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Topic: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach (Read 1344 times) previous topic - next topic

I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

About 2 hours out of Nac I stop to grab a bite to eat and when I do my walk around there is oil all over the rear of the coach and some that has dripped down off the mud flap. 

That didn't take long.
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #1 –
hmm -

call MOT - Aubry or Keith can help you figure this out

check hydraulic lines and pump

may want to turn around

Tim Fiedler

Sure Start Soft Start

TCER Direct generator-gas-prod 630 240-9139
Gen-Pro
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #2 –
Also, check the fill cap on the valve cover, if it is missing you will get oil all over everything. If it is missing I once used a screwdriver with a shop towel pushed down in the opening to get me to a parts store to buy a replacement.

Yeah, I felt stupid.

Len
Len and Deb Speiser
1999 U270 36'
2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
You're either on the bus, or you're off the bus!--Ken Kesey
If you're lucky enough to live in a bus, you're lucky enough!

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #3 –
Not if it's a Cat, that's just part of the oiling system..... ::)
Seriously, get it checked out
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving
Chris and Tammy
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #4 –
Take a close look at the hydraulic lines back there. The fan for the radiator is powered by hydraulics makes an awful mess when a hose ruptures. And the toad gets an oil bath. A shop that makes up hydraulic hoses can make new ones. I don't believe there is a need to return to Nacogdoches. The coach can still be driven some just watch the engine  temperature gauge and don't let the engine overheat. If you have road service it may be possible to have hoses made up where you are.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #5 –
Talked to Keith Davis at MOT.  Sent him a few picks of where it is leaking.  Oil pressure is good, plenty of oil on the dipstick.  Going to drive it to a Cummins dealership and deal with it in the AM
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #6 –
What kind of maintenance did you have done? Oil/filter change?

OK, what color is the oil. Black is engine and you can't get it off your hands unless you have lots of hand cleaner. The lighter green/brown is oil for the hydraulic motor/pump. Red is transmission fluid.

If a hose ruptures, you will lose the cooling fan(s) fast and you can see it on the temp gauge. Could be a hydraulic seal on one of the motors/pump.

So, raise the bed and take a look for topside leaks. Can you see anything with the engine door open? Use strong flashlight.

Spray car wash plus a grease remover will clean up the rear and toad. It really covered our toad when the hydraulic hose failed.

Usually, a problem after having your vehicle serviced is related to the service.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #7 –
Pierce I think he just bought it at MOT yesterday and is on his way home.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
If a hose ruptures, you will lose the cooling fan(s) fast and you can see it on the temp gauge. Could be a hydraulic seal on one of the motors/pump.
As well as power steering.  Always check chafing hoses when in the engine compartment.
David & Lou Ann Bouchard
Summer: Mount Vernon, Ohio
Winter: RiverBend Motorcoach Resort  LaBelle, Florida
2003 U320 38' Build #6174 "Willie"
2013 Cadillac SRX Toad
MC #17151 FMCA #F431393

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #9 –
I'd head back to MOT and get them to sort it out. Your signature isn't dry yet.  ;D
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Jeff & Sandy –
I'd head back to MOT and get them to sort it out. Your signature isn't dry yet.  ;D
It's pretty dry.
Honest, I don't think it's  big deal.  I will know tomorrow.

On to getting the house batteries to charge.

Knew it would be an adventure.  Just an opportunity to practice being calm.
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #11 –
Maybe I missed something but isn't the house battery condition and charging something MOT should have checked?How do you
know the batteries are not charging?
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #12 –
Would head back to MOT, at least for a diagnosis. Cummins dealerships seem to range from good to complete ripoffs. Oil dripping off mudflap is not a normal situation.
If Mot can't fix it, they can probably tell you someone reliable that can.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #13 –
Quote from: jcus –
Would head back to MOT, at least for a diagnosis. Cummins dealerships seem to range from good to complete ripoffs.
If Mot can't fix it, they can probably tell you someone reliable that can.
I agree, if it's hydraulic oil, you may be paying a Cummins engine tech hours to learn how your hydraulic system works, and that education may be expensive. Local Cummins dealer here is quite notorious, for being very creative for man hour charges.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #14 –
If it is a hydraulic hose issue the diagnosis is easy. And so is the repair. Had a hose rupture in Almogordo NM got it fixed at a Car Quest that worked on heavy equipment.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #15 –
I don't understand how a coach could go out the door at MOT with a battery issue and an oil leak.
Just sayin'.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #16 –
Quote from: Dakota Slim –
I don't understand how a coach could go out the door at MOT with a battery issue and an oil leak.
Just sayin'.

Would an easy one if they knew and owner decided to fix it himself? 1st guess.

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #17 –
Nothing bad to say about MOT.  We made a deal and they did their part.  It was a consignment coach.

I had it inspected and knew most everything going in.  The oil leak wasn't there to find until yesterday.
It's a motor home, stuff is going to happen.
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #18 –
Sometimes you just "gotta do what you gotta do"
Our dealer had our cruise control fixed before we took delivery. Worked until we were coming back from TX for the winter, then it quit.
I "made do" with a bar clamp by inverting the clamp heads on the bar then placing the fixed end on the fuel pedal and the ratcheting end on the bottom side of the dash. Ratchet up until desired speed was attained. Kept my hand on the release--just in case.
Attached is what the cruise connection "repair" was done by the truck repair south of town.
Turns out there was, for some reason(?) a loose connection in this mess! Wonder why?
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #19 –
Like you said, there was no oil leak until after it was serviced. 

None of us are in a position to determine whether this is minor or major-- since we don't know the source or even kind of oil.

I would determine what it is and its source before making any decision.

Examine it:
Is it black (engine oil)?
Red/pink (transmission fluid)?
Clean motor oil (hydraulic fluid)
Gear lube (rear axle fluid)

Are the house batteries not charging from alternator/engine or from shore power (inverter/charger)?

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: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #20 –
We had oil all over the back of our coach when we first bought it. Turned out that I put the dipstick in but didn't turn it so it locked in. There is a groove on the dipstick tube and a ring on the dipstick that lock it in place.

Hope this helps.
Bob, Vicki & Lilly
2003 Foretravel U320 40'
2008 Honda CRV - Toad
Build #6138

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #21 –
Quote from: Bob & Vicki –
We had oil all over the back of our coach when we first bought it. Turned out that I put the dipstick in but didn't turn it so it locked in. There is a groove on the dipstick tube and a ring on the dipstick that lock it in place.

Hope this helps.


I did that once on our 2003 Foretravel. Minor blow by easily cleaned, never made the mistake again.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #22 –
Was just reading about high pressure injection injury.  Please read about this and beware!  :o  Also in our case the hydraulic hose that actually ruptured was the main one that goes from the pump to the first fan motor.  Makes sense it is under the most pressure.  The one between the first and second fan motor had no abrasion areas so I left it.  The hoses fail (in my experience) due to abrasion.  You have to take apart the hose bundles to see the damage or to do an adequate inspection.  I don't replace any hose not under pressure.  I think they'll all be fine.

Ever since then I am very gentle on the steering wheel.  Why tempt fate on a 42' long hydraulic pressure hose when I have no repair fittings.

Re: I assume it's bad when there is oil on the rear of the coach

Reply #23 –
What was the source of your Oil Leak issue?
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit