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11-28-2011, 08:59 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 3
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Newbie owner with a few questions
I just bought a 1985 Jayco E350 van motorhome. Not sure of the length...25' or so (how do I find out for sure?) Never owned a camper or RV before.
Anyways, most everything is OK with a few exceptions.
First, there is a water leak somewhere in the very back corner. The closet on the back driver's side area is wet along the back of the closet. Been leaking a while apparently as the paneling is rotten. Where could this be coming from? The roof I assume. I walked up there and diddnt see anything obvious. Do the seams need to be resealed? No clue how to go about this. It looks like its just a sheet of aluminum pieced together with the sides with some sort of adhesive. Is this were it might be leaking?
Second, the 3 way dometic fridge isnt working. The auto light comes on when I press the auto button but it never gets cold and I cant hear it running. Auto light stays on never blinks. The service manual shows some troubleshooting but I have to get to the back of it somehow. I guess I will have to pull it out completely. Whats the easiest way to do this? Any common problems to look out for?
The water pump comes on but doesnt pump any water. Thats an easy fix as I have 2 water pumps sitting in the garage, although they have different fittings but I can make that work. Or maybe it just needs to be primed? I though they were self priming. The motorhome has been sitting for a few years and I dont think the water system has been in use.
I also wanted to know some capacities. Like freshwater tank, grey and black water tanks, and front and rear fuel tanks. Jayco manual does not specify. Oh, and how much does this beast weigh? What is the towing capacity?
Lastly, is the brakes on the old Ford chassis. Being that I've never driven a motorhome, I don't know what to expect. But what I experienced is rather poor braking performance. Is this to be expected with an older motorhome? Coming down a steep hill I had to stand on the brakes for it to stop, and it took quite some distance before it did so. Everywhere else it was acceptable. I forgot to look, but does this have a vacuum brake booster or hydraulic? Would upgrading to a hydro boost help out? I have access to parts at a junkyard at work.
Thanks in advance for your help. I hope to have everything up and running next season.
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11-28-2011, 09:14 PM
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#2
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Canyon Lake
Posts: 150,875
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Welcome to JOF 4runneradam
__________________
Rolly AKA "KxCowboy"
'75 Dodge Class A Motorhome AKA "The Getto" :eek:
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11-28-2011, 09:16 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Germantown, TN
Posts: 4,923
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Hey 4runneradam - welcome to the forum! Glad you found us. We love seeing pics of some older Jaycos so if you get a chance - post some!
As far as some of the specs you were asking for - if you call Jayco and give them your VIN - they can give you all kinds of info and specs for your unit. That would be your best bet as there are not that many folks around here with a unit similar to yours.
On the leak - unfortunately they are very tricky - they can come from anywhere. Take a look at Eternabond - might work well in your situation. But - you could have some hidden issues so take a good look if you can behind those rotten areas.
On the Fridge - is there not an access door on the outside to the fridge?
Water Pump - might be able to take apart the pump chamber on the end and see if it is got some kind of gunk or is just plain stuck. They are relatively cheap so you might be better off replacing it.
Cant comment on the brakes....
If you want to get into detail on any one of these items, feel free to post a separate thread on just one issue at a time in the general or tech talk forum...you might get a better response of discussion rather than trying to get them all in one post.
Again - welcome and good luck!
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11-29-2011, 09:58 AM
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#4
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,424
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4runneradam
snip........ But what I experienced is rather poor braking performance. Is this to be expected with an older motorhome? .....snip
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Welcome to the Jayco forums!
Since the MH has been sitting for a couple of years, it's anyones guess what is going on behind those brake drums, and/or rotors. I would have them inspected (drums pulled) by a certified mechanic asap, even if the previous owner said they were serviced the last time he drove it. This would be a good time to get the wheel bearings repacked as well.
Bob
__________________
2016 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4.10
2018 Jay Flight 24RBS
2002 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4:10 (retired)
2005 Jayco Eagle 278FBS (retired)
1999 Jayco Eagle 246FB (retired)
Reese HP Dual Cam (Strait-Line)
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11-29-2011, 07:33 PM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 3
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11-29-2011, 08:03 PM
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#6
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Millersville
Posts: 50
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Possible answer on the fridge. You didnt mention what power source you were using. If using electric it will get cold but if using gas all that will do is help keep it cold. Gas wont make it any colder. Considering its age, I wonder if it uses freon and needs a fill.
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Keith and Sus'
Millersville, MD
2012 Jayco Greyhawk FS
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11-29-2011, 08:28 PM
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#7
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 3
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Tried all 3. With the switch on auto and the van running, it should run on 12v. With the van off it should switch to gas. With 110v plugged in it should run off 110v. Never got cold. Never heard anything kick on. Should hear a quiet hum if the compressor is running.
No access panels or anything, with the exception of a small filler panel on the bottom thats about 2 inches tall. I'm assuming this is how you access the mounting screws. No way to get to the back.
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11-30-2011, 07:08 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Where ever the boss says we're going.
Posts: 16,071
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4runneradam
. With the van off it should switch to gas. With 110v plugged in it should run off 110v. Never got cold. Never heard anything kick on. Should hear a quiet hum if the compressor is running.
No access panels or anything, with the exception of a small filler panel on the bottom thats about 2 inches tall. I'm assuming this is how you access the mounting screws. No way to get to the back.
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There is no compressor and it will take 12-18 hours to really get cold. The freezer will start to feel cool after a couple hours. It is an ammonia style refrigerator, works off of heat. The access panel is on the outside.
__________________
 DISNEY LOVERS
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11-30-2011, 11:44 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Wedowee AL
Posts: 272
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Of all the issues you mentioned, number Uno is the water leak in the back corner. Got to get that stopped or soon you will have even more issues. The outside wall is sitting on top of the floor and if you lose the floor, eventually you lose the wall and ...... enough said!
Regarding the leak, yes start with the roof but look at all possibilities. It can be entering through the wall, bad worn out calking, any where the siding joins on the exterior, access doors, windows etc. Also, I recommend going to an RV store and buying RV calking. I know silicone from a building supply will work and is cheaper but the RV stuff is designed to withstand more flexing which an RV experiences.
__________________
F250 HD 7.3 Diesel :)
31 Ft RLS Designer 5th Wheel :D
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11-30-2011, 08:58 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Germantown, TN
Posts: 4,923
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Looks like a nice unit and well maintained. Be sure to make that lead a priority as it will cause more damage the longer you go.
Double check that fridge access. There should be a lower access door / vent on the outside that allows for airflow.
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12-30-2011, 07:15 AM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Where ever I park is home
Posts: 14
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Hey 4runneradam! I purchased an 88 Jayco Class C, earlier this year.
The set up is pretty similar. Mine is a 26 or 28' (I'll have to look at the title)
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12-30-2011, 10:29 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Manitoba Canada
Posts: 553
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Just a note on the fridge... we had trouble getting our fridge going on auto, and a wise old Rv'er told us to go to the panel outside of the Rv and "listen"..
if the propane is working and igniting there will be a clicking sound... if there is no automatic click, then it is not switching to auto. This can be a good starting pace.. checking the igniter...
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01-02-2012, 07:20 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Albuquerque
Posts: 261
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Find and fix the leak. From your description, you may have a LOT of work just as it is, and as said by kcconawa, it can only get worse. I don't have a lot of experience in tracking them down so I'll defer to the other experts here or RV.net on that.
As said by others, these fridges don't work like a home unit and are almost silent - actually completely silent when running on electric. Leave it on overnight and see if it gets cold. I believe they run better on propane than electric. Also, if yours can run on DC voltage because it can run down the batteries VERY fast in this mode. My Casita had a DC option which I tested when plugged in but never used. AC when available or propane only for me.
FYI they work by boiling ammonia. If there is any type of ammonia smell you are likely looking at needing a new cooling unit. Contact the manufacturer (either Dometic or Atwood).
Good luck and post your progress/questions!
-Chak
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