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lincolnmath · 09-13-2019, 04:44 PM

Hello, last time out getting on the freeway RPM pushing 4000 when it up shifted it sounded like a puff of air for a split second when up shifting. I was concerned maybe I am getting a loose spark plug (coach has 55k) on it. Has anyone ever heard this on your early V-10's? I figured if a plug has come loose it wouldn't last out the trip before it blew out I would think.

I've only put about 3k miles on this coach (I'm the 2nd owner) so I don't have any real experience driving this rig. I know I could remove the dog house & check it out, but haven't done this before. Appreciate any ideas, maybe I'm just a little paranoid, thanks again

TeJay · 09-13-2019, 05:57 PM

If you did blow a spark plug it's not something that will come and go. If it's gone you'll know. Taking off the dog house would solve the mystery if that's what it is.

It might of been the clutch fan kicking on and off. They can make a sound like wishoooing of air.

Mine is held down with a clip at the end of the house turned with an allen 5/16" wrench.
There's also two screws coming in at the front down by the floor holding the two front corners down. Ours is a 2014 unit so yours being older might be different but I doubt very much.

twinboat · 09-13-2019, 06:10 PM

I was going to suggest the same thing as above, may have been the clutch fan kicking in at the moment it shifted. When it does, it gets loud.

A blown out plug would be heard at lower RPMs as a pop, pop, pop.

lincolnmath · 09-13-2019, 09:03 PM

Thank you, when I can I will pull the dog house & run it. I probably won't change out the plugs at 55k but maybe I should being there almost 20 years old?

Waiter21 · 09-14-2019, 05:27 AM

It sounds like the fan clutch, but I'd suspect it would stay engaged for more than a split second.

As for your 2000 Ford F53, there is a major recall related to the Cruise Control, and a few TSBs that you may be interested in seeing if they are complied with. I'd recommend taking your VIN number to any Ford dealer and ask them if the Cruise Control recall applies to your VIN. This is very important as this can cause your vehicle to catch fire, even if its sitting in storage.

The TSBs are something to be aware of, Transmission shifting, water ingestion, vibrations at certain speeds, etc.

1999 Southwind 35S – Southwind by Fleetwood – sporting its new paint job

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lincolnmath · 09-14-2019, 09:21 AM

Thanks Waiter21, I will have it checked

Unplanned Tourist · 09-14-2019, 09:54 AM

Maybe you need to clean your MAF sensor.
If it is dirty, it will give a false signal to the ECU, causing a lean condition. This can cause "popping" when it shifts.
Happy Glamping.

lincolnmath · 09-15-2019, 04:04 PM

Pulled the cover (thanks TeJay for the 5/16" allen head tip) checked out the plugs nothing appeared loose, no residue etc around the plugs all dry. Must have been the fan as suggested. Noticed at the back of the intake on pass side a hole going straight down into the head with a threaded hole for a bolt near the hole, kind of strange. Part of the intake manifold gasket goes around the hole but its just open. Must not go anywhere, & I would presume its the "nature of the beast" Thought it should be plugged at least with a rubber plug to at least keep anything from going down the hole??? Thanks again'

Waiter21 · 09-16-2019, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Noticed at the back of the intake on pass side a hole going straight down into the head with a threaded hole for a bolt near the hole, kind of strange. Part of the intake manifold gasket goes around the hole but its just open. Must not go anywhere, & I would presume its the "nature of the beast"

Thats normal. The heads and gaskets are identical. What you are seeing is a water passage when the head is mounted on the drivers side. That passage is plugged when the head is used on the passenger side.

lincolnmath · 09-17-2019, 10:10 AM

Thanks Waiter21 there was no plug on mine, next time I have the cover off I will put a rubber plug in it.

Waiter21 · 09-17-2019, 06:13 PM

The plugs are located on the front (rear) of the head, they are two small allen head water plugs that block this hole when its used on the passanger side.

lincolnmath · 09-18-2019, 03:31 PM

I think were talking to different holes in the head, the hole I'm talking about is about 3/4" ID non threaded. It goes straight down thru the head. Also had a threaded bolt thread flush about 5/16" (I didn't measure either hole), anyway probably not a big deal as it looked clean & dry, just thought it ought to be plugged, thanks

Waiter21 · 09-19-2019, 06:44 AM

Take a look at this short article on my site, it explains the mystery hole. Basically its a coolant galley thats cast into the head. Its not used when the head is mounted on the right side..

The plugs I mentioned would be on the back side of the heads. They don't plug the coolant galley, they actually plug oil galleys. These galleys supply oil to the chain tensioners when they are on the front side of the engine.

F53 – Whats that hole on right rear of my engine – 1999 Southwind 35S

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