UFO Engine Noise

[UFO Pilot]

My UFO engine has developed a noise that I think is maybe the AC Compressor. It sounds like bearing noise that gets worse when I turn on the AC. We are presently in Sheridan, WY for 1 night and then on to Spearfish, SD for 3 nights and then Custer, SD for 5 nights.

Driver,
Can you recommend a Workhorse Service Center on my route that can diagnose and repair if necessary?

[Winnavette]

I line in Rapid City, and have a 08 Destination /UFO. The only WH service center in the area is Rapid Chevrolet. They don't necessarily have the best reputation with Workhorse, but for GM issues like the AC I think they are probably pretty good. I had my coach in last year for an AC problem, and they got right on it and got it fixed. When I had it in for some electrial issues with the park brake and Warning light problem and they didn't have the necessary diagonistic tools to read the codes. WH consequently sent me to West River International. Rapid Chevrolet's phone number is 605-434-1282 (then ask for the truck service center)

Rapid Chevy is locted just off I90 at the Deadwood Ave. Exit (I think it is Exit 55 0r 56, but not sure on that.) Deadwood Ave Exit is clearly marked as such, then it is about 3 blocks south.

By the way, Northern Hills Homes and RVs is listed as the Winnebago Service center in the region, but they don't do anything with the engines or chassis, just the coach type stuff.

Enjoy your stay in the Black Hills, if you need anything let me know. I highly recommend a drive up 16A which turns at the borrom of the hill betweeen Mt Rushmore and Keystone. This is also known as Iron Mountain Road and has the pigtails and tunnels that spotlight Mt. Rushmore. At the top of the hill be sure to stop at the Peter Norbeck scenic overlook. 16 A joins SD 47 at the East enterance to Custer State Park. Then take the Needles Highway up to the eye and on to Sylvan Lake.

Also the Mt Rushmore Lighting ceremony is a must see and the Laser light show at Crazy Horse Mountain.

Good luck with the repairs.

[Winnavette]

Guess I had fat fingers on my last message. I live in Rapid City, and Highway 16A Junction is at the bottom of the hill between Keystone and Mt. Ruhmore.

[Full-Timers]

Just remember that when you switch on your AC it puts an additional load on the system. I would say the most common noise as you described is the idler pulley. This is the one that act as the belt tensioner.

[DriVer]

wthomas1, Looks like you already have a pretty good recomendation there! "and" one based on 1st hand experience.

You cna find any service center or alternate by calling road side assistance.

[UFO Pilot]

Well whatever the noise was it finally broke. We are stranded at a rest stop in Sundance, WY, waiting for a tow truck to tow us to Rapid Chevrolet in Rapid City, SD. The serpentine belt is broken and hanging off of the engine.

I am not a happy camper!!!

[max49]

So sorry to hear that. I hope they can get it fixed for you fast and you can salvage your trip

[Sammie]

Wayne, I hope your repairs go smooth and quick. I know you've already had your share of bad luck. Here's how I started my vacation on the first day at 90 miles from home.

Sammie

[TandW]

The compressor soiled the sheets?!

[UFO Pilot]

We are parked in front of Rapid Chevrolet for the nite. The levelers won't work but they managed to get us pretty level. The tow truck driver says the AC Compressor is frozen. The belt is in about 10 pieces.

Hopefully they have the parts here and can get us back on the road early tomorrow.

[TandW]

Moral of the story. If you think a noise is coming from the AC, stop using the AC. The serpentine belt is strong enough to spin the clutch pulley against a frozen compressor. Then the whole assembly heats up, the pilot bearing dries out and the pulley then departs for a new home. Make sure you gather up various sharps from the engine, making sure no hoses were also cut. Good luck!!

[UFO Pilot]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TandW Moral of the story. If you think a noise is coming from the AC, stop using the AC. The serpentine belt is strong enough to spin the clutch pulley against a frozen compressor. Then the whole assembly heats up, the pilot bearing dries out and the pulley then departs for a new home. Make sure you gather up various sharps from the engine, making sure no hoses were also cut. Good luck!!

I quit using the AC the minute I first hear a noise, it still failed.

[speed racer]

The bearing in the AC pulley most likely failed not the compresor.

[UFO Pilot]

Quote:

Originally Posted by speed racer The bearing in the AC pulley most likely failed not the compresor.

Does that make it better or worse?

Still no diagnosis as they haven't looked at it yet. They have to replace the drive shaft and fix the parking brake before they can move it inside. Looks like another nite in the parking lot coming up.