LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

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LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

July 18, 2016, 11:40:00 am

Hi folks,

We have just returned home from 8 years of overseas work assignments. Egad, the boxes coming out of storage are ridiculous

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.

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

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #1 – July 18, 2016, 01:47:49 pm

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

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

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #2 – July 18, 2016, 04:18:04 pm

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.

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #3 – July 18, 2016, 07:26:10 pm

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

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #4 – September 13, 2016, 08:17:36 am

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

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #5 – September 13, 2016, 08:45:16 am

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

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #6 – September 13, 2016, 09:26:04 am

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...

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!?

Good luck!

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #7 – September 13, 2016, 10:21:06 am

I went onto Tire Rack's website (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

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #8 – September 13, 2016, 10:35:41 am

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-

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #9 – September 13, 2016, 10:41:56 am

"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.

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #10 – September 13, 2016, 12:06:10 pm

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.

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #11 – September 13, 2016, 12:47:35 pm

Quote from: Steve and Carol Crisp - September 13, 2016, 10:35:41 am

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

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #12 – September 13, 2016, 01:42:41 pm

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.

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #13 – September 13, 2016, 01:44:25 pm

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.

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #14 – September 13, 2016, 02:22:20 pm

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!

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #15 – September 13, 2016, 04:12:08 pm

"...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

All-steel tires may be good choices for the larger, heavier LDs, particularly those which run close to GVWR.

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #16 – September 13, 2016, 06:49:29 pm

Quote from: Lazy Bones - September 13, 2016, 01:44:25 pm

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

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #17 – September 13, 2016, 10:47:19 pm

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.

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #18 – October 11, 2016, 12:22:09 pm

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-

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #19 – October 11, 2016, 12:53:14 pm

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

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #20 – October 11, 2016, 02:41:25 pm

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!

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #21 – October 11, 2016, 04:36:30 pm

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-

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #22 – October 11, 2016, 05:01:37 pm

"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.

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #23 – October 11, 2016, 07:59:41 pm

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

Re: LD has been largely idle for 8 years -- suggestions please

Reply #24 – October 12, 2016, 07:28:26 am

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.

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