Community Forums

Ken 77 · 01-20-2014, 09:25 AM

Just got this bus couple wks ago.. & shake down was was eventful.. new house batt... travel & wind ruining cog, switch, on awning, ..freeze busted water pipes...poor brakes...??electric on water heater.... We are finding several switches we have no idea what they do... We are looking for any help you can give us answering questions about the MA.. we are on Texas coast right now enjoying the weather and getting used to MH.. The MH is beautiful inside and out but being 18 yrs old some of the equipment may be showing wear.. we expected that..Oh and if makes a diff. the MA has a Ford 460 engine and one slide. thanks for any help you can give. Ken & Terry

Nick-B · 01-20-2014, 02:30 PM

Hi Ken and Welcome to the Forum!

Newmar makes a nice coach so once you get all the issues ironed out you should be happy.

The one thing I can comment on is the 460 chassis and the lackluster brakes. They are marginal when new and after all the years on yours it is no wonder they are a cause for concern. At the very least you should do a complete brake system flush with fresh fluid. My personal recommendation is a complete overhaul. New master cylinder, rebuilt calipers with new pads and new rubber hoses. If the rotors are smooth and not glazed or discolored they should be fine as-is. Good time to repack the front wheel bearings and lube all the suspension/steering points while the front wheels are off.

Best of luck and enjoy your coach!

GaryKD · 01-20-2014, 06:01 PM

Hi Ken 77,
Welcome to iRV2 and the Newmar Owner's Forum. Go to https://comnet2.newmarcorp.com/insta...es/1996mab.pdf to see and download the brochure of your coach.

If you can be more specific on the problems you are having, I'm sure knowledge is available to make suggestions. Consider starting with the water heater. Brand, size, electric/propane or just propane to heat the water. If both fuels are available, does the water heater work on one fuel but not the other?

"007" · 01-20-2014, 06:57 PM

Welcome to the forum and irv2.

Here is a Brochure and 1997 Owners Guide for you, the oldest we have and coach's did not change much between those years.

The electric of your water heater you said you changed the element and defective switches but still no power to element.

Have you checked the ground wire side off the load center terminals, screws will loosen up from road vibration and its needed to periodically check these type of connections both load center and in the transfer switch.

Here is a trouble shooting guide for Suburban.

Have you also dropped the back board of display center to look at the wiring for electric switch for element for good connections.

The Ford problems you may find info quicker in the Ford Chassis forum either by a search of that forum or posting a question some good people in there on forum.
In my signature below are three links that will have info for a tag axel if you have it and many other items for your coach.
Enjoy the forums.

"007" · 02-03-2014, 06:44 PM

On a Suburban WH there is a small switch on face of heater that has to be on plus the one with the red led on the inside switch.
For starters for the Gen problem you need to check out this link for your type Gen.
Here is another link with Tech stuff.