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Topic: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.  (Read 630 times) previous topic - next topic

Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.

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
1999 U320
Mount Dora Fl

Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.

Reply #1 –
Do a search on the subject as this has been dealt with before.

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.

Reply #2 –
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.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.

Reply #3 –
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
Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.

Reply #4 –
Keith, any ideas on search words I could not find using the search.
1999 U320
Mount Dora Fl

Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.

Reply #5 –
Quote from: philtravel –
Keith, any ideas on search words I could not find using the search.


Hover over "Community", click "Search.  Search for stuck bay door  :)
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.

Reply #6 –
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.
1999 U320
Mount Dora Fl

Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.

Reply #7 –
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

Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.

Reply #8 –
Quote from: philtravel –
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?
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.

Reply #9 –
my gen blower comp.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.

Reply #10 –
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.
1999 U320
Mount Dora Fl

Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.

Reply #11 –
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 . 
Larry & Karen Pontius
2007 Nimbus
 

Re: Stuck lower access door for the Gen. Control and fan.

Reply #12 –
I would think the easiest thing to do would point in the direction of a Locksmith..  pc
S/W Houston 95" U320C SE/40' 
Build #4778  Cummins M11
Repairs & Covered RV Parking (BAO)
PPL is close..