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Onan 5500 Generator Tune-Up Guide: Best Aftermarket Parts & Filters 20
Engine Medium 2 hours 90 👍

Onan 5500 Generator Tune-Up Guide: Best Aftermarket Parts & Filters 20

Before my last camping trip when I tried to order replacement parts, I discovered that finding genuine OEM components for my Onan 5500 generator has become nearly impossible. The Cummins website has been showing most tune-up components as out of stock for months now, and when I do find supposedly "official" Onan oil filters online, many retailers are substituting generic filters that may not meet the same specifications.

I've been researching alternatives and I'm particularly concerned about getting the right oil filter and spark plugs. For the oil filter, I've seen conflicting information about whether aftermarket options like Wix filters are truly compatible - some sources mention the 57398 but I've read mixed reviews about fitment issues. For spark plugs, my current ones are NGK BPR4EY, and I've heard the NGK 3432 might be equivalent, but I want to make sure before ordering.

I'm also planning to stick with zinc-containing oil like Rotella T6 15w40 since I know air-cooled engines need the extra protection, but I'd love confirmation that I'm on the right track with quality aftermarket parts that won't compromise my generator's performance. What specific part numbers and brands would you recommend for a reliable tune-up when OEM parts aren't available? …more
2022 Ford E450 Check Engine Light: Complete DIY Troubleshooting Guide
Engine Easy 45 minutes 83 👍

2022 Ford E450 Check Engine Light: Complete DIY Troubleshooting Guide

Last week marked the third time this month my 2022 Ford E450 motorhome check engine light flicked on at only 4,000 miles and I'm done with mechanics. Last month I had the engine serviced at a local shop, and everything seemed fine when I drove it home. The RV ran perfectly for several weeks without any issues whatsoever.

Yesterday when I started the engine, the check engine light came on and stayed illuminated. According to my Ford owner's manual, this particular warning light is typically related to emissions system problems rather than more serious engine damage. The timing is suspicious given that it appeared shortly after the recent service work.

I don't currently have an OBD2 scanner to pull the specific diagnostic codes, and I'm really hoping to avoid another expensive trip back to the shop just to have them run basic diagnostics. Before I spend more money on professional diagnosis, are there any standard troubleshooting steps I can perform myself to potentially identify and fix simple issues that commonly cause check engine lights on these Ford E450 chassis? I'm particularly interested in emissions-related problems that might have been disturbed during routine service. …more
Ford F53 V10 Engine Surging: Quick Diagnosis & Cheap Fixes for RV Owners
Engine Medium 2-4 hours 83 👍

Ford F53 V10 Engine Surging: Quick Diagnosis & Cheap Fixes for RV Owners

Ford V10 surges between 600 and 1200 RPM at idle and gets worse when the engine is warm. Already replaced the IAC valve and cleaned the throttle body with no improvement. Drives fine on the highway but sitting at a stoplight feels like the engine is about to stall. …more
Ford V10 P0420 Code and Engine Surging: Exhaust Manifold Diagnosis Guide for RV Owners
Engine Medium 2-3 hours 78 👍

Ford V10 P0420 Code and Engine Surging: Exhaust Manifold Diagnosis Guide for RV Owners

Opened my wallet for a new catalytic converter, cleaned the MAF sensor, checked every vacuum line, and swapped the fuel filter on my 2014 Ford V10 motorhome — still getting P0420 codes and intermittent surging. Some days it runs absolutely perfect, smooth acceleration and no codes. Other days, especially during acceleration, I get this annoying surging that makes driving unpleasant, and that's when the P0420 code shows up on my scanner.

I've been methodically working through potential causes and have replaced quite a bit already: new MAF sensor, both upstream and downstream O2 sensors, checked fuel pressure (it's good), tested plugs and coils, cleaned the throttle body thoroughly, and even replaced the right side exhaust manifold gasket after noticing some seepage there. Despite all this work, I'm still getting the same P0420 code and surging, and my scan tool consistently points to issues on the right bank.

What's really puzzling me is the connection between the surging and the P0420 code - they seem to occur together. Could there be something I'm missing with the exhaust system that would cause both symptoms? I've already addressed the right side manifold, but I'm wondering if there's more to this V10 exhaust system that I should be checking. …more
2000 Ford E450 V10 Uphill Power Mods for Mountain Towing
Engine Medium 4-6 hours for gear change 71 👍

2000 Ford E450 V10 Uphill Power Mods for Mountain Towing

Called three different YouTube tutorials claiming to boost my 2000 Ford E450 V10's uphill towing power, but now my motorhome struggles even worse in the mountains. The unit struggles substantially on extended uphill grades, particularly during Rocky Mountain travel where sustained climbs can last 30+ minutes.

I'm evaluating several modification options to address this performance deficiency: rear differential gear ratio changes, SCT programming modules, K&N high-flow air filtration systems, and catalytic converter removal. I need to understand which modifications will provide measurable uphill towing improvements versus those that offer minimal gains.

What is the relative effectiveness of these power modifications for V10 mountain towing applications? I'm looking for a technical assessment of which upgrades deliver the most significant performance improvements for this specific application. …more
1999 Itasca Sunflyer V10 Drivers Side Coil Bank PCM Issue
Engine Medium 2-4 hours for PCM replacement plus programming time 69 👍

1999 Itasca Sunflyer V10 Drivers Side Coil Bank PCM Issue

Pulled every trick in the book — replaced all five driver side ignition coils, swapped the PCM, checked every connection — my 1999 Itasca Sunflyer V10 still throws codes P0356, P0357, P0358, P0359, P0360. Running on 5 cylinders only.

