New windshield installed.....

[SargeW]

I got the rig back Friday with the new windshields installed. I could not believe the difference! Now I feel like an idiot for putting up with the distorted glass for so long. I can't wait to take her out on the road to see the difference.

I also got the hydraulic gremlin solved. It took me going to the dealer and hanging out for 5 hours to keep everyone motivated. (as it turns out being a constant presence in the service office is "unsettling" for the service manager).

The rookie that had been working on my hydraulic issues had crushed the "O" ring when installing one of the solenoids. His fix was to keep tightening it til it bottomed against the manifold. Finally the shop forman worked on it himself. A new "O" ring and it has not had a drip since. The service manager later confided in me that his biggest problem is finding quality techs. They have 36 bays at this dealership, and 12 mechanics. The average age is about 22 years old. Seems that no one is wanting to become a mechanic or RV tech these days.

Too bad, we are the ones that lose in the long run. That's why I prefer to do every possible job I can, myself. Least if I screw it up, I know who to yell at! I just replaced a water pump on my jeep this weekend. Saved a bunch of money, and I know it's right.

[SargeW]

I got the rig back Friday with the new windshields installed. I could not believe the difference! Now I feel like an idiot for putting up with the distorted glass for so long. I can't wait to take her out on the road to see the difference.

I also got the hydraulic gremlin solved. It took me going to the dealer and hanging out for 5 hours to keep everyone motivated. (as it turns out being a constant presence in the service office is "unsettling" for the service manager).

The rookie that had been working on my hydraulic issues had crushed the "O" ring when installing one of the solenoids. His fix was to keep tightening it til it bottomed against the manifold. Finally the shop forman worked on it himself. A new "O" ring and it has not had a drip since. The service manager later confided in me that his biggest problem is finding quality techs. They have 36 bays at this dealership, and 12 mechanics. The average age is about 22 years old. Seems that no one is wanting to become a mechanic or RV tech these days.

Too bad, we are the ones that lose in the long run. That's why I prefer to do every possible job I can, myself. Least if I screw it up, I know who to yell at! I just replaced a water pump on my jeep this weekend. Saved a bunch of money, and I know it's right.

[ichn2go]

Congratulations Sarge, Often times its a simple thing that causes the most frustrations.
Hope you don't see too much outta that new windshield ,,you might just have to wear blinders. Good Miles

[John_Canfield]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by SargeW:
--snip-- Seems that no one is wanting to become a mechanic or RV tech these days.--snip-- </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I actually had to help a young tech diagnoise a defective battery bank bridging solenoid last fall. Of the two solenoids in the electrical bay, he assumed the disconnect solenoid was the bad one and he replaced it and of course we still had the same problem (not charging both battery banks on alternator.)

He was eager to learn fortunately; I showed him how to test the solenoid and he seemed grateful for another trick added to his bag. It was also fortunate that we were in a situation where I could hang around the coach while he worked.

I always try to give the tech (or tradesman) the benefit of a doubt and assume they know what they are doing, but when it is obvious they don't know what they are doing, I try to politely and unobtrusively intervene.

Some times you have absolutely no control over the repair/whatever process because you are kept isolated from the person doing the work - this I can't stand. I always like to talk to the person doing the work - usually I can tell if they are on track or out in left field after a dialog.

Fortunately, Winnebago's factory service work process has the customer working/communicating directly with the tech doing the work. I never mind watching my coach disappear to the service bays for eight hours. They do a good job and aim to get your job finished as quickly as possible.

I feel your pain Sarge - I like to do some of my service because you can be sure it is completed correctly, but as I get older I'm quicker to whip out the check book

[SargeW]

I gotta confess that I do that too John. I catch myself thinking "where could I take this, and how much would it cost?". Then after a series of uninspired choices, I start heading for the tool chest.....