Results for "coolant flush"

Engine Hard 2-3 hours for diagnosis 172 👍 0

1999 F53 V10 Oil in Coolant: Complete Head Gasket Diagnosis & Repair Guide

Called three dealerships about warranty coverage for oil contamination in my 1999 Ford F53 V10's coolant system — before I tackle this head gasket nightmare myself. The unit overheated after the oil level dropped significantly, though it still starts and runs without throwing any codes.

Based on the symptoms, I suspect a blown head gasket, but I want to perform proper diagnostic testing before committing to a major repair. What specific diagnostic procedures should I run to confirm whether this is actually a head gasket failure versus other potential causes like a cracked head or block issue?

Looking for a systematic approach to pinpoint the exact problem before I start tearing into this engine. …more

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Engine Easy 1-2 hours inspection 148 👍 0

Ford E450 V10 Reliability: Expected Mileage and Longevity Guide for RV Owners

Nobody prepared me for staring at this 2018 Jayco Greyhawk 29MVP with Ford E450 chassis showing 54,000 miles and wondering if I'm looking at a money pit. The unit appears well-maintained with quality features including auto-leveling, fiberglass roof and nose, plus J-ride suspension. However, the odometer shows 54,000 miles, which exceeds my initial target range.

I need to assess whether this mileage represents significant wear on the E450/V10 drivetrain combination. What is the typical service life expectation for these engines when properly maintained? At what point should mileage become a primary concern versus overall mechanical condition? …more

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Engine Easy N/A 132 👍 0

Ford E-350 vs E-450 Chassis: RV Fuel Economy, Power & Weight Capacity

Last weekend I felt this awful engine strain and heard sluggish acceleration sounds while test-driving a 2017 Phoenix Cruiser #2351 with its E-350 chassis and V10 engine. I'll be doing extensive western touring through mountain and plains regions, which means substantial mountain grades and wind challenges. I'm comfortable driving slowly and want to understand two key things: 1) Will this E-350 chassis handle mountain grades without major issues, and 2) What's the real-world fuel consumption like? I plan to do an initial inspection this weekend, followed by a third-party mechanical review. I'm not overly concerned about fuel economy but want to understand the actual performance limitations. I'd appreciate insights from owners who have experience with similar touring conditions on an E-350 chassis. …more

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4.4 (6,800 reviews)

Engine Medium 2-3 hours 86 👍 0

Why Your RV Generac Diesel Generator Shuts Off After 2 Minutes Under Load: Troubleshooting Guide

Found that ever since those heavy rains last month hit, my 2007 Alfa's Generac 7.5kw diesel generator shuts down exactly 2 minutes after firing up the basement AC.

Just did a full service (oil, filters, the works) so it's not basic maintenance stuff. I can restart it right after it shuts off, but if the AC is still calling for power, it dies immediately again. No error codes or blinking lights to give me a clue.

Is this a fuel delivery issue where it can't keep up with the AC load? Or am I looking at something else entirely? Really hoping someone's dealt with this exact same 2-minute thing before! …more

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Engine Hard Professional diagnosis required 81 👍 0

Ford E450 Godzilla Engine Water Pump Timing Cover Surface Repair Guide: Diagnosis & Fix

During my 2 AM breakdown, my Ford E450's Godzilla engine started hemorrhaging coolant from the water pump timing cover — need this fixed before our sunrise departure. My E450 Godzilla decided to turn into more of a steam dragon than the beast it's supposed to be. After getting towed to a Ford dealer (because apparently not everyone wants to work on these motorhome monsters), they're telling me the timing cover surface where the water pump mounts looks "normal."

