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Topic: Rebuilding Crashed 1995 U295 (Read 9061 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Rebuilding Crashed 1995 U295

Reply #60 –
Amazing what you got done in 2 weeks before a trip.  Did you do any sleeping?

Re: Rebuilding Crashed 1995 U295

Reply #61 –
That coach was meant for you, you two were made for each other.

Re: Rebuilding Crashed 1995 U295

Reply #62 –
In Glacier you are only one day away from our farm, where we have 50 Amp hookup and an indoor hangar for maintenance work for free as long as you are vaccinated.

Regards

Klaus

Re: Rebuilding Crashed 1995 U295

Reply #63 –
Well we were broke down in Cody (you may have seen my post about the alternator failure) but while were sitting I thought I would post some more about all the pre-trip repairs. Thanks to everyone who has reached out for help. What a fantastic community!

Yes I sleep, I just get up early, work hard, and get stuff done! My job (general contractor) has been VERY busy these days as well. Making all these repairs before we left was a huge undertaking. I often wonder sometimes how I get done all the stuff I do. I don't make much time for myself as far as hobbies or friends anymore. Just working on projects on the house or the RV.

I forgot to mention the bulkhead woes I encountered as well. When we took our maiden voyage over the 4th the rear bulkhead pretty much separated from the angle iron by the time we made it home. All the rolex -sp? bolts were broken. I knew I needed to repair that before this trip but did not have time to do a full on rebuild. Luckily when I cut open some holes into the fiberglass bottom the internal steel was still solid. Had surface rust but not all rotted out like some of the pics I have seen. I was able to get (6) new 3/8" grade 8 bolts installed and bolted down tight. It all sucked back together and now after ~1300 hard miles with a full water tank nothing has moved.

I also wanted to share some of my experiences of the first part of the trip and our first real miles in the FT. First thing I have to say is WOW do these drive nice. Day one was a long day and almost 600 miles. I would have been exhausted in our previous DP after a day like that. I was ready to keep going, maybe it was just the adrenaline of hitting the road but I felt fresh. I set the cruise at 65 and just enjoyed the ride. The steering is so much more stable and the wind whether passing trucks or just gusts seem to barely be noticeable.

One difference I noted early on was the temp on this seems to be stable at about 190-195. Our previous C8.3 ran at 180. I am wondering if that is a little high? When we hit the Big Horns was the first time I really was able to hit the limits of the coach. On the initial steep climb we were down to 3rd gear (6 speed) and doing about 35 MPH. The temp also climbed to about 215. I was getting nervous on that first climb but after a few more tries on some more of the steeps I found 4th gear was the magic number. The temp never climbed over the 215 mark so I think we are okay. It was also 90-100 degrees outside.

The other thing I have to write about is the transmission retarder! I AM BLOWN AWAY at how well it works. You can hold pretty much any speed you want on any grade with enough rpm and the right gear. It was really relaxing and peaceful just floating down the steep grades enjoying the scenery. Once you figure out the right gear to be and keeping the rpm in a range where the retarder works well and keeps the temps down it's quite a joy to roll down these steep mountain roads.

I am super bummed I wrote about 30 more minutes of text and my internet connection failed and I lost all of it. I guess this all I have to say for now.

Re: Rebuilding Crashed 1995 U295

Reply #64 –
Retarder
So when you get your additional gauges you will find a additional gauge for the retarder. Your current gauge goes up to 400 deg as I recall and if you run the temperature up it will damage the oil. It also is for the trans, not actual retarder temp. So the oil is grossly expensive. I attempt to keep mine below 245 degrees max and shoot for 225. I rarely  use more than position one of six or high temperatures is a issue on long down hills. Same or lower gear to decend as you climb. Rpms are your friend. Yes it's always there in reserve but you will over-temp and shorten the life of your oil
Scott
Note I've never had the trans temp follow the retarder. Retarder is always exceeding
Transynd oil

Re: Rebuilding Crashed 1995 U295

Reply #65 –
Quote from: dsd –
Retarder
So when you get your additional gauges you will find a additional gauge for the retarder. Your current gauge goes up to 400 deg as I recall and if you run the temperature up it will damage the oil. It also is for the trans, not actual retarder temp. So the oil is grossly expensive. I attempt to keep mine below 245 degrees max and shoot for 225. I rarely  use more than position one of six or high temperatures is a issue on long down hills. Same or lower gear to decend as you climb. Rpms are your friend. Yes it's always there in reserve but you will over-temp and shorten the life of your oil
Scott
Note I've never had the trans temp follow the retarder. Retarder is always exceeding

So you are saying you put a temp gauge in-line with the retarder somewhere? I am aware to watch out for the temps. After the first few times I used it I was able to keep temps below 225-ish on the gauge. If I am understanding what you are saying though I am actually running much higher in the retarder.

