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Results for "oil drain valve"

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Femco vs Fumoto Oil Drain Valves for RVs - Which is Better?
Engine Easy 45 min 195 👍

Femco vs Fumoto Oil Drain Valves for RVs - Which is Better?

Looked at my mechanic's quote for a $300 professional oil change setup and something seems off—wouldn't a basic Femco or Fumoto drain valve work just fine? I've narrowed it down to Femco and Fumoto, but I'm genuinely worried about road debris damage since RVs sit lower and encounter more hazards than regular vehicles.

The thought of a drain valve getting hit by rocks or debris and causing a catastrophic oil leak on the highway keeps me up at night. I need to know which design is actually safer and more protected in RV applications. Does one have better protection features than the other? I'd rather be overly cautious than deal with a roadside emergency. …more
Dometic RV AC Not Cooling? 5 Common Fixes for Air Conditioner Troubleshooting Guide
Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 127 👍

Dometic RV AC Not Cooling? 5 Common Fixes for Air Conditioner Troubleshooting Guide

Walked out to my RV this morning trying to decide between calling a repair tech or troubleshooting my Dometic Brisk Air rooftop AC myself since it's showing weird operational issues. The compressor engages and fan motor operates normally, but the unit fails to produce cold air output. Temperature differential across the evaporator coil is minimal.

Unit functioned properly through previous cooling season with no apparent issues. Current symptoms include normal airflow volume but inadequate cooling capacity. What systematic diagnostic procedure should I follow to identify the root cause? Looking for a methodical troubleshooting sequence that addresses the most probable failure points in order of likelihood. …more
RV Windshield Washer System: Complete Maintenance Guide & Troubleshooting Tips
General Easy 15-30 min 117 👍

RV Windshield Washer System: Complete Maintenance Guide & Troubleshooting Tips

Somewhere between following three different YouTube tutorials, I managed to turn my RV's windshield washer repair into a sprinkler system that hits everything except the actual windshield. The specific issue I'm experiencing is fluid running back into the reservoir after each use, which means washer fluid isn't effectively hitting bugs before they dry and smear. I actually found a clever solution - using an aquarium air pump check valve from PetSmart for just $3.00. Sometimes it's these little fixes that make a big difference.

Sometimes the washer sprays like a garden sprinkler gone rogue, other times it dribbles like a leaky faucet. The fluid seems to have a mind of its own - either freezing up in cold weather or not hitting the windshield where it's supposed to.

I'm dealing with nozzles that spray everywhere except where the bugs are, a reservoir that I can never seem to locate when it's empty, and wipers that just smear everything around instead of actually cleaning. Could someone help me troubleshoot and confirm if my check valve solution might help? …more
How to Fix Stuck RV Toilet Valve After Winterization - Step by Step
Plumbing Easy 30 minutes 95 👍

How to Fix Stuck RV Toilet Valve After Winterization - Step by Step

Called a repair shop about my RV toilet valve that only gets stuck when it's above 60 degrees outside — works perfectly fine during colder weather after winterization. During the camping season, my toilet works perfectly fine - the dump valve opens and closes smoothly without any problems. However, after I winterize my RV for winter storage and drain all the water from the system, I consistently run into the same frustrating problem when I try to de-winterize in spring.

The toilet dump valve gets completely stuck in the closed position and requires significant force to get it moving again. It seems like the valve mechanism seizes up during the months of storage when there's no water in the system. I'm assuming this happens because the seals and moving parts dry out completely without any moisture present during winter storage.

What's the best preventive maintenance I can do to keep this valve from sticking during winterization? Are there specific lubricants or treatments I should apply to the valve mechanism and seals before putting the RV into storage? I'd rather prevent this problem from happening in the first place rather than having to force a stuck valve every spring and risk damaging the toilet. …more
Onan 4000 Generator Won't Start Without Choke: Code 14 Troubleshooting Guide
Engine Medium 2-4 hours 90 👍

Onan 4000 Generator Won't Start Without Choke: Code 14 Troubleshooting Guide

Halfway through another camping trip and trying to decide between babying my Onan 4000 with manual choke every startup or finally fixing this Code 14 nightmare. Let me try again:

Just found out that my 2013 Thor Class C's Onan 4000 generator won't cooperate after sitting since March, and I'm dealing with a nightmare. Been getting Code 14 errors and spent half the morning just trying to get it fired up.

The only way I can get it started is by manually messing with what I think is the choke linkage - otherwise it just won't go. Once I shut it off, same story - won't restart unless I physically manipulate that linkage again. Only has 240 hours on it and was serviced about 2 years ago.

I'm pretty sure the carburetor is gummed up from sitting, but what exactly does Code 14 mean? And more importantly, what do I need to clean to get that choke working automatically again? I really need to get this thing running properly before our next trip! …more
Onan 5500 Generator Tune-Up Guide: Best Aftermarket Parts & Filters 20
Engine Medium 2 hours 89 👍

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

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Best Oil Filter for Ford V10 RV Engine - Complete Guide
Engine Easy 30 minutes 89 👍

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
RV House Refrigerator Storage: Should You Leave the Door Open?
Ac Refrigeration Easy 15 minutes 83 👍

RV House Refrigerator Storage: Should You Leave the Door Open?

According to the moisture buildup around my residential fridge door seals after just two weeks of storage, I'm clearly doing something wrong.

With my old propane fridge, I religiously propped that door open during storage like every RV manual commanded. But now that I've got this "house fridge" - do I treat it like a regular home refrigerator and keep it closed, or do I stick with my old RV habits and prop it open? I'm probably overthinking this, but the last thing I want is to open it up next season and get knocked over by some horrific smell that could wake the dead. What's the right move here for preventing mold and keeping things fresh during long-term storage? …more
Ford 7.3 Godzilla Fumoto Oil Drain Valve Installation: Complete RV Maintenance Guide & Pro Tips
Engine Medium 45 minutes 83 👍

Ford 7.3 Godzilla Fumoto Oil Drain Valve Installation: Complete RV Maintenance Guide & Pro Tips

I looked into quick-lube places, crawling under with pans, and even portable extractors for oil changes on my Class A motorhome's Ford 7.3 Godzilla engine — still a messy disaster. I need to confirm the correct Fumoto part number that will work specifically for this engine. If anyone has already done this modification, I'd appreciate knowing the exact part number you used. Thank you, Glenn …more
Onan 7500 QD Code 36 Fix: How to Solve Generator Overfill Oil Shutdown Problems
Engine Easy 45 minutes 79 👍

Onan 7500 QD Code 36 Fix: How to Solve Generator Overfill Oil Shutdown Problems

Woke up this morning to fire up my Onan 7500KW QD for camping season, and that dreaded Code 36 shutdown nightmare is back again. I can restart it after waiting a bit, but this is driving me nuts.

I've been digging around online and came across something weird - apparently these dipsticks are calibrated wrong? Some folks are saying you're supposed to keep the oil level just above the 'ADD 1QT' mark instead of at the full line to avoid overfill shutdowns. That sounds backwards to me, but I'm seeing it mentioned everywhere.

Before I start messing with oil levels or throwing money at fuel pumps and control boards, can anyone confirm if this dipstick thing is actually legit? Really hoping it's something this simple! …more
How to Fix Generac RV Generator Oil Leaks After Breather Hose Replacement Guide
Engine Medium 1-2 hours 78 👍

How to Fix Generac RV Generator Oil Leaks After Breather Hose Replacement Guide

Looked like a simple breather hose replacement on my Generac RV generator, but ever since I finished the job, oil has been leaking everywhere. I replaced the cracked original-style breather hose with a new version that now includes an elbow and short extension inside the air filter housing. While the hose replacement definitely helped reduce the oil drip, I'm still seeing some persistent leakage underneath the unit.

The new hose design appears to be an upgrade from Generac, with the uphill extension meant to help oil sucked from the crankcase run back down into the engine. I'm hoping this will further minimize the drip issue. I want to make sure I'm not missing something obvious before I take it to a repair shop. Has anyone else experienced similar issues with their Generac generator's breather tube? Any guidance on troubleshooting would be really appreciated. …more
RV Gray Tank Draining Slowly? Fix Clogs & Flow Issues
Plumbing Medium 2-3 hours 78 👍

RV Gray Tank Draining Slowly? Fix Clogs & Flow Issues

Called around to shops about my 2019 Forest River Cherokee's gray tank drain crawling—what used to take 5-10 minutes now drags on for 30-45 minutes. The black tank still drains at normal speed, so I don't think it's a problem with the main sewer connection or hose.

I'm wondering what typically causes gray tanks to develop drainage problems over time. We do a lot of dishwashing in the RV and I'm thinking maybe grease or soap buildup could be creating blockages somewhere in the system. The flow starts out okay but quickly reduces to just a trickle, even though I know there's still plenty of water in the tank.

What are the most common culprits behind slow gray tank drainage, and what's the best approach for diagnosing and fixing these flow issues? I'd rather understand the root causes and proper solutions before I start taking things apart or using harsh chemicals that might damage the system. …more
How to Replace Thetford Style II Toilet Ball Valve Seal Without Removal
Plumbing Medium 30-45 minutes 75 👍

How to Replace Thetford Style II Toilet Ball Valve Seal Without Removal

Last weekend I followed three YouTube tutorials to fix my Thetford Style II toilet's water retention issue, but now the bowl drains even faster after flushing. Diagnostic assessment indicates the ball valve seal has deteriorated and requires replacement.

Before proceeding with repairs, I need to determine the most efficient approach. Is it possible to access and replace the ball valve seal without removing the entire toilet unit from its floor mounting? What access points are available for this type of seal replacement on the Style II model? …more

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Ford V10 Oil Pan Gasket Replacement Guide: Can You Reuse It?
Engine Medium 2-3 hours 72 👍

Ford V10 Oil Pan Gasket Replacement Guide: Can You Reuse It?

Somewhere between my wife's third comment about oil stains under our RV and my denial phase, I realized I need to drop the oil pan on my Ford V10 2-valve engine. I remember when I did the 4R100 transmission pan, that rubber gasket was totally reusable - just cleaned it up and slapped it back on.

Is the engine oil pan gasket the same deal? Can I get away with reusing it or am I gonna need to pick up a new one? And if I do need a replacement, any recommendations on brands or installation tips? Don't want to create a mess under there! …more
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