think about it , A zerk fitting coats 39 cents , drill a hole , tap it , bingo . The oil bath is just a bit more than 39 cents . Brad Metzger
I've been digging more on this issue and found that there are numerous posts about this same "dry lube" PTO issue on some Wonder lodge, Prevost, Tiffin and Country Coach units.
Many coach manufacturers put these on with no way to add grease/lube. So it may not be fair to lay it all on FT.
As I stated on my original post this PTO issue is very wide spread and the manufacturer never did any changes other than the zerk fitting which Foretravel now orders and puts in on rebuild units. There is a greasable shaft kit that is available however you must take the PTO apart remove old shaft and bushings and then install the new kit. I did not think that I could do this myself so I opted for the rebuilt unit and will send my core to be rebuilt and then used by another. Brad my friend Vincent just installed the wet kit in a Magna and it does require space that does not exist on our current coaches as they were built. That's really all there is to it with the battery bank, pump location etc it simply can't be done without potentially being at risk. Bye the way the wet kit costs approx. $500 so although not inexpensive it is less than the rebuilt unit, or worse the $4000 for pump and PTO
No dog in this fight but wouldn't it just be a question of drilling and tapping the (cast iron?) case and screwing in a zerk? No way of doing it in place?
I confirmed with Chelsea Parker (the PTO manufacturer) that they supply the PTO with a small grease pack. So the variables determining when the spline fails are simply how much of that grease was applied and how much the PTO is being used (miles driven).
Still seems a good option to separate the PTO from the pump and fill it with grease. Would probably make it good for at lease 50K miles. As some of the failures on Wonderlodge coaches were not showing up until 100K+ miles.
I may be out of line, and have no first hand knowledge, but if you had the grease zerk in place, or decided to put one in, why couldn't you run a line out to a more accessible point to add grease on a semi regular basis, without having to move heaven and earth?
Larry
I requested some additional information from James T. and he promptly replied with the following. It appears FT was on top of this and had a warranty plan in place to assist owners.
Excerpt from email:
___________________________________
According to our records there are 80 coaches that have the PTO for the hydraulic pump on certain Foretravel Motorcoaches involving Phenix and Nimbus model years 2007-2010.
When we were aware of the potential problem we established 4 levels of service policy for both pre- and post- warranty expiration for our owners with these non-greasable shafts.
· 80 coaches originally had the non-greasable shaft.
· 18 involved ISL engines that have not indicated a service life problem.
· 34 in that unit range have had greasable shafts installed post production.
· Some have had in excess of 70,000 miles without failure.
· 28 PTOs could still be suspect.
· Inspections are still recommended and shafts with fittings greased per our original service bulletin dated 8/18/2011.
Note: Unlike other motorhome manufacturers our pump is for cooling only and does not affect the separate steering pump operation.
Sincerely,
James
FWIW, I have seen farm equipment that had grease zerks in inaccessible locations that had small tubing attached at the grease application point and then the tubing terminated in a remote zerk on an accessible panel. Grease all zerks with one grease gun at one location.
Gary B
Could someone give me James T email address. Trying to determine if I have this issue or if it had been addressed before I bough the coach.
Thank you
Roy
Thanks Dave- I'm glad I'm not in for this "fun" down the road.
Good seeing you and Nancy at Q- will see you again down the road.
Ted
Ralph, Your right, remote zerks would not work on a spinning part, but you could always engineer a blind collar over the shaft to retain the grease.
In Brads case it seems that a remote zerk would work fine as case is stationary if I understand correctly.;
Gary B
@Roy These are the 2 email addresses I have for James.
James Triana <technical.assistance@foretravel.com>
James Triana <warranty.director@foretravel.com>
see ya
ken
I have good news, the pump had been changed out of my 09 Nimbus before I bought it. However, to my knowledge the unit has never been greased ( 4 years ago ). So the questions are, about where is this pump located and what kind of grease should I use ?.
Thanks for your help.
Roy
The pump is mounted to the side of the transmission on the passenger side of the coach. I do not know what type of grease or how much would be needed, as on the Country Coaches I changed out had the wet kit installed on them, so no grease needed. They have a line from the transmission to the pto assembly that flows trans fluid through the pto
Look for some type of "spline grease" or "coupling grease". It's pretty sticky stuff.
Drove the coach today for the first time since the pump mess . All is well , A-men . Here is what I notice . The fan does not scream at high speed, guess what --- that is what it should have done all along but it screamed wide open since day one . It is a two speed pump and should run at low speed until engine heat requires more fan speed . The bite in all this is --Why didn't the shop folks say something to me about it not being correct --??? It now runs slow speed , keeps the temp at 180 to 185 at 65 MPH in 80 degree temp . Have been told that if something is wrong with the pump it will run wide open fast . Have been told if you have a pump problem to unplug the wires from the control (rounded) box on the on the pump and it will run at full fast speed . I feel "not good about this being a preventable thing" I will shut up for now . Brad Metzger