I also really want a pyrometer!

Re: Rebuilding Crashed 1995 U295

Reply #66 –
When I got the VMSpc I found that the retarder temps were over 250 when my trans temp were under 200. I had been over heating the trans fluid for 2 years on the grade going into Bishop. I changed my 3 year old Transynd before this trip because of that.

Re: Rebuilding Crashed 1995 U295

Reply #67 –
Quote from: craneman –
When I got the VMSpc I found that the retarder temps were over 250 when my trans temp were under 200. I had been over heating the trans fluid for 2 years on the grade going into Bishop. I changed my 3 year old Transynd before this trip because of that.

Ohh my! That's a big difference! I will have to look into how I can monitor those temps. I am pre-computer so no VMSpc for me.

Re: Rebuilding Crashed 1995 U295

Reply #68 –
Quote from: craneman –
When I got the VMSpc I found that the retarder temps were over 250 when my trans temp were under 200. I had been over heating the trans fluid for 2 years on the grade going into Bishop. I changed my 3 year old Transynd before this trip because of that.
Me too. And the price is now like $56 gallon. Think we paid $46. Covid-19 makes another strike. I have the Blue fire and although I have retarder temps I can't recommend.
All I can say is don't overuse retarder, slower descending speed, same or lower gear as you need to climb. I agree if you need it use it, they do work. OTR trucks use a jake for a reason, there heavier and jakes work well. Retarders do really work well, but they have to put the energy somewhere and that's into the oil. Manageable but not bulletproof. IMO
Scott

Re: Rebuilding Crashed 1995 U295

Reply #69 –
We made it home with no more issues! Was able to make it into Glacier (only to Avalanche Creek as larger rigs are not allowed past there on Going to the Sun Rd) Did some amazing hiking. We found I think just about the only parking spot that would fit us.

Drove around the Hungry Horse Dam area as well on the East side up to St Mary and back home on Rt 2 all the way to MN.  All in all was some pretty epic RV driving.

Trip recap:
10 days
3446 miles
409 gallons of diesel
8.41 mpg (even with running the generator for at least 20 hrs and lots of mountain driving)

Re: Rebuilding Crashed 1995 U295

Reply #70 –
Noah, great news that after all your hard work to rebuild, the first big road trip went reasonably trouble free, and that the family got to see a little bit o' paradise.  Hoping you have many more uneventful adventures ahead. 

You and your family embody the spirit of all of us older Foretravel model owners.  The tribulations of initial ownership of a 20+ year old road behemoth are varied, but you seem to have had the average, or maybe even slightly even more stressful learning curve, and handled it with optimism and enthusiasm.  Safe Foretravelling....Woody.

Re: Rebuilding Crashed 1995 U295

Reply #71 –
Its been a bit since my last update. It has been a VERY busy Fall, work projects, other vehicle maintenance, kids activities, and squeeze in a bit of RV love when time allows. I am trying to get as much done before the snow flies. (Which could be any day now in MN)

One of my maintenance priorities was flushing the coolant, new water pump, thermostat, and serpentine belt. I was able to get that done over the last few days. I really wasn't quite clear about if I had the double thermostat or just a single. I also wasn't sure what gaskets I was going to need. My online research and FT Manuals were conflicted in these areas. Upon disassembly of the components I learned that I had one large thermostat #3913028 and could only find the gasket for the filter housing to engine, 3 hole gasket #3913025. The top inlet elbow, 2 hole gasket I decided to just make my own with some paper gasket material I had laying around. I was a little nervous it would leak but it ended up working great.

With everything taken apart I unhooked the lower radiator hose from the radiator and flushed the whole system with garden hose to start.  I continued unhooking a few other hoses and making sure I had a good flush. Next I put back the thermostat housing and water pump. Put in the new belt, hooked all my hoses back up, and installed a new Donaldson #P129472 air filter and gasket.

I filled the system with distilled water to try and flush out any leftover minerals etc from my tap water flush. I started and ran the motor for awhile until I could feel hoses starting to get warm. I shut it down and let the coolant system drain again overnight. This morning I was able to get the Cummins filled back up with Final Charge coolant. I did a 50/50 mix with distilled water. The first gallon I added was an undiluted gallon of concentrate to offset any water trapped in the system. With the system drained from the radiator and block drain ports it takes exactly 14 gallons to fill back up including the overflow jug. 

With everything topped off and put back together I took it on a little test drive. There were two reasons I wanted to get this flush done before winter. One, I was a little concerned with the higher than 180 temps I was seeing at the dash. I have been seeing 195+ depending on heat and grade of climb. Two, I plan on taking this south for a winter trip in February and want to make sure things are in top shape ready to go on subzero trip.

The test drive deemed itself successful and resulted in a change in temps. I watched as the temp rose to 180 hoping it would stop there. It continued to climb past to about 190 (hard to tell exactly on the factory dash temp gauges) but then I could see the thermostat open and the temp drop back down. It kind of cycled and continued to do this throughout the test drive. I feel good about it. Back at the ranch I parked and checked for leaks. I did notice a slight amount of seepage from the water pump. Hoping that was something just working itself in and will stop, I'll keep and eye on it.

While I had everything apart I took the time to do a little paint job. It drives me nuts how the new water pumps are not coated. When installed they just turn to surface rust quick. I put a little jazz into it and went for copper color. Also put a fresh coat of black on the thermostat/filter housings.

I forgot to mention before I started the project I sprayed down the engine area with degreaser and gave it all a good spray down. It looks pretty good for a quick wash!

Next on the agenda is rebuilding the furnaces. I ordered new motors (they were both really loud) and some backup spare parts. I purchased a control board, limit switch, and sail switch. These have all failed on me in prior RV's  leaving me without heat. Now I am prepared!

Also on the list before the next big trip/winter:
    • Figure out driveline vibration (per a different thread sounds like bearing retainer on the retarded
    • Tranny filter fluid change to 668
    • New self leveling caulk on the roof
    • Oil change
    • Fuel Filters
    • Rebuild 2 large blinds (strings)
    • Start swapping lights to LED

Re: Rebuilding Crashed 1995 U295

Reply #73 –
Sorry for the misinformation above, after looking at my purchases, this is where I got my Transynd, but now only available in 1 gallon purchases @ $48 per.  Seems they no longer have the 6 gallon deal.

Allison Transmission TranSynd1 Synthetic Trans Fluid

Re: Rebuilding Crashed 1995 U295

Reply #74 –
I ordered 5 gallons from Napa online for only $159 ($31.80/gallon) on Oct 11th and it is just sitting waiting to ship...I am losing faith I scored that deal.

UPDATE: I called Napa and the order is stuck waiting to ship from NC. I am opting to cancel that order and order single gallons for pickup later to day from my local Napa store for $36 a gallon. :)

Re: Rebuilding Crashed 1995 U295

Reply #75 –
Quote from: nbluesky –
I ordered 5 gallons from Napa online for only $159 ($31.80/gallon) on Oct 11th and it is just sitting waiting to ship...I am losing faith I scored that deal.

UPDATE: I called Napa and the order is stuck waiting to ship from NC. I am opting to cancel that order and order single gallons for pickup later to day from my local Napa store for $36 a gallon. :)

I got 5 gallons from Napa Coeur d Alene idaho coming out of Portland Or., be here tomorrow. $175.00 with my discount.Called a truck place (alison dealer in Spokane), $78.00 a gallon, Yikes!

Chris

Re: Rebuilding Crashed 1995 U295

Reply #76 –
Did I ever show the custom plates I got? I don't think I did.

BSKYRV = Bluesky RV

Re: Rebuilding Crashed 1995 U295

Reply #77 –
Nice plates.  Keep them as long as you can.

Here is a picture of ours. We got these in 1979 and they have been on every RV since.  Old school, stamped galvanized steel. Just shy of 42 years old.  They wanted to know if we wanted to replace them when we got the coach almost 11 years ago.  Nope, there is history here. 

Re: Rebuilding Crashed 1995 U295

Reply #78 –
Ohh that is fantastic! Love the old MN plates :)