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Topic: Aqua Hot Bearings/ Black smoke (Read 1587 times) previous topic - next topic

Aqua Hot Bearings/ Black smoke

Sense I bought the coach in June I have spent a lot time getting the AH  in working order.  I  Have had fuel leaks & antifreeze leaks . I took out the burner unit and put in new jet and a regulator kit for the fuel pump, Built a pressure gauge to set fuel pressure & set at 145 psi. Cleaned and put new fuel lines on and it fires rite up, but it blows out black smoke for about 2 min. the blower doesn't sound very smooth, it sounds uneven.  I opened the intake a little , did not help the black smoke.  Does that sound like a bearing problem ?  Haven"t torn the head down that far yet to the impeller and bearings . Any thing I should know about this ?  Thanks      Art
Art
1997 Prevost 40'
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Re: Aqua Hot Bearings/ Black smoke

Reply #1
Art,

To check bearing and the motor you will need to open the burner case which is not too hard to do.

Remove burner as you have before.  Remove the four screws that hold the black burner case in place.  Using a mallet, tap the coil and the air intake gently to start the case slipping down the housing.  Once it is loose, remove the coil and slip the case off the housing.  Disconnect the two wires to the coil paying attention to the wire color of each connection.

Remove the three bolts that holds the motor to the housing marking the top of the motor and the top of the housing.  Disconnect the two wires to the motor paying attention to the wire color of each connection.  Now that the motor is off, you can use the clutch to spin the blower and fuel pump.  If there is much drag, it is probably the bearings but the fuel pump is also on the same shaft.

If it is the bearings, use the online shop manual to remove the blower housing.  With the blower and bearings removed from the fuel pump spin the blower and check for no drag.  If you find drag, disassemble the blower shaft.  Replace with new bearings and reassemble.

If bearings are okay, you can spin the motor shaft by using the clutch.  It should spin freely but you will feel the magnets in the motor.  If the motor concerns you, reassemble the motor to the housing.  You can use an optical tach with a marking strip on the clutch to verify 4500 plus rpm.

Most of the time it is the bearings followed by the motor.  Less than two hours to R&R either one and a check control box sure helps diagnosing the problem.

Roger Berke is a great source for parts and additional info.

Hope this help you.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Aqua Hot Bearings/ Black smoke

Reply #2
Art

Could be bad bearings or the motor may not be running at correct speed.  You have to completely disassemble the Webasto to replace the bearings.  It is pretty common for the motor to not be turning fast enough.  Makes lots of black smoke and the unit does not run very well.  Check motor with RPM meter.  Information about the repairing the Webasto in the Aqua-Hot shop manual, here: http://www.aqua-hot.com/eSource/ecom/eSource/staticpages/documents/450D_ServiceManual1212010.pdf  Note that this is the manual for Hydro-Hot, however the Webasto troubleshooting section is applies and is VERY GOOD.

There are a number of firms that repair / rebuild the Webasto units.  Search for "Webasto rebuild".

- Roger Berke -
2000 Foretravel U320 42ft

Re: Aqua Hot Bearings/ Black smoke

Reply #3
Art,
We recommend Foretravel owner Roger Berke for repairs of AquaHot, Webasto, HydroHot, etc. Roger is VERY familiar with Foretravel's

Re: Aqua Hot Bearings/ Black smoke

Reply #4
Don't overlook Rudy Legett. Rudy is one of Roger's star students and a more honest and careful guy you can't possibly find. Either will do a first rate repair for you.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Aqua Hot Bearings/ Black smoke

Reply #5
Howdy Art,  Roger Berke is simply the best!!!

Good Luck, Dave Abel
Dave and Nancy Abel
'00 U320 36' WTFE  Build #5669
'10 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
Livingston, TX  SKP's Fulltiming

Re: Aqua Hot Bearings/ Black smoke

Reply #6
I had the privilege of spending two weeks with Roger at the Balloon Fiesta.  This in depth look at Roger in action seeing a myriad of problems solved quickly and effectively allowed me to see the experience and grasp of the ins and outs of the Aqua Hot system and operation that Roger possesses.

He is by far the best Aqua Hot service/repair person in these here United States, hands down.

If you arrange to have your Aqua Hot serviced by Roger, you will always be pleased with the result.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Aqua Hot Bearings/ Black smoke

Reply #7
Rudy.....    Who is Roger and  what is  R&R ?  do you have a phone # just in case I get into a pickle thanks  Art
Art
1997 Prevost 40'
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Re: Aqua Hot Bearings/ Black smoke

Reply #8
Art,

As long as you know that Roger Berke is the best there is, I would always be happy to assist you by phone at 713 eight one eight 3234.

R&R is remove and replace.  Give me a call if I can help you.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Aqua Hot Bearings/ Black smoke

Reply #9
Quote from: "Rudy"

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Aqua Hot Bearings/ Black smoke



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The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Aqua Hot Bearings/ Black smoke

Reply #10
Hi Art,
  Roger Burke is the ultimate Aqua-Hot technician. He knows his products as well as anyone. It is a pleasure to see him operate. If you have the chance for Roger to work on your unit, go for it. He will help you understand your unit.
Raymond & Babette Jordan
1997 U 320
1998 Ford Explorer XLT

 

Re: Aqua Hot Bearings/ Black smoke

Reply #11
Howdy Art,

"Rudy.....    Who is Roger and  what is  R&R ?  do you have a phone # just in case I get into a pickle thanks  Art"

Here's a link to Roger's website..RV Hydronic Heater Repair - Home

Dave Abel
Dave and Nancy Abel
'00 U320 36' WTFE  Build #5669
'10 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
Livingston, TX  SKP's Fulltiming