BAC Forum
General Boards => Technical Support => Topic started by: Brian Sexton on January 28, 2014, 10:47:55 AM
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I really need some expert advice about two big ongoing problems with my 2000 Beaver Contessa with fewer than 60K miles. The first problem is the Hurricane Hydronic system and the second is he Onan 7500 diesel generator. The Hurricane system has given me fits for several years, system runs for a short time blowing out stinky white smoke and shuts down so I seldom used it since I rarely camp in the cold . I have had the fuel filter and fuel pump replaced, and a five year kit installed three years ago and still had the same issues. Since I am getting ready to go full time this summer, I have put it in the shop once again and the first thing they put in was the 5 year kit, but now tell me that it is still doing the same thing. Seems like these shops just like to throw parts instead of doing a correct diagnosis, what else could it be? The generator is another story which I blame on a poor design. When the ambient temperature gets above 85 degrees the generator shuts down over the road. My generator is in the rear of the coach and the air intake is right next to the engine exhaust. This problem started happening about 2 years ago. Since the exhaust and muffler are now 13 yrs old would a new exhaust run any cooler? The shop tells me they want to put a sock on the exhaust and redirect, has anyone else experienced this issue? They have diagnosed my generator as needing a new internal inverter which they say was caused by the excessive heat, and estimate 11hrs labor to pull the generator fix. I value the advice of this forum, please help! Thanks!
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I had the same generator problem on my 2001 Contessa. Tried installing a heat shield to keep the some of the exhaust heat from getting picked up by the generator air intake. Helped a bit but not much as I still had overheat shutdowns. I was ready to move the exhaust but the shop manager at Massey's Diesel suggested we put a chrome tip on the exhaust to direct it down at about a 45 degree angle. Problem solved! No overheats even when climbing hills in hte AZ summer.
Steve
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Brian,
You know what the service issue is with your Hurricane, poor service technicians. If there is a problem with a system, a good technician will properly diagnose the issue before selling you a bunch of parts that you may or may not need. As I have said here before, the biggest problem with the Hurricane system is that most RV shops know little or nothing about the unit and they just throw parts at it and hope that it starts working before you run out of money.
If you are in the NW, you can contact ITR (the manufacturer), or Jim Rixen at Rixen's Enterprises for competent service on you unit. The Hurricane is primarily used in the marine industry, so service facilities that understand the unit are usually located around pleasure boating centers. However, giving ITR (International Thermal Research) a call will be worth your time.
Gerald
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Maybe we should have a place in this forum to list dealers or repair facilities that have done an excellent job of repairing our Hurricanes or Aqua-Hot.
Mine our:
Veurinks RV Center Grand Rapids, MI
Richards RV Service Center Greer, SC
John
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Brian,
I too spent a fortune on hacks doing "on the job Hurricane training" on my money. Call Kevin Lambert at ITR, the manufacturer. He is great at diagnosing and can actually help you. They are in Vancouver, Washington. He diagnosed mine in 15 minutes and fixed in in 1 1/2 hours. Cost was less than any who practiced on me too! He is at 800-993-4402. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Richard & Judie Crane
2000 Marquis C12
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Brian,
I agree with Richard, these guys can get you going again.
Great folks!
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As I had previously posted, we had Jim Rixen's Comfort Hot system installed in October and have never been happier. It has worked extremely well for the past several months and I'm not in any hurry to fool with my Hurricane. Over the past two years I've spent >$500 on various parts, most of them purchased from Kevin Lambert. Each time we get the system working for a while.
Jim Rixen says that at some point these old Hurricane's just get too expensive to maintain. Of course, Jim would like to sell you his own system which can be used as a complete replacement for the Hurricane burner and boiler. It's about $3500-4000 installed. It appears to be a well-designed system, with all the key components in an easily removable module that could be pulled out for service. One of these days I may consider getting one, but for the moment, the Comfort Hot is keeping us plenty warm. We don't normally boondock, but if we needed to we could always use the generator to provide the necessary electricity for it.
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Thanks to all for your replies but I am stuck here on the east coast until later this year hoping it can be fixed.
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Brian,
You have my sympathy for being stuck in the NE, especially with the weather that you have been having lately. However, if you are going to repair the unit yourself, give me a call and I will walk you through the basic checks that you need to run to determine the problem.
Gerald
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Gerald, appreciate the offer but it is in the shop and my fingers are crossed
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Well after a poor diagnosis and several hours of labor installing a five year kit and cleaning out the exhaust on my Hurricane system, my repair facility just notified me that there is a crack in the coolant tank and antifreeze is leaking into the burner producing the white smoke. They have also instructed me that it is not repairable. Wanted to check with this group to see if there is a remedy. If it is not repairable, what are my options?
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Brian,
Did you call the folks at ITR?
They can be a great help!
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Yes called ITR they don't do cooling tanks
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Yes called ITR they don't do cooling tanks
What you call a coolant tank is probably the "manifold" around the burner. I'm surprised that ITR can't sell you a new one. But I recall that Kevin Lambert at ITR did tell me that it could be removed and repaired at a radiator repair shop. I wouldn't be surprised if mine is cracked also, but it's not subjected to nearly as much stress with Rixen's Comfort Hot and I haven't noticed any leakage. I'd guess that the cracks are the sort that open up when the burner is running and the piece is subjected to heating.
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Joel,
That is made of stainless steel, I assume it can be brazed, I also looked on their web site and it shows the part available.
Not sure what Brian meant by cooling tank, maybe he will take a picture for us to take look.
Brian, I replaced my heat exchanger myself, other than plumbing fittings was a breeze.
Anyway, good luck sir!
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http://beaveramb.org/PDF/PDF%20Manuals/Hurricane%20Owners%20Manual/Hurricane_manual_R4.pdf
Brian, here is the link to the hurricane schematic and parts list, hope this helps!
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Bryan,
I think that you just had a little communication problem with ITR. You may try calling them back and explain what your problem is. If they can not help you, it would probably be worth looking at the heating system that Jim Rixen at Rixen Enterprises sells that is a direct replacement for the Hurricane unit in our coaches. Rixen's unit is a diesel boiler like the Hurricane and it incorporates electric elements like the Comfort Hot system, and it is all in one unit that fits into the same spot the Hurricane is in.
Gerald
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Brian.
Gerald is correct about the Hurricane. I had similar experience to you. I went to ITR in Vancouver, Washington. They fixed mine in 1 1/2 hours for less than anyone had charged practicing on me. Call Kevin Lambert at 800-993-4402. He may be able to diagnose what your problem is over teh phone. He's really good!
Richard & Judie Crane
2000 Marquis C12
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Bryan,
I think that you just had a little communication problem with ITR. You may try calling them back and explain what your problem is. If they can not help you, it would probably be worth looking at the heating system that Jim Rixen at Rixen Enterprises sells that is a direct replacement for the Hurricane unit in our coaches. Rixen's unit is a diesel boiler like the Hurricane and it incorporates electric elements like the Comfort Hot system, and it is all in one unit that fits into the same spot the Hurricane is in.
Gerald
Gerald:
When I bought the Comfort Hot from Rixen I was told that his heating system does not include the electric elements; I think he may often install them when installs his own heater, but I was told that I hadn't wasted my money if I come back some day and have the Hurricane replaced.
Joel
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I should have more information tomorrow when I pick up the coach. Will keep you posted.