1991 U300-- bought it!

Topic: 1991 U300-- bought it! (Read 7561 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #75 – June 04, 2020, 03:55:07 pm

Engine running. Trans in neutral. Slide the cruise control button to the on position and slide it past the on position and briefly hold it in that position. Does the idle go up?

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #76 – June 04, 2020, 04:27:08 pm

Works on Cummins rigs, not our Detroit. Tried it years ago when the topic came up. Perhaps it does work on a early U300 but not ours. Any other Detroit owners able to get fast idle?

Pierce

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #77 – June 04, 2020, 05:23:46 pm

Quote from: Jeff & Sandy – June 04, 2020, 09:17:44 am

Stump is awesome.

Stump's barbeque sauce is awesome!

jerry

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #78 – June 04, 2020, 06:32:46 pm

You also need new air cleaner. On my 91 6v92 it is a wix 56726. Donaldson does not make one anymore for our coach (xlp18-2990)

Ken

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #79 – June 04, 2020, 07:15:45 pm

You also will have a retarder on the Allison not a Jake like the next year. As I remember, when the 648 Allison shifts, it does not lock up in the same gear as the 746 Allison. Perhaps a "91 U300 owner can go over the retarder and the lockup shifting sequence here.

Pierce

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #80 – June 04, 2020, 07:19:37 pm

Such knowledge on this forum is worth it's weight in GOLD!

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #81 – June 04, 2020, 07:23:01 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – June 04, 2020, 04:27:08 pm

Works on Cummins rigs, not our Detroit. Tried it years ago when the topic came up. Perhaps it does work on a early U300 but not ours. Any other Detroit owners able to get fast idle?

Pierce

Not mine either

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #82 – June 04, 2020, 10:28:54 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – June 04, 2020, 04:27:08 pm

Works on Cummins rigs, not our Detroit. Tried it years ago when the topic came up. Perhaps it does work on a early U300 but not ours. Any other Detroit owners able to get fast idle?

Pierce

Nope, doesn't work on ours.
Wish it did, boy do I wish it did.

Whenever we pull into a rest stop it's b/c I have to go make water.
DW slides into the drivers seat and holds the RPMs up since we just pulled off the highway.
While tending to my business I listen to the engine rev and wonder "how fast is she spinning this thing".
Hurry up, wash up, get back up front only to find she's holding the RPMs right where they need to be.

New owner jitters, kids will sleep back there all the time while traveling.
Since I do the driving I have no idea what it sounds like in the back, be it 1000 RPMs fast idle or 1850 cruise RPMs.

Telling this as a one new owner to another new owner.
Relax, enjoy, learn, ask questions.
Congrats on your new purchase.

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #83 – June 04, 2020, 11:05:38 pm

Ear protection for sleepers.

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #84 – June 05, 2020, 12:33:17 am

Some more updates.

Today was pretty easy.

Yesterday an air leak is found in the on boar air compressor bay. There are at least two air line in that bay. One is 3/8 connect to the on-board air compressor. The other is 1/4 air line. Not sure what it connects to yet. The 1/4 is leaking air. Leaking is not bad enough to cause air not to build. But it definitely slow down the air pressure build up process. With @stump encouragement yesterday, I am more confident today to handle issue like this.

Startup the engine. Battery was on Battery tender trickle charger. So engine fires right up.
Build some air pressure. Identify the leak position.
Cut the air hose before and after the leak position.

As you can see, the 1/4 air hose is rubbing some thing so that it busted.
Went to NAPA, bought this air hose coupler. Super easy to use. Just push the air hose in. It will lock the hose automatically. No need to use wrench. It is amazing.

After the fix, run the engine for a while. The air pressure build up nicely. There is no more significant leak anymore. There are some small leaks. But it is not significant enough to slow down the air pressure build up.

So seems like the air system is working now.

The next task is the battery. House battery positive terminal is completed rotten out. The cable used are 3/0 cable. Very heavy duty. I have crimp to handle 1/0 cable, but not 3/0 cable. So I bought this guy from Amazon. It is able to handle 4/0 cable with 12 tons of hydraulic force. So 3/0 cable should be easy.

Attached is how I connect the battery together. I hope it is correct . Basically all three batter's negative terminal are connected together. But the engine positive and house positive are separated. @stump said, there is a boost button on the left side of the steering wheel. When it is pushed, all 3 batteries will be used to provide power to the engine starter. Great tip form @stump again!

I was trying to fill the grey tank and black tank then add some Colorox so that I can reduce the odor. I was able to fill the fresh tank. Even saw the overflow valve open. But the kitchen faucet stopped working after a while. So not sure if the water pump is burned or something else is not right. Will need to investigate tomorrow.

Thanks for you reading!

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #85 – June 05, 2020, 09:07:20 am

Quote from: Phranko – June 04, 2020, 10:28:54 pm

New owner jitters, kids will sleep back there all the time while traveling.
Since I do the driving I have no idea what it sounds like in the back, be it 1000 RPMs fast idle or 1850 cruise RPMs.

