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In spite of the many times corrective measures and the value
of good maintenance has been discussed, recent serious problems
call for additional emphasis; so here it is. Two coaches did not
make our most recent Roundup at Casa de Fruta as a result of not
taking advantage of known and often discussed preventative measures.
Coach # 1: After many successful years with probably good maintenance,
had a transmission overflow problem; something that happens once
in a while on some transmissions {exact reasons for this event
are elusive but the cure is well known). The coach caught fire
and burned completely to the ground. There are two places for
transmission fluid discharge on the OMC turbo Hydramatic 425 transmission.
The first being the relief valve at the front right side on top
of the transmission. Unfortunately, close to the exhaust, this
can be easily corrected in approximately 45 minutes with $15.00
in materials (see drawing on page two). The second is the dip
stick which can also spew fluid on the exhaust, this can be corrected
by installing Ken Frey's extended tube and dip stick which has
the additional benefit of allowing you to check and fill the transmission
from outside the coach. The dip stick is available from Ken Frey
Auto repair at 215-536-1246. The total cost of these two improvements,
under $100.00, compares favorably with losing a $20,000.00 coach,
which has happened many times. Remember to check your transmission
fluid level when the engine is HOT, parked on a level surface
and idling in park. Checking the level when the engine is cold
or not running will give you false readings which can lead to
overfilling which will cause fluid overflow when the transmission
heats up.
Coach #2: The failure was less dramatic, Bob DeSaussure had the
opportunity to inspect the engine after it was torn down because
of a broken crank shaft and he noted the following: The present
owner purchased the coach in the last two years from the original
owner with roughly 42,000 miles on the clock. He has driven it
only 10,000 miles since purchasing it. The new owner's greatest
contribution to the engine failure was probably a long trip with
a heavy tow vehicle and pushing the engine with a "heavy
foot". In spite of the relatively low mileage of the engine,
the condition of the engine oil and carbon deposits through out
was surprising. The residue was like tar, not off, there were
pieces of carbon as big as 2-inches square which were covering
the oil passages on the intake manifold. If the crank had not
broken, the engine would have probably seized sooner or later
due to lack of lubrication caused by plugged off passages. The
transmission fluid was brown and smelly. Conclusion: very poor
maintenance, probably no attention to time or mileage for proper
servicing intervals. This occurred before the current owner acquired
the coach so the damage was already done by the time he bought
it. Surprisingly the engine was strong and smooth running and
used one quart of oil every 1,000 miles even though cylinders
1 and 2 were scarred, the timing chain was loose and badly worn.
The original water pump was in excellent condition and was used
on the new engine. This is testament that a properly maintained
engine should give you over 100,000 miles of trouble free service,
but "all bets are off' if you do not keep up with the maintenance.
Speaking of maintenance, have you replaced your brake fluid every
three years? Have you drained and flushed your radiator and cooling
system every two years? Have you serviced and refilled your final
drive when recommended in your manual? In discussions at Roundups
and during other gatherings, it comes out that many people have
not. Don't forget the proper lubrication of the rear axle pins.
Replacing a set of pins can cost $1,200.00. Proper maintenance
is not only cheaper, but it will also allow you to have a pleasant
and safe trip.
Key Quan Description
#1 1 11/2 X 3/8" Rubber Elbow GMC part #25508425 (4pkg) or
5523543 (2pkg)
#2 1 1 - 2" Copper Tubing 3/8" OD
#3 1 1 - 3' 3/8" Marine Fuel Line
#4 1 Standard Overflow Container (Auto Parts House)
#5 1 Plastic Overflow Valve - GMC part #8640496 (10pkg)
#6 4 Stainless Steel Clamps
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