[Dan]

Good times!

[Dan]

Also, the key to getting repairs was being the original owner.

[Dan]

You say that as if it is a certainty that I will be coming back to Jeff’s, and it is. I am hoping he picks me over thousands of other applicants for Buddy’s old job. Is no news still good news?

Davy

[Dan]

I don’t know if anyone other than Prevost has the statistics but it does not apply to every XLII.

We do not have access to how many were repaired, how many were built or even if there is a pattern such as an age range or coach location or even why there was delamination.

Not every XLII had the problem. The issue appears resolved on production units from the last half dozen years or so, and I was told second hand that if an older coach did not have a problem up to this point it likely never will.

[Dan]

Fully agree. At the age of your coach and the likely number of cycles each has switched it might take a big chunk of the money you spend for dues, but I would replace the contactors and the associated relays. You do not want to go to a 50 amp box because on those instances when you want to load up the circuits on the genny you have the capacity.

I presume any time you connect or disconnect you are turning off all loads, but would still like to hear about any signs of arcing or stuck contactor points. Also, if over time the cable connections from shore or genny power have loosened if you see evidence of heat damage.

[Dan]

That’s good to know Chris.. This week on Monday I talked to the main Sun Resort office and bitched about being ignored in Petoskey and they were going to get the regional manager involved and someone would be back to me. Here is the response 3 days later.

[Dan]

Bill, A front air bag replacement on your coach is relatively easy, but easier with the wheel off. The only difficult part is getting the nut on the compression fitting loose.

To the extent possible get the chassis up. If the air bag will provide any lift take advantage of it. Use level low so you only are lifting the front. You likely have to use a hydraulic jack at some point under the chassis support point. You have to get it up so the bag is extended.

The wheel needs to come off for total access. Cut the air line to the air bag at the compression fitting. You will need a straight fitting for assembly. Into the elbow on top of the air bag thread a 1/2″ x 3″ nipple which brings the compression fitting for the air line out a ways to make assembly easy.

I can give more details but the tips I gave above should be all you or the repair guy needs.

[Dan]

Could you share where the valve is located?

[Dan]

Test drive of aprox 40 miles went well….Everything looked good and on the road Davy went….aprox 100 miles later coach shut down, restarted ran 15 seconds…everything appears ok via gauges etc….So one way or another he is heading back to have the 3rd party that Prevost had suggested figure it out….

[Dan]

I wonder if there is a mobile hydraulic line crimping tool that would be small enough to get into that space. If there is, one could turn that hose straight up and cut that hose below the damage and crimp a new fitting on just below the connection point. Then install a double flare 90 and make up a new short hose to reconnect. There is a mobile hydraulic hose guy near me that i have used in the past. Might be worth a few phone calls if you have one in your area. If you find this is possible you could cut the line below the damage and adapt a barbed air fitting to make sure the rest is leak free as Jon stated. Perhaps you have investigated this already. Just thought i would throw it out there.

[Dan]

At one time Detroit Diesel 2 stroke engines were the standard for commercial coaches. Keep in mind that General Motors was one of the largest producers of seated coaches and that General Motors owned Detroit Diesel.

[Dan]

Thanks Jon I figured it would not be easy. You statement about Peace in the middle east pretty well sums it up. When I do attempt the replacement. Would it be safe to assume there will be Adult beverages involved as well as some swear words as well?

[Dan]

Congratulations to Ann and Andre. Something about the ETLC air, we went there for an oil change and some service and ended up with our current bus almost three years ago.

It’s happened again. As said before right place, right bus, right time

Best of Luck and safe travels

[Dan]

Thanks for the help. I had previously under the impression that the problem was exactly where you are showing in the photo. Do you have any idea which of the wires shown would be the 5vdc source for the lights?

Thanks

[Dan]

Les,

$200 lets you look at the car. For another $50 I will let you touch it. For $250 more I will let you sit in the passenger seat, engine off for 1 minute.