Tested +12v at each coil connector - all good. Tested for ground pulse during cranking - nothing on drivers side, but passenger side coils pulse normally. No visible wiring damage found.

Does this testing confirm PCM failure in the ground switching circuit? Seems unlikely all 5 coils failed simultaneously. …more

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Cummins Engines in RVs: Diesel vs Gas Options and Maintenance Guide
Engine Easy N/A 68 👍

Cummins Engines in RVs: Diesel vs Gas Options and Maintenance Guide

Wondering if I made the right call upgrading to the new 6.7 Cummins gas engine after weeks of research — still feels like I'm missing something important. Imagine if Freightliner built a new chassis using this specific Cummins gas engine. I would think it would be a great option. I don't imagine Ford would willingly use this engine in the F53 chassis. …more
Ford F53 Walker 21470 Muffler Upgrade: RV Chassis Performance Guide
Engine Medium 3-4 hours 67 👍

Ford F53 Walker 21470 Muffler Upgrade: RV Chassis Performance Guide

Staring at my 2003 Ford F53 motorhome chassis with terrible exhaust drone, poor acceleration up hills, AND that annoying factory muffler rattle all happening together. I'm worried about making things worse or causing damage - this RV is my home and I can't afford major problems.

Will this muffler actually provide any real performance benefits, or am I just asking for trouble? I'm especially concerned about the installation process - I've read it might need welding and exhaust modifications. Should I be worried about safety issues or voiding warranties? The chassis only has 30k miles and runs fine now, so part of me thinks I should just leave it alone. …more
2016 Winnebago Vista Engine Problems: Cost-Effective Replacement Options
Engine Hard Professional diagnosis required 67 👍

2016 Winnebago Vista Engine Problems: Cost-Effective Replacement Options

My 2016 Winnebago Vista LX just died for the third time needing another engine replacement and we're supposed to leave for our cross-country trip next month. First engine failed at 55,000 miles, second at 20,000 miles. Ford dealer wants $31,000 for another new engine replacement.

With two failures already, I'm questioning if there's an underlying problem causing these repeated engine issues. Are there cost-effective alternatives to another expensive dealer replacement? Should I be looking at remanufactured engines or independent shops instead of going the same route that's failed twice? …more
Ford F53 Engine Damage from Clogged Catalytic Converter
Engine Hard Professional diagnosis required 65 👍

Ford F53 Engine Damage from Clogged Catalytic Converter

Halfway through climbing a steep grade yesterday, my Ford F53 motorhome engine started making a violent rattling sound under acceleration and now it's completely seized up. My Ford F53 motorhome experienced gradual performance decline over two years - fuel economy dropped from 5.5 MPG to 4.3 MPG near Mobile, Alabama, with increasing transmission downshifting under load. Using Forscan, I checked for diagnostic codes and replaced plugs and coils while in Gulf Shores, but issues persisted.

During a hill climb near Meridian, Mississippi, the catalytic converter catastrophically failed, creating severe exhaust backpressure. I drove approximately 500 miles home, including a challenging stretch on I24/I69 where I was reduced to 30 mph uphill, with the engine running against significant backpressure and likely experiencing oil starvation conditions.

The repair shop confirmed extensive damage and offered two options: rebuild the existing motor or replace with a remanufactured engine. The total cost difference was relatively minor - around $18,500 for comprehensive repair versus $3,500 for catalytic converter replacement.

The question is whether I made the correct technical decision to replace the entire engine rather than attempt a rebuild. Given the extended operation under these conditions, was complete engine replacement justified from a mechanical standpoint? …more
2021 Ford F53 Chassis Exhaust System: OEM vs Aftermarket Options for Coaches
Engine Medium Varies 63 👍

2021 Ford F53 Chassis Exhaust System: OEM vs Aftermarket Options for Coaches

Staring at my 2021 F53 chassis with the 7.3L V8 after all that rain last week, I'm getting paranoid about my exhaust system condition. Recently, I discovered two exhaust joint leaks on a used coach with only 26k chassis and 9,100 miles - one behind the catalytic converter and another in a bend higher up before the exit point. What's concerning is that water was dripping underneath, which seemed unusual for such a new vehicle. Are these exhaust leaks common, or could they indicate a deeper issue? I want to understand if this is a typical problem or something I should be more worried about before potentially making modifications. …more
Ford V10 RV Engine: Fix Lean Bank Codes P0171/P0174 and Transmission Leak Diagnosis
Engine Medium 2-4 hours diagnostic 62 👍

Ford V10 RV Engine: Fix Lean Bank Codes P0171/P0174 and Transmission Leak Diagnosis

Staring at my neighbor's perfectly purring 2004 E450 motorhome with Ford V10 while mine throws P0171/P0174 lean codes and leaks transmission fluid everywhere. Getting consistent lean condition codes P0171 and P0174 (lean on both banks). Initial assumption was failed O2 sensors, but codes returned after shop claimed repair. Need systematic troubleshooting approach to identify root cause.

Secondary issue: Minor red fluid leak observed during backing maneuvers, appears to originate from transmission/torque converter area. Leak only manifests during reverse operations and extended maneuvering. Fluid loss is minimal - collected only few drops over monitoring period. Transmission operates normally otherwise.

Looking for technical guidance on proper diagnostic sequence for the lean codes and assessment of transmission leak severity. What are the most likely failure points for these symptoms? …more
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