Addition to the K2 Chassis Fan Campaign

[RUFINIT]

This applies to Certain Spartan K2 Chassis Models equipped with
Mechanically Driven Cooling Fan, Manufactured from March 17, 2003
through December 31, 2007.

In the past there were many failures of the fan and belts on the K-2
(the chassis on which the Essex sits as well as newer MA's.) They
did a "campaign" where they put in newly engineered parts including a
new clutch, fan, doubled the size of the belt, a belt guard and other
components. This solved the problem however created another.
Certain coaches experienced vibration due to the increased angle of
the fan-clutch driveline, especially when the exhaust brake
engaged.

In January 2008 Spartan issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB07-
270a-002 thru TSB07-270h-002.) This bulletin replaces the gearbox,
the driveshaft (which has a double knuckle joint rather than single)
the brackets and the fan blade. The new drive gears drive the fan in
the opposite direction, therefore the fan had to be replaced and
reportedly is more efficient. They also replaced the fan belt again
(don't know why, but they did, which gives the owner a spare to carry
on the road in case of failure.)

Spartan is not allowing dealer service centers to do the install.
They are sending out techs from their factory to locations around the
country. They came to my home (in Seattle) yesterday and in about
two hours completed the TSB. They were extremely competent and
efficient. They were heading down to Oregon to Guarantee RV to do
all the stock units there today and tomorrow and then heading back
east towards MI.

If you have not had the first campaign done on your effected K2, or
it was done prior to January 2008, you should call Spartan: 1-866-
383.3695 Mike Hilborn is the guy. His extension is 3154. They
will let you know when the techs will be in your area and can perform
the TSB where you store your coach.

Another note: They also inspect the turbo exhaust for cracks. Many
of us K-2 owners experienced failure with this part and Spartan
redesigned the turbo exhaust pipe and installed it to solve the
problem. They will replace it if they see failure. Mine was replaced a
little over a year ago and the new design showed no problems.

[RUFINIT]

This applies to Certain Spartan K2 Chassis Models equipped with
Mechanically Driven Cooling Fan, Manufactured from March 17, 2003
through December 31, 2007.

In the past there were many failures of the fan and belts on the K-2
(the chassis on which the Essex sits as well as newer MA's.) They
did a "campaign" where they put in newly engineered parts including a
new clutch, fan, doubled the size of the belt, a belt guard and other
components. This solved the problem however created another.
Certain coaches experienced vibration due to the increased angle of
the fan-clutch driveline, especially when the exhaust brake
engaged.

In January 2008 Spartan issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB07-
270a-002 thru TSB07-270h-002.) This bulletin replaces the gearbox,
the driveshaft (which has a double knuckle joint rather than single)
the brackets and the fan blade. The new drive gears drive the fan in
the opposite direction, therefore the fan had to be replaced and
reportedly is more efficient. They also replaced the fan belt again
(don't know why, but they did, which gives the owner a spare to carry
on the road in case of failure.)

Spartan is not allowing dealer service centers to do the install.
They are sending out techs from their factory to locations around the
country. They came to my home (in Seattle) yesterday and in about
two hours completed the TSB. They were extremely competent and
efficient. They were heading down to Oregon to Guarantee RV to do
all the stock units there today and tomorrow and then heading back
east towards MI.

If you have not had the first campaign done on your effected K2, or
it was done prior to January 2008, you should call Spartan: 1-866-
383.3695 Mike Hilborn is the guy. His extension is 3154. They
will let you know when the techs will be in your area and can perform
the TSB where you store your coach.

Another note: They also inspect the turbo exhaust for cracks. Many
of us K-2 owners experienced failure with this part and Spartan
redesigned the turbo exhaust pipe and installed it to solve the
problem. They will replace it if they see failure. Mine was replaced a
little over a year ago and the new design showed no problems.

[Lug_Nut]

Great info Joe. I, and a few others got the exact upgrade you mentioned. Mine was done on Jan. 2nd. Additionally I got the new designed turbo exhaust tube prior to that in '07 as mine cracked.
Since the fan mod., no vibrations ever.

Peter

[Chickadee]

Joe & Peter: Just read your post re: Tech. Service Bulletin about fan issue. Do you know if this work is being handled in Napanee? We're scheduled in for service on Sept. 22nd and one of the things on our list is to confirm installation of this fan upgrade. If it's not being handled at Napanee, how about Spartan at Charlotte, MI, since we'll be coming down through Mich. to Napanee. The VDM (Manufacture date) on this 08 Essex is 5/07 and I've been attempting to determine whether the upgrade was or was NOT completed on this unit before we pch'd it. Thanks. Steve & Lynette

[Lug_Nut]

Steve & Lynette, Scott and Randy are at Newmar, they work for Spartan and are more than capable of the job. However, I don't know how they schedule them etc., so you should check with Newmar High Line.

Peter

[RVDude]

chick - one quick test is to take a magnet to the fan gear box - not the mount but the gear box itself. If it sticks, you probably have the new stuff. The old gearbox was aluminum, the new one is cast iron. Also look at the drive shaft. If there looks to be 3 U-joints in it, 1 on one end and 2 a couple inches apart on the other end you also have the new stuff.

Newmar had a Spartan Fan Team there several times in the past, that's how I got mine done on a routine visit there. Call high line like peter said.

[RVDude]

New fan drive

[racer0624]

Also, the old fan was white and the new one is black.

[RUFINIT]

You can also just call Spartan and give them your vin # (last six digits) and they can tell you exactly what you have and what you need based on their service records.

And the techs told me they drive down to Newmar about once per week (two hour drive they said) and work on coaches at Newmar in for service. Heck, they drove cross country to WA and OR this week to service coaches. That is good service, IMHO!