just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Topic: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic (Read 3524 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #25 – April 21, 2015, 10:56:05 pm

It's an SAI just like mine. Side Aisle Island Bed floorplan.

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #26 – April 22, 2015, 03:04:52 am

Thanks for posting the pictures prfleming

The front angle of the windshield reminds me of the space shuttle

She is a beast

Astronomy and Space Flight, Astronomie und Raumfahrt und dies und das... ::

I was this close to a mock up at NASA,
I put Flat Stanley on the windshield and snapped a picture for my nephew's school project in Ohio.

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #27 – April 23, 2015, 12:17:08 am

Wow. Wotta deal. We paid 13 for ours, '89 unihome. You have lots of headroom for fix-its. Photos look pretty darn good. The folks on this site *Will* get you going and keep you running.

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #28 – April 23, 2015, 11:45:35 am

Mark,

Perhaps if another member is in the Houston area, they could check you out in your new purchase. A coach this size and complexity will require some help to make sure you get to use it without any incidents. Check out the member list on the forum. An offer of a little $ might be the incentive to bring you some good advice and instruction and save a lot in the long run.

Pierce

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #29 – April 23, 2015, 06:16:39 pm

Quote from: Mark of Houston – April 23, 2015, 11:05:22 am

Good news, previous owner sent me an owners manual... Bad news is, it's pretty much just wiring schematics..

Believe it or not, the schematics (110V wiring, 12V wiring, "automotive" wiring, and air system) are arguably the most important parts of the Owner's Manual! The other sections are certainly nice to have, and will ease your transition into a new-to-you coach, but the schematics are essential.

I am assuming I can access the motor from some panel in the rear to check and add fluids ?

Every diesel pusher Foretravel I've seen has some kind of engine access hatch in the rear cap. Should be one on your coach...

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #30 – April 23, 2015, 08:50:35 pm

Yes, I agree you will want some assistance to get this coach on the road. There are a lot of little things if you are brand new to running an older diesel coach with air suspension and air brakes. Some initial road check items require a second person. A few basic things I can think of for a very short trip, maybe others can add/modify:

- Check engine oil level
- (after sitting for 2 years) check tranny oil level
- Check antifreeze level, make sure antifreeze completely fills the radiator sight glass
- Start engine, immediately watch for oil pressure (should be 60 to 80 lbs cold)
- Check for any oil or antifreeze leaks
- Air up the coach (air dryer should purge at approx 120 psi), air bags should rise, at full lift you should be able to put your fist (approx) between the top of each wheel and the coach. If this distance is drastically different, check your leveling levers by driver seat. If these are centered, you may have a problem with your one of your leveling air valves. Do not drive the coach until air bags adjust to proper height.
- Make sure air pressure holds, at full pressure (approx 120 lbs) shut off engine, watch air gauges for say 20 minutes. Listen for leaks. There should be no noticeable pressure drop in 20 minutes. (Some coaches lose some pressure overnight, this is acceptable).
- Pop the front hub caps off and check wheel bearing oil level
- Exercise the air brakes, have someone watch all brakes clamp and release (release parking brake to check rear brakes). All brake levers should clamp and release freely and move approx the same distance.
- Dash voltmeter should indicate 13+ volts, indicating alternator is charging
- Check all external lights (headlights, running, brake, turn, backup)
- Check tire pressure (should be an air hose in compartment by aux compressor if you need air). Recommended pressure is on your chassis card by the driver seat.
- With parking brake released, put coach in drive or reverse, coach should roll easily (if not you may have a seized brake)
- Before getting in traffic, test the brakes a few times. The rotors will be rusty and dusty.
- Keep an eye on your engine coolant temp gauge while driving.

All...agree? Did I forget anything important...?

- If everything above checks out, I think you are ready...

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #31 – April 24, 2015, 06:07:58 am

Thanks Peter and John,

Very informative and helpful.. I have printed out most of the advice from this thread.

All very overwhelming to say the least..

I guess I'll take an electric drill and some bit's along today in case I don't have a key
for the access cover.

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #32 – April 24, 2015, 11:02:56 pm

What's the rush to get it moved??
I would be very ginger about running it anywhere with the chance of getting broke down on the side of the road.
You think your moving costs are high now, wait till you are sitting on the side of the Blvd!

As for a reasonable towing service, let me know if you are still in need and I'll forward you a number. pc

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #33 – April 25, 2015, 05:38:56 am

Update,

Yesterday, Batteries installed, aired up tires to 90 PSI, checked fluids,

She fired right up.

The radiator , I put 2 gallons in it.. but it still doesn't show in the fill glass..

So, I only ran the motor roughly 10 seconds and shut it off..

Interesting, there is a "heat" switch in the rear Camera switch and screen box, a two way momentary switch, I assume for the glow plugs? and next to it, another two way momentary switch, that says start and stop, with the ignition key on, the motor started and stopped off that control switch.. It also obviously starts with just turning the ignition key..

This it what I am talking about. all these controls and switches.. an I don't know what the heck I'm doing...

I have no idea how to even put the coach in drive or reverse , is it a push button? There are no buttons, Is it some kind of touch sensor?

Mark

I had my $8 an hour worker crawl up under the coach into the motor room and release the locked access panel, as I had no key..
I bought a replacement lock with key at home depot and installed it.

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #34 – April 25, 2015, 06:59:16 am

Shift selector is touchpad r to left of steering wheel.

Switches next to monitor start generator

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #35 – April 25, 2015, 07:42:02 am

Mark,

Glad to hear that there is life in this classic

Larry

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #36 – April 25, 2015, 08:58:40 am

Mark: The more you do the more you learn. Soon you will have the knowledge you need

lots of help on the forum. Just ask and you will receive the answer. There is untapped knowledge out there about Foretravels.

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #37 – April 25, 2015, 11:08:21 am

713-772-8697 Priority Towing
or
713-545-1740 Cantu

Mention you got the number from James @ LaRue Automotive
we are over by PPL in the SW part of town.

If you need axle caps, let me know as I have a pair I'll loan.
(guessing your diff is the same as my 95'.) pc

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #38 – April 25, 2015, 11:26:46 am

First want to check to make sure it says U300 with the 2 cycle Detroit. Other models may have the V8 8.2 four cycle Detroit installed, a completely different engine. Sometimes owners have no idea what they are selling and without the owner's manual, you won't either.

Glow plugs are for the generator. You heat for perhaps 10 seconds if weather is mild, 30 seconds or so if cold weather before cranking the generator in the cab. Duplicate switch in the generator compartment. Check generator coolant, belt tension and top hose for kink.

Don't drive it without all mirrors working and not at night until you get used to it. Get another owner to go through all the systems as there are a million things to learn and even if you had the manual, it only covers a fraction of what you need to know. Brake pads may be sticking from the years of storage so need to be checked.

Pierce

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #39 – April 25, 2015, 12:20:14 pm

Thanks, I'll give them a call.. Yes, appreciate the loan of the covers..

Quote from: pocketchange – April 25, 2015, 11:08:21 am

713-772-8697 Priority Towing
or
713-545-1740 Cantu

Mention you got the number from James @ LaRue Automotive
we are over by PPL in the SW part of town.

If you need axle caps, let me know as I have a pair I'll loan.
(guessing your diff is the same as my 95'.) pc

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #40 – April 25, 2015, 01:04:51 pm

Well... That changes everything..!!

I was initially turning the ignition key to start the Detroit.. it was acting like it wanted to fire up...

I saw the heat switch to the right, thinking it must have glow plugs.. heated the plugs for maybe 20 seconds.... and hit the start button next to it, I now hear it turning over again, but a little faster and smoother.. fired right up.. I shut it down with the same on /off switch 10 seconds later.

So.. I thought it was the Detroit that had fired up...

Hey, good news, the generator runs...

Bad news, the trip yesterday was to get the Detroit fired up. And I went to bed last night thinking I had .....

I'm a little hard of hearing, that didn't help..

Mark

So, the shift selector pad doesn't light up?

Quote from: stump – April 25, 2015, 06:59:16 am

Shift selector is touchpad r to left of steering wheel.

Switches next to monitor start generator

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #41 – April 25, 2015, 03:29:48 pm

Mark,

Yes, the Detroit starts on the key, generator on the other panel. With the Detroit, turn it over with your foot off the pedal or just a slight pressure. If the weather is warm like later in the day, it should start up in a few seconds even after sitting for years. If you are plugged in to shore power, go back by the bed, find the labeled switch (down low at the front) and turn on the block heater for a few hours. Make sure to turn it off before trying to start the Detroit. Don't crank the main engine with the block heater switch in the on position. You can feel if the block heater is working by putting your hand on the engine after a few hours. Many block heaters have burned out and don't work even though the block heater switch lights up when you flip the switch.

Almost impossible to drive without all mirrors working correctly. Not only for your safety but for others on the road. Driving a big RV is like making a transition from a theme park self paddle boat to the Queen Mary.

This is only the tip of the iceberg. Another owner is a must to get you going down the right path.

Pierce

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #42 – April 25, 2015, 04:50:28 pm

Thanks pierce...

I will head back up there again Sunday.. to try again..

Aired up tires to 90 PSI as per the spec. plate at drivers area.

I couldn't get the air chuck on the air stems for the inside rear wheels.. looks like if I had an air chuck that was designed straight
with the air exiting on the end straight forward.. it would work.. I've never seen one like this.... they must exist $:-\$

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #43 – April 25, 2015, 04:57:11 pm

I bought mine at napa.

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #44 – April 25, 2015, 07:17:23 pm

Mark,

You are well on your way to bringing back one of these great machines to it's former glory. You are also fortunate to be a member of this great forum with all the free advice from your fellow Foretravel buddies who enjoy helping a friend get one back on the road. The collective knowledge and experience here is incredible and matched only by their willingness to share it. I know because without it I would be lost in most instances where I had a problem or was unaware of what to look out for in preventative maintenance, etc.

The worst thing for these magnificent beasts is to let one sit up for a long period and not run it and not check out the various onboard systems. Take your time in getting it going again and check it out thoroughly before taking a road test as others have stated. These diesels are a different animal and it's good you have a diesel mechanic with so much experience.

