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Topic: Power loss, coolant drip (was Once again. a new problem-need thoughts) (Read 402 times) previous topic - next topic
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Power loss, coolant drip (was Once again. a new problem-need thoughts)
Driving down from Petaluma to AZ., coming up the 58/Tehachapi grade about half way, noticed the smell of hot water[?] coming thru my vent/mix blower. No indication of over heating, gauge still showed on the cool side. No error code thrown.

Definite drop in power, to the point I was limping up-slope at about 5 mph having put it in first gear...then, at the top of the first grade before the down slope, power came back, everything looked and sounded normal.

I pulled over at the first opportunity, and opened the hood-- coolant dripping off the front of the hood, and the air cleaner assembly DRIPPING fluid all over the place. Pulled the air cleaner and it was soaking wet with fluid, and the assembly was wet inside as well.

The coolant was about 3/4 of an inch low...so not that much had 'blown thru'.  Ran the engine, looking for any leaks, anywhere...nothing. The engine ran normally, still showing 'cool' on my gauge.

Called tech support @ Coachnet, and he was clueless as to what might be happening. A mechanic stopped by [nice man] and looked at the engine w/me..also saw no leaks anywhere. Revved the engine, ran it for five minutes or so..nothing.

Decided to drive on into Tehachapi after drying the air cleaner as best I could w.a hair dryer, and wiping all parts dry, to try and find a place to park for the nite, close to an auto parts store.

On the second half of the climb thru the Tehachapis pass, the RV performed 'as normal' except for a continuing smell of damp thru the vent, tho not overly strong, just present. Still no sign of overheating, no error codes.

Tomorrow I will get a fresh air cleaner, but I am concerned as to WHY it did this..any ideas out there? There is a Ford dealership {O'Keefe's] in Mohave, but they won't be open til Monday. I'm considering whether to go ahead and head for Phoenix, where I can take it to Sanderson Ford. but of course I am concerned that there is SOMETHING amiss, but can't figure out what it is.

Any thoughts??? :-\


[edited topic title to be more descriptive - Michelle]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire
"CHERRYOTTE" our little red home on wheels
"Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
Re: Once again. a new problem-need thoughts
Reply #1 –
I would suspect a problem with the coolant expansion tank or the low pressure hose.  I can not see how the plumbing for these things are routed.   Given that your not loosing a great amount of coolant and that the engine is not heating up that is what I am basing my belief on.
Another thought.  Does your RV have a radiator cap?   Some cooling systems take fluid directly from the expansion tank (there is no radiator cap; while other systems the expansion tank is a separate item running off a hose just below the radiator cap.  There is a spring in radiator caps that allows the fluid to flow into the expansion tank if the engine is working hard.  The spring gets tired with age.  When that happens the cap needs to be replaced.  This was a common maintenance item on older cars, but newer systems rarely have that type of cape.
It would only take a small amount of fluid near the air intake to ruin the air filter.
John
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Once again. a new problem-need thoughts
Reply #2 –
Hi Gini,

I live in the Tehachapi area. The Ford dealership in Mojave is called Kieffe & Sons. I haven't had any dealings with them so can't speak to the services they offer or quality of work but it looks to be a pretty small dealership which seems to have good reviews. Here is their contact info:

Kieffe & Sons Ford | Ford Dealership in Mojave CA
 Service:   (888) 330-1195   

There is also a Ford dealer in Lancaster off Hwy 14 (Antelope Valley Ford) but I'm sure they will be closed until Monday as well. I haven't dealt with them either.

I can't help much in the way of mechanical issues but let me know if I can provide any other assistance or information while in the area.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Once again. a new problem-need thoughts
Reply #3 –
Hi Greg- thanks for the reply. I'm parked at the K Mart in Tehachapi for now.
After driving the last leg of the Tehacapi/Hwy 58..with no problems ???..checked the air intake and it was dripping coolant again. I'm wondering if it is coming from the radiator..not sure where else as that is the only 'wet' areas.

Guess I'm stuck here till Monday. I need to go and pick up a fresh air filter before I drive to either Ford dealer ships Monday. I think I can make it, since it drove fine UP the grade, under pressure.
Looking for any information to arm myself with before hitting the dealerships. Do you have any info as to which one is best? I'll call first thing Monday, and see if they will even look at the RV.
Sigh.

