Opening the engine hatch on a 04 sea breeze

[Ramster]

Having a hard time...new to me 2004 sea breeze (I love it)!! Need to get to engine Can't fit the cover from the engine between the seats any help any secret??

[gewilli]

That's a puzzle, did you try to swivel the seats 90 (facing to the center) and slide them back all the way with the backs leaning forward? This may buy you some room?

Good luck.

[donhoward49]

i also have an 04 Sea breeze. Mine came right out. I think I lifted one side up then slid it back. Nice idea is to have an old blanket or sheet over the couch so u have a place to lean the cover.

[Dunner]

You have to lift up on the small rear end of it between the seats. Tight, but can be done.

I had a problem with where the screws go. The moly type bolts would spin in the holes. Ended up pop riveting some 1/4" plates that were drilled and taped to 1/4-20. I also pointed the bolts so they would find home easier.

[Ramster]

got it... had to configure the seats just right and lift out turned and slanted.
what were they thinking?? kind of hard to line up bolts too about 15 minutes on the last one!!

[Dunner]

Yeah, it helps to get all four started first before tightening them.

[Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376]

Unscrew, pull up (break the seal). Lift the left side up toward the passenger side. Once Vertical, pull back and away from the engine bay. Had to do this 3 times last week for the DMV and smog guys.

[Dunner]

Is that standard procedure in all smog states? You have to pull the engine cover for them to inspect it? What if I play dumb? Are they going to do it and pay for re-paring the seats if they damage them getting the cover off.

[Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner Is that standard procedure in all smog states? You have to pull the engine cover for them to inspect it? What if I play dumb? Are they going to do it and pay for re-paring the seats if they damage them getting the cover off.

Not sure, but if any state wants to see the FED emission sticker, you'll have to pull the cover off. You can't see if from the front or through the wheel wells. It surely could of been placed on the chassis so that it could of been viewed from the front hinged engine access cover. It is what it is.

[Dunner]

Not sure if and when a `04 needs to be tested in AZ.

[Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner Not sure if and when a `04 needs to be tested in AZ.

Because we lived (past tense) in Prescott we never had to get it smogged. I know in the Valley of the sun, you have to smog'em.
California requires it as well. The DMV is just making sure that someone doesn't throw a dirty motor in the RV and hence, the need to see the Emission Sticker.

[Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner Is that standard procedure in all smog states? You have to pull the engine cover for them to inspect it? What if I play dumb? Are they going to do it and pay for re-paring the seats if they damage them getting the cover off.

To answer your other question about paying to repair your seats? NO.......they will not and you shouldn't have to rip them by removing the dog house anyway. Just don't let those macaroons take the cover off, you do it.
When we drove our coach to the inspection area at the DMV there was no way to back out and we had to drive through a whole freaking row of low hanging branches. I spent over 8 hours with polishing compound and Zaino polish to get the branch rash off off the paint. Boy-oboy was I PO'd.

[Dunner]

Wait... You drove in. Why couldn't you back out?

Where would the sticker they want to see be on a `04 F-53 V10 Sea Breeze? I'll take a picture of it for them to see.

[Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner Wait... You drove in. Why couldn't you back out? Where would the sticker they want to see be on a `04 F-53 V10 Sea Breeze? I'll take a picture of it for them to see.

I'm quite capable but there were a line of cars 20 deep in each lane. Not much chance of them moving out of my way and loosing their place in line. Believe me, I didn't want to drive through the trees. Next visit, I'm promised inspector dude is going to walk the extra 50 feet to the street.