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Topic: Bad Day Happening (Read 487 times) previous topic - next topic

Bad Day Happening

I have to start the coach every so often, to air up my tanks when i get an "excessive Slope" message. Went to start up and the retarder light was flashing with the transmission display shown here.
It wouldn't even respond to the key.
Then I heard a bang from out back
I will get the book out, but need all the help I can get.
The coach reads out of level on pretty level ground, so I may have a leak.
The oil light was on when I turned the key.
I started out wanting to wash the coach today.
Looks like I might be making other plans.
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Bad Day Happening

Reply #1 –
Start by checking engine battery voltage.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Bad Day Happening

Reply #2 –
Don't have load tester with me
Three batteries
Best method to check?
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Bad Day Happening

Reply #3 –
I put charger on
Fired up
Amen
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Bad Day Happening

Reply #4 –
If you don't have a volt meter with you you could turn on the headlight and see how bright they
are and then try and start the rig and if the lights go out your batteries are dead or a bad connection
or a starter that is shorting out inside. Also what was the bang.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Bad Day Happening

Reply #5 –
I have a volt meter
I said I did not have a load tester with me
My question was what would be the best procedure
Should I charge the batteries, separate the three, and test each one WITHOUT a load tester?
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Bad Day Happening

Reply #6 –
Quote from: GleamB –
Don't have load tester with me
Three batteries
Best method to check?
Unless you need to be somewhere time is on your side so use it to your advantage.

Charge the batteries to 100% state of charge.  Disconnect them from each other.  After 3 hours measure and record the voltages.  Come back 24 hours later and measure the voltages again.  If the same voltage both times battery capacity is probably still good.  Or make up a 2A load out of a light bulb or two and clip it to one of the batteries.  So do the math for your battery and run enough hours to withdraw enough electrons to equal 25% of capacity.  Stop the process, wait an hour and measure the voltage.  Battery University has the most honest data I've been able to find.

FWIW battery capacity in amp hours is usually measured at 2, 10, or 20 amp current flow.  Battery capacity at full cranking current draw is much less than at the 2A rate.  There's math that involves exponents dating back to the 1880s.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
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AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Bad Day Happening

Reply #7 –
Ais old guy said you do have a load tester on your coach. Turn the headlights on go to start it if the headlights dim way out then you have bad batteries. Glenn don't you have a trickles charger or something to keep your start batteries topped up? If not then keep the charger on it to do so. Do you have one of those voltage testers that you plug into a cigarette lighter that reads the voltage? Plug it in if you do and try to start and see what the voltage does. With lead acid batteries you will always see a voltage dip with that kind of a load, but it should still stay above 12 volts. If it doesn't and you recently charged the batteries and they still are not performing like they should you need new batteries. A lot of them are made in Mexico so if you're still down there you should be able to get some in Mazatlan. As old tool maker said amp hour capacity isn't important as cold cranking ability... Well I at least I'm paraphrasing him.
Definitely get it sorted out before you leave Mazatlan because that would be no bueno on the road.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
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Re: Bad Day Happening

Reply #8 –
Thanks guys. Your help is appreciated
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Bad Day Happening

Reply #9 –
Or just take them to your local auto parts store and get them to check them and sell you new batteries or they generally will charge for free and return ready to go.