Telling this as a one new owner to another new owner.
Relax, enjoy, learn, ask questions.
Congrats on your new purchase.

Your V-6 Detroit sounds just like a 4-stroke V-12 at 1850 RPM. Time to hit an antique auto show and ask an E-type owner if you can listen to his V-12. If it's an inline-6 ask him to rev it to 3700. Your engine will sound just as sweet.

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #86 – June 05, 2020, 09:09:26 am

I am surprised only one start battery for the DD 6V92.

And on the house bank, attach cable from chassis ground to one battery, cable to house positive to the OTHER BATTERY.

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #87 – June 05, 2020, 10:01:12 am

Quote from: wolfe10 – June 05, 2020, 09:09:26 am

I am surprised only one start battery for the DD 6V92.

It's summertime and the livin' is easy.

Pierce

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #88 – June 05, 2020, 10:13:29 am

Quote from: wolfe10 – June 05, 2020, 09:09:26 am

I am surprised only one start battery for the DD 6V92.

And on the house bank, attach cable from chassis ground to one battery, cable to house positive to the OTHER BATTERY.

So the battery on the left is the chassis/engine start battery. The two on the right are the house batteries.
And that pile in the middle is a chemical flower without the lump of soft coal underneath?

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=39545.0;attach=95920;image

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #89 – June 05, 2020, 10:17:29 am

My 92 U300 has one start battery as well but I have 4 deep cycle 6 volt house batteries. Works well

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #90 – June 06, 2020, 12:48:55 am

Not sure if anybody is still interested, I am updating my progress on getting the coach moved.

Today is a big day. The tire company came and changed the tire.

I was hoping they can change tire without moving the coach, but they have to move it to get clearance under the bus. So I have to move the bus. My initial thought is to move the bus after the tire is changed. Looks like I have to move the bus before the tire is changed. For the first time in at least 15 years, the coached moved out its parking place. It attracts a group of people to gather around since it has been there for so long.

The tire on the model no. plate is 275/80R22.5. According to the tire shop, it is Michellin special size. It is almost identical to 295/75R22.5. The latter is a lot easier to find. It is a little bit bigger so in some edge cases, it will barely touch the bottom of the front air bag. I choose Toyo tires since I heard it is pretty good. It cost $3000 to install all 6 of them. Ouch!!!

After a good 2 hour and a lot of sweat, 6 brand new tires were installed! For the front wheel, since the air conditioner's condensation flow right from there, A lot of rust on Nuts and stud. Tire guy suggest to change at least 3 of the stud and all (22) the nuts.

The front hub is still the old oil bath hub.

While the coach is out on the road, I took a picture of the whole coach. I think it is still stylish!

After new tires are in place, I decide to take the coach to the nearest gas station to add fresh diesel while diesel price is low. So my first driving starts. I had never driven anything like that before. But according to my neighbor-a retired 18 wheeler driver, I did pretty good.

In Texas, Diesel is at $2.00/Gallon, the tank can hold 148 gallon. It is good time to get some diesel while the price is still low.

After the fueling, I am backing in to the parking spot. Very challenging, but I did it on first try!

Never thought how lucky I was to finish the whole trip. It would be too unrealistic if nothing wrong happens.

When I backed into the parking spot. It is a little bit too far to connect the hose, power and sewage. No big deal. Just fire up the engine, back up a little bit more. The problem is that air pressure is not building up!

. Big disappointment!!! All the excitement went away. I know I can't handle this by myself. I texted @stump the issue. I know for sure he will give a solution

.

While waiting on @stump response, I went under the bus to check the patch I did on Wed. I think it is of no good. There is water dripping out. So I took the clamps out. Get the epoxy out. Clean the surface again. I am going to reseal the tank.

NAPA is a great place to go to get ideas to fix thing like this. They recommend me to use 3/8 taping tool to create thread on the tank then use standard 3/8 bolt to seal it with some liquid Teflon. Sounds pretty promising! So went under the bus again, first enlarge the hole using 5/16 drill bit. Then use the tool to create thread. Use liquid Teflon, Put the bolt on, really tighten it.
All seems really well. Much cleaner than the epoxy mess.

While waiting on the Teflon to cure, went ahead to redo the battery cable by adding the heat shrink tube.

I was hoping the air tank leak is the cause of the air pressure issue. I was so wrong. It is not. There are some other leaks. Since the on board air pressure is bypassed. I have to go under the bus while the engine is running. It was pretty scary. But I get use to it.

Soon, I discovered the leak come from the valve connected to the brakes. Initially I thought the hose was busted. At this time, @stump is already on the phone with me. The most important thing I learned from him today is Don't panic. These things will happen. The rubber will dry out. At the end, just find where the leak is and fix it.

By looking the picture, @stump think it is a pressure relive valve. It is stuck due to the years of no usage. So instead of finding new part. He instructed me to the spread good amount of WD40, then use hammer to loosen it up. So I did it. Air pressure still not building up! But since @stump is on the phone with me. I am not in panic mode at all

The next part shows how deep @stump understands the bus. Since air pressure is not building. He wants to relive the parking brake and holding the brake pedal. Do this few times to exercise the valves. This works!!! While holding the brake pedal, air pressure build up nicely. Then release the brake pedal. air pressure build up without problem! Yeah! Will see if it still works tomorrow.

The lesson learned today is Don't panic! For coach this age, the rubber will dry out. Just find the leak, fix it one by one. Nothing too complicated once you know how air system works!

Thanks @stump !

Thanks for your reading!

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #91 – June 06, 2020, 02:02:43 am

I love your posts! Please keep them coming. We love pictures!

Please understand. We as owners of these road palaces all have the panic, fear of rut ro what was that. Many can fix without any help. Most need some form of help. That help is just waiting to extend its invisible hand. Here and in the facebook forums also. Never be afraid to ask. We all learn by the posts of each other. With my coach, steering was allover the road when I first drove it. That was just the beginning of issues. So keep posting.
Vr Mark

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #92 – June 06, 2020, 07:02:40 am

I'm enjoying this thread. We all can learn something new. Thanks for sharing.

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #93 – June 06, 2020, 08:50:09 am

Thanks for your updates.

Minor correction. You said: "The tire on the model no. plate is 275/75R22.5. According to the tire shop, it is Michellin special size. It is almost identical to 295/80R22.5."

It is: 275/80R22.5 Michelin is almost identical to 295/75R22.5.

And, you may need to check and adjust your cut angles on the steering box (easy) as some have reported on full cut interference between the 295's and the air bag support plate.

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #94 – June 06, 2020, 08:54:31 am

Keep them coming, I am interested in how you make out.

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #95 – June 06, 2020, 09:27:56 am

Just got around to reading this whole thread. Very entertaining - like a mystery/adventure novel...has me on the edge of my seat.

"Will our stalwart hero finally overcome all obstacles and ride off into the sunset in his handsome Foretravel?"

Couple random thoughts when looking at photos:

1. Is that engine exhaust pipe in the standard location for this model? Looks (to me) kinda unusual poking through the side panel.

2. That cracked skylight over the shower can be sealed with some good quality tape until you get a chance to replace it.

3. Looks like the rear roof air conditioner is a newer model, so you may have avoided some future expense there.

There are drain valves that should allow you to drain any water out of the air tanks (2 tanks in front and one in the rear). Until you get around to changing out the air dryer, It would be good to check these drain valves every time you run the engine. Water buildup in the air tanks should be avoided. Add a new or rebuilt air dryer to your "To Do" list.

What type batteries did you install? I can't tell for sure in the photo. If they are "flooded" type batteries (with filler caps) you will need to keep a close eye on the electrolyte level. If your battery charger is old, or not set up correctly, it may try to over-charge the new batteries and that will boil the water out...which is not good.

Good luck with your new ride! Keep us updated on your adventures, and post lots of photos as your go along. We LIKE photos!

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #96 – June 06, 2020, 09:41:48 am

Love your posts, we all had to start somewhere and your mentor is teaching you well grasshopper. Keep moving forward and have fun. By time stump get through with you, your going to know that bus pretty good

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #97 – June 06, 2020, 09:46:25 am

Jiaxinxi wrote: "I was hoping the air tank leak is the cause of the air pressure issue. I was so wrong. It is not. There are some other leaks. Since the on board air pressure is bypassed. I have to go under the bus while the engine is running. It was pretty scary. But I get use to it."

Please don't do that again. I am too old and too feeble to undertake another project on a scale such as yours, but I do remember the satisfaction that comes from solving each problem in its turn.

Not only can @stump but any number of Foretravel owners detail how to brace your chassis so that it will not settle on you while working underneath. Sadly mine does not have the air suspension so I cannot give you detailed instruction.

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #98 – June 06, 2020, 10:17:47 am

Safety stands

Re: 1991 U300-- bought it!

Reply #99 – June 06, 2020, 10:23:16 am

LJ is funny as heck. He has ample room under his coach even if air bags are deflated. Obviously not under cargo bay area but in engine area and under the front you can almost kneel. I trust he has enough common sense to know where and where not to go. He has come a kong way in the last week getting this bus to where it is now.
The original mobile mechanic told him he needed air bags to the tune of 7k. No bags have had to be replaced as of yet. I told him to just take one thing at a time. This coach has not moved until yesterday 15-20 yrs. When he runs into a snag I remind him have you spent 7k yet?lol
I think today he will have systems working where he can move it to its new storage/work location.
It is in a campground and they want to rent the lot.with his tenacity he will succeed! So far with sone guidance he has made every repair he has had to do. Get er done!

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