Results for "head gasket"

Engine Hard 2-3 hours for diagnosis 170 👍 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 N/A 162 👍 0

Ford V10 Triton Engine Maintenance Guide: EGR Delete vs Regular Service Tips

Spent years doing regular EGR maintenance on my old gas motorhome without issues — but this 2007 Fleetwood 31' Tioga with Ford V10 Triton has me second-guessing everything. I keep reading conflicting information about EGR delete procedures on V10 engines, and I'm worried I might make things worse if I mess with it.

Is the EGR delete modification actually necessary on this 2007 3-valve V10, or am I overthinking this? I don't want to void any warranties or create problems that weren't there before. Would I be better off just sticking to regular maintenance instead of modifications? I'm looking for reassurance that I'm taking the right approach to keep this engine running reliably for years to come. …more

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Engine Hard Not recommended 157 👍 0

Ford V10 Turbo Kit for Motorhomes: Cost, Risks & Better Alternatives

Before every camping season rolls around, I face the same dreaded reality with my Ford V10 motorhome crawling up mountain passes like a wounded turtle. What are the realistic costs involved? Are there major risks to the engine I should know about? Is this actually worth doing or should I look at other options? …more

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Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 133 👍 0

Norcold 1210 Not Cooling: No Error Codes Troubleshooting Guide

During my morning RV check I spotted my Norcold 1210 completely dead with zero cooling that was running perfectly yesterday with no error codes. Unit appears to be operating normally with no error codes displayed, but it's not cooling properly. Interior temperature is staying above 50 degrees. Thermistor has been tested and checks out fine. What else should I look at? …more

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Engine Easy N/A 129 👍 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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Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours for diagnosis, professional repair likely needed 122 👍 0

Coleman Mach AC Fuse Blows With Battery On - Rockwood Fix

Found out the hard way that the previous owner of my 2019 Rockwood Minilite 2509s left me with a Coleman Mach AC that blows fuses instantly when I flip on the battery. The AC fuse blows instantly when I turn on the battery disconnect, before the AC is even activated. The fuse literally blows before it's completely seated in the panel.

This began two weeks ago without warning - the system had been functioning normally prior to this. Initial fuse replacement provided temporary operation, but the problem returned on the next trip with the fuse already blown upon arrival.

Given the immediate fuse failure with just battery power connected, what type of electrical fault would cause this symptom pattern in a Coleman Mach unit, and what's the most likely location of the problem in the AC circuit? …more

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General Medium 4-8 hours 116 👍 0

How to Reduce RV Interior Noise: Complete Sound Dampening Guide for Motorhomes

Despite having a 2021 Coachmen Mirada, looking at my sound meter right now and there's 69 decibels of highway noise blasting through the cabin. My target is to achieve approximately 65 decibels for better communication with passengers.

I need a systematic approach to interior noise reduction. What are the most effective sound dampening materials and techniques for motorhomes? Specifically, I'm looking for solutions that address engine noise transmission, road noise, and any rattling components that contribute to the overall sound level.

What realistic noise reduction can I expect from proper sound deadening implementation, and what are the key areas to focus on for maximum impact? …more

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Plumbing Medium 1-4 hours 106 👍 0

How to Fix RV Fresh Water Tank Leaks: Complete Diagnosis & Repair Guide

Nobody warned me how tricky RV fresh water tank leaks could be — got my tools ready and determined to fix this dripping mess under my trailer myself. The dripping was pretty steady at first but seems to have slowed down overnight to just occasional drops. My tank gauge still shows full, so I don't think it's completely emptying out.

I can see there's an underbelly cover that would need to come down to access everything underneath, but I'm hoping maybe there are some easier spots I should check first? I'd rather not tackle removing panels if I don't have to - any guidance on where these leaks typically start would be really helpful, especially near the drain valve! …more

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Exterior Medium 2-3 hours 104 👍 0

RV Roof Leak Around Air Conditioner: Complete Repair Guide

Around noon Saturday I'm planning to tackle this stubborn RV roof leak by my air conditioner — what tools should I gather beforehand? My rooftop air conditioner is letting water in every time it rains, and when I climbed up there (probably looking like a graceful gazelle), I can see the sealant around the AC unit is definitely cracked and peeling.

