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Rear Air vents on a 2001, U320, 40ft.

July 16, 2017, 01:30:38 pm

Has anyone, and I sure I am not the first, had one of the rear air vents that are at the very back on each side of the engine compartment, and almost halfway up, come adrift??  I have one that is starting to get loose at the front edge.
I cannot see how they are held on other than some form of adhesive??  Any clues??
Thanks as always.
Speedbird 1.

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Re: Rear Air vents on a 2001, U320, 40ft.

Reply #1 – July 16, 2017, 01:33:59 pm

Mine look to be glued/calked on.

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Reply #2 – July 16, 2017, 02:13:49 pm

They are only cosmetic no air flows through them.

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Reply #3 – July 16, 2017, 03:08:14 pm

Thanks guys,
I am also thinking that they are only stuck on so I had better get something that will keep them there.  Strange that just one has started to lift at the front edge??
They may not serve any technical function but it will look better if it stays in place rather than falling off onto the highway!!
Speedbird 1.

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Re: Rear Air vents on a 2001, U320, 40ft.

Reply #4 – July 16, 2017, 06:31:43 pm

Check to make sure your fiberglass wall is not delaminating in that area.  That could make the decorative panel work loose.

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Re: Rear Air vents on a 2001, U320, 40ft.

Reply #5 – July 16, 2017, 07:24:26 pm

Thanks Amos,

The walls are fine with no signs of delamination.  I think the original glue has worn out!!!
Now I need to find a better glue??

Speedbird 1.

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Re: Rear Air vents on a 2001, U320, 40ft.

Reply #6 – July 16, 2017, 08:49:22 pm

When we painted our coach, we removed the 'false' air scoops.

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Re: Rear Air vents on a 2001, U320, 40ft.

Reply #7 – July 16, 2017, 09:44:43 pm

Barry & Cindy,

That is sure one cure for the one that is slightly adrift, but I think I will clean up the joint and fix it back on. At the moment black tape is holding the front from getting airborne as I am on the road tomorrow.
Another project to fix!!

Speedbird 1.

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Reply #8 – July 16, 2017, 10:07:43 pm

Might try some automotive trim tape or 3M VHB tape.

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Reply #9 – July 26, 2017, 09:24:02 am

Thanks Barry,
I had the same thought and now to get the rest of the caulk/glue to let go!!  That trim tape is just the job once I get the thing off and the back cleaned up.
Sorry for the delay, but a no-wifi trip to the higher mountains came up.
Soeedbird 1.

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Re: Rear Air vents on a 2001, U320, 40ft.

Reply #10 – July 26, 2017, 07:04:19 pm

I finally got the thing off and it was stuck on with a very hard (aged) caulk. It will go back with the two sided trim tape that Barry suggested.
The cause of it coming loose was that one of the vertical trim strip Phillips headed screws had sheared.  The head was still in the strip.  Once I had drilled that out and replaced it with the next size up it all went back into place.
The usual simple job that develops as time goes on, and the temperature goes up!!!!
Speedbird 1.

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