Community Forums

captncrunch · 03-08-2014, 11:20 AM

Has anyone been able to outsource a replacement cable for engine compartment rear access door in a 1999 36 FDS #72170,, or developed a way to keep door closed

Thanks Captncrunch

Algoma · 03-08-2014, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captncrunch

Has anyone been able to outsource a replacement cable for engine compartment rear access door in a 1999 36 FDS #72170,, or developed a way to keep door closed

Thanks Captncrunch

Doesn't your engine door have a hydraulic lift? In which case there is a spring that closes it. This door will creep open as the engine heat expands the hydraulic fluid.

Alpine Dave · 03-09-2014, 07:30 AM

My 1999 36' Alpine Coach has a 2-way hydraulic engine door lift. There is no spring that holds it closed. There is one solenoid valve to open the door, and a second valve to close it. I have never experienced any problems with the door creeping open.

On the other hand, I have always thought that the hydraulic lift was an over kill and that a simple air spring/latch would be much simpler and less likely to fail.

Dave

Algoma · 03-09-2014, 07:39 AM

You need to look at later models because that is how they went. If you look at pictures of the engine door you will see the latches at the bottom corners. Never heard of anyone converting an older coach though.

Jeff and Cheryl · 03-09-2014, 02:33 PM

I-5 Uhlmann RV did a conversion for some folks in Tacoma WA on a 1999. IIRC, they had an issue with a leak. I don't know of all thespecifics, but it did include some latches.

captncrunch · 03-09-2014, 10:19 PM

Thanks for all the replies ,my unit does not have a hyd lift ,but is held closed in place by 2 catches located about a foot in from the outside edge of the coach the catches are hooked to a spring loaded cable much like a hood latch, most service people I've talked to never heard of 2 cables going into 1 T handle Probably making myself clear as mud Captncrunch

kraig · 03-09-2014, 11:45 PM

When I had my 2000 WRV built in Oct 99, it was exactly as Captncrunch described. It came from WRV that way. I never had any problems while I had it, but I did lube the 2 latches and cable frequently. I don't where you could get a new cable except you could try Aubrey's RV in Yakima. They bought a lot of WRV parts when they went out of business.Talk to Carolyn@ 509 453 4709.

captncrunch · 03-09-2014, 11:53 PM

OK Thanks Kraig I will check with Carolyn this week

EngineerMike · 03-10-2014, 08:01 PM

Sounds like one of several systems WRV tried along the way by putting it on a coach. IIRC Kraig had one such- an experimental gas pedal assembly.

kraig · 03-10-2014, 11:04 PM

Another thought is get two PTO cables and run one to each latch. As I remember, the single release was was in the rear of the side compartment. You can find PTO cables at heavy truck equipment dealers that sell power take off units. The basic push pull cable has a red knob with a cable and wire running through it. You can cut it to any length you want. They should not be too expensive.

EngineerMike · 03-10-2014, 11:18 PM

CaptnCrunch- can you post a photo of the apparatus?
You upload your photo here on iRV2 under Photos in the uppermost bar, go to the photo, right click on it & copy the location, make your post, click on the little mountain & sun icon & follow the prompts to insert the URL of the photo.

captncrunch · 03-11-2014, 04:56 PM

Hello Kraig
I know a picture is worth a thousand words ,but if you knew how computer illiterate I am,, you would understand how confusing it is for me to take photos ,put them into my computer and then post on this site,I grew up with out computers so I just use it for email and Utube
Anyways I am familiar with PTO and Choke cables so I'm sure I can retrofit something that will work Thanks again Captncrunch