Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: philtravel on March 15, 2016, 12:24:55 pm

Title: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.
Post by: philtravel on March 15, 2016, 12:24:55 pm
I am trying to open the door and there is spring tension on the handle but the latch does not release. Looking at the other single point latches I suspect that the spring actuated catch is stuck. It may need to be lubed but I have wiggled banged with my fist while the handle is pulled and no luck. Has anyone experienced this? I am considering drilling with a hole saw to be able to push it with a screwdriver. Any ideas would be appreciated or if someone can send a picture of the inside of the area so I know where not to drill.

Phil you can text to 305-992-5974 if it is easier to send a picture
Title: Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.
Post by: Keith and Joyce on March 15, 2016, 12:57:25 pm
Do a search on the subject as this has been dealt with before.

Keith
Title: Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.
Post by: John S on March 15, 2016, 01:27:34 pm
I would reach first push and pull the latch while someone is pushing in slightly.  Then I oul try to reach up with a hooked coat hanger and see if you can catch the cable.
Title: Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.
Post by: TulsaTrent on March 15, 2016, 01:31:10 pm
I usually have to pull my handle a second time. After the first pull it moves some but doesn't go up. After the second pull, it releases fully and starts up (usually)
 
Trent
Title: Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.
Post by: philtravel on March 15, 2016, 04:07:19 pm
Keith, any ideas on search words I could not find using the search.
Title: Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.
Post by: Michelle on March 15, 2016, 04:25:47 pm
Keith, any ideas on search words I could not find using the search.


Hover over "Community", click "Search.  Search for stuck bay door  :)
Title: Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.
Post by: philtravel on March 15, 2016, 05:52:39 pm
I have read through the past post Re; this topic but have not found what pertains to my situation. If anyone has a 99 U320 that could send me a picture of the inside bottom of the Gen cooling fan and control bay so I know where I am drilling it would be appreciated.
Title: Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.
Post by: Pamela & Mike on March 15, 2016, 06:12:33 pm
phil,

It sounds like one of the nuts came off the bolt that connects the linkage from the handle to the latch resulting in the arm falling off. On our '97 you can raise the coach (put in your frame blocks) and come in from underneath, there is just enough room behind the steering sector to cut an access door right at the floor level. Make sure it is big enough for you arm to fit through. This will let you both see if it is a linkage arm loose and reach it rather than cutting through from the front side.

Pamela & Mike

Title: Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.
Post by: craneman on March 15, 2016, 06:25:21 pm
I have read through the past post Re; this topic but have not found what pertains to my situation. If anyone has a 99 U320 that could send me a picture of the inside bottom of the Gen cooling fan and control bay so I know where I am drilling it would be appreciated.
I have a 99 U320 but my gen fan is located below the drivers window and does not have controls in it. Just the AH filter and cable for the front cover of the generator. Which picture do you want me to take?
Title: Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.
Post by: jcus on March 15, 2016, 06:27:34 pm
my gen blower comp.
Title: Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.
Post by: philtravel on March 15, 2016, 08:13:16 pm
I was able to unbolt the latch mount from the door and got it opened. The basic problem was lack of lubrication . but these latches are installed horizontally and are designed to pull from left/right and the motion is just enough to trip the spring loaded catch that needs an upward pull. This is less than ideal and the slightest flex in the connecting rod it won't work. I will end up drilling a hand hole to access it for the next time.
Title: Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.
Post by: Larry & Karen Pontius on March 15, 2016, 10:10:06 pm
Had the same problem on my 1999 U295.  Called James and he instructed me to take a block of wood, place it under the latch handle body(not the pull handle) and tap it upward with a hammer.  Latch moved just enough to get the door open.  That paid for the $25.00 for the Motorcade Plus.  Before the call I was ready to cut a hand hole to access the mechanism.
 
When adjusting the locking device I learned to use a round screwdriver blade to act as the locking pin so I could do the fine adjustments without closing the door and locking myself out . 
Title: Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.
Post by: pocketchange on March 17, 2016, 12:29:06 pm
I would think the easiest thing to do would point in the direction of a Locksmith..  pc