Hi folks,
We have just returned home from 8 years of overseas work assignments. Egad, the boxes coming out of storage are ridiculous :o
Anywho, our 2001 Mid Bath LD ("Thistle Dew Too") has been kept with a neighbor all this time (stored out of doors, I am afraid). She has started the engine monthly (I think) and taken infrequent short drives. Most recently, just before we got back, the engine started racing a bit.
So the question ... after the LD has been left largely unused for this long, what are the best procedures to follow to get it back to fully operational status. My neighbors husband recommended some gas additives to help clear out the fuel injectors. I welcome any specific recommendations on what type(s) of additives and quantities you all would suggest. He has his mechanic looking it over now, but I've been given the assignment regarding fuel additives :-\
And I also welcome other suggestions on preventative or restorative maintenance actions I should take.
We look forward to spending this summer getting THSLDW2 (our vanity plate) road worthy, as we don't intend to spend the winter in New England, if you know what I mean. 8)
Thanks in advance, and I look forward to getting back into the LD community. And good timing on the site move, given Yahoo's forthcoming sale. Appreciate all the work by the current moderators, and previously, by Andy for making the community so civil and useful.
Steven and Carol Crisp
Thistle Dew Too
Welcome back.
You have a lot to do. Letting a vehicle sit for long periods, outside, isn't the best long term storage method.
Change all fluids, including the brake fluid. Change all the filters.
Check or change parking brake fluid.
New tires and batteries.
Your radiator hose, heater hoses and belts are past due. Change, along with a full coolant flush.
Reseal roof, end caps and windows, as needed.
Change smoke, propane and carbon monoxide detectors.
New wiper blades.
Check driveshaft center bearing's rubber mount for decay. Check u-joints at the same time.
Consider replacing the brake brake calipers, the rubber seals are old.
Inspect brake linings.
Inspect all flexible brake hoses for cracking or decay.
Inspect underwood wiring and vacuum lines for rodent damage.
Repack front wheel bearings.
Complete exterior detailing.
Don't know how the fuel has been maintained, I would consider draining it and starting fresh. At a minimum, add a Dry Gas additive.
I would run Techron fuel system cleaner, in the first tank or two.
Products (http://www.techronworks.com/en-US/products.html)
As you start driving the rig again, do watch for leaks from the brakes, engine, transmission, shock absorbers and rear axle.
This should enough to get you started.
Larry
As usual, good advice from Larry.
The brake fluid flush and change is more important than most realize. Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air I am told, then a couple of things go wrong- rust in the system (bad), and serious reduction in the boiling point of the contaminated fluid, causing failure when under heavy braking (real bad), like running a heavily loaded vehicle down a mountain pass.
Depending on the environment where it was stored, look for mold and mildew in the coach, and up under the instrument panel. Mine showed some oxidation that evidenced high humidity, and played havoc with a couple of switches.
New fuel filter.
Welcome home, good luck! Keep us all posted on what you find.
Thanks Larry and Paul,
Good suggestions for sure. And yes, I see I have my work cut out for myself and a good mechanic. But hey, it could have been an SOB, and then it would probably be a total loss. :-[
I'll print out the list and get started. Welcome anyone else's suggestions for things I should make sure I do (or don't do).
We want to rescue Thistle Dew Too (she looks pretty good, so I think this is doable).
S-
Steve and Carol Crisp
2000 26.5' Mid-Bath
Hi folks,
Well Thistle Dew Too is safely back home now. We've been consumed with non-RV activities associated with taking possession of our belongings (stored for 8 years), filing a damage report on that, starting to get the house organized, and tackling much of the overgrown yard. Sounds worse than it is -- we are delighted to be home, but it all takes time.
