Some of you think I've got lots to do over the next three weeks! Well it's true, but I'll do a little bit every day and before you know it, I'll be done!
So yesterday I decided to tackle Sherman's lack of heat. You may remember when we were driving up to Nova Scotia back in March that we didn't have any heat coming out of the engine heater. At the time, I though it was a blocked heater core, and it didn't help that the new thermostat I had put in back in South Carolina seemed to have the engine running colder than it should.
It would be a big job to take out the heater core, but you gotta do what you gotta do. But I started out by removing the heater control valve. This is what regulates the amount of hot water going through the core, and I quickly found out that it is broken. The arm turns, but it wasn't turning anything on the inside of the valve. So, it was good news that I don't have to remove the heater core, however it may not be that easy to get a new valve. The part itself is supplied by a company in Goshen, Indiana and that company was bought out back in 2008 so I had to make some phone calls to figure it all out. Eventually I was given the name of the guy who would know about this stuff but he was out for lunch and I never got back to him yesterday so I'll try him again today.
In the meantime, I went to the local auto parts store and bought new heater hose and clamps for Sherman. Then I replaced the thermostat and hopefully this one won't be defective!
Ruth's brother is a machinist and so I thought maybe he could fix the valve. But where it's broken the metal is both brass and steel so it couldn't be welded, plus there would be some kind of seal in there that would go bad if it was heated too much. So no, it can't be repaired.
Ruth got our upper cupboards all cleaned and put back together after installing the recovered panels. And she removed all the curtains and trim and seat covers and put everything in the wash. Sherman will be totally cleaned up by the time we head south!
Sounds like you are working your plan and it's coming together.
ReplyDeleteFinding parts for older rv's, or even newer ones can be a real challenge, but I am sure you will find something to work. And just keep chipping away at the list and all will soon be done.
ReplyDeleteI found the valve in the link that I could use on my '85, might work for you.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.tomsbroncoparts.com/product/heater-valve-66-77-early-ford-bronco-new
If you post a picture someone might be able to help.
Mickey
Until you find one put a couple of hose fitting on a regular brass shut off valve like you have in the house,that will give you heat until you can locate an original valve, I imagine yours is vacumn operated also look in junk yards for valve on a van chassis of the same make you engine is. I am sure something will turn up, Be safe out there, Sam & Donna.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed at how you know how to fix all these things...sure saves money.
ReplyDeleteThe clock is ticking!
ReplyDeletechris
www.livingboondockingmexico.blogspot.com
Progress is good. Also so nice when the rig is cleaned. We need to do some of that here.
ReplyDeleteKenny and Angela...We will get there. Slow and steady wins the race!
ReplyDeleteGeorge and Suzie...Yes, having an older motorhome can pose problems but there are ways to work around them.
Mickey...Thanks Mickey, Kevin tried the site but unfortunately he came up empty handed.
Sam and Donna...Kevin is still looking at his options and that is one of them.
Karen and Al...It is very handy for us that he can do a lot of these tasks. It certainly does save a lot of money.
Chris...The ticking is getting louder and closer.
Janie and John...It will be the first time that Sherman has been cleaned from top to bottom at basically the same time since we have had him. We've done bits and pieces throughout the four years but never all together. It will feel so good to have it all accomplished.
Kevin, Ruth and Whiskey