The brakes and suspensions on these rigs are superior to most but age and neglect will surely cause you some problems. I didn't even know my front brakes were not working because the slack adjusters were rusted out until I went to FOT and had them inspect the suspension and brakes. The rear brakes and the Jake were still doing the job! They also found a leak in one of the valves in the front air tanks. A trip to the factory where it was made for inspection is well worth it in my opinion. Plus, you will probably see more Foretravels and meet their owners there than anywhere else outside of a rally or at Quartzite.

I would also flash the codes to see if there are any before getting out on the highway. I have a 93 U300 and you can read the codes on the engine and transmission easily by lifting the dash and switching the flasher switches on and waiting for the lights to give you the codes. Turning the key to the first position should give you all the historical codes without having to start the engine.
I'm not sure if yours has the code flashers but others here with the same year as yours can tell you. Also after starting make sure your check engine and check trans red lights on the dash go out after a few seconds. I would not drive it if they stay on until you find out what is causing it.

A Pro-Link 9000 or another diagnostic reader would also be very helpful here if your mechanic has one. I have one and I won't leave home without it! It's invaluable for running cylinder cut-out tests, clearing codes, and running at fast idle (1000 rpms) which is
extremely important for cooling down after a hard pull or idling for more than 8 minutes as Pierce has noted many times. I believe you have DDEC I and your engine is electronically controlled with a DDL under the dash on the drivers side. All of this is overwhelming at first but it's a long learning curve as all of us have experienced.

Good luck and I look forward to reading about your success!

Jerry

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #45 – April 25, 2015, 10:31:18 pm

Thanks Jerry, (coastprt) for your support and advice,

My mechanic wasn't able to make it yesterday so I am going this pretty much alone, except for all of you.. thank Lord for ya'll

Stump, I did go to NAPA but they didn't have a short stem in stock... long stem was 20 bucks.. went to Oreily's and bought a short stem straight air chuck for 8 bucks..

Also went to Kroger an bought 12 gallons of distilled water.. My mechanic said, if it was his coach he would "rack" the cooling system before driving it home.. Said it was important to check the nitrate level.. said he and his dad made more money rebuilding Detroits over the years for lack of Nitrates.. said it will burn holes quickly thru the cylinder sleeves? cylinder walls?

Said, big trucks parts stores all sell nitrate test kits.. and nitrate.. use the test strips... follow directions and test again after the motor has run some.

Funny, my worker was standing behind the coach when I thought the Detroit was running.. he thought it was the Detroit running too.. the sound from the 7.5 onan must have resonated towards the rear of the coach.. Sheesh... Mutt and Jeff working on the Grand Villa....

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #46 – April 26, 2015, 05:39:52 am

Thanks Andyr,

A member had given that info to me earlier in this thread.. I hadn't called them yet, because there wasn't time.. I have till this coming Thursday to have it removed from the property.. 5 days and ticking..

A tractor with a box blade leveled out my truckload of limestone pad for it yesterday... tick tock tick tock

Is your's a Detroit motor?

Quote from: andyr – April 26, 2015, 12:46:45 am

I have an 89 and I would bet you have Ramco mirrors on yours like mine has. They are still in business and are great people. They sent my some parts for free! I'll bet they could fix you up with the proper replacement glass you need for that mirror. A quick Google search will get your there contact info..

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #47 – April 26, 2015, 06:04:58 am

Coastprt got me to searching for info on flash codes..

I see they sell a cigarette lighter plug in with a 9 volt battery to retain memory if you disconnect your battery or change it out...

Battery Disconnect Problems

Too late for me.. I've already changed out my batteries.

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #48 – April 26, 2015, 09:33:03 am

Mark,
I would expect a Foretravel metal placard somewhere under the drivers window. This placard will have things like gross weight specs, tire pressure specs, etc. If should also have your VIN number and a Fortravel model number.
An example: MODEL NO : G94448736WTBIU280WE17
this says MODEL NO : G -GrandVilla
94 - 1994
4487 - Build number
36 - 36 ft
WTBI - Floor plan
U280 - coach model
WE17- engine
Post this number to the Forum and the motor guys can be more helpful. You could also call Parts at FOT with the Build Number for parts (like coolant) advise.

FWIW My knowledge of big (relatively) diesels is not as extensive as many but I would suggest a 50/50 coolant (silica - any auto parts store) rather than just distilled water. If you are going to flush anyway then you probably are ok till you get it home.

Re: just bought 89 grandvilla 3 days ago, need help getting it started, or tow advic

Reply #49 – April 26, 2015, 11:24:57 am

Thanks, I did see that placard as I was looking for tire pressure requirement, I'll look at it again and
record the information. not going today after all, but doing the trip tomorrow, (Monday)

Quote from: TheBrays – April 26, 2015, 09:33:03 am

Mark,
I would expect a Foretravel metal placard somewhere under the drivers window. This placard will have things like gross weight specs, tire pressure specs, etc. If should also have your VIN number and a Fortravel model number.
An example: MODEL NO : G94448736WTBIU280WE17

(trimmed quote of entire post. Please remember to clip quotes - Michelle)

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