Community Forums

TEMetcalf · 12-02-2015, 10:07 AM

My first time posting. Relatively new to RVing. I have a 2005 Allegro Bay with a rear furnace that will not ignite. I want to access the furnace compartment to clean and inspect but can't seem to get the panel off the bus. There are 4 screws with an additional 6 screws holding the exhaust cover in place. Removing the 4 screws does not allow me to remove the cover and removing the additional 6 has the same effect. Before I resort to a screwdriver or crowbar, is there a trick to removing that access panel that isn't obvious? Could the compressed rubber gasket just be holding it which would require me to "pry" the panel off? Remove all screws or just the 4 that look like they should be holding it in place?

Thanks for any help.

Tom

Kiawah · 12-02-2015, 10:12 AM

Does it appear that the coach has been repainted, and there is paint holding it in place.....or can you see a clean crisp open seam where the cover would appear that it can come off (without chipping the paint)?

TEMetcalf · 12-02-2015, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiawah

Does it appear that the coach has been repainted, and there is paint holding it in place.....or can you see a clean crisp open seam where the cover would appear that it can come off (without chipping the paint)?

Does not appear to be repainted, but I won't swear to it. I can see the gasket all around the access panel.

garykk · 12-02-2015, 01:59 PM

My guess is that its never been off and its stuck on the gasket...

Melmoses · 12-02-2015, 02:01 PM

My 09 has just the 4 screws after removing the vent cover screws. Then pull straight out. Nothing else. It is wise to have 2 people as the panel is heavy. The real challenge is putting it back on. Someone has to hold it while you try to screw the screws back in. Mine is nearly impossible to get back on right.

paz · 12-02-2015, 02:32 PM

I took the outer furnace panel off the Tiffin motorhome we used to have because a bird had gotten into the air intake and was trying to build a nest. As I recall, there was sealant all around the furnace cover. I had to keep gently prying all around to get the cover to gradually release.

**Lt Dan** · 12-02-2015, 02:33 PM

Tom;

If your exterior panel is the Suburban type with two vents on a raised cover approximately 10x18" in size like shown below, it will pull straight out. Once you have removed the four screws around the outside edge, then just wiggle it a little while you pull straight out. One of the vents has a tube attached to the back that slip fits into another tube inside the furnace. The tube is riveted onto the cover and can't be removed, but it will come out with a little finessing. Some of the furnaces have vents that are mounted in a large exterior panel like a compartment door, but the more common type have the smaller raised panel with four screws.

TEMetcalf · 12-03-2015, 08:21 AM

To all who replied to this, thanks! GaryKK, your guess was probably correct and LT Dan, your response was spot on. I got the access panel off and back on again after inspection. The two "tubes" was the key. I expected the panel door to just lift off. Once I realized that there were tubes to manipulate with the lower being longer than the top, with the help of a pry bar and a handkerchief to protect the paint, the panel came off. Thanks again, for all responses.