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Annual Maintenance list

April 18, 2012, 05:35:29 pm

I will probably not be able to get down to FOT/MOT this year for annual coach maintenance.  Since this will be the 1st time I've ever gone through this process and it won't be at a facility that has a wealth of FT specific knowledge, I want to make sure I get done what needs to be done. 

Coach info:  7 years old, 56k miles, ISL400 and Hydro-hot.  So, when I go the "local" service center (probably Cummins Crosspoint in Normal, IL) I want to make sure I get serviced what needs to be serviced.  Here is my list so far stolen from one of Tim Fiedler's previous posts: 

1 - Diesel generator Oil change and fuel filter
2 - Diesel engine oil change, filter, and fuel filters
3 - Air dryer serviced
4 - Transmission fluid checked (using Transynd currently)
5 - Lubricate chassis
6 - Service Hydro-hot - (nozzle replacement and filter at a minimum)

What else if anything should be be done on an annual basis?

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Reply #1 – April 18, 2012, 05:40:54 pm

Make sure they do NOT lube your brakes.  The Meritor disc air brakes on our coaches are very unusual and it is a good bet the service people working on your coach have never seen them.  To be doubly sure, put wire ties on the grease (Zerk) nipples on the calipers and automatic slack adjuster. 

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Reply #2 – April 18, 2012, 05:54:32 pm

I would double check that they will service the Hydro-Hot. If they are not certified, i would wait and have either FOT/MOT or Rudy (in houston) do it.  I would not trust anyone that says, "yea we know about em".  Chances are they don't have a clue and they are somewhat fickle. 

Now, if you can meet up with Steve and Michelle, I think Steve does his own maint on his aqua-hot.  He might show you the ropes.

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Reply #3 – April 18, 2012, 07:12:54 pm

Find excuse too to NAC.........
:-)

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Reply #4 – April 18, 2012, 08:15:41 pm

Tim - I have a lot of excuses, unfortunately she does too...    That ship has sailed for this year so thus the posting.

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Reply #5 – April 18, 2012, 10:11:27 pm

Generator serviced based on hours of operation, not calendar.  I change fuel filters at 15,000mi, not annually.  I service air dryer at 18 months.  Annually I have wheel lug torque checked, brake wear checked.  Intercooler piping checked for leaks.  Engine and generator coolant checked for freeze point and chemistry.  Belts checked for wear and tension.

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Reply #6 – April 18, 2012, 10:11:53 pm

Mark,

You might check to see if the differential fluid has ever been changed; if not, it is probably due. Have them use synthetic fluid, 75-140 is most often the choice.

What kind of radiator coolant are you using? Is it Extended Life Coolant (ELC) or is it regular? If the latter, have you checked it with the test strips? If you don't have any record of it being changed out, you might consider having it emptied, system flushed and replaced with an ELC like Final Charge.

FWIW.

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Reply #7 – April 18, 2012, 10:19:18 pm

I would include a stroll on the roof, checking integrity of all sealants on seams and fittings.
Pull off AC covers, wash condenser coils, check integrity of foam sealant that divides compartments.
Check all exterior light bulbs.  Replace windshield wiper blades.  Pull out genset and lube rollers.
Check tire pressures, lube levels in front hubs. Extend and check awnings.  Treat canvas, wax alum parts.
Make sure all bay lights are working. 
Take a gander at belt tensioners while engine is running. Have any with excessive motion replaced.  Check serpentine belts.
Take a hard, critical look at hydraulic fan motors, hydraulic pump, steering gear and hydraulic hoses for leaks, abrasion or other mischievousness.
If it hasn't been done before, a close inspection of aftercooler for problems, clogging of fins, trash accumulation, wear points  from contacting chassis parts is in order.
Ensure all bay latches are working smoothly, lube as necessary. 
Finally, crack your beverage of choice, kick back and imagine the adventures and new sights ahead you lucky dog.  Your 7 y.o. Foretravel is a mere pup.

Chuck

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Reply #8 – April 18, 2012, 10:47:39 pm

Hydraulic fluid and filter age?

Coolant fluid and filter age?

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Reply #9 – April 18, 2012, 11:22:03 pm

Ahh yes, happy wife! Most important Foretravel accessory!

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Reply #10 – April 19, 2012, 10:40:52 am

George - I have your full post on the brake lube issue bookmarked and will take a copy of that and the manual to the service center.

Don - added differential check to list.  A few coach builds before mine FT switched to Dana from Meritor.  I'll also have the antifreeze checked. It came from the factory with Shell Rotella ELC.

Amos - I'll definitely get the wheel lugs torqued and break wear checked.

Chuck - I've been on the roof a few times and have done all of the outside type inspections and cleanings a couple of time since getting the coach.  All of that is in good shape.  I will take a closer look at the belts and for leaks.  There are no drips on the driveway but I know that is not always the full story.

Steve & Michelle - I know nothing about my hydraulic system other than I found a service invoice showing that the oil/filter was changed last year.  I'll have to search the forum to find out more on how to check this.   

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