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Prevost Winter Garden, FL Service Center
Happy to report that we’ve just safely returned to our lot at Pelican Lake Motorcoach Resort, Naples, FL after a full week’s extensive and exhaustive chassis servicing from the knowledgeable mechanics at the Prevost Winter Garden, FL Service Center.
For much of the past year, we have been working with other (non-Prevost) centers to chase down and unsuccessfully resolve various air leaks throughout the Coach. Which resulted in a 240-mile drive from Naples to Winter Garden with the front ride-height exhaust port exhaling air nearly as quickly as the compressor could keep us aired up!
Replacement of a couple 2 & 3-way Norgren selector valves using compression fittings; and, several other brass fittings – resolved the rear air leaks and height. Thanks to the flexibility and long arms of technician Drew.
However, the front end was still dropping 2 – 2 1/2” despite all efforts to soap and identify leaks, check the ride height settings, etc. throughout the Coach.
Fortunately, Butch Baclosky (Prevost Training Manager) in surveying the entire air system & schematic identified the culprit – the 90 degree brass elbow going into the front passenger air bag! Of course, to get at this leak required removal of the front tire, manipulation of the air bag – repair, reassembly, balance and proper torquing of the front wheel lugs.It was also discovered that the engine Air Compressor was badly leaking oil – and, blowing oil through the air lines going to the dryer. This required a full day’s labor by technician Sammy but, the result is replacement of a 20-year old compressor with new and a clean dryer & lines!
Happy to say that our Coach has remained fully aired up all week!
Additional work done with Prevost craftsman skills:
1. Engine Level III service.
2. New front wheel seals (drive axle wheel seals were done last year).
3. New Upper Control A-arms on Steer axle.
4. New Steer axle sway bar bushings.
5. OTR bus air rebuild and charge.
6. New exhaust blanket over the pipe directly beneath our bed frame!
7. New oil pan gasket.
8. New Driver’s side Steer axle Airbag.
9. Replaced All brake caliper Dust Boots, etc.Although the actual work list was much more the initial estimate for chasing air leaks, adding an exhaust blanket, OTR high end leak/fill and engine Level III service, the Coach is much better/safer for all these parts and work!
Meanwhile, our Guardian Angel must have been watching over us..…as it was discovered that two of the three lower bolts for holding our passenger-side, drive axle brake caliper were missing. And, the third bolt was starting to back out (hand loose)!!! This could have caused serious damage to the Coach/engine or, have been deadly to any following vehicle!
Fortunately, three new bolts have been installed with Loctite and torqued – as have all other caliper bolts been tightened and torqued throughout the Coach.One thing about Prevost…the workmanship appears to be excellent. That said, there is no forgiveness on pricing. Prevost doesn’t repair…they replace – and, the subsequent costs associated with those parts. You need to understand and reconcile yourself to this reality – before going in for Maintenance!
That said, additionally what I really DO appreciate:
1. Work/parts are Warrantied at any Prevost Service Center for 2-years.
(If any part fails while on the road…and you must use a non-Prevost center – Prevost will still cover the parts cost.)
2. Prevost is replacing 21-year old items (e.g., engine Air Compressor & Dryer – probably hadn’t been changed in 5+ years) that likely should have been replaced prior to our Purchase.
3. Kyle Smith – Prevost Winter Gardens Service Manager has 15-years Lead mechanic experience and thoroughly goes over the Coach – including leaving the Coach up on the lifts so you can see/learn exactly what was done/any new parts, etc.
4. They make your Coach available for you to remain aboard each evening after 4:30 p.m. – fully plugged-in on 50-Amps. There is a bus wash station with hose and a waste dump available, too.
They also plug your Coach in while working on it…so your AC’s can be running. You might need to show them where the 50-Amp Shore Power breaker was located for your model Motorcoach Conversion; and, show them where/how to turn on the Cruisairs or roof airs at the Control Panel and at each unit. (Remember, Prevost predominately works on passenger busses that use OTR.)We will definitely choose Prevost Winter Garden for our future chassis work and service when back in Florida.
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1 Reply
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Thank you, Greg! Great post and detail. Always super nice to hear good reports. Safe travels!
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