Recent Posts

91

Technical Support / RPM gauge

« Last post by Scott Hinote on October 31, 2024, 05:22:14 PM »

We have a 2000 Beaver Patriot Ticonderoga with the 3126b 330 Caterpillar . Our ECM died and we had it replaced . But after getting it home I noticed that the RPM gauge wasn’t working . The company that did the replacement came back out to me and did more troubleshooting, they are saying that the gauge is bad . They also said when they were connected to the ECM with their laptop using Caterpillars software, that the gauge was getting the needed signal from the new ECM . Here’s my question if anyone might know, does the gauge operate off the ECM , or the alternator or the transmission ? I need to know because I’ve been told 3 different things, and before I move forward with buying a new gauge or just have the company that replaced my ECM , re calibrate the gauge so it operates correctly on the upper end higher rpm’s ? They have told me they can do that . Thanks everyone for helping out .

92

Technical Support / Re: 2000 Marquis left front airbags

« Last post by Eric Maclean on October 31, 2024, 01:28:11 PM »

Duane
Have you checked the ride height on the rear
The system only uses a single ride height valve for the front axle which means that all the front air bags are tied together and the coach can lean to one side of the other this avoids twisting the frame .
If the driver's side front is low 8.5" apposed to 10" where it should be then one of three things is wrong .
1) the coach is not on level ground
2) the driver's side rear ride height is low ( should be 10" )
3) the passenger side rear ride height is set too high (should be 10" )
Remember this system is essentially a three point leveling system as the front of the coach can pivot or tilt of the center line moving air from one side air bags to the other if the rear ride height is not set at the same height the fronts will not be right either.

There is a fourth possibility
It is possible you have one or more front torque rods seized not allowing the suspension to come up to ride height , these torque rods have a spherical ball end on each end and with age the rubber seals deteriorate and allow dirt and water into the joint causing them to rust and seize.
One of the symptoms of sized torque rods is a squeak or grown when dumping the air bags.

Maybe dumping the suspension air and letting it come back up to ride height several times might free a tight torque rod ( or not)

There is a section in coach assist on servicing the torque rods if your interested.

Hope this helps
Eric

93

Technical Support / Re: 2000 Marquis left front airbags

« Last post by Steve Huber Co-Admin on October 31, 2024, 03:42:14 AM »

Duane,
The solenoids have no effect on the air leveling or ride height of your coach. It is completely controlled by the air bags.
Steve

94

Technical Support / Re: 2000 Marquis left front airbags

« Last post by Duane Kunze on October 31, 2024, 03:14:29 AM »

Hi Steve, yes , I have checked the measurement of the bags. The passenger front is about 10”, drivers front is about 8.5 “ I can definitely see a difference in how the bags are inflated. I have misunderstood how to manually operate the valve. I didn’t realize I needed to loosen and move the rod, I thought I could just turn the round portion of the valve where the rods connect. Now I think I understand. I want to check operation of valve to make sure it is working. Or maybe one of the 6 pack solenoids is bad? Thanks for your input. I appreciate it. If you have any other suggestions, I am wide open.

95

Technical Support / Re: 2000 Marquis left front airbags

« Last post by Steve Huber Co-Admin on October 31, 2024, 12:51:46 AM »

Duane,
Have you checked the height of the air bags on the left front as Carl suggested? They should be ~ 10" from the top of the bottom plate to bottom of the top plate. If it is lower than that adjust the left rear ride height valve as Eric suggested before you start chasing any other solutions. I'd check the right side bag measurements before adjusting and start by setting the left bags equal to the right side bags. You can then make any needed adjustments to finish leveling the front.
Why are you trying to move the valve? The adjustment is done by moving the rubber linkage (shown circled on Joel's photo. The air tanks need to be full but the engine does not need to be running. To make an adjustment simply loosen the screw in the band around the rubber linkage and move it slightly. IMPORTANT: be sure to hold the linkage in place while loosening the band. If the linkage slips it can cause the bags to deflate, resulting in the coach dropping quickly and crushing anything in its path.
Steve

96

Technical Support / Re: 2000 Marquis left front airbags

« Last post by Duane Kunze on October 31, 2024, 12:30:45 AM »

Thank you Joel for posting your experience and the link. I have inspected all of the linkages/ rubber hoses, etc. All seem good. Now what I am searching for is a step by step troubleshooting process for the valve. I cut some blocks to support the coach, but I cannot move either rear valve left or right. I have to be doing something wrong. Videos I have watched do not show how to manually move the linkage. Can someone explain the step by step process? Engine has to be running, air tanks empty? I’m lost.
Thanks

97

Technical Support / Re: 2000 Marquis left front airbags

« Last post by Joel Ashley on October 30, 2024, 11:13:25 PM »

Sample reference pics:

98

Technical Support / Re: 2000 Marquis left front airbags

« Last post by Joel Ashley on October 30, 2024, 11:09:25 PM »

Just to back up Eric’s post, similar circumstance happened to us once as we were pulling away from our home curb, and it indeed was a deteriorated left rear Haldex link.  It had broken apparently, after a couple years storage, when I drove over the driveway dip coming from our sideyard, but went unnoticed until some yards down the street toward a 6 month sojourn.  We made it to Bend where techs immediately went right to it;  it’s a very common malady/weak point in our coaches. Not all NAPA stores have the link kit in stock, but can usually order it from their local warehouse.  It’s also available online.

It’s a good idea to carry a spare, Duane;  but as Eric notes, undercoach efforts by inexperienced owners should proceed with ultimate caution, especially when messing with air support devices.  Accordingly I carry two 12 ton support jack stands, but some carry custom ramps;  for our relatively short coach, the jacks take up less room.

Joel

99

Technical Support / Re: Main slide out issue - 2002 Patriot Thunder 455

« Last post by Eric Maclean on October 30, 2024, 05:58:29 PM »

Let us know how you make out
Eric

100

Technical Support / Re: Main slide out issue - 2002 Patriot Thunder 455

« Last post by Pierce LeFevre Jr on October 29, 2024, 11:37:28 PM »

Hello Eric,
Thanks so much Sir.  You were dead on that the Living Room slide hydraulic manifold is that one by RAV!  So thanks again for nailing that and also for mentioning and directing me to the Coach Assist resource area.  I'm new to the Forum so just learning all these resources and Coach Assist area is awesome.  RAV tech should be returning a call to assist me hopefully tomorrow with how to relieve pressure.