At 09:47 PM 11/19/2016, you wrote:

Quote

Hi Gini,

I live in the Tehachapi area. The Ford dealership in Mojave is called Kieffe & Sons. I

haven't had any dealings with them so can't speak to the services they offer or

quality of work but it looks to be a pretty small dealership. Here is their contact
info:
Quote

Kieffe & Sons Ford | Ford Dealership in Mojave CA

Service:   (888) 330-1195

There is also a Ford dealer in Lancaster off Hwy 14 (Antelope Valley Ford) but I'm

sure they will be closed until Monday as well.
I can't help much in the way of mechanical issues but let me know if I can provide any

other assistance or information while in the area.
Greg, previous owner of an '85 22 ft. TK Researching our next RV, this walking is getting old! You can reply to this email and have it posted as a topic reply.
LDO Links:

index.php?action=notifyboard;board=2.0 Regards, The Lazy Daze Owners Team

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire "CHERRYOTTE" our litte red home on wheels "Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire
"CHERRYOTTE" our little red home on wheels
"Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
Re: Once again. a new problem-need thoughts
Reply #4 –
Good luck, Gini.   "...Growing wise is optional."  Thank you, in advance, for sharing whatever wisdom you glean from this experience.  Not a fun adventure, but I do appreciate learning when others share--I'm sure my time is coming.

Lynne
Lynne
LDy Lulubelle, Green '05 31' TB
Lilly, the 4-Legged Alarm
Re: Once again. a new problem-need thoughts
Reply #5 –
Gini

The last thing you should do is take off, hoping for the best. You have experienced the same problem twice.
There is serious problem with the  cooling system and you need to find it before damaging the engine.
Knowing your luck, it will get you eventually, most likely sooner..

The coolant reservoir is sealed and pressurized, when the engine is running.
There is a crack or hole in something that doesn't leak unless the engine is good and hot, under pressure.
I would look for a split in the top of the radiator,  the coolant reservoir itself or a split or leaking radiator or heater hose.
Something is able to shoot coolant into the engine's air intake, so it needs to be in the general area.
The leak could also be in back and under the air cleaner. There are a lot of places to inspect.

Get it fixed before proceeding!
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: Once again. a new problem-need thoughts
Reply #6 –
"I would look for a split in the top of the radiator,  the coolant reservoir itself or a split or leaking radiator or heater hose."
----
Thanks, Larry. I know from experience that hoses can appear solid on the outside but may have hidden wear and damage. If the hoses are original, I would check "Door #3" (split/abraded hoses and/or loose clamp connections on the radiator and heater hoses) as the first troubleshooting step.

Gini, please report the diagnosis and fix when you get it! Thanks.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Once again. a new problem-need thoughts
Reply #7 –
Yes Larry..already set to go to a mechanic first thing. One of our members happens to live here, and recommended his garage.
After closely inspecting the entire area, the only place it seems to be coming from is actually the front/radiator area..that's where it's wettest, and it is dripping down on the front edge of the hood only. Beginning to think I have a split radiator..ugh. Still not sure why it's inside the air filter and housing. No moisture under, or around the housing..just on top and in front.
Crossing my fingers it isn't TOO big of an issue.

Thanks for the reply!

At 12:55 PM 11/20/2016, you wrote:

Quote

Gini

The last thing you should do is take off, hoping for the best. You have experienced the same problem twice.
There is serious problem with the cooling system and you need to find it before damaging the engine.

Knowing your luck, it will get you eventually, most likely sooner..
The coolant reservoir is sealed and pressurized, when the engine is running.
There is a crack or hole in something that doesn't leak unless the engine is good and hot, under pressure.

I would look for a split in the top of the radiator, the coolant reservoir itself or a split or leaking radiator or heater hose.
Something is able to shoot coolant into the engine's air intake, so it needs to be in the general area.

The leak could also be in back and under the air cleaner. There are a lot of places to inspect.

Get it fixed before proceeding!
Larry
Larry

Collection: Lazy Daze

You can reply to this email and have it posted as a topic reply.
LDO Links:

index.php?action=notifyboard;board=2.0 Regards, The Lazy Daze Owners Team

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire "CHERRYOTTE" our litte red home on wheels "Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire
"CHERRYOTTE" our little red home on wheels
"Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
Re: Once again. a new problem-need thoughts
Reply #8 –
Well. all the hoses, belts were replaced w/OEM Ford parts a year and a half ago...they LOOK fine, but as you say, who knows..maybe a critter chewed on one where I can't see it. Again tho, no liquid under or around except for the radiator area and the air filter/housing..hoping it's not too major. But it is what it is--life with an RV, right?

