Engine Access

USMCRET · 09-14-2011, 09:40 AM

This coach really makes me feel stupid at times, and this is one of them. I'm trying to gain access to the engine from the bedroom. I removed two screws from the platform and at least four from the back side of the "L" on the face of the wardrobe. The L shaped covering refuses to come out. It may be a physics or geometry problem (both of which I suck at), but I cannot get the SOB out. It appears to me I got all of the fasteners, but I can't figure out how it is supposed to come out. Someone needs to school me on the secret handshake.

Darrel · 09-14-2011, 09:58 AM

You're correct. It is just about impossible. On mine I had to remove the catches on the sides and lift the bed to barely get it out.

Good luck - Darrel

Skip426 · 09-14-2011, 10:43 PM

Ouch, sound like I have another reason to avoit trading up to a bedroom slide model.

Mr_D · 09-14-2011, 10:49 PM

Seems to me that there are four bolts on the flat section of the platform on ours, but our rig is 3 years older and on a Spartan frame.
Can you see anything from the engine compartment or is yours a rear radiator?

USMCRET · 09-15-2011, 02:23 AM

Mine is a rear radiator which has to be the all-time worst for engine access. I was able to stand on the hitch ball and poke my head between the top of the radiator and the top of the engine compartment to catch a peek at the serpentine and a/c belts...so close and yet so far. I was told it is best to come in through the engine access cover, but it seems my best bet may be to attack it from underneath the coach.

Darrel...what catches are you referring to?

Skip426 · 09-15-2011, 11:35 PM

If, your running a Cummins, and changing a serp belt from underneath the coach; draw yourself or download a belt routing diagram! There are 300 different ways to put that belt on and of course only 1 is right. Some applications it is possible to install the belt in such a way to turn the water pump backwards. Instant overheat !

Mr_D · 09-16-2011, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USMCRET

Mine is a rear radiator which has to be the all-time worst for engine access. I was able to stand on the hitch ball and poke my head between the top of the radiator and the top of the engine compartment to catch a peek at the serpentine and a/c belts...so close and yet so far. I was told it is best to come in through the engine access cover, but it seems my best bet may be to attack it from underneath the coach.

Darrel...what catches are you referring to?

That's why I won't have anything but a side radiator! I can change belts in less than 20 min. and that includes time to find the correct wrench to loosen the A/C compressor. The belt itself can be done by hand

Now, there are two ways to change yours, from the top or from the bottom. You'll have to decide which. We've never owned a rear radiator rig.

USMCRET · 09-16-2011, 02:43 AM

There's also a third way, and that is the path I have chosen. I will be headed out shortly to have a RV tech take care of it. I have thrown in the towel.

GaryKD · 09-16-2011, 08:13 AM

Hi USMCRET,
You have chosen the correct solution. Techs know how to get this done and done correctly.

As to removing the engine cover, there are 5 screws on the vertical part and 4 on the horizontal part of the cover. On the horizontal part, the screws are buried in the carpet. They are difficult to find.

Darrel · 09-16-2011, 10:05 AM

On my KSDP there is a panel over the L shaped cover. The panel is hold on with two catches that interfered with cover removal.

Have a nice day - Darrel

USMCRET · 09-16-2011, 07:43 PM

Much to my surprise, the tech did everything by standing on a small step stool and hanging over the top of the radiator. I was young and flexible like that once.