So anyways, back to the RV. As suggested, and so far, we've drained the gas, added some Seafoam and Techron, and about 20 gals of fresh gas. It runs (rough at the moment), but it runs. We've also replaced the battery. Next step on our list, since we need it road-worthy enough to get it somewhere to change all the fluids and hoses, was the tires. I wanted to ask for folks opinions on the following options from COSTCO:
Michelin Defender LTX M/S, LT225/75R16 LRE BSW All Season Tire @ $190 + 18 installed
Bridgestone Duravis R500, LT225/75R16 LRE BW All Season Commercial @ $168 + 18 installed
Bridgestone Duravis R250, LT225/75R16 LRE BW Summer Hi-Way @ $208 + 18 installed
My question to anyone who has knowledge of these or other tires is: which would you recommend of these, or would you recommend a different tire because you feel it is markedly better. And how's the price or do you recommend a different provider for tires. My thought today would be to go with the Michelin Defender, but that's based mostly on gut. So I do welcome any inputs.
Thanks for your time and feedback,
Steven and Carol Crisp
Thistle Dew Too, 2000 Blue 26.5' Mid-Bath
Consumers Report tested "all season truck tires" recently.
Of the tires tested, the Michelin LTX M/S 2 was the highest rated.
The Bridgestone tires you reference were not part of the test. However, the one Bridgestone tire they did test, rated near the bottom of the tested tires. Now that certainly does not mean that the referenced tires would have tested poorly.
Welcome back.
Ed
I didn't find cutaway views of both the (LT225/75R/16E) Michelin M+S2 and the Defender, but the specs seem to be almost identical except for the "Evertread" compound used in the Defenders, a new tire from Michelin. Both tires seem to have polyester sidewall belts and the usual steel mesh belting under the tread. The M+S2 is the latest incarnation of Michelin's M+S, and is a "proven" tire for the above application. I have no idea if the Defender will turn out to be as tough and long-lasting as the "old" M+S series, but if that is the tire your Costco offers, and you plan to buy your tires there, the Defender would be my choice over the Bridgestones. This is a link to the press release on Evertread:
MICHELIN DEFENDER LTX M/S Delivers Strong, Long-Lasting Tire For Light... (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/michelin-defender-ltx-ms-delivers-strong-long-lasting-tire-for-light-trucks-and-suvs-300122598.html)
But, as you know, between tough sidewalls and tread longevity in an RV application, tread wear is the lesser consideration; the tires' sidewalls are under heavy stress, much more so than when the same tire is used on an SUV or pickup, due to the weight of a motorhome. (The Ford E450 has 16" rims, so one is limited to the beefiest tire one can get in the appropriate size.
Personally, I don't care for a "highway" tread pattern; the all-season tread pattern offers better control and traction in varying weather conditions and road surfaces. (YMMV, of course.)
You will likely get many suggestions on services needed on a sitting rig to get it roadworthy, but, I'd start with draining, flushing, replacing all fluids and filters, including the fuel filter (and install a power steering filter, too), replacing all hoses, re-packing wheel bearings, checking (possibly replacing) brakes, lubing calipers, checking plugs (possible replacement; 2002 models are in the "blown plug" era), inspecting and lubing all ball joints, steering linkage, drive shaft (and carrier bearing; is the rubber "seal" solid?) and u-joints, changing the rear axle fluid, checking the exhaust system, checking the transmission and cooling systems, and doing a thorough re-hab of all appliances and of the generator.
Aren't these things fun!? :D Good luck!
I went onto Tire Rack's website (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Defender+LTX+M%2FS&partnum=275R6DTLX&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes) (click on the link to go there) to read about the Defender. The Micheline Defender is the replacement for the LTX M/S2. I am a fan of the LTX M/S2 so put me in the Defender camp. The same website can take you to the Durvas 500 which is not rated as high http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Bridgestone&tireModel=Duravis+R500+HD&partnum=275R6R500HD&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes
Thanks all for your replies, and "Hi" to Ed D who sold me his well-cared for LD 8 or 9 years ago. Ed, I'm sorry she sat idle all that time. Sometimes in life one as too many options ;-)
You've helped convince me the Michelins should be at least an adequate, if not excellent, choice.
One last question, with a query to Ed D. Do you have any recollection what year the spare tire would be Ed (I guess I can haul it out and decode the tire date code as well)? And given it has been sitting in a storage compartment, not exposed to the elements or to sun, will it be replaced at this time as well?
Just checking -- sorry if it is a dumb question.
S-
"The Micheline Defender is the replacement for the LTX M/S2."
