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Topic: WanderDaze our 1998~MB has made it to 136K - what maintanance should be done? (Read 1104 times) previous topic - next topic
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WanderDaze our 1998~MB has made it to 136K - what maintanance should be done?
Our 1998~MB Wanderdaze has passed 136K miles, what would be the typical preventive maintenance be now? 
We plan to Change all spark plugs and tork them. 
We changed 4 coils last time 2 years ago maybe do the rest? 
We are going to change the
 - hoses 
 - belt
 - air filter
 - PCV valve
 - anything that looks warn 
 - change all of the transmission fluid and filter
 - engine oil and filter 
 - Check shocks
 - re-tighten the frame to house bolts.
What else should we do while the Dog House is out? 
We have never had a Motorhome this old before.

      Karen~Liam
        98 ~ MB
          NinA

1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: WanderDaze our 1998~MB has made it to 136K - what maintanance should be done?
Reply #1 –
Much of the answer will depend on previous maintenance, but consider the following:
 
rear differential oil
flush/change brake fluid
coolant
power steering fluid

Anytime I have the front tires off and an working on the brakes, I lubricate the slide pins on the front calipers. 

Careful with the spark plugs, as I think you are in the age range where Ford had issues with blown plugs.  You're probably familiar with this issue, but search around if not. 

Rich




2003 MB
Re: WanderDaze our 1998~MB has made it to 136K - what maintanance should be done?
Reply #2 –
Thanks Rich!
      We have re-torked all of our spark plugs regularly between 20K and 30K miles with the "new"  28lbs spec due to that problem.  Brake fluid was done last year with F & R brakes.  Coolant & tank was done two years ago but will be done with the hoses.  Great idea about power steering fluid and rear differential fluid.

  ~Liam
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: WanderDaze our 1998~MB has made it to 136K - what maintanance should be done?
Reply #3 –
Our 2003 is in that range of miles. I just had a new thermostat installed while the radiator hoses were replaced and totally fresh coolant. I plan to install a new serpentine belt in the spring.

I did check the stamping on the heads of our 2003 and was relieved to learn our rig was built with the "Improved" heads (1C2E) which I believe had more threads for the sparkplugs.

You may want to check the PCV valve hose while you are replacing the PCV valve; I understand they are prone to cracking or perhaps rodent damage.

One job I did last year was clean the exterior of the radiator. I used a refrigerator coil cleaning brush to brush the debris off both sides of the radiator and then rinse it with spray from a hose. To get access, I removed the plastic shield where the aircleaner snorkel is inserted. This cleaning really made a difference in how often the cooling fan cycles on and off. It was really filthy!

Steve K

Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: WanderDaze our 1998~MB has made it to 136K - what maintanance should be done?
Reply #4 –

In addition to the previously listed items.

-Check U-joints and carrier bearing.

-While the serpentine belt is off, check the water pump, fan clutch, and idlers (fixed and spring-loaded).
They all could be worn by this time.

-Thermostat (get the o-ring).

-Check out the entire front end. By this time almost anything can be worn, especially the ball joints, tie-rod ends, and steering stabilizer.

-Add inline filters to the automatic transmission cooler return line and the power steering pump return line.
Magnefine Inline Transmission Power Steering Filters

-When changing the rear axle fluid, buy the gear lube in the new, squeezable bags, it's much easier to fill the differential.
Robot or human?

-Change the hidden PCV hose, located under the front of the throttle body. It's often found rotten on older rigs.
Amazon.com: Dorman 46081 PCV Breather Hose Compatible with Select Ford...

-Check the parking brake oil level.
Parking brake oil fill | Flickr

-Check for rotted emission hoses.

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: WanderDaze our 1998~MB has made it to 136K - what maintanance should be done?
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 

-Change the hidden PCV hose, located under the front of the throttle body. It's often found rotten on older rigs.
Amazon.com: Dorman 46081 PCV Breather Hose Compatible with Select Ford...

