Tomorrow we leave for Florida to most likely purchase a 1992 36' ORED, 8.3 Cummins, 3060 Allison. Been researching used motorhomes for a couple years now, eventually narrowing it down to Foretravel or Vogue. Along the way we've seen plenty of disappointments, the pictures look good but you get there it's a disaster, and of course they still think they have a gold mine.
We're coming from a 21', then a 30' travel trailer. I have experience operating and driving a 40' DP w/air brakes, and Cummins and Detroit Diesel knowledge, so the transition should be pretty painless.
Wish us luck tomorrow!
Good luck Paul, we'll be in the same boat with our new OREDs. I hope it shows as well as it sounded when we last chatted. Safe travels!
I didn't realize that an ORED was even available with an 8.3 and 3060. That sounds like a nice combo.
Good luck with the inspection Paul. Hopefully you become a new member of the Grand Villa club. Keep us posted. Picks!
Good move. Foretravel has built a lot of great coaches and those early 90's models were some of the finest -- and the best looking IMHO.
From my reading it was only available in the 92 and 93 ORED. I love a Cummins straight over any V configuration, to me so much easier to work on.
Hey! Yessir, I hope so. He's sent me even more pictures since we talked, so if it's not what it seems he's either a pro photographer or it's not the same rig. We'll know soon... 2:30am and we leave in an hour.
Are you sure that picture is of an ORED? It sure looks to me as if it's a U225 or U240.
Top latches on the lockers . History says its an ORED
Good eye.
Yes, the U225 and U240 had bottom latches.
So, got it... not long after headed to next stop she's running 225-230, comes back down, goes back up. Opened side door (side radiator) pinhole leak. Any advice for getting this thing home?
Paul,
Yes, you need to keep coolant temperature under 210 degrees F.
Pinholes suggest coolant leak-- how low is coolant level in the radiator? overflow reservoir?
Viewed from the outside, is the CAC/radiator package completely clean and clear of debris.
Fluid level in the hydraulic system? Sorry, don't recall how that chassis controlled fan RPM. Many there were electric controlled would default to high fan speed when the wires unplugged from controller.
Check also between CAC and radiator for rodent/bird nests.
Next step would be to replace the thermostat and its gasket. Not difficult.
Do not let overheating ruin the engine!
Bars Leak
It takes a while but will come back down, of course then goes back up. doesn't seem to matter if moving or not. Perhaps the fan. I'll look in the morning for wires off the fan. I will also check for nests etc and coolant levels
Second the bars leak and raise you 6 gallons of Walmart's finest distilled water. Maybe more.
Guy I bought it from says he drove it 2 1/2hrs straight earlier in the week no issue. If true, could there be anything in how I'm operating this thing that could be wrong?
As long as your transmission is shifting and you aren't climbing grades (in FL???) I don't think any type of operation would cause overheating. Let it cool down and follow what others have advised.
Fan motor has no wires to it, took rad cap off couldn't see any coolant. Traced the lines the "overflow" line under the cap just points down couldn't find an overflow tank. Gonna try the bars and water this morning. Hydro fluid good. No coolant in the oil.
Paul,
You are a New Guy on the Forum - your general RV knowledge level is unknown to us. Info below may be old news to you. If so, please ignore this post.
It would be a good idea to add an overflow recovery tank. You can buy a generic model in most any auto parts store. Simple installation. Make sure your radiator cap is clean and functional, 14-15 psi pressure rating. To allow recovery, it should be the type that allows two-way flow as the engine heats up and cools. See the threads linked below for diagram of a generic recovery tank and proper recovery type radiator cap.
Overheating Help: FT GV with Chevy 454 on P-30 Chassis '87 (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=32301.msg288676#msg288676)
Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=31050.msg279799#msg279799)
Link below to a post describing the factory stock recovery tank on our '93 U280 (Cummins C8.3 engine). Photo down below shows location of tank (left side of photo) in our U280 engine bay. Overflow hose runs from under the radiator reservoir cap (top right corner of photo) across the top of the engine bay opening, then down the right side of the recovery tank and into the bottom of the tank.
Coolant recovery tank question (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=37707.msg363702#msg363702)
Found the tank below that looks very similar to the OEM tank on our coach.
MPParts | Terex 10172 Radiator Coolant Recovery Overflow Tank - 5 Quart | 10172 (https://mpparts.com/part/terex-10172-radiator-coolant-recovery-overflow-tank-5-quart-10172)
Where are you ?
Three gallons of water in the radiator plus a slug of Bars, and a new radiator cap. Went 200 miles today stayed 175-185 whole way. Still an occasional spitz from the rad but not bad. I bought two containers of Bars and plenty water I'll check it again in the morning. Would it be ok to add the second container? It said for 4 gallons antifreeze.
Thanks everyone for all your help!
Paul,
That is great for a short "emergency get home" run.
But, with your linered engine you need to make sure to replace it with a "diesel approved" coolant.
Strongly recommend one of the newer generation OAT-based coolants. Being a Cummins, suggest one of their Fleetguard coolants.
Such as
Fleetguard ES Compleat OAT, available in concentrate or 50/50 mix. Shop around for best prices.
I prefer the concentrate because it takes up less space in my storage bay, less weight, and is (usually) cheaper to buy and ship. Why pay for water?
Concentrate: CSSNA Community (https://shop.cummins.com/CSSNAStore/s/product/a2w4N000003sF4bQAE/fleetguard-es-compleat-oat-eg-concentrate-1-gal-cc36073)
50/50 Mix: CSSNA Community (https://shop.cummins.com/CSSNAStore/s/product/a2w4N000003sGZuQAM/fleetguard-es-compleat-oat-eg-premix-5050-1-gal-cc36077)
Spring coach. Hydraulic brakes. 22c chassis. 6 bolt rims.
Yep, good point. I knew it was lined engine, planning complete cooling system overhaul when we get back.
Yes.
Your cooling system is on the order of 10 gallons, so yes, if you're still losing coolant add the second can of Bars Leak.
Quote from there user guide
What are the dosage recommendations?
Use 1 bottle for 6, 8 and 10 cylinder gas or diesel engines. For 3, 4 and 5 cylinder engines, use 1⁄2 of liquid and pellets. One bottle treats systems up to 4 gallons.
For larger systems use one bottle for every 3 gallons of cooling system capacity.