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Topic: Removing Plugs from A/C Grille (Read 390 times) previous topic - next topic

Removing Plugs from A/C Grille


Do these plugs that cover the A/C mounting bolts just pop out? They don't want to come out and I'm afraid I'll crack them. I'm using a utulity knife. Thanks.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Removing Plugs from A/C Grille

Reply #1 –
That has, "whoops, now I've done it" written all over it. Why do you need to take the outside trim off? Re-torque and/or removal of the whole unit?
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Removing Plugs from A/C Grille

Reply #2 –
I just used a very small flat bladed screw driver to remove them. They were not at all brittle. Care is required not to leave a mark, but a small mark doesn't really show anyway...
Don
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Removing Plugs from A/C Grille

Reply #3 –
Thanks, Don.

Quote
Why do you need to take the outside trim off? Re-torque and/or removal of the whole unit?

They are leaking into the coach when driving in a heavy rain. I want to give the four mounting bolts a half turn or so.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Removing Plugs from A/C Grille

Reply #4 –
Quote from: jor –
They are leaking into the coach when driving in a heavy rain. I want to give the four mounting bolts a half turn or so.

Easy does it, you could compress the gasket and make it worse, there is a torque #. Hey! It never rains in Arizona, so what's the big deal? :giggle:
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Removing Plugs from A/C Grille

Reply #5 –
First, indeed a very small/fine standard screwdriver will pop them out.

Check on how compressed the gasket is already.  If more than 50%, figure on replacing it.  Not expansive and not difficult with two people due to size, not weight.  Take a piece of plywood up with you to place the A/C on while you clean up the gasket area on roof and A/C unit.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Removing Plugs from A/C Grille

Reply #6 –
Thanks. I got three of the plugs out but the 4th required destruction. Anyhow, I gingerly tightened all eight bolts just a half turn. We'll see if it worked during the next storm. When we get back home I'll clean them up topside too. Might even end up picking up a couple Atwoods before they are all gone as these are the originals from 97.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320