Larry

Larry, thanks for this info. Is that part number sufficient, or do we also need to buy the Dorman 46025 which also comes up on Rock Auto? At first glance, it appears the 46081 you referred us to is the complete and correct part, and the 46025 is the same hose as 46081 but WITHOUT the end connector. Just checking to make sure, as this is the one item I haven't done on mine yet.

More Information for DORMAN 46025

Thank you,
Jason
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Jason

2003 Rear Bath
"Razor Crest"
Our first RV, purchased from the original owner 01/2022
Re: WanderDaze our 1998~MB has made it to 136K - what maintanance should be done?
Reply #6 –
Quote from: SRQG8  - 
Larry, thanks for this info. Is that part number sufficient, or do we also need to buy the Dorman 46025 which also comes up on Rock Auto? At first glance, it appears the 46081 you referred us to is the complete and correct part, and the 46025 is the same hose as 46081 but WITHOUT the end connector. Just checking to make sure, as this is the one item I haven't done on mine yet.

You want the 46081 with the connector, it connects to a hose coming from the PCV valve. The bent hose on our 2003 was badly heat damaged, the result of 135,000 miles. It's an item that is often ignored due to it being hard to see or access.
To access, removed the air cleaner and Mass Air Sensor assembly, next remove the hose clamps and then remove the flexible ducting between the MAF and the throttle body. The bent hose is connected at the bottom front of the throttle body, I use a mirror to verify that it is installed correctly. If the hose is leaking, it can lead to rough running and possibly a CEL code.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: WanderDaze our 1998~MB has made it to 136K - what maintanance should be done?
Reply #7 –
Thanks Steve,  Thermostat and O ring with new coolant are good ideas and I will inspect all vacuum hoses and PCV valve.

Thanks Larry, replace the water pump?, inspect fan clutch, and idlers are a good idea since we will have he belt off. 
    Thermostat and O ring, what is recommended temp for the V-10?  I think there is a 195 in there now, there are 180s and 192? 
    The Magnefine in line filter is a good addition.  The gear lube in new squeezable bags will make filling easier. 
    We suffered that "hidden PCV hose" vacuum leak about four years ago for a few weeks in that U hose which we could not see until we smoked the system.  The leak turned out to be due to deterioration of the rubber and not due to rodents but i imagine that rodents could cause it on other LD V-10s.  We will run a vacuum pump this time to test the lines.  I thought that we posted something on LDOF about it? 
   Also is it possible that on our year the 1998 Superduty (just before they called it the E450 in 1999) had a mechanical braking system for the emergency brake?  I can not find the reservoir but only a cable and mechanical brake on the drive shaft?

         Karen~Liam
           98 ~ MB
             NinA
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: WanderDaze our 1998~MB has made it to 136K - what maintanance should be done?
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Karen & Liam  - 

    We suffered that "hidden PCV hose" vacuum leak about four years ago for a few weeks in that U hose which we could not see until we smoked the system.  The leak turned out to be due to deterioration of the rubber and not due to rodents but I imagine that rodents could cause it on other LD V-10s. 
  
Also is it possible that on our year the 1998 Superduty (just before they called it the E450 in 1999) had a mechanical braking system for the emergency brake?  I can not find the reservoir but only a cable and mechanical brake on the drive shaft?

Your V10 uses a thermostat between 190 and 195 degrees, don't go any cooler, the engine is designed to run hot for better economy and lower emissions.

The parking brake is mounted on the rear of the transmission, it has its own oil reservoir that needs periodic checking, topping it off with transmission fluid.
Check the photos for the oil plug, it is difficult to find and is out of sight.
Parking brake oil fill | Flickr
E450 parking brake rebuild | Flickr

Smoke machines are a wonderful device for finding small leaks in the induction and emission systems.
Amazon.com: AutoLine Pro Automotive Smoke Machine Leak Detector EVAP Vacuum...

