Started up the coach after a two month stay at Fort Wilderness and found an oil leak up front as shown in the picture. Guessing from what we've seen on the Forum that it's a leak in the M100. We did a follow-up test putting a paper plate under the leak to assess it. We let the coach run for 15 minutes, counting 5 drops total on the plate in that time. Nothing more as the engine cooled down. We've extended our stay another week to try and get this fixed before we are scheduled to head home (about 120 miles) next Sunday. Hoping it is only a seal or hose issue. Will post more pictures tomorrow. Also, any mobile mechanic recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Deb and Jeff
And I was so hoping we didn't share this issue with our bigger siblings.
Sigh.
The good news is that a set of new seals cures the immediate problem, but our larger brothers often opt for a full "Red Head" rebuild with select-fit bearing balls to eliminate play in the steering box.
Might try a Lucas seal restore bottle if the steering is tight.
Does the oil. Circulate esleware?
We talked to Keith (formerly MOT) and he indicated that the hydraulics push the engine oil up to the steering box (sorry, not mechanically inclined so not sure I communicated that clearly). Is it OK to mix the Lucas product in with the engine oil? How much should we add? With only 120 miles to home (Palm Coast, FL), we word prefer to get her worked on back there rather than sitting in the site here at Disney. Just don't want to risk anything that would strand us along the way.
This is the first occurrence we've seen of the leak. The coach has been parked for most of the last year with only a trip from Palm Coast to Disney and back in October and then back down here on Jan. 1 so things may have dried out a bit. We are also thinking of doing a few more 15 minutes idling sessions to see if there is any change in the leak rate. Any and all thoughts are welcomed. Thanks again.
Engine oil is separate from the hydraulics . might be the same spec of oil, but not mixed.
Read the instructions on the Lucas bottle .
Yes, to clarify, though the hydraulic system uses Delo 400 15-40 diesel oil (or equivalent) there is NO connection between the engine's oil system (will be black very quickly) and the totally clear oil in the hydraulic system.
Be sure to check the level in your hydraulic reservoir (dip stick).
So in regards to the Lucas the back up portion of the seal is what failed on mine and it continued to get worse till I got home. Carry extra oil and check often. I drove 1700 miles rather than work on it on the road. At the end I was pouring oil in every 100 miles. Made it home and repaired there.
Steering gearbox leak (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=43263.0)
Bath time was terrible because I had oil spray halfway up the drivers side to the rear
Scott
Thanks everyone, every piece of information is appreciated. Will check the hydraulic fluid level as soon as I figure out where the dipstick is :D. Also, just took some additional pictures.
So you have the sector shaft under that plastic like 2 1/2 cap. Save for reinstall. Will need both sector shaft seals. I was told by people I respect that the steering shaft seal on top does not need to be addressed. If your just resealing do both sector seals, the other one will happen sooner than later. Sorry to hear. My reservoir has a sight glass on the side and a dip stick on the filler plug on top. I generally just use the sight glass .
Scott
Obviously, this is your choice, but if that were mine, I'd just drive it home. Wouldn't think twice about going 120 miles. I'd maybe overfill the oil a little bit. Stop occasionally to check the level if it makes you feel better.
That's what we are thinking about doing. Not sure where the hydraulic dipstick is (or even what it looks like). Looked up behind the front grill but didn't see anything that looked like that might be it. Does anyone know where it might be located on a '92 U225?
X2,
Just clean the mess up at home base where you most likely have better resources.
The oil tank for the steering is in the engine compartment.
Mike
Jeff/Deb,
Just stay tuned, we have a few other U225 owners and, as it is unique, the location of the reservoir is different from other Foretravels.
Alternately, you can open the back of your coach and look on either side of and behind (back of coach) of the radiator for a black round reservoir with a dip stick in the lid. Likely to have a sticker: Delo 400 15-40 on it.
Thanks once again to everyone. We did find it, on ours it's located to the right of the radiator in the rear. The dipstick read full. We are thinking of just running it up to ABC-Companies in Winter Garden, FL on our way out. they are a Foretravel recommended shop with good ratings and are only about 12 miles away.
From looking at your picture and you saying the reservoir is full the leak looks as if it is hardly
leaking so I would just drive home. My fan motor are are leaking more than that and they have
been wet for a couple of years with no problem. I am going to reseal them this April.
A suggestion from another FT member, and long time farmer. He swears by Seal Lube, seal expander. He uses it in every fluid thing on the farm for decades.
Guess I will have to disagree-- seals that are now 30 years old and leaking SHOULD be replaced.
X2
Prevention maintenance offsets being towed
All is no known, but better late than never, here is where the hydraulic reservoir is located on the U225.
I'd do the drive and take the chances but I have a, that I think is, a good towing policy.
I'd also replace all of the seals if not spring for the Red Head re-build.
Here's a question for those who have been down this road. In deciding whether to reseal or spring for the Red Head rebuild, is there any way to determine the amount of play present in the unit? Can you check lash somehow on the bench?
Sure. With a recirculating ball steering box there should be no play at all. With a worm and sector steering box there is no to little play at the straight ahead position. With a pin and barrel steering box, the steering is "lively." Grab the pitman arm and measure the free travel.
Thanks Toolmaker, no idea it would be simple as that, I had assumed hydraulic pressure would figure in.
The hydraulic stuff is only there to make moving the steering stuff easier. At one point, in the early years Chrysler had a true no feel power steering. It's a little disconcerting to drive but you get used to it.
The state of the art now is using an electric motor to ease the strain on your arms.
And I only suggested, as was suggested to me, to use the Seal Lube, as he has done for years. He had a leak, as he was leaving on a trip, and 2 bottles of Seal Lube stopped the leak, and he replaced his when he got home.
I have now met at least 6 FT owners that have had leaks and replacements. I had mine replaced before it might have spoiled my next trips.
Agree, several ways to approach this:
First, determine if you just need a reseal, OR if there is play in the steering box that would warrant a Redhead blueprinting of your steering box.
As far as trip:
1. Carry two extra gallons of Delo 400 15-40 (if you don't use it on the trip, you will use it when you repair/change engine oil, etc). Stop every 30 miles and check fluid level (only adds 3 stops to your trip). Address the issue when at home. MY CHOICE.
2. Find a shop and hope it is familiar with the Sheppard M100 steering box (assume yours is the M100-- it will be on the side of the box). Hopefully not a SHOPPE/$$$$.
3. Add a leak stop and HOPE the 30 year old seals will rejuvenate.
Is Delo 400 15-40 the same as Rotella T4
Peter,
I am NOT a petroleum engineer, but my "guess" is that it is an "acceptable substitute".
But, hard to believe there is a place that doesn't have Delo 400 15-40 (current supply issues aside).
Said another way, commonly stocked at Walmart, etc.
Thanks Brett, I have been using Rotella T4 for the engine and when I blew a hydraulic line
I filled up with the Rotella T4 as I had lots of that. I don't think Walmart in Vancouver area
carries Delo 400 15-40 and Rotella can only be got online through them. What ever I use for
the hydraulics I would just as soon use it in the engine.
Oil change a couple months ago I had to order all of it. Non on the shelves in nevada. Walmart free delivery.
Oh I'm sure I can find Delo 400 15-40 up here. Chevron will carry it.
A quick update. We called ABC-Companies in Winter Garden (listed on the Foretravel Service Center Referral List) and when they heard we had a '92 the told us they couldn't do the work. Ended up setting up a Steering Box refurb/replace with a Foretravel trained mechanic about 60 miles away who was recommended by another member of the Florida Chapter. Thanks once again to everyone for your help on this.