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Why Your RV Generac Diesel Generator Shuts Off After 2 Minutes Under Load: Troubleshooting Guide
Engine Medium 2-3 hours 86 👍

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
Ford F53 460 Engine Timing Marks: How to Locate and Check (Step-by-Step Guide)
Engine Medium 30 minutes 85 👍

Ford F53 460 Engine Timing Marks: How to Locate and Check (Step-by-Step Guide)

About to drop serious cash on a used Class A motorhome with a Ford F53 460 engine — should I check those timing marks myself or am I asking for trouble? Where exactly are the timing marks located? I can see the harmonic balancer but having trouble spotting the marks and pointer. What's the best way to make them visible and actually read them with a timing light? …more
Ford E450 Godzilla Engine Water Pump Timing Cover Surface Repair Guide: Diagnosis & Fix
Engine Hard Professional diagnosis required 81 👍

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
RV Water Pump Failure - Emergency Roadside Repair Guide
Plumbing Easy 30 minutes assessment 78 👍

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
1997 Ford Rexhall Overheating: Complete Repair Guide & Troubleshooting Steps
Engine Medium 2-4 hours 76 👍

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
RV Radiator Hose Quick Disconnect Removal: Step-by-Step Guide
Engine Medium 30-60 minutes 76 👍

RV Radiator Hose Quick Disconnect Removal: Step-by-Step Guide

Radiator hose has one of those quick-disconnect fittings and I cannot get it to release no matter what I try. Squeezed the tabs, twisted, pulled, sprayed penetrating oil — nothing. Hose needs to come off for a coolant flush and I'm about to just cut the thing off. …more

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RV Transmission Problems: Troubleshooting Guide & Quick Fixes
Engine Medium Varies 75 👍

RV Transmission Problems: Troubleshooting Guide & Quick Fixes

Planning to fix my Class A motorhome's transmission myself, but my neighbor says it needs fluid, the dealer insists it's the torque converter, and YouTube swears it's the solenoid pack. On my 4R100 transmission specifically, the transmission has been shifting a little rough lately, especially when accelerating from a stop or when climbing hills. Sometimes it seems to hesitate before shifting into the next gear, and I've noticed the engine RPMs climbing higher than usual before it finally engages.

I've owned this RV for about three years now, and I'll admit I haven't been as diligent about transmission maintenance as I probably should have been. The fluid looked a bit dark the last time I checked it, but I'm not entirely sure what I should be looking for or what the proper procedure is for checking transmission health. I've heard horror stories about transmission rebuilds costing thousands of dollars, so I want to make sure I'm approaching this systematically rather than just hoping the problem goes away.

What's the proper first step when you suspect transmission problems? Should I be taking it straight to a shop, or are there some basic diagnostic steps I can handle myself before spending money on professional diagnosis? I want to make sure I'm not missing something simple that could save me a lot of headache and expense down the road. …more
1995 Ford F53 460 Engine Stalling: How to Replace Ignition Control Module for RV Reliability
Engine Medium 45 minutes 70 👍

1995 Ford F53 460 Engine Stalling: How to Replace Ignition Control Module for RV Reliability

Woke up this morning hoping my 1995 F53 motorhome with the 460 7.5L would run smooth after replacing the ignition control module yesterday, but it's still stalling randomly. It keeps stalling every time I come to a stop - literally dies on me at around 5mph just as I'm braking. The power steering goes out and it's a real struggle to get stopped safely.

I can restart it immediately and it runs fine as long as I keep giving it gas, but this happens at EVERY stop sign and red light. Currently, it won't start at all - just cranks with no spark. I previously had an EGR code 334 that went away after replacing the EVR sensor.

My fuel pressure gauge was showing 30-32 psi at idle and about 40 psi at wide open throttle. When I tested the vacuum line on the fuel pressure regulator, no fuel spilled out and the pressure didn't change.

I've already replaced many parts (including distributor cap, plugs, wires, EGR valve, ICM, fuel pressure regulator) with only 2,000 miles on them. I discovered that swapping the ignition control module seems to temporarily fix the issue - it starts with a new ICM but dies when I return to the original one.

I'm really concerned about potential highway driving with these intermittent starting problems. Is this a common issue with these 460 engines? …more
Ford F53 Fan Clutch Bolt Pattern Mismatch: Complete Fix Guide
Engine Medium Research and parts acquisition 69 👍

Ford F53 Fan Clutch Bolt Pattern Mismatch: Complete Fix Guide

Woke up to tackle the same fan clutch replacement I nailed on my old Workhorse chassis — but this 2013 F53's bolt pattern mismatch has me completely stumped. Got Ford part YB-3082 but the bolt holes are smaller than my existing fan bolts. Checked several other fan clutches and they all have the same smaller hole pattern.

