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Topic: Urgent, need ideas - storage or other solutions for 1993 Grand Villa (Read 1096 times) previous topic - next topic

Urgent, need ideas - storage or other solutions for 1993 Grand Villa

I bought this unit on a whim about a year ago, and have enjoyed using her, mostly at one place here in South Florida, where she has also been stored.

While most of the important stuff works, she does have an oil leak, and a brief look at the bulkheads show rust. She was originally built for a Canadian, and I have a lot of the original paperwork, however she has seen better days and short of someone with lots of time, probably should be parted out.

[Per the OP:  At this time this is NOT an ad for parting out the coach.  Please do not ask for parts from this coach in this topic - Michelle]

She has the 10kw pancake generator which works great with under 600 hours on her, both AC's work, the fridge and ice maker still work, and she still has the original convection microwave which after replacing the 10A fuse behind the front panel, still works like a champ. Still have the manual and the accessories for it.

The thing is, the place I've been storing her, and using her at for a week every month or six weeks is closing. It seems they too are victims of Covid, and looking around to try to find her another home and coming up empty.

I did take her to Tennessee in October for a wedding, and other than shredding the alternator belt (since replaced), and putting a lot of oil in her, she made the trip just fine.

The usual issues of the dash AC not working, and the speedometer not working plague her, but I did get the back up camera working again, although it's reversed left to right.

She's full of the original 1/4" hard walnut paneling and has a wood floor in the kitchen area, believe it or not, the jacuzzi tub still works just fine, although not for my 6'7" self.

I'd love to see her re-homed somewhere, or used to fix up another one. I know the community loves these old girls, and I would miss her greatly.

I'm entertaining ideas, but need to figure out something before the end of January.
93 Grand Villa 40'
DD6V92/DDEC
Build: 4208

Re: 1993 Grand Villa U300 #4208

Reply #1 –
If you want any O-pinions or meaningful comments from our members, you will have to post some good sharp photos.  The more the better. 
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: 1993 Grand Villa U300 #4208

Reply #2 –
Question for OP - are you indicating this is a "parting out" classified ad?  If so, I will move it to Classifieds since that is where all "for sale/free/trade/wanted" should be listed.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: 1993 Grand Villa U300 #4208

Reply #3 –
If the leak is from a main bearing seal, buy enough seal expander for 5 gallons of oil, the rough amount in the crankcase. Where is the leak coming from? Any other leaks are easy.

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

Re: 1993 Grand Villa U300 #4208

Reply #4 –
I had a guy look at the leak and he says it's coming from the top of the engine where the engine and transmission are joined. I am not a mechanic at all, and finding someone to work on her down here in the boonies is impossible. I'll try the seal expander. It doesn't leak at all just sitting there, and really doesn't seem to leak on shorter runs. 

I'll try the seal expander trick - other than the oil issue the engine purrs like a kitten.

I'd really like to get the oil leak fixed and find a place to put her that doesn't cost more than my house mortgage.
93 Grand Villa 40'
DD6V92/DDEC
Build: 4208

Re: 1993 Grand Villa U300 #4208

Reply #5 –
I'm more musing than actually making a decision. If anyone has an idea for somewhere to park her in South Florida that doesn't cost both my arms, I'd love to keep her, especially if I can get the oil leak fixed for a reasonable cost.
93 Grand Villa 40'
DD6V92/DDEC
Build: 4208

Re: 1993 Grand Villa U300 #4208

Reply #6 –
Quote from: jimedrich –
I'm more musing than actually making a decision. If anyone has an idea for somewhere to park her in South Florida that doesn't cost both my arms, I'd love to keep her, especially if I can get the oil leak fixed for a reasonable cost.

OK

Folks, please hold your "I'll take part XYZ" queries until/unless this moves to Classifieds.  I will also mark the original post to indicate that and clean up the thread.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Urgent, need ideas - storage or other solutions for 1993 Grand Villa

Reply #7 –
Where are You at in "South Florida" ?  I would be willing to look at your coach and give advice/opinion, to help you out....  ^.^d  Don't put any sealer in it until you find the leak....
The selected media item is not currently available.
Gerry & Brenda
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FL
1994 Grand Villa - # 4466
U300 Unihome - 6V92 Detroit
4 speed Allison - Jake Brake

Re: Urgent, need ideas - storage or other solutions for 1993 Grand Villa

Reply #8 –
Quote from: jimedrich –
I had a guy look at the leak and he says it's coming from the top of the engine where the engine and transmission are joined. I am not a mechanic at all, and finding someone to work on her down here in the boonies is impossible. I'll try the seal expander. It doesn't leak at all just sitting there, and really doesn't seem to leak on shorter runs. 

I'll try the seal expander trick - other than the oil issue the engine purrs like a kitten.

I'd really like to get the oil leak fixed and find a place to put her that doesn't cost more than my house mortgage.
No, don't try my seal expander as it only works for crankshaft seals. I know where the leak is coming from. Easy to fix on ours as it was just a fitting leaking but making a mess. It's back below the alternator and close to the power steering pump. The power steering pump is the one sticking out of the engine without a belt as it's internally driven.

Send us a photo of the area and leak.

Don't want to sound like a jerk but the coach is almost 30 years old. That's nothing if you are a decent DIY guy but unless you are, it's going to bite you with something you don't expect, and that you can't fix. Have a forum member come and take a look at it and give an honest appraisal of the condition. Nothing personal at all but as our coaches age, more little things go wrong and you've got to be pretty savvy, especially if it has a corrosion/bulkhead problem.

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

Re: Urgent, need ideas - storage or other solutions for 1993 Grand Villa

Reply #9 –
 You can park it  at my shop  for $250 per mon..  I can most likely fix the oil leak. 

Re: Urgent, need ideas - storage or other solutions for 1993 Grand Villa

Reply #10 –
The reversed image on the back up camera monitor may be a setting on the monitor if it is a newer one
David & Emma Roche
Dino (Golden Doodle)
1999 U270 WTFE 36' Build # 5534
Xtreme "Lights, Stripes & Roof"
Motorcade# 18321
Dayton, Ohio
Towd: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Two Townie Electra Bikes

Life is made to enjoy, the Foretravel helps!

Re: Urgent, need ideas - storage or other solutions for 1993 Grand Villa

Reply #11 –
What was the outcome of this?  TIA,MM