While on the alignment rack at Newell, I had an inspