Dash switches question

Topic: Dash switches question (Read 790 times) previous topic - next topic

Dash switches question

August 27, 2015, 12:28:53 pm

Hey there, I'm having trouble understanding two of our switches. One says "Boost" and the other says "Ether". What do they do and when do I use them? Thanks in advance, M

Re: Dash switches question

Reply #1 – August 27, 2015, 12:40:42 pm

BOOST: Connects the house (coach) battery bank to the engine start battery bank. Use it if the start batteries are too weak to start the engine.

Boost Switch

ETHER: Activates a can of ether (starting fluid) in the engine compartment. Sprays ether into the intake manifold to aid in cold weather starting. Probably old, corroded, and doesn't work, BUT in case it does work should only be used with EXTREME CAUTION.

If you haven't discovered the Technical Help resource, let me introduce you. Lots of good info here:

Foretravel Motorhome technical help and information links

Re: Dash switches question

Reply #2 – August 27, 2015, 12:53:35 pm

Thanks Chuck, the "boost" switch I understand, the "ether" switch is scary, will check it out further. I would think the ether is for freezing or below. I wonder how long the switch is held on? M

Re: Dash switches question

Reply #3 – August 27, 2015, 12:55:19 pm

Using ether (starting fluid) on a hot engine (like after changing fuel filters) just one time can break piston rings or bend connecting rods.

Pierce

Re: Dash switches question

Reply #4 – August 27, 2015, 12:55:34 pm

Mike,

Suspect the ether switch does NOTHING. At least other 1993 U240's did NOT have ether injection. Like most modern diesels, your Caterpillar 3116 uses an intake manifold heater grid. Injecting ether onto a red hot wire would be a good way to create an explosion. But, that dash layout was used in other models that did use ether injection. Consider it a "spare switch".

If you have not checked your suspension, you really need to check RIDE HEIGHT. Measure from the "top of the area behind each wheel position" to the ground when on level ground. That area forms the top of the wheel well behind each wheel. If incorrect, it can give a VERY rough ride and damage suspension components.

Spec is 32-33". If different than that, please start a new topic: "Torsilastic Suspension" and we can visit about it.

Re: Dash switches question

Reply #5 – August 27, 2015, 12:57:56 pm

I disconnected the ether switch so that it is not inadvertantly used. You can do it at the dash or find the ether can in the engine bay and unplug it or cut and cap the wires.

Roger

Re: Dash switches question

Reply #6 – August 27, 2015, 01:12:47 pm

I wondered about the switch being connected. The Isuzu in the Airstream had glow plugs which worked fine. I did notice the Foretravel did emit white smoke upon starting in cold weather when we were in Flagstaff. Normal?

Re: Dash switches question

Reply #7 – August 27, 2015, 01:14:27 pm

Brett,

I'll jump in here and then let Mike correct me.

I meet Mike in Prescott Valley last spring. Was sitting in my coach when he pulled into the campground. Noticed right away what great shape the coach was in. Talked to Mike about it and he said he had just bought it. The PO was a pilot and took care of the coach just like a plane. It is in immaculate condition. I noticed it had the torsilastic suspension. Pointed it out to Mike and he pointed out the air bags that had been added by the PO. I think it had one air bag per wheel. Looked like it supplemented the existing torsilastic. Figured you might know something about this conversion. It looked professionally done. Very high quality job.

see ya
ken

Re: Dash switches question

Reply #8 – August 27, 2015, 01:18:15 pm

Yes, I have seen supplemental air bags on the torsilastic suspension. Ralph Andrews developed them for Safaris on the same suspension. In most cases with the U240, that was a reasonable solution for the rear suspension when you were low on ride height and had no shims left (removing shims raises ride height).

Again, if other questions on the suspension, suggest a separate topic be started.

Re: Dash switches question

Reply #9 – August 27, 2015, 01:45:50 pm

Quote from: kenhat – August 27, 2015, 01:14:27 pm

Brett,

I'll jump in here and then let Mike correct me.

I meet Mike in Prescott Valley last spring. Was sitting in my coach when he pulled into the campground. Noticed right away what great shape the coach was in. Talked to Mike about it and he said he had just bought it. The PO was a pilot and took care of the coach just like a plane. It is in immaculate condition. I noticed it had the torsilastic suspension. Pointed it out to Mike and he pointed out the air bags that had been added by the PO. I think it had one air bag per wheel. Looked like it supplemented the existing torsilastic. Figured you might know something about this conversion. It looked professionally done. Very high quality job.

see ya
ken

How did we get going on a spring thread? Oh well, I'm game. I'm sure I have the shop paperwork (size of a NY phone book), but I show the PO did the following: Qoute....."Custom rear Torsilastic Springs:Goodyear Aerospace speced springs,( used by Foretravel Thereafter)." endquote. I also show he had the Torsilastic Shackles replaced. She rides good, but I don't have enough miles to really tell. M

Re: Dash switches question

Reply #10 – August 27, 2015, 02:11:15 pm

I thought the airbags were factory.....not?

Re: Dash switches question

Reply #11 – August 27, 2015, 02:24:23 pm

Ether start does not function above 50 degrees ambient. Thermostat controlled back then.

Foretravel knows better. All oreds had the system from Oshkosh.

Cummins m11 celect plus's shop manual shows the ether input on the engine block nomenclature.

Belt and suspenders like most cm fore built coaches.

Ran into unexpectedly way below zero weather dry camping skiing long ago and the ether start was a necessity

Less cold smoke after extended cranking with the ether.

60 seconds crank time used to be the max on the starter to not overheat it and sometimes necessary at altitude on old non grid heated coaches in winter cold weather.

Most here would not be in that weather but a few crazy users actually explore the limits more

Re: Dash switches question

Reply #12 – August 27, 2015, 02:27:02 pm

Sorry my bad for hijacking the thread... I saw Brett on here and wanted to let him know about your torsilastic suspension with air bags. I figured he already knew about em' but you never know. Maybe one of the moderators can break out this topic if there is more to say.

No the air bags were not factory. As far as I know...

BTW: Brett Wolf is the the "guy" on your coach. He's an expert on Foretravel, Cat & owned a 1993 U240 for many years.

see ya
ken

Re: Dash switches question

Reply #13 – August 27, 2015, 02:39:21 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – August 27, 2015, 01:18:15 pm

Yes, I have seen supplemental air bags on the torsilastic suspension. Ralph Andrews developed them for Safaris on the same suspension. In most cases with the U240, that was a reasonable solution for the rear suspension when you were low on ride height and had no shims left (removing shims raises ride height).

Again, if other questions on the suspension, suggest a separate topic be started.

Wow, the plot thickens! Are you the same Brett Wolfe that owned our coach at one time? If you are, you and Bob Perry sure did a hell of a job!

Re: Dash switches question

Reply #14 – August 27, 2015, 03:21:13 pm

Yes, very small world. Sent you a PM.

Many years ago, I worked with the engineers at B.F. Goodrich Aerospace who designed and built the torsilastic suspension to make a "more appropriate" spring for the rear of the U240 which is quite a lot heavier than the U225 on the same suspension. From that point forward, Foretravel ordered the "more appropriate" springs anytime they were requested for a U240.

If it has air bags, Bob must of added them. Ride height still needs to be in spec to protect suspension components.

Re: Dash switches question

Reply #15 – August 27, 2015, 05:10:02 pm

Brett, Here's a pic of your past dear with new paint & stripes. Good to talk to you!

Re: Dash switches question

Reply #16 – August 28, 2015, 10:36:28 pm

I have virtually the same coach and no more shims on the rear springs. I'd love to see a photo of the supplemental air bag solution.

Re: Dash switches question

Reply #17 – August 29, 2015, 12:20:04 am

Dwayne - I was out of shims and sitting low. Installed new torsilatic tubes, shims, shackles, etc. The whole works are available thru a company in Texas that imports them from Mexico.

Re: Dash switches question

Reply #18 – August 29, 2015, 06:40:21 pm

Do you know the name of the company?

Re: Dash switches question

Reply #19 – August 29, 2015, 06:47:38 pm

Sulastic. Motor home

Looking forward to a report on quality, exactness of fit, etc on their product.

Have seen others going with air bags over the torsilastic beam. Pioneer Metals in Washington has some kits for Safaris with the same suspension. Do not know of there would be fitments issues on the Foretravel or not.

Affiliate Notice