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: WanderDaze our 1998~MB has made it to 136K - what maintanance should be done?
Reply #9 –
Thanks Larry, I will stay with the 195 Thermostat.  I will take another look at the parking brake when I am under there.  Maybe use my cell phone to take pictures to find the reservoir.

 Karen~Liam
  98 ~ MB
    NinA
- I found this on the web that looks like my setup with a cable actuated parking brake.
Transmission Mounted Parking Brake

1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: WanderDaze our 1998~MB has made it to 136K - what maintanance should be done?
Reply #10 –
The page link states that the cable-actuated brake is only on the *F-series*.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: WanderDaze our 1998~MB has made it to 136K - what maintanance should be done?
Reply #11 –
Our older E450s have a parking brake cable that goes to and operates the transmission-mounted brake.
Newer models, post-2007 E450s, have a cable-activated parking brake as part of the rear brakes.
When Ford switched to the wide-body chassis, they did not have a wide enough axle equipped with a parking brake. Instead, they used an axle without a parking brake and added the archaic transmission parking brake, something that was common in the 1930s thru the 1950s.
The transmission parking brake is something older LD owners need to be aware of, the transmission parking brake has an oil reservoir that must be kept full, if it runs out, the brake can fail.
Failure can be very expensive to repair, it can seize and possibly tear the end off of the transmission. It can become a $10,000+ repair.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: WanderDaze our 1998~MB has made it to 136K - what maintanance should be done?
Reply #12 –
   OUCH !

I will crawl under and find it!

 Thanks Larry

Karen~Liam
  98 ~ MB
    NinA
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: WanderDaze our 1998~MB has made it to 136K - what maintanance should be done?
Reply #13 –
We found it!  Fluid level in the transmission-mounted brake was fine.  Larry Thanks for the pictures!

   Karen~Liam
     98 ~ MB
       NinA
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: WanderDaze our 1998~MB has made it to 136K - what maintanance should be done?
Reply #14 –
A few years later, I finally got around to replacing the PCV hoses on the 2003 6.8L V10.   ~125k miles, they were in rough shape (hardened and surface cracks, but no leaks) but still functional.   I wanted to change them preemptively. 

U-shaped hose to throttle - Dorman 46081.    I had to cut the end on the throttle body with a knife to get it off.   Putting the new one on was aided by removing 2 12mm screws on a plate that holds the throttle linkage in one place.  

Hose from above part to PCV valve (included) - Ford F7UZ-6C324-PA

I had to remove the doghouse inside and use access from both the front the rear of the engine to gain access to everything.

None of it was hard, but in typical Ford e450 fashion, getting to everything required some parts removal, flexibility, and patience.

Unless I screwed it up, this should be the only time I have to do this job! 

Rich
2003 MB
Re: WanderDaze our 1998~MB has made it to 136K - what maintanance should be done?
Reply #15 –
For the record, the E350 chassis, at least my '99 uses a cable operated E-brake, 'Hub' brake located in each rear wheel.  I do need to replace those, along with a 'glaring too bright' red LED that can't be ignored while driving, even with really dark sun glasses, and bright sunlight. (The release 'thunk' sounded like normal, and didn't stop forward motion. But it didn't release all of the way, and I drove on it for a few miles before I saw that the light was still on.)  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: WanderDaze our 1998~MB has made it to 136K - what maintanance should be done?
Reply #16 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
For the record, the E350 chassis, at least my '99 uses a cable operated E-brake.........................

Good point!  If I remember correctly from when I was shopping, the 23.5' models didn't go to the E450 "wide body" chassis with the driveshaft brake until the early 2000's...  2003? 
1995 26.5 Island Bed
2007 30 Island Bed
 
Re: WanderDaze our 1998~MB has made it to 136K - what maintanance should be done?
Reply #17 –
Quote from: MarkT  - 
Good point!  If I remember correctly from when I was shopping, the 23.5' models didn't go to the E450 "wide body" chassis with the driveshaft brake until the early 2000's...  2003? 

2003 is the correct answer.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze