More coach bucks

Topic: More coach bucks (Read 9645 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #150 – February 13, 2017, 03:47:03 pm

Did they ever determine the cause or point of failure of the original problem(s)?

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #151 – February 13, 2017, 04:17:49 pm

Quote from: AC7880 – February 13, 2017, 03:47:03 pm

Did they ever determine the cause or point of failure of the original problem(s)?

What he said: There have been a number of these 'catastrophes" on this forum where I don't recall the OP ever saying what happened, even though many members tried their best to give suggestions. Maybe I missed the "thanks gang, this was the problem" post?

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #152 – February 13, 2017, 04:33:44 pm

The problem was that the old o-rings around one of the cylinder liners finally cracked, letting coolant flow into the oil. The o-rings must have failed during the night while the engine was off, as there was only about a half gallon on coolant in the oil and it was NOT mixed in. I suppose that we could have just had new o-rings installed, but that probably would have cost quite a bit in labor, and probably would have had problems later on. There was evidence that the engine had gotten hot at some point. Whether that was when we lost the radiator fan a couple of years ago or whether it happened before we bought it is unknown.

I'm also assured that there will be considerably more power with this overhaul, so I'm anxious to see how that changed. I'm wondering if I'll get better fuel economy now.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #153 – February 13, 2017, 04:43:46 pm

Quote from: kb0zke – February 13, 2017, 04:33:44 pm

The problem was that the old o-rings around one of the cylinder liners finally cracked, letting coolant flow into the oil.

Thanks, David, I don't see the engine type on your sig, is that a DD you have? Good luck, you've earned "miles to go before you sleep."

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #154 – February 13, 2017, 05:05:45 pm

Detroit Diesel 6V92 two stroke-- same engine used in a very long list of model years for the U300.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #155 – February 13, 2017, 08:22:32 pm

Quote from: kb0zke – February 13, 2017, 04:33:44 pm

I'm also assured that there will be considerably more power with this overhaul, so I'm anxious to see how that changed. I'm wondering if I'll get better fuel economy now.

I must add that either you have some of the best medication in the Western Hemisphere or you have the temperament of a Buddhist Monk. I tip my hat to you for holding it together through a terrible RV ordeal.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #156 – February 13, 2017, 09:25:33 pm

I second that I would have blown my cool at least a dozen times by now. You are a true gentleman to behave this way through this tough event. The Very Best for you and yours in the future!!

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #157 – February 13, 2017, 10:16:14 pm

I have been thinking you must be the most patient man on earth to have kept in the mood you have. Then I remembered that my U320 was at MOT for over six months last year and they blamed it on Zip Dee parts. I pray that your coach will run many more years without incident.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #158 – February 14, 2017, 02:07:02 pm

Thanks for all the good wishes and great help on this situation. We had absolutely nothing scheduled for January, February, or March, so the only real plan we had was to work our way slowly across Texas before heading up to SW MO for our campground host gig in April. If we had to have a major breakdown this was certainly the time for it. While we were here we were able to sign up for a Habitat For Humanity build in Alice, TX which isn't all that far from here (by Texas standards).

We've made some great friends at the church here and gotten to see a part of Texas that we hadn't planned on seeing on this trip. We've gotten to know quite a few of the staff here at the hotel and we're all a bit sad that our stay with them is coming to a close, but at the same time we're excited to see what's coming next. We do have plans to meet up with two other Foretravelers over the next few weeks and hope to meet more of you later.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #159 – February 14, 2017, 05:38:09 pm

We've started hauling stuff back to the coach. Looks like at least two more loads to go. Talked to the mechanic and service manager, and they will call tomorrow afternoon (unless we're there with another load) to give us a firm done date. All of the parts are in (we think) and now it is just a matter of putting all of the parts together. I'm guessing that tomorrow we'll be told that we can leave on Thursday.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #160 – February 14, 2017, 08:35:47 pm

I think I would plan on staying there for at least a day or two, drive the coach for as many miles locally as you can and test it rigorously and make sure everything is done correctly before leaving town.

Best of luck -

Chris

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #161 – February 14, 2017, 08:46:23 pm

Break it in, both mechanically and thermally. A little time now can pay big dividends over the long haul.
Me, I would find a road less traveled and start out one mile at 10 MPH, then drop 5 MPH for a mile then up 10 MPH for a mile, and then repeat until you are where you are comfortable with your top speed. Then pull over someplace, let the engine idle for about 5 minutes, then shut off and go somewhere for 3-4 hours. Come back and do the exercise again, back to the start point. Change oil soon.
I have done that with my vehicles when I bought new. Amazing how much longer they lasted and how much faster they were.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #162 – February 14, 2017, 09:13:06 pm

Chris, we've talked about that as a possibility. There is a big rodeo going on here in San Angelo and every hotel room in town is booked - at top rates. Checkout time is noon, so unless we get a call tomorrow morning saying the coach will be done tomorrow, we're here for another night. Most likely we will get the coach on Thursday. I doubt that there are any campsites open here, but we'll check tomorrow. We're also looking at places 60 miles or so out from here. The service manager said that driving directly from here to Hondo, towing the Jeep, would not be any problem.

One part of me wants to assume that all will be well and head straight on to Hondo. The other part of me says to assume that there will be a problem and therefore staying close by is a good idea. I should probably just go to bed and wait to find what's what tomorrow.

Nighthawk, that's an interesting way of working it. I'll ask the shop about doing that. Since they are the ones that are providing the warranty I'll do things their way.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #163 – February 14, 2017, 09:21:39 pm

Cummins has a very specific procedure for "breaking in" a rebuilt engine. I would find out what DD specifically recommends and do that. A day or two not too far away might be a good idea. After Cummins rebuilt our engine we left on a 5,000 mile trip, a bit nervous for a while but confidence comes with time and performance.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #164 – February 14, 2017, 10:29:26 pm

Hondo would be fine, or anywhere in a 60 mile radius. That would keep,you close enough to get back to their shop if needed. I guess my point was: stay close enough that you can get back to the shop if necessary, because getting in to another shop might be time-consuming, and costly as opposed to the place that did the work for you.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #165 – February 15, 2017, 11:24:49 am

I would stay no more than 20 mil a way for at least two days. Drive the coach for 2-4 hours a day. Drive it for 20 mil stop/start, drive it for another 5 stop/start, drive it for 50 mil stop start. At each stop look, listen smell. After what you have been through for what now 5-6 weeks and the "coach bucks" invested I would make sure. Best of luck to you. We have been following your misfortune and keeping you in our thoughts for best outcome for you. You are such a patient man

I admire you.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #166 – February 15, 2017, 11:38:18 am

Roger,what were the circumstances of your rebuild? Us Cummins people are curious.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #167 – February 15, 2017, 12:20:01 pm

We're checking on campgrounds in the area now. I suspect that we'll have to go out more than 20 miles due to the rodeo. There are a couple of places about 60 miles away with campgrounds that may not be full. Of course, we haven't been released yet, so it is difficult to make definite plans.

I don't know how much, if any, break-in driving the shop will do. They have a published test drive route, and I'm sure that they aren't going to put the last part back on, pour oil and coolant in, then hand me the keys and say "Bye, bye."

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #168 – February 15, 2017, 12:32:44 pm

David,

This may help you find a campground close by. A lot of the towns out in that area have city parks that may not have but 2-5 sites but we have stopped at several. Just scroll down to the city you are at.

http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/trv/campgrounds.pdf

Pamela

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #169 – February 15, 2017, 01:00:00 pm

Junction, Fredericksburg, Kerrville are just a few nice places that come to mind. Closer than Hondo, also.

Chris

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #170 – February 15, 2017, 01:21:05 pm

David, There is a RV park on the west side of Brady, also one south by the lake cant say where just saw the signs a few times, You probably know of these but never know, Mason has a county park on the east side of town that is nice, Fredericksburg has 4 I think also, Good Luck you have had your share of trials,

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #171 – February 16, 2017, 04:50:06 pm

Just got back from the shop. All parts are present, and the mechanic has two helpers working with him. He feels pretty good about predicting that we will be released tomorrow! We've checked with the local KOA (I know, I don't really like them either) and they will have a place for us to stay. At least it will be cheaper than the hotel.

We're going to drive around some tomorrow when we're released to get fuel and maybe propane if time permits. If there is sufficient time we'll drive to Eden and back, varying speed as much as I can, and see how things go. Since the service manager has said that we could immediately hook up the Jeep and head to Hondo IF all looks good after the first trip we MAY head down that way. We'll just have to see how things go.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #172 – February 16, 2017, 07:43:50 pm

That IS good news!

happy trails

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #173 – February 17, 2017, 01:41:10 pm

Just got off the phone with the shop. Barring anything unforeseen the coach will be released TODAY!!! It is likely to be later in the day, so we'll probably just go straight to the KOA and start getting ourselves back into our home. Tomorrow we can get fuel and drive around a bit here before heading to Hondo. Of course, if there is ANYTHING that doesn't seem right we'll be right back at Freightliner and expecting them to fix it immediately.

Re: More coach bucks

Reply #174 – February 17, 2017, 02:40:52 pm

A warranty in writing is good in court if necessary. A spoken warranty will get you nothing.
An engine breakin done their way will not, most likely, void a warranty.
I remember asking a store personnel how long the warranty on driveway sealer is good for. Her reply was---until I get the pails past the checkout. The manufacturers can come up with a million reasons for the sealer to have failed, and not one of them theirs.

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