Is this bolt pattern mismatch normal with Ford replacement parts? What's the best way to solve this - different supplier, matched set, or modify the holes? …more
Country Coach Allure Radiator Fan Replacement: Complete Parts Sourcing Guide for RV Owners
Engine Hard Professional recommended 69 👍

Country Coach Allure Radiator Fan Replacement: Complete Parts Sourcing Guide for RV Owners

This scorching desert heat finally killed my 2001 Country Coach Allure's radiator fan, and now I'm completely lost on where to find a replacement. I know these aren't your typical RV parts you can grab at Camping World, but I'm not sure if I should be hitting up truck stops, RV dealers, or what.

Anyone know the best places to source these fans? I'm guessing it depends on what chassis and engine I've got under there, but honestly not sure what info I need to gather before I start calling around. Also wondering if this is something I can tackle myself or if I should just bite the bullet and pay someone to handle it. …more
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
RV Engine Replacement Cost Guide: Rebuild vs Remanufactured vs Used (2
Engine Hard Professional job 66 👍

RV Engine Replacement Cost Guide: Rebuild vs Remanufactured vs Used (2

Spent the last week trying to decide between a rebuild, remanufactured, or used engine for my Class A motorhome that now sounds worse than nails on a chalkboard. There's a lovely hole where there shouldn't be one (in the piston, not my ego... that's been full of holes for years).

So here I am, living the RV dream with what sounds like a mechanical maraca under the hood. Is engine replacement even worth considering, or should I start shopping for a really expensive lawn ornament? What are my options and what kind of financial damage am I looking at? I need to know if I should fix this beast or start planning its funeral.

Could you share more details about the specific vehicle (year/make/model and engine type) to help diagnose the extent of the damage? …more
Motoraid Heat Exchanger Maintenance Guide: RV Engine Coolant Heating System Care
Engine Easy N/A 66 👍

Motoraid Heat Exchanger Maintenance Guide: RV Engine Coolant Heating System Care

Our Motoraid heat exchanger is showing 180°F on the gauge but everything I've read says our 2008 Ford V10 RV should be running closer to 200°F. Currently experiencing an antifreeze leak around my Atwood GCH10A-4E hot water tank. The leak is draining my antifreeze reservoir quickly, costing me $53 per 3L refill (already on my third jug). I'm wondering if there's a safe way to temporarily bypass the engine heat assist system without risking engine damage until I can get professional repair. What temporary solutions or diagnostic steps would you recommend? …more

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2014 Thor Challenger Engine Replacement: Complete Cost Guide & Best Options
Engine Hard 2-4 days 66 👍

2014 Thor Challenger Engine Replacement: Complete Cost Guide & Best Options

Already embarrassed to ask this, but my 2014 Thor Challenger's V10 threw a rod in Florida - is replacing it as wallet-crushing as I think? Because apparently my RV has a sense of humor and perfect timing! 🙄

Now I'm staring down the barrel of an engine replacement and trying not to have my own mechanical failure when I see the potential costs. I've heard Jasper engines mentioned, but I'm honestly clueless about what I should expect to pay for a complete engine replacement on this beast.

Anyone been through this wallet-emptying adventure before? What's the realistic price range I'm looking at, and are there any engine brands or shops I should specifically consider (or run screaming from)? …more
Freightliner Cummins 6.7 Fan Hub Bolt Failure: Complete RV Repair Guide
Engine Hard 3-4 hours 65 👍

Freightliner Cummins 6.7 Fan Hub Bolt Failure: Complete RV Repair Guide

Despite having a well-maintained 2008 Winnebago with a Freightliner chassis and Cummins 6.7 engine, the fan hub bolts keep shearing off. My fan hub actually just sheared the 4 mounting bolts and fell off, which I've read is a fairly common problem that can cause serious damage.

I'd really appreciate some guidance on what I should be doing to prevent this from happening again. Are there specific maintenance steps I should be taking? Should I be checking these mounting bolts regularly, and if so, how often? I've also heard something about using different grade bolts or thread locker - is that something I should consider?

Any advice on preventing this issue would be incredibly helpful. I'd really like to get some supporting documentation to help me potentially get Freightliner to address this recurring problem. …more
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