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dlboarman · 10-23-2013, 09:39 AM

If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it … a good saying. I was looking down at the top of the 3126B Cat motor in my 2001 Journey DL Winnebago. This is, of course, after I had raised the bed and removed the shield that covers the motor and protects the inside of the motorhome from the road and the engine. I was actually looking for the Vechicle Dynamics Controller… but I have also heard it referred to as the vechicle data computer. My low air pressure alarm was going off at random times for sometimes a second or two and sometimes for minutes at a time. Freightliner directed me to this part (VDC) as likely the problem. So far, unplugging the connectors and replugging them in seems to have solved the intermittent problem.

Anyway, as I am looking at the engine for any problems coming, I find this small piece of rusty metal laying on top of an exhaust manifold. I looked to see where it might have come from and I see this rusty metal piece that the smaller piece had come from. I gently pulled on the larger piece and it came off in my hand. Hmmmm…. Not good! After looking I see a similar piece on the bottom of the manifold. So, my question, are these pieces important? Nothing seems to be a problem and I have driven the motor home at least 800 miles since this finding. I have included pictures of the manifold area showing the remaining piece and the area where the other piece has rusted to the point of failure. The first picture shows the same piece on the bottom of the manifold and the second, the piece that broke off.

Any help or ideas would be appreciated.

rezman · 10-23-2013, 11:30 AM

Those are pieces of a lock plate to prevent the exhaust manifold capscrews from loosening. Personally I would not be concerned... if you attempt to loosen these bolts and replace them you will probably break some or all of the bolts. Then you will have a big problem.

dlboarman · 10-24-2013, 07:00 AM

Rezman ... that sounds logical to me. I won't mess with them. Thanks for the help, I had no idea what they were for.

vraines · 10-24-2013, 07:56 AM

Just a WAG here, but that may be a bolt lock to help prevent those two bolts from working loose. There is usually an ear on each end that is peeled down on the bolt head to keep it secure. Similar to using safety wire in the aviation business.

dlboarman · 10-24-2013, 02:06 PM

I do believe you are right. The metal seems to be turned down into ears on the one that is still there (from photo I included). I believe this is what Rezman suggested too.