-----
??? Both the M+S2 and the new "Defender" are listed on the Michelin (and Tire Rack) websites; it appears that the M+S2 is still available.
The M+S2 did replace the M+S, but I think that the "Defender" is an addition to the LTX line, not a replacement.
If this information is incorrect, please advise. Thank you.
I noticed both are in stock. I got my info from the Definders' description on the Tire Rack website. I did not look at the Michelin site which would the the final word.
All that is really important to me is that the tire is similar to the LTX M/S2 which I like very much.
You've helped convince me the Michelins should be at least an adequate, if not excellent, choice.
Do you have any recollection what year the spare tire would be Ed (I guess I can haul it out and decode the tire date code as well)? And given it has been sitting in a storage compartment, not exposed to the elements or to sun, will it be replaced at this time as well?-
Replace the spare too. It must be at least ten years old. Even if stored in a protected space, the rubber still oxidizes.
I, and many others here, have received great service from the Michelin LTX MS2s. You will not go wrong with a set of them.
You may want your mechanic to flush the fuel injector rail(s) and injectors. Good chance it is the source of the rough running.
Not much to do about it now but leaving any piece of equipment idle for such a long period is going to cause issues.
Residual fuel slowly evaporates and leaves gummy deposits than can occur in the injectors, sometimes requiring their replacement.
Must be strange, after being gone eight years, to return to a house and life put on hold so long ago.
Larry
Larry, Joan, and others,
Thanks for all the suggestions and recommendations. I'm not very auto-mechanically minded, so I will need to find and then enlist the help of a qualified and reasonable mechanic to accomplish much of what you recommend.
I will replace the spare as well.
And as for "strange" to return home -- actually not really for us. We rented our house while gone, so it was lived in and helped us be able to afford our other adventures. And the RV was actually run monthly, just not very much, so it was not totally idle. Our neighbor did that for us, but we're not sure exactly how much driving was done -- we assume quite limited.
We always knew we would return home, and consider our 8-year adventure as a bit of following-one's-nose and trying to see what makes the most sense and is fun and enjoyable for both of us. This just "felt" like the right time to come home. And probably a good thing for the yard is in need of a good hacking as well! We are also fortunate that the summer weather has been so wonderful in New England -- it made it much easier to adjust from our last home in Hawaii.
Thanks again folks.
I'm going to beat a different drum! Although I went through two sets of Michelins will never buy them again for my LD!
I am currently running the second set of Goodyear G947s and I love them. A bit stiffer than the Mich but firm and comfortable with no squirm. They are not cheap, even from WalMart, but worth every penny. ;)
I'm a Newbie to this forum and wish I had joined sooner. But, I bought a 2000 26.5 LD rear bath in April. I bought all new tires from Tire's Warehouse in Fountain Valley, CA. I bought the Hankook and cost was around $800 but they offer rebates from $50 to $100. The other day I heard a noise on right side and now am sitting in Customer Service area waiting for "New front wheel bearings" to be finished. The guys here are Great!
"...Goodyear G947s and I love them. A bit stiffer than the Mich but firm and comfortable with no squirm."
----
The Goodyear G947 and G949 "Armor Max" offer a stiffer ride (than polyester belted sidewall tires) because they have steel-belted sidewalls. Both of the "all steel" Goodyears have a "highway" tread pattern (as opposed to a M+S); the G947's pattern is a little different from the G949's. AFAIK, the only other "all steel" tire in the 225/75R/16E size, i.e., steel sidewalls as well as steel belting under the tread, is the Michelin XPS Rib; this tire also has a "highway" tread pattern.
https://www.goodyeartrucktires.com/pdf/resources/publications/armor_max_brochure.pdf
XPS Rib tires | Michelin US (http://www.michelinman.com/US/en/tires/products/xps-rib.html)
All-steel tires may be good choices for the larger, heavier LDs, particularly those which run close to GVWR. ;)
I'm going to beat a different drum! Although I went through two sets of Michelins will never buy them again for my LD!