At 01:40 PM 11/20/2016, you wrote:
Quote

"I would look for a split in the top of the radiator, the coolant reservoir

itself or a split or leaking radiator or heater hose." Thanks, Larry. I know from experience that hoses can appear solid on the outside and may have hidden wear and damage. If the hoses are original, I would check "Door #3" (split/abraded hoses and/or loose clamp connections on the radiator and heater hoses) as the first troubleshooting step.
Gini, please report the diagnosis and fix when you get it! Thanks.
Joan

Posting Information:

JCT replied to the topic 'Once again. a new problem-need thoughts' on the ' Lazy Daze Technical' Board.
You can reply to this email and have it posted as a topic reply.
LDO Links:

index.php?action=notifyboard;board=2.0 Regards, The Lazy Daze Owners Team

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire "CHERRYOTTE" our litte red home on wheels "Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire
"CHERRYOTTE" our little red home on wheels
"Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
Re: Once again. a new problem-need thoughts
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Gini Free  - 

"...maybe a critter chewed on one where I can't see it...

...But it is what it is--life with an RV, right?..,"



    Hope for the best...prepare for the worst...and expect the unexpected.

This is the one constant that I have learned over the years.

Gini Free, if it turns out to be a critter in the works, then you may want to follow some of the steps outlined in the forum:

1) 12 volt LED lighting under the hood (very inexpensive...I have a set with a remote and timer-but installation is still on my ta-do list).

2) Fresh Cab under the hood. Again inexpensive and something that I have actually done.

3) Barriers around the wheels. Something like a a "ring of fire" but constructed out of sheet metal about six inches tall that can circumnavigate each set. Not sure how practical this is and I've never actually seen anyone do it and neither have I, but it's supposed to be effective.

4) Fake Snakes under the rig. Sounds strange and may be effective, but I do remember reading about it on LDO or another forum.

5) Not sure...I think I've run out of ideas. Perhaps someone else can pick it up from here.

Just some food for thought. Best of luck with your current issue.

Kent


2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Power loss, coolant drip (was Once again. a new problem-need thoughts)
Reply #10 –
One comment about Fresh Cab (which I use and like): when it's placed under the hood, the high heat of the engine compartment bakes out the aromatic oils fairly quickly, so the packets need to be changed much more often than when placed in compartments.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Power loss, coolant drip (was Once again. a new problem-need thoughts)
Reply #11 –
"4) Fake Snakes under the rig. "

My neighbor has a fake owl near his garden to scare the crows away. Mostly the crows use it as a perch when they are deciding what to eat next.
😂😂

Re: Power loss, coolant drip (was Once again. a new problem-need thoughts)
Reply #12 –
Quote from: Ed D.  - 
"4) Fake Snakes under the rig. "

My neighbor has a fake owl near his garden to scare the crows away. Mostly the crows use it as a perch when they are deciding what to eat next.
😂😂



I can hear 'em now, Ed. "Tatters or Tomattas? Wadda ya think fellas".


2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Once again. a new problem-need thoughts
Reply #13 –
Thanks Kent for the suggestions. And a HUGE thanks to Greg [HiLo]for the recommendation to All American Auto in Tehacapi, CA.
Got here bright and early in the midst of a rain storm [of course, grin]. They have diagnosed the problem--yes, a spilt radiator cap right at the top under the air filter intake.
They have already found a replacement radiator, and are quoting two hours for the install. Very decent pricing--$565, for the radiator, filter, and fluids. WHEW!! Not that bad, considering what I was afraid had happened.

And the timing was perfect--they are closing for the rest of the week for the holidays.

I should be back on the road before noon, and might make Quarztsite before dark. Again, whew!!

Thanks Larry, Kent and Greg..sure helps running things by other people when something hapens on the road.

Quote
Hope for the best...prepare for the worst...and expect the unexpected.
This is the one constant that I have learned over the years.
Gini Free, if it turns out to be a_ critter in the __works_, then you may want to follow some of the steps outlined in the forum:
1) 12 volt LED lighting under the hood (very inexpensive...I have a set with  a remote and timer-but installation is still on my ta-do list).
2) Fresh Cab under the hood. Again inexpensive and something that I have  actually done.
3) Barriers around the wheels. Something like a a "ring of fire" but  constructed out of sheet metal about six inches tall that can  circumnavigate each set. Not sure how practical this is and I've never  actually seen anyone do it and neither have I, but it's supposed to be  effective.
4) Fake Snakes under the rig. Sounds strange and may be effective, but I do  remember reading about it on LDO or another forum.
5) Not sure...I think I've run out of ideas. Perhaps someone else can pick
 it up from here.

