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Topic: What start/house batteries for the 1989? (split from another topic) (Read 671 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from just bought 89 grandv...

What start/house batteries for the 1989? (split from another topic)

Ok...  there is power available to plug in a battery charger..  will any standard 12 volt battery charger work?  The starter battery has some power to it,  enough to run some interior lights.. but not enough to turn over the motor.. it just gives a series of fast clicks when I turn the key.

How long do you have to charge an 8D battery till it' full?    T the two 8D house batteries sitting next to it aren't even hooked up..  I think they are all Gels

No, I didn't turn the motor over yet..  I assume it should be fine as it was driven there just less than two year ago. 

Got the license covered with a 30 day tag...  just need to get some insurance first..  then they give you the paper plates, then you get it inspected, then they give you the metal plates..  title has been transfered and will arrive to me in about 3 weeks via snail mail.

Tires were almost new before he parked it..

I may purchase some used batteries... I got a lead on some real good used ones pretty cheap... and they are Gel batteries... funds are pretty tight (rolleyes)

Funds are so tight, I almost didn't buy the coach .. but I am glad I did, I have been wanting a grand villa for a very long time.

Can you start the motor with just one battery ? 

If I can fire up the generator, I assume it charges the batteries when it runs?

Should I change or at least clean the fuel filters?
Are there glow plugs that have to be warmed up first to start?
Do I need to prime it?

It would be nice if I had an owners manual..  are they available? 


I'm under the gun as the property owners are demanding it be moved before the end of the month..

I have to drive about 53 miles to get it home. 

Thanks

Mark    :o









1989 Grand Villa, U300 6V92TA Detroit 40'
Mark, Houston Texas,  East Side

If you are so inclined to burn the American flag,  wrap yourself in it first please.

Re: What start/house batteries for the 1989? (split from another topic)

Reply #1 –
I'm not familiar with a Detroit  300; I would guess that 1200-1500 CCA would be enough to start it. If your on a budget and just want to get things going you could try jumping the start batteries and building a charge, then put them on a battery charger to finish  them up. Before you waste any time and money try to charge them and then check them  with a inexpensive hydrometer battery checker ( less than $10 at a auto parts store). Those batteries could be shot from sitting discharged for so long.
If the tires don't show cracked sidewalls they should be good for a 60 mile drive till you can further check them. Air them up to 100psi.

If the batteries are shot (engine start) try pulling a car battery out of a car you own and put it in the MH, and then jump it with another car. That should be enough to start the engine.

Check the coach batteries with the hydrometer after you try and charge, if they are dead, again "borrow" a battery  to install for your short trip.

Check the oil and if possible change it and the filter. Make sure you use the RIGHT oil in that engine.
If you get it started and it runs good you should then change the fuel filter. Fill the replacement filter with fuel BEFORE you install it.

If it starts, check the air suspension after the air gauge shows 110psi (approx.) make sure the coach raises off the tires and can hold air pressure.
Then check the brakes. With the parking brake RELEASED pump the brakes HARD about 10 times to free up the calipers.

DO NOT CRAWL UNDER THE COACH UNLESS YOU HAVE BLOCKED UP THE AIR SUSPENSION AND CHOCKED THE REAR TIRES!!!!

Good luck. 
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: What start/house batteries for the 1989? (split from another topic)

Reply #2 –
You only need 1 battery to get it started. If it is like mine on the drivers side compartment in front of the tire there are 3 batteries the one on the far left is the start battery the other 2 are the coach batteries.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: What start/house batteries for the 1989? (split from another topic)

Reply #3 –
Quote from: stump –
You only need 1 battery to get it started. If it is like mine on the drivers side compartment in front of the tire there are 3 batteries the one on the far left is the start battery the other 2 are the coach batteries.

Ok Stump, thanks,  yes all three batteries on the drivers side, the one to the left is the only one that is hooked up, so I figured it was the starting battery,  I see you have the Detroit motor. Probably the same motor as mine?  300 HP?  Wondering if the Grand Villas came standard with Detroit's then,  I see some for sale on craigslist with Cat motors in them coincidently, both 89 models..
1989 Grand Villa, U300 6V92TA Detroit 40'
Mark, Houston Texas,  East Side

If you are so inclined to burn the American flag,  wrap yourself in it first please.

Re: What start/house batteries for the 1989? (split from another topic)

Reply #4 –
If you have power available, plug the coach shore power in.  The coach should have a built in battery charger.  You can check if it is working by putting a volt meter on the battery.  If the voltage goes up after you plug it in, the charger is working.  If it's working, let the coach sit over night and try to start the engine AFTER you check all fluids.  I wouldn't change filters until I tried to start the engine, you will just complicate the situation by introducing air into the system.
Your Detriot engine will start with a single 8D or even a 4D size battery, but probably not with a standard car battery.  If the start battery is toast, take along a battery charger and try to charge oneof the house battery's, since they are disconnected, they may not be totally dead.  If one of them will charge, swap it with the start battery and give it a try.

Since you don't have manuals, please make sure you don't have the unit towed unless it is by a knowledgeable large rig tow company, the rear axles must be removed before towing even a short distance or you will destroy the transmission.

A new or used battery to start the engine will be much less expensive than a tow, and then you would have to buy a battery anyway.
Knowing the old Detriot engines, I bet if you get a hot battery it will start right up even after sitting for a couple of years as long as you have fuel to it.
I am south of Houston and will be on the north side later this week.  Might be able to come by and give you a hand if you like.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: What start/house batteries for the 1989? (split from another topic)

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Kemahjohn –
If you have power available, plug the coach shore power in.  The coach should have a built in battery charger.  You can check if it is working by putting a volt meter on the battery.  If the voltage goes up after you plug it in, the charger is working.
On our coach, doing this will only charge the house batteries, UNLESS the boost switch is activated.  Since the OP's house batteries are disconnected, it wouldn't do any good to use the built-in battery charger (and the boost switch), unless he FIRST reconnected the house batteries.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: What start/house batteries for the 1989? (split from another topic)

Reply #6 –
You are correct about the on board charger, I forgot that it only charges the house batteries without the boost switch.  My 1990 is the same.
To the new owner of the 89'----take along a battery charger and direct connect it to the start battery to charge it.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: What start/house batteries for the 1989? (split from another topic)

Reply #7 –

 I drove to almost Livingston yesterday evening and bought 3 batteries, I really
couldn't afford to buy 3,  but for 100. each,  I couldn't pass them up..  they are 3 years old, charged up and test good.  They are 8D Deka Dominators Gel's,    He paid over 700. each for them. The salvage on these are roughly 75. each..  so I can't get hurt on them.  The Seller replaced all 8 of his batteries on his coach... at over $700 each,  yikes !!!  He sold 4 of them, and had 4 left,  I found them on Craigslist and feel very fortunate.

The passenger side mirror on my coach, the lower glass mirror is missing.. I assume I can get a piece of mirror cut and cement it in.

Thanks to this forum and all of you for helping with all of your valuable information,

This is truly a life saver.  :o

Mark 


 

1989 Grand Villa, U300 6V92TA Detroit 40'
Mark, Houston Texas,  East Side

If you are so inclined to burn the American flag,  wrap yourself in it first please.

Re: What start/house batteries for the 1989? (split from another topic)

Reply #8 –
Put the batterys in and fire That thing up!!!We're waiting. Toe, tap tap tap tap tap........  :giggle:
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: What start/house batteries for the 1989? (split from another topic)

Reply #9 –
Mark,
I am not disputing the other posts, but one question you should ask concerning the batteries , is how much dry camping are you going to do? In my case the answer was very little. Have been running 1-8D wet cell for 3 years now as my coach battery and a smaller,
but same cranking amp wet cell for my starting battery. with no problems. I would charge the starting battery and have the coach batteries checked before spending any money on used or new batteries. NAPA or most parts stores will check the batteries for you for you. I would not pay $100 each for used batteries.
My wife says I am tight and I say I am frugal, but the bottom line is I don't like spending money when I don't have to.
Good luck and welcome.
'91 U240 GV / 36'
CAT 3208 w/Allison MT 643  4 speed
'10 Ford Flex

Growing old is mandatory
Growing up is optional

Re: What start/house batteries for the 1989? (split from another topic)

Reply #10 –
The number of start batteries and CCA is relative to engine displacement. A 9 liter 2 cycle Detroit should have three 24 or 31 series batteries. In the case of the Detroit, the block heater is located in an extremely poor spot and winter cranking can be lengthy if dry camping. Even with shore power, the block heater should be turned on late at night in freezing weather for a morning start. In the fire service, we combined both 8D batteries to start even at sea level and mild temperatures. This started the Detroits on the first turn of the crankshaft every time.

6V-92TA owners should investigate the possibility of spacing the AC compressor mount out three quarters of an inch and installing the block heater where it is supposed to go. Several members have it in the correct location.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: What start/house batteries for the 1989? (split from another topic)

Reply #11 –
Jerry,

Thanks for your input..    I've already bought the 3 gel cell Deka Dominators, 3 years old.. Good Gel cell  batteries last a good 6 to 10 years sometimes. and hold a charge better than acids.  The dominators are pricey new, normally 6 or 7 hundred bucks each.
Having a "sealed" gel battery makes me feel better.  Plus the time and trouble it would have taken to drive over 100 miles round trip, hire two guys to offload and load the batteries in my van, bring them home and hope on an off chance they might take a charge after sitting for 2 years didn't make  lot of sense to me... The old batteries scrap value are 75. each.. so I really got 3 kick butt batteries, all for 75 bucks.. :)  NAPA wanted 199.00 plus tax, plus environmental fee, plus a $60. core fee for one acid battery.. and the warranty wasn't very good... one year?  If the coach would have been here at my residence, I would have put all three on a 2 amp trickle charge and made an attempt to revive them.. 
  I am as frugal as you can get..  really  :)

Mark


Quote from: Jerryetc –
Mark,
I am not disputing the other posts, but one question you should ask concerning the batteries , is how much dry camping are you going to do? In my case the answer was very little. Have been running 1-8D wet cell for 3 years now as my coach battery and a smaller,
but same cranking amp wet cell for my starting battery. with no problems. I would charge the starting battery and have the coach batteries checked before spending any money on used or new batteries. NAPA or most parts stores will check the batteries for you for you. I would not pay $100 each for used batteries.
My wife says I am tight and I say I am frugal, but the bottom line is I don't like spending money when I don't have to.
Good luck and welcome.
1989 Grand Villa, U300 6V92TA Detroit 40'
Mark, Houston Texas,  East Side

If you are so inclined to burn the American flag,  wrap yourself in it first please.

Re: What start/house batteries for the 1989? (split from another topic)

Reply #12 –
Keith,  thanks for your info.. the RV tow club looks intriguing..  I'll call them in the morning...I have questions

Do ya'll have spares with your Coaches?  I don't remember seeing one on mine...  Will the tow club mount a tire on a wheel? or just trade out wheels with tires already on them...  looks like they will only tow you to a qualified service center...

"No mileage or dollar amount limits – no out of pocket expense when towing your disabled vehicle to the nearest qualified repair facility. "

Are these guys going to remove the axels before they tow my coach ?

Interstate highways are pretty much the only way for me to drive home..  I am planning on a Sunday trip ...  this Sunday if everything goes well.. the traffic shouldn't be as bad..


Quote from: Keith and Joyce –
Mark,

Look at mirror, most are attached with Velcro.  Get one from manufacturer.

I would join Coach-Net before moving coach.  It's like AAA for RV's:

http://www.coach-net.com/Plans/motorized.aspx

Old Detroit's are about as bullet proof as you can get.  Heed previous advise about oil, it's important.  Just take it easy and stay off interstate.

Also if you have not found it yet here is Barry's wonderful site that will answer most any question about the coach:

Foretravel Motorhome technical help and information links

Good luck.

Keith

1989 Grand Villa, U300 6V92TA Detroit 40'
Mark, Houston Texas,  East Side

If you are so inclined to burn the American flag,  wrap yourself in it first please.

Re: What start/house batteries for the 1989? (split from another topic)

Reply #13 –
I read somewhere, probably here on Foreforum, that if you are plugged into shorepower, that you should turn off your BOOST switch or your house battery will get fried. Maybe just applies on our older coaches but I did fry two new 8D batteries in three years. Might be due to older electronics, but it is an expensive way to learn.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: What start/house batteries for the 1989? (split from another topic)

Reply #14 –
No need to ever use the boost switch unless engine batteries are low. Using it just masks a battery/cable/connecter problem. Should be no difference in the starter motor speed. If there is, something is wrong. Use a trickle charger on the engine batteries when on shore power.

Older rigs may have a charger that overcharges the batteries. Check battery manufacturer for maintenance/float voltage and monitor it.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)
 

Re: What start/house batteries for the 1989? (split from another topic)

Reply #15 –
Quote from: nitehawk –
I read somewhere, probably here on Foreforum, that if you are plugged into shorepower, that you should turn off your BOOST switch or your house battery will get fried. Maybe just applies on our older coaches but I did fry two new 8D batteries in three years. Might be due to older electronics, but it is an expensive way to learn.
(Dang it!  Pierce beat me by 1.75 minute)

A couple things to address here.

First, if you are plugged into shore power, it is not a good idea to leave your BOOST switch on all the time.  It is not really designed or intended for continuous service.  It IS designed for the times you need to combine all your batteries in a "emergency" situation (like you can't get your engine started).  There are much better ways to keep the start batteries charged while coach is parked (Trik-L-Start, BatteryMinder, etc).

Second, if your on-board battery charger "fried" two new *D batteries, then it is not working right.  If it is the original charger in your coach, it is obsolete technology.  In that case, the best move is to upgrade to a more modern 3 or 4 stage charger.  There are many good brands and models available.  These new chargers are MUCH kinder to your batteries...well worth the money.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"