Community Forums

wfalch · 04-03-2017, 08:55 AM

The DW was driving on I5 yesterday and it was a little chilly. As usual see had the console controls set for dual heating. I also became chilly and decided to turn the PS control to heat. In a very short time, I started to smell something and soon noticed smoke coming from the middle vent. I haven't moved this fast in a long time. I quickly had the DW shut off her controls and I shut off my control. So, this was coming from a vent that does not have easy access and I not really sure what caused this, looking for answers. This was quite scary.

Smitty77 · 04-03-2017, 09:34 AM

Now Wally - Any chance it was just a flashback to your younger days?

Let me share my opinion that smoke from anywhere within the coach, is usually not preferable.

(See. I'm 2 for 2 on this response!!!)

OK so did it smell electrical in nature? Relay, solenoid valve control of the ducting, from changing over to heat?

On our 04 Allure, by removing the passenger side cabinet (We have a small one in the dash above a heat register from our Hydro Hot, you can get some access to the middle part of under the dash.

Fingers crossed it is an easy one for you, and glad you caught it before it was more then just smoke! (3 for 3 now...)

Best,
Smitty

wfalch · 04-03-2017, 11:44 AM

The DW commented on how fast I moved she said "Didn't know you could still move that quick"
No cabinet on PS, piece of burl wood and 2 vents. I did have a smell, not really sure what it was.
You mentioned Hydro-Hot, I was under the impression that the console was OTR. Hydro-Hot has not worked in weeks.
Its been a bad year:
Hydro-Hot needs to be replaced.
Broke down outside of Phoenix
Yesterday the starter batteries went bad, at Durango Red Bluff, CA
The only good news is we are at Seven Feathers, headed for Junction City tomorrow.

Smitty77 · 04-03-2017, 10:11 PM

Sounds like our coaches are a bit different in the front cockpit.

We have the OTR heater and AC units, with multiple veins, and also with dual controls so the Passenger can set their own temp and fan flow.

Our HydroHot fed coach furnace, Zone 1, has a heat register under the kitchen counter, and one as mentioned just in front of the passenger seat, below a small shallow cabinet.

When changing the OTR/AC vent from say normal to defrost, on our coach, a relay kicks in and controls a solenoid that moves a flapper to help direct the air where you just changed it to. We had a relay go out about two years ago. No smoke with ours, just stopped working.

Best of luck in Junction City...
Smitty

wfalch · 04-04-2017, 07:24 AM

Thanks Smitty. Will be at Carrier today, replacing the Hydro-Hot. Hopefully they will explain how this works.

wfalch · 09-06-2017, 01:26 PM

Since I have the time, I wanted to go back and close the loop on things that I started. Apparently, the blower motor was the item that caused the smoke. OMC sent the unit out and had it rebuilt. It was scary.

funjnt · 09-06-2017, 02:43 PM

I am curious as to why you are replacing the hydra hot? Is the whole unit being replaced or just a major part? Inquiring minds want to know.

wfalch · 09-06-2017, 05:24 PM

There was a hole in the intake tube, its the copper tube from the surge tank. Could not be repaired. Could not be repaired, tried some JBWeld and it would not hold, no way to get inside the Hydro-Hot.

Burfman · 09-09-2017, 09:51 AM

Just saw this thread and was going to comment that most likely cause was the fan motor. In heating or A/C the only electrical item is the motor, the controls for air flow, outside or recirculate are controlled by vacuum cans, no electric and the on / off of heat is a small electric motor outside of the coach interior. A/C is on / off by the compressor in the engine bay.

Sorry if i sound like a Monday morning quarter back...