Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 13, 2025 ...

Continuing PDI with annual service

January 04, 2017, 05:40:19 pm

Sometimes I realize I do not know what I do not know.  So for this annual service, I asked Mr. Risch to add in a general coach inspection.  This was found

a.  separation of some fiberglass near the rear bulkhead that would let rain water enter, impact the metal.  A very simple fix now, could be a problem if continued
b. one air horn not working
c.  intermittent fantastic fan, probably the control board if not find a ground connection issue, tbd
d.  some running lights out, a cracked cover, entry light out
e.  door handle crazing not just cosmetic, need to replace
f.  shocks, air bags, roof good.
g.  a loose muffler bracket, simply banging around, not needed, removed. 
h.  the engine monitor port works, no fault codes.  (trying get ready for Roger Engdahl arrival, work on silver leaf)
i.  three loose cables on the roof, should be attached.  probably cause of rattle
j.  the main awning shifted rearward a bit.  put back into place.  not unusual but most people do not notice he said
k. windshield (wiper) fluid not work
l.  there is something wrong, found in checking raise front function.  air is leaking between two tanks, should not.  check valve? tbd

In addition to the annual maintenance:  replaced air dryer with rebuilt one.  checked main fuel line to see if need replace.  lube brake system.  Asked if necessary to replace the coolant system filter since blanked it off when added the stop leak.  took oil sample for lab analysis.  Aqua hot would blow lot blue smoke too long on start up.  check alternator, think it original

Maybe something in here is of interest to you, but I think as a process it is good to have another person look at the coach not with a check list but simply good knowledge.  A checklist limits the focus too much.  All the items a - l came from that non-checklist view.

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Re: Continuing PDI with annual service

Reply #1 – January 04, 2017, 09:35:23 pm

Good post.

Do you use the oil sample to determine the need for oil change or just to be aware of particles that would indicate an imminent engine failure? 

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Re: Continuing PDI with annual service

Reply #2 – January 04, 2017, 09:43:39 pm

Some do analysis for determining oil change.  I do to monitor if any engine deterioration or air intake contamination.  Don Hay suggested I do that when got the coach and Blackstone Lab does an analysis by tracking any metal level changes over time.  $28 for the base analysis.

Thanks for your interest.

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Re: Continuing PDI with annual service

Reply #3 – January 04, 2017, 09:56:28 pm

When I had the NAPA store many years ago we sent  off oil samples for the county.  Got a call one day from the lab to have them shut down an almost new International right away.  The inner air filter had come apart and unknown to them was being inhaled.  I'm a believer in testing...just haven't done it on the coach.  Not sure why.

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Re: Continuing PDI with annual service

Reply #4 – January 04, 2017, 10:14:17 pm

Well Rick, glad you explained to or for some reader who had not thought about it...i was concerned someone would ask, What?... Air contamination?

A prior thread and member noted how you can get dirt into engine and if not know it ruin engine over time.  I think they look for silicon in the lab tests and that could indicate such a leak? 

Sorry I do not know who to credit with teaching me that, but I did learn the lesson they taught.

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Re: Continuing PDI with annual service

Reply #5 – January 04, 2017, 10:54:42 pm

Michael,

Having Mr. Risch do a walk around of our coach a few years ago was very valuable. (He was on the FT production line when ours was put together.) He spotted some big stuff as well as the small stuff "we can take care of later." He teaches as he walks/crawls around the coach. Great service and what a wonderful way to learn about what is really going on with your coach.

Rance does a similar service for clients while they are in for service at Xtreme and can save your bacon if you listen. (Can we say 'bacon'?) Great info--if you can write/remember fast enough.

Oil samples are my next routine once we get our coach back from NAC. Best, P

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Re: Continuing PDI with annual service

Reply #6 – January 05, 2017, 12:00:50 am

Oil analysis can be a double edged sword. Years ago I had a little one lung BMW diesel 7.5 HP on my sailboat. I got oil analysis with each change, usually every fall unless necessary sooner. Every sample reported silicone, upset me and I would get repeats with same results. Could not figure source of "dirt". Finally contacted BMW marine. The cylinder was lined with silicone.

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