I'm standing in the RV section of the hardware store looking at about 47 different tubes of sealant, and I have no idea which one won't turn into another cracked mess in six months. What's the best product to properly reseal around an RV air conditioner? I'd rather not repeat this whole 'indoor rain shower' experience again! …more

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Exterior Easy 15 minutes 94 👍 0

How to Replace Your RV Door Awning Motor Cap: Step-by-Step Guide

I tried getting answers about my RV sideswipe damage but my insurance adjuster says it's totaled, three body shops say fixable, and forums are completely split. The coward took off at the highway exit before I could get his plates. Damage is to the bay doors and right front corner cap area - looks pretty ugly but the RV is still drivable. Police never showed up despite multiple calls over 4 hours of waiting. Already filed with insurance and sent photos, but I'm wondering what I should be looking for beyond the obvious visible damage. This is my first accident in 8 years of RVing and I'm stressed about hidden issues I might miss. Any advice on what to inspect or document before the adjuster comes out? …more

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Exterior Medium 2-4 hours 90 👍 0

RV Window Seal Leaking: Complete Repair Guide & Solutions

Opened up my RV window seals yesterday thinking I fixed the leak, but water's still dripping through during today's downpour — what did I miss? The rubber seals around the frames are obviously shot, all cracked and dried out looking.

I'm torn between two approaches here: should I take the time to completely remove the old seals and put in new butyl tape/rubber sealing, or can I just run some caulk over the existing stuff and call it good? Looking for the best long-term fix that'll actually keep me dry! …more

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Engine Easy 30 minutes 89 👍 0

Best Oil Filter for Ford V10 RV Engine - Complete Guide

After walking out to my RV this morning, I spotted my Ford V10's oil filter looking suspiciously ready for replacement, but I'm completely lost on which one won't break the bank. I keep hearing conflicting advice about which oil filter to run.

Everyone seems to swear by different brands - some say Wix 51348 is the sweet spot, others mention NAPA Gold 1348 (are these the same thing?), and then there's the Mobil 1 M1-210A crowd. At Rock Auto, I noticed Fram filters like TG2 ($6.43), XG2 ($9.50), and HP16 ($12.82), plus a Mobil 1 M1210A at $8.14.

What's the real deal here? Is there actually a 'best' filter for the V10, or am I overthinking this whole thing? I'm also considering adding a bypass oil filter. I just want something reliable that won't break the bank every oil change, especially since this rig sees a lot of highway miles. Is a $23 Amsoil filter really worth three times the price of a Wix? Any recommendations from fellow V10 survivors? …more

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Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 87 👍 0

Norcold N7LX.3F Running Too Often: Complete Troubleshooting & Repair Guide

Standing in the RV supply store staring at replacement thermostats and control boards with no clue which one will actually stop my Norcold N7LX.3F from running constantly. It's been running way more frequently than it ever has before, and I can't figure out what's wrong. The cooling seems off too - items aren't staying as cold as they should be.

I've already checked the obvious stuff like making sure the vents aren't blocked and the unit is level, but something is definitely not right. The fridge just keeps cycling on and off constantly, which has me worried about both the power consumption and whether there's a bigger problem developing.

What should I be looking at to diagnose cooling efficiency issues? I really need to get this sorted before our next camping trip! …more

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Engine Hard 2-4 hours 83 👍 0

How to Fix Onan Cummins HGJBB 2.8 Generator Carburetor Problems After

Called the landlord about the Onan Cummins HGJBB 2.8 generator in my rental RV and he just said "figure it out" when the carburetor started acting up after winter. Left our 2017 Winnebago Travato 59K with its Onan Cummins HGJBB 2.8 generator sitting for almost a year (oops), and now it's throwing a tantrum. It's running rougher than a shopping cart with a wonky wheel, and the moment I try to put any load on it - like actually using it for something useful - it just gives up and dies on me.

I removed the carburetor, and my friend helped me clean it in a sonic cleaner. Now I'm stuck because I'm not sure if the throttle and choke linkage are correctly positioned when I reinstalled it. I've confirmed fuel is getting to the carburetor, but it won't start. I took some pictures showing the wire connections and mounting, hoping someone can help me figure out the precise linkage setup.

I'm pretty sure I know what's wrong (thanks, old gas and my laziness with fuel stabilizer), but I'm wondering if anyone can confirm my suspicions about what happens to these carburetors when they sit with stale fuel. Is this the classic 'your carburetor is now a museum of varnish' situation? And if so, what's the real deal on getting it cleaned up and running again? …more

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Ac Refrigeration Medium 1-2 hours 83 👍 0

Coleman Mach AC Leaking Water Inside RV: Complete Troubleshooting Guide to Stop Drips

I'm planning my weekend getaway when I spotted water dripping from my Coleman Mach air conditioner model 49003A879 that definitely wasn't there yesterday. I'm in Myrtle Beach, with super humid conditions (90s with crazy humidity) and getting pea-sized water drops falling from the ceiling vents at maybe 2 drops per minute, which doesn't sound like much but it's making puddles on my floor.

I've been keeping the main ceiling vents mostly closed to push more air to the back of the coach. Climbed up on the roof expecting to find some fancy drain pump or tubing system, but honestly don't see much of anything obvious.

Is this just how these Coleman units work, or am I missing something? Really hoping this isn't a 'deal with it' situation, but wondering if my closed vents are screwing up the airflow or if there's actually a drainage problem I need to fix. …more

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