I'm staring at what looks like the surface of Mars - all pitted and grooved where the water pump was sitting. The dealer insists this is just typical wear, but my gut says something that caused a catastrophic overheat probably didn't leave the mating surface in "acceptable" condition. How do I know if this timing cover surface actually needs to be machined or replaced, or if I'm just being paranoid after my expensive towing adventure? …more

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Plumbing Easy 30 minutes assessment 77 👍 0

RV Water Pump Failure - Emergency Roadside Repair Guide

The Trek motorhome's water pump just died at 11 PM in the middle of nowhere — need to figure this out before morning. While returning from Assateague, just north of Smyrna, Delaware, my water pump failed with a cloud of steam, leaving me stranded on the side of the road. Thankfully, Coach-Net, our road service provider, found us a tow to Lube Station and Repair in Smyrna. The Delaware State Police and Smyrna Fire Department were incredibly helpful, checking on us during this stressful situation. We ended up staying the night in the shop's lot and made it home only a day late. Has anyone else experienced something similar and have advice for handling roadside RV emergencies? …more

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Engine Medium 2-4 hours 76 👍 0

1997 Ford Rexhall Overheating: Complete Repair Guide & Troubleshooting Steps

Nobody told me my 1997 Ford Rexhall Class A would keep overheating like this, and now I'm terrified of engine damage. I've already flushed the radiator multiple times and added fresh coolant, but the overheating problem persists.

I'm hesitant to start taking things apart without knowing what I'm looking for, and I'm concerned about making the problem worse. What are the most likely culprits I should check next? I've heard it could be the thermostat or water pump, but I want to make sure I'm checking everything systematically before spending money on parts that might not fix the issue. …more

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Engine Medium 3-4 hours 74 👍 0

RV Coolant System Maintenance: Spring Clamps vs Worm Gear Clamps Explained

This morning I'm standing in the RV parts aisle staring at spring clamps and worm gear clamps for my 2013 Tiffin F-53 coolant flush with no clue which ones I actually need. The current spring clamps look good - no rust, seem like new condition. Should I reuse these spring clamps or upgrade to worm gear clamps? Also replacing all the hoses while I'm at it. …more

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General Easy N/A 73 👍 0

Monaco Knight 40 Fuel Economy: Real MPG Numbers When Towing a Car

Our 2012 Monaco Knight DFT 40 GOLD is sitting in the driveway right now with the Jeep hitched behind it, and I can practically see my wallet getting lighter just looking at this setup. We're looking at covering about 1000 miles over the course of the trip, and I'm trying to get realistic expectations for fuel costs and planning fuel stops accordingly.

I've heard wildly different numbers from other RV owners about what kind of fuel economy to expect when towing a vehicle behind a 40-foot diesel pusher like the Monaco Knight. Some people claim they get decent mileage, while others say it's absolutely terrible. I'd love to know what's actually realistic to expect in terms of MPG when towing, and if there are any driving techniques or speed considerations that can help maximize fuel economy on a long trip like this. …more

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Engine Medium 2-3 hours 71 👍 0

Onan 7000 Cracked Block Cover Repair - Welding vs JB Weld Fix

Got a cracked Onan 7000 block cover and I'm standing in the hardware store staring at welding rods versus JB Weld with zero clue which fix actually works. During the process of resealing the oil pressure solenoid, I made the rookie mistake of over-tightening the component, which resulted in a hairline crack developing in the block cover. The crack appears to be relatively small but is definitely present and concerning.

I'm exploring my repair options and trying to determine the best course of action without having to replace the entire block cover right now. I've heard that aluminum welding might be possible for this type of repair, but I'm not sure how successful that approach typically is on generator block covers. I'm also wondering if JB Weld could serve as a viable temporary solution to get me through this camping season.

What are the realistic expectations for both welding and JB Weld repairs on an Onan 7000 block cover hairline crack? I'd particularly like to know about the longevity and reliability of each approach, as well as any specific considerations for this type of aluminum repair work. …more

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Engine Medium 1-2 hours 70 👍 0

Ford F53 V10 Heater Return Hose Replacement Guide - Step by Step RV Repair Tutorial

Last week I flushed the cooling system on my 1999 Fleetwood Bounder with the Ford F53 Triton V10, and now the heater return hose from the engine to the dash is leaking antifreeze everywhere. The original hose has developed a leak where it connects to the metal heater return tube, and from what I can see, both the rubber hose section and the clamps look pretty deteriorated after 25 years of service.

I've never tackled this particular repair before on an RV with the V10 engine, and I want to make sure I understand the complete process before I start. I know I'll need to drain the coolant system, but I'm not entirely sure about the best approach for accessing both connection points - one at the engine block and the other at the firewall where it enters the cab area. The engine bay is pretty cramped with all the RV-specific components, so I want to be prepared with the right parts and know the proper sequence of steps.

Can someone walk me through the complete replacement procedure for the heater return hose on this Ford F53 V10 setup? I want to make sure I'm using the right type of replacement hose and clamps, and that I'm not missing any important steps in the process. …more

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4.5 (7,600 reviews)

Engine Medium 2-3 hours inspection 69 👍 0

Cummins ISM 500HP at 142K Miles: High Mileage or Just Getting Started?

Planning to buy my first diesel pusher and I'm completely clueless whether 142,187 miles on this 2005 Cummins ISM 500HP is considered high mileage. The coach is equipped with a Cummins ISM 500 horsepower engine paired with an Allison MH 4000 6-speed transmission. While I've done some research on these powertrains, I'm getting mixed opinions about what constitutes "high mileage" for this particular combination.

Some people are telling me that anything over 100K miles is getting into risky territory, while others say these commercial-grade engines are just getting broken in at that point. I want to make sure I'm not walking into a money pit, but I also don't want to pass up a good coach if the mileage number is scaring me unnecessarily.

What's the realistic lifespan expectation for the Cummins ISM 500HP and Allison MH4000 combination? Should 142K miles be a red flag that makes me walk away, or is this actually considered moderate mileage for these heavy-duty components? I'm trying to determine if I should focus more on the maintenance history and overall condition rather than getting hung up on the odometer reading. …more

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Engine Hard 8-16 hours 67 👍 0

2003 Fleetwood Southwind Exhaust Manifold Repair in Waukesha WI RV Services

The exhaust manifold gasket on my 2003 Fleetwood Southwind is shot and I'm staring at a hefty repair bill — worth fixing or time to walk away? The situation is complicated by four broken studs that are flush with the head, which means this repair will likely require head removal to properly extract the damaged hardware.

Given the complexity of this repair on a motorhome chassis, I need to identify the appropriate type of service facility in the Waukesha, Wisconsin area. This isn't a standard automotive repair - it requires specialized knowledge of RV systems and heavy-duty engine work.

What type of professional service centers should I be targeting for this level of exhaust manifold repair work on my Fleetwood Southwind? …more

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Engine Easy N/A 67 👍 0

RV Water Crossing: How to Avoid Engine Damage and Recovery Steps

Woke up to my Winnebago Ekko surrounded by floodwater above the wheel hubs, the engine is completely dead, AND there's moisture creeping into places it definitely shouldn't be. While I haven't noticed any unusual noises or driving behavior, I want to be proactive about potential water exposure damage.

I've checked that the oil isn't milky and brake fluid looks normal. However, I'm concerned about potential impacts on hubs, bearing grease, brake fluid, differential fluid, and transmission fluid from this water exposure.

Has anyone else with an Ekko experienced similar flooding and have recommendations for post-water exposure inspection? Am I being overly cautious about checking various components? I'm hoping to get some expert advice on what specific things I should examine to ensure no long-term damage occurred. …more

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Ac Refrigeration Medium 1-2 hours 67 👍 0

Adding Ball Valve to 2008 Fleetwood Terra Heater Line - Safe?

I turned off my RV's cooling system and grabbed my wrench — ready to install a ball valve on my 2008 Fleetwood Terra's heater line but need safety confirmation first. I've been battling what I suspect is a faulty electric heater valve that may not be closing completely when I switch to A/C mode.

The electric valve is expensive to replace and located in an incredibly awkward spot that's driving me crazy to access. I've tried everything - heat detectors, feeling around the lines, you name it - but I still can't definitively tell if it's actually sealing off hot coolant flow when the A/C is running.

Here's my question: Can I safely install a simple manual ball valve in the heater line before the existing electric valve? I'm hoping this would let me manually shut off coolant flow to the heater core when using A/C, essentially doing the job the electric valve should be doing. Will this cause any problems with the cooling system or damage anything? I just need to know if this is a safe solution before I start cutting into lines. …more

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