I am currently running the second set of Goodyear G947s and I love them. A bit stiffer than the Mich but firm and comfortable with no squirm. They are not cheap, even from WalMart, but worth every penny. ;)
While a contrary opinion is always appreciated, it would help to have a little more detail: what about the Michelins caused your vehement rejection ( full disclosure, I'm on my second set of Michelins and fully satisfied); and what makes you prefer the Goodyears in terms of ride/performance? I've never experienced "squirm" with the M's. Just curious. -- Jon
My first set of Michelins aged out at about 3½ years due to sidewall checking! The second set made it to just over four years when the passenger side outside dual came apart on the freeway. I never found large parts of the casing. Fortunately I was under 55 mph when it happened so there was minimal damage done to the wheel well. The spare got me home after my emergency road service sent a guy to change it. He did not chock the first wheel nor did he ask if I had set the parking brake. If I hadn't have had the transmission in Park he might have had tire tracks across his back when it started to roll. ::)
I got a full five years from the 1st set of Goodyear's and changed them only because of age. I am only now six months into the life of the second set. I have no reason to think I'll not get a full six years from these. They are stiffer than the Michelins but they allow you to 'feel' the road you are traveling over. There was a time that I carried 65lbs in the front and 75 in the rear but now I carry 75lbs in all tires and like the performance. Proper tire pressure is key to longevity. :)
Hi Folks,
OP here. Just wondering if anyone can recommend a good mechanic that can work on Thistle Dew Too -- our 2000 LD 26.5' Mid-Bath -- in particular the Ford E-450 engine.
My first issue to address is a constant fast idle, that requires me to keep my foot on the brake so I don't move forward. I'd like to get that resolved so it is safer to drive, and then work on my many other issues (from it not being used the past 8 years).
I live in Amherst, NH. There is a Campers Inn not too far away, but I was hoping for someone that perhaps specializes in the Ford engine in the area, but can handle an RV-sized vehicle.
I could not find the Repair data base at the new forum, so I haven't check there. Any ideas are appreciated.
Thanks much,
S-
No suggestions for a mechanic. Try to find a local shop that services ambulances.
Any mechanic that works on Fords can deal with it as long as they don't mind removing the doghouse
A fast constant idle can be caused by a dirty or defective Idle Air Control valve (IAC).
It is a variable valve that bypasses air, in a controlled manner, around the throttle body's butterfly valve, helping to maintain a constant idle speed..
The valve itself is powered by a stepper-motor and is controlled by the engine's computer.
It is a commonly replaced item on all models cars.
A vacuum leak, in the intake system, can also cause a fast idle.
Larry
There seem to be several Ford dealers in your general area, but you might have to run through the list to find one that will work on an E-450 motorhome. Larry's suggestion to find out who in your area provides "fleet" services for ambulances and other large Ford-based vehicles is a good one, and you might also try calling the Ford Motorhome Customer Assistance Center: 1-800-444-3311
I've had mixed luck with the Customer Assistance Center, usually because their truck service location list doesn't necessarily reflect what a service center is actually willing to work on, but it's worth a try! ;)
Thanks Larry and Joan,
Appreciate the suggestions. Larry, thanks for the IAC suggestion. We spoke with an independent mechanic today who's willing to take a look at it next week. He mentioned the vacuum hose possibility, and it's good to be armed with this as well if that doesn't pan out. It sounds like they have worked on these chassis before.
And thanks Joan -- I spoke with one Ford dealership that recommended the only Campers Inn around. I'm reluctant to use them unless there are no other alternatives. I'll see what Ford Motorhome has to say.
Appreciate your inputs. We're hoping to get things working smoothly this fall, and be able to high-tail it out of NH this winter ;-)
S-
"I'm reluctant to use them unless there are no other alternatives."
----
I had to look up Campers Inn; out of my territory! It sounds like a CW clone; that would be sufficient reason for me to look real hard for those "other alternatives"! ;)
Good luck; please post the outcome.
Hi, Steve, welcome home! We ran into you and Carol at Bastendorf Beach up in Oregon shortly after you had assumed custody of Thistle Dew Too.
A few years ago I had a very thorough alignment done at Donovan Spring Company in Londonderry. It's a huge truck place and I can't say if they do other work such as like you need, but it might be worth a call.
