Steering Play and generator issues

[coltondm]

I’ve gotten some amazing input from this forum so looking for additional guidance.

Recently purchased 98 Winnebago Brave sits on a 97 ford f53 chassis.

Having a lot of play in the steering wheel (1-2 inches). Not the standard play expected from a rv. Researching others I’ve seen the common culprits I’m currently on a across country trip.

Any go to resources on adjusting the steering box would be appreciated or common oversights in looking for low hanging fruit to adjust in the field.

Also, experiencing generator issues. Onan 4000.
Has a new starter, new spark plug, and fresh oil.
Runs for a hours and then seems to be experiencing over heating. After Adjusting the altitude knob per the manual recommendations and oil/spark seems to have helped we’re at 4 hours now without it shutting off. It runs good when starting at the unit itself versus using the dash start. Not getting a good hard start when using the dash control. Tries to but noticing much better results by walking back there. Anything I could be over looking?


Has new shocks, replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, ignition coil, spark plugs and wires.

At this age and 49k miles any recommendations on parts or preventative measures to be taken to ensure a smooth week in the desert this week?

Thanks everyone!

[Ray,IN]

Every steering box in vehicles I know of, have a screw and locknut on the side to adjust steering box play.
One must be cautious when adjusting, getting it too tight breaks things or causes the gears to bind in a hard turn. The gears wear most where they are used most, driving straight, which only uses a small portion in the center of the gears. The ends of the gears don't wear much as a result.


As to the genset; I would add a fuel system cleaner to the MH fuel tank in the appropriate dosage, and when the MH is not used I'd add a fuel conditioner like Stabil. Today's gasoline begins to go bad in 30 days.

[sibe]

Steering,, Have a good shop shake down frt end... Miles mean nothing..

Or get a good mechanical friend.. left the front and start looking for warn items..
Bushings etc,,

If all is tight the watch the pitman arm off bock, hold o look, and check the actually play on box.. double check the steering column joints also before box..


The ONAN 4000 , you changed "plugs" is it a 2 cyl.. most are single.. Check air cleaner that there is no mice remnants or foam that blew into the instake of air box,, I had that..

Hard tostart from one switch vs the other.. Is more of a switch electric issue or.. just when you try dash and it fails or slow to fire,, you walk to back and that time has lapsed, fuel settles etc and it fires faster.,

You may want to pull fuel bowl, remove needle just and Clean well.. BE CAREFUL< there is internal small gasket the is hard to get..

[1972VWbus]

For the generator...

Clean the contacts th the remote switch terminal with contact cleaner. Also clean all battery terminal connections. And don't forget the ground braid wire under the relay, VR. You'll likely have to remove them to get to it (not difficult).

[Iceclimber]

Most generators like to be primed first, does your remote switch have this feature ? Instead of start push in other direction and you may hear the fuel pump. Hold for 10 then start.



Steering..everyone has this issue with older MH's some new ones. Alignment and steering stabilizer may help.

[US1]

With the motor off, have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth enough to take up the play, while you look at every joint in the steering system. My Brave with 23k had a worn out Bell crank. Replaced it with a super steer unit and the rv went from wondering all over the road to straight as an arrow.