Just some food for thought. Best of luck with your current issue.
Kent

2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"

You can reply to this email and have it posted as a topic reply.
LDO Links:

index.php?action=notifyboard;board=2.0 Regards, The Lazy Daze Owners Team

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire "CHERRYOTTE" our litte red home on wheels "Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire
"CHERRYOTTE" our little red home on wheels
"Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
Re: Power loss, coolant drip (was Once again. a new problem-need thoughts)
Reply #14 –
So glad to hear that, Gini! It was nice meeting you and Junah yesterday and I hope the rest of your trip goes well!
Safe travels,
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Power loss, coolant drip (was Once again. a new problem-need thoughts)
Reply #15 –
The stock radiators last a long time but will eventually rot or have a rubber o-ring, in the tank, decay and leak.
There is no repairing modern plastic/aluminum radiators.
Our 2003's radiator started leaking last March, at the conclusion of the Morro Bay GTG. 12 years isn't bad.
Other than being very large and award to handle, the exchange wasn't difficult.
http://www.fordparts.com/Commerce/PartDetail.aspx?n=P9SQM2tVs2gfXor2GxhFhQ%3d%3d&id=398820667&m=2&search=true&year=2003&make=Ford&model=E-450+Super+Duty
 
When radiator is out, make sure the mechanic checks and/or replaces the serpentine belt,  the water pump, belt idlers, fan clutch, thermostat, the radiator and heater hoses.  There is no better time to check.
Cooling system rebuild | Flickr
Cooling system hoses | Flickr

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: Power loss, coolant drip (was Once again. a new problem-need thoughts)
Reply #16 –
Gini, thanks for posting the diagnosis; follow up is always a good addition to the knowledge base! ;-) Hope the rest of the journey is mishap-free.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Power loss, coolant drip (was Once again. a new problem-need thoughts)
Reply #17 –
Well..er...there was a small addendum to the excellent radiator repair... I pulled out of the shop, and within a few feet was alarmed to hear metal "chunking" coming from the floor area on the passenger side...!! Turned right around and went back to the shop, telling them this was a new sound. We jacked up that side to look at the assemblies ..sure enough I had a broken shock absorber!! I had already decided to replace them, as they were over 50,000 miles 'old', so I chose to use a cheap temporary brand, and will replace all when I make it to AZ. Had Bilstein Comfort Shocks, and liked them very much, but may switch to Konis...need to do research about them first.
And so it goes....grin

Parked at a rest stop near Needles, resuming trip home hopefu;;u to arrive before Big Bird Day.
Happy Thanksgiving all!!

At 12:05 PM 11/21/2016, you wrote:

Quote

Gini, thanks for posting the diagnosis; follow up is always a good addition to the knowledge base! ;-) Hope the rest of the journey is mishap-free.
Joan

You can reply to this email and have it posted as a topic reply.
LDO Links:

index.php?action=notifyboard;board=2.0 Regards, The Lazy Daze Owners Team

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire "CHERRYOTTE" our litte red home on wheels "Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire
"CHERRYOTTE" our little red home on wheels
"Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
 
Re: Power loss, coolant drip (was Once again. a new problem-need thoughts)
Reply #19 –
Quote from: Gini Free  - 
Well..er...there was a small addendum to the excellent radiator repair... I pulled out of the shop, and within a few feet was alarmed to hear metal "chunking" coming from the floor area on the passenger side...!! Turned right around and went back to the shop, telling them this was a new sound. We jacked up that side to look at the assemblies ..sure enough I had a broken shock absorber!! I had already decided to replace them, as they were over 50,000 miles 'old', so I chose to use a cheap temporary brand, and will replace all when I make it to AZ. Had Bilstein Comfort Shocks, and liked them very much, but may switch to Konis...need to do research about them first.
And so it goes....grin

Parked at a rest stop near Needles, resuming trip home hopefu;;u to arrive before Big Bird Day.
Happy Thanksgiving all!!

At 12:05 PM 11/21/2016, you wrote:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire "CHERRYOTTE" our litte red home on wheels "Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."

Wow, so glad it didn't happen when you were further down the road! Get a good rest, it's been a long couple of days for you!
Safe travels,
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264