Good luck getting everything back in shape!
Ted
Thanks Ted,
I remember our meeting well -- and getting to see your rig. Thanks for putting up with the true greenhorn.
And thanks for the suggestion. I assume I will need some suspension work too, so I appreciate this lead. I will call them and see what else they are able to do.
The place I am hoping to get the idling and other engine work down is LDN in Milford, NH. (If anyone has feedback on this place, good or bad, I still have time to adjust fire before they can take me next Tuesday.) We'll see if they can fit the rig on their lift. If not, I'll probably be going elsewhere for brake work and such anyways.
And Joan, appreciate you confirming my suspicions regarding Campers Inn. While they supposedly have Ford-qualified techs, they are most certainly expensive, and will likely be my choice of last resort. That said, I'd welcome any experiences that anyone might have had with Campers Inn, Merrimack, NH -- good or bad.
BTW, do we still have the repairs data base somewhere on this site (or elsewhere)? Im also happy to post my feedback there if needed.
Thanks Ted, Joan, and others, for the inputs.
Steve, I tried to search for links to the repair database too, had no luck.
I hate to add to requests for stickies, but maybe we need one?
I have a couple of shop experiences to add too.
Steve, I tried to search for links to the repair database too, had no luck.
I hate to add to requests for stickies, but maybe we need one?
I have a couple of shop experiences to add too.
Steve, see my post regarding "Maintenance/Repair Facilities" in the Lazy Daze General Info & Discussions forum.
Chris
Thanks Chris,
That worked -- I was able to get to the old data base, and it was properly formatted on my laptop. I saw only two entries for NH, and neither were in close enough for me to travel to, but at least it is good to know I'm not missing something noteworthy.
A question -- do folks still see value in this data base? Maybe "the power of the internet" as supplanted the need for such a data base, I don't know.
Not knowing the internals of the new forum, is it possible to set up a sortable table, that can perhaps can be tied to a map if that is of any use to someone? I dunno, just an idea if the moderators see value of trying to re-build such a table over here. I would have to assume Yahoo will be gone at some point -- so thanks again to you Chris, and others, who did all the heavy lifting to get this LD forum moved onto a modern platform.
In any case, I appreciate the pointer to the old repair and maintenance data base.
S-
Steve, don't know if you are familiar with this web database. I have used it a couple of times over the years and been satisfied.
http://www.rvservicereviews.com/Index.asp
Jim
Thanks Chris,
That worked -- I was able to get to the old data base, and it was properly formatted on my laptop. I saw only two entries for NH, and neither were in close enough for me to travel to, but at least it is good to know I'm not missing something noteworthy.
A question -- do folks still see value in this data base? Maybe "the power of the internet" as supplanted the need for such a data base, I don't know.
Not knowing the internals of the new forum, is it possible to set up a sortable table, that can perhaps can be tied to a map if that is of any use to someone? I dunno, just an idea if the moderators see value of trying to re-build such a table over here. I would have to assume Yahoo will be gone at some point -- so thanks again to you Chris, and others, who did all the heavy lifting to get this LD forum moved onto a modern platform.
In any case, I appreciate the pointer to the old repair and maintenance data base.
S-
Steve, I have put this question of some sort of maintenance/repair facility data base to our forum administrator, Steve Cook. I should have an answer soon.
Chris
"...do folks still see value in this data base? "
----
I don't see much value except maybe as a starting point to look for a service location, primarily because most of the data is old (if the entry was dated at all) , many of the recommendations did not include the type of work or specific job that was done, or the review mentioned (positively or otherwise) only an experience with a particular tech or service person who may be long gone. IOW, the information in the review may be irrelevant to the current status of the shop.
Circumstances can change quickly; shops change ownership (for good or bad!) or go out of business altogether, personnel come and go (many tire shops have high employee turnover), and the types of services offered (and to what kinds of vehicles they're offered) may not be at all the same as when the original review was written.
I do think that a service and maintenance category on this board would be useful to supplement information available online; the reviews and testimonials found on the web are not necessarily up-to-date or accurate, either, but as many sources of "guidance" as possible are usually good to check consistency of opinion and experience. (I did send Chris suggestions on "information inclusion" points for the category a while back. ;) )
Joan
Steve, don't know if you are familiar with this web database. I have used it a couple of times over the years and been satisfied.
http://www.rvservicereviews.com/Index.asp
Jim
Jim, I did not know about that, and it looks very helpful. I found a couple of facilities within 30 miles of me that are probably worth considering. So thanks for this lead. If I run into troubles or limitations with LDN, I now have some alternatives ;-)
Joan, I agree with your instincts. Chris, I think in the grand scheme of things, perhaps we are too small a community to gather enough data points, reviews, and for them to be relatively current. The site the Jim pointed me to would seem like a good starting point for our LD community as well.
Thanks again for everyone's assistance and willingness to assist/make recommendations.
S-
Were I stranded in a place where I knew no one to ask for a referral, this database might be of use. Obviously I can't speak for all of the entries, but before having read Joan's post, I had already gone to the database to check out my own area to see who was mentioned and what the comments were.
Our main repairman is prominently mentioned, with one bad review, amongst a flurry of praise. This repairman has been doing our RV work since the late 80's, and we have been more than pleased - as you might imagine with that kind of longevity of experience. The one bad review is so totally off the wall, and so unlike the owner, that I cannot possibly imagine what transpired.
Of course everything Joan says is totally true, and I have only the one data point to illustrate. That is why our merry band is so important in all things Lazy Daze. Should someone need repair work done in my area, I could easily point them to the database with personal experience and recommendations.
I haven't tried this tack, but were I stranded and searching out a place to assist with no personal recommendations to guide me, I might just do a global Google search for the name of the shop(s) suggested by the database to see if there is anything startling - either good or bad.
If one has a road service, there might be merit in asking them for recommendations, but, of course, you have no idea how they select their recommendees. AAA also provides this recommendation service.
Virtual hugs,
Judie
•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
"...do folks still see value in this data base? "
----
I don't see much value except maybe as a starting point to look for a service location, primarily because most of the data is old (if the entry was dated at all) , many of the recommendations did not include the type of work or specific job that was done, or the review mentioned (positively or otherwise) only an experience with a particular tech or service person who may be long gone. IOW, the information in the review may be irrelevant to the current status of the shop.
Circumstances can change quickly; shops change ownership (for good or bad!) or go out of business altogether, personnel come and go (many tire shops have high employee turnover), and the types of services offered (and to what kinds of vehicles they're offered) may not be at all the same as when the original review was written.
I do think that a service and maintenance category on this board would be useful to supplement information available online; the reviews and testimonials found on the web are not necessarily up-to-date or accurate, either, but as many sources of "guidance" as possible are usually good to check consistency of opinion and experience. (I did send Chris suggestions on "information inclusion" points for the category a while back. ;) )
Joan
Hi folks - OP here,
Just an update to say that we found what we believe (hope) to be a competent mechanic to work on our 26.5' Mid-Bath LD. Turns out the wheelbase was the maximum size that would fit on their lift. (FYI - the shop is called LDN Auto Repair, located in Milford, NH.)
Anyways, special thanks to those of you that provided suggestions on what we might need to do after sitting unused for 8 years. We managed to get it running smoothly and have taken a couple of short "shake-down" cruises, and fired up most of the house equipment. Impressed the generator fired up (after blowing out what looked like a mouse nest from its exhaust). Levelers worked great (and dry-siliconed the rams). The issue causing the fast idle turned out to be mouse next somewhere in the air filter housing. All the fluids have been flushed and replaced. Serpentine belt replaced. Hoses and vacuum lines checked for damage or dry rot. Etc.
So again, thanks for the assistance. We plan on taking this on a long winter sojourn out west, probably starting in January of 2017. So we feel pretty good that we won't be broken down on the side of the road (fingers crossed). I will give a shout out to Progressive Insurance. My fast idle problem eventually turning into a would not maintain any idle, and would stall. So I had to get the RV towed to LDN Auto Repair about 5 miles away. They covered the full cost (not cheap, needing a big wrecker) with no hassle.
Finally, one remaining question for the group: we have had our water system winterized with RV antifreeze for this entire 8-year period. Does any one have any special thoughts on how to clear that out and get the water system to not have any leftover "taste". I would welcome pointers to posts or files that describe (a) the proper way to flush the water systems after using antifreeze, and (b) instructions/tips for using compressed air for winterizing the the future, as that is my goal next time.
Thanks again for everyones help. Hopefully be seeing some of you on the road this winter.
S-
Hi folks - OP here,
Just an update to say that we found what we believe (hope) to be a competent mechanic to work on our 26.5' Mid-Bath LD. Turns out the wheelbase was the maximum size that would fit on their lift. (FYI - the shop is called LDN Auto Repair, located in Milford, NH.)
Anyways, special thanks to those of you that provided suggestions on what we might need to do after sitting unused for 8 years. We managed to get it running smoothly and have taken a couple of short "shake-down" cruises, and fired up most of the house equipment. Impressed the generator fired up (after blowing out what looked like a mouse nest from its exhaust). Levelers worked great (and dry-siliconed the rams). The issue causing the fast idle turned out to be mouse next somewhere in the air filter housing. All the fluids have been flushed and replaced. Serpentine belt replaced. Hoses and vacuum lines checked for damage or dry rot. Etc.
So again, thanks for the assistance. We plan on taking this on a long winter sojourn out west, probably starting in January of 2017. So we feel pretty good that we won't be broken down on the side of the road (fingers crossed). I will give a shout out to Progressive Insurance. My fast idle problem eventually turning into a would not maintain any idle, and would stall. So I had to get the RV towed to LDN Auto Repair about 5 miles away. They covered the full cost (not cheap, needing a big wrecker) with no hassle.
Finally, one remaining question for the group: we have had our water system winterized with RV antifreeze for this entire 8-year period. Does any one have any special thoughts on how to clear that out and get the water system to not have any leftover "taste". I would welcome pointers to posts or files that describe (a) the proper way to flush the water systems after using antifreeze, and (b) instructions/tips for using compressed air for winterizing the the future, as that is my goal next time.
Thanks again for everyones help. Hopefully be seeing some of you on the road this winter.
S-
Steve, glad you are up and running. I added the repair shop you mention to the list of recommended facilities (Lazy Daze Gen. Info & Discussions Forum) If for any reason you change your opinion of service at LDN, let me know so I can correct the posting.
If you Google "how to flush an rv water system of antifreeze" you will find a lot of discussion on your question.
Chris
Thanks for posting the "sitting rig" update. Can't help with winterizing, but many on the board do this, so I'm sure you'll get responses. Happy Trails!
Joan
Steve, glad you are up and running. I added the repair shop you mention to the list of recommended facilities (Lazy Daze Gen. Info & Discussions Forum) If for any reason you change your opinion of service at LDN, let me know so I can correct the posting.
If you Google "how to flush an rv water system of antifreeze" you will find a lot of discussion on your question.
Chris
Thanks Chris — you may want to make a note about the LDN listing.
If someone calls and tells LDN Auto Repair they have an RV, they will say “we don’t work on RVs”.
So perhaps add a comment that if someone needs that facility, give Steve Crisp a call at 603-732-3668 and I can try to ease them into it.
Or note that they should say it is the same size wheel base as Steve Crisp's RV (or less if a 23.5’), and therefore it shouldn’t be an issue.
Whatever you wish to do — I just don’t want someone to call and them get turned away without knowing the “secret password”.
Thanks again,
S-
Thanks Chris — you may want to make a note about the LDN listing.
If someone calls and tells LDN Auto Repair they have an RV, they will say “we don’t work on RVs”.
So perhaps add a comment that if someone needs that facility, give Steve Crisp a call at 603-732-3668 and I can try to ease them into it.
Or note that they should say it is the same size wheel base as Steve Crisp's RV (or less if a 23.5’), and therefore it shouldn’t be an issue.
Whatever you wish to do — I just don’t want someone to call and them get turned away without knowing the “secret password”.
Thanks again,
S-
Thanks, Steve. I added a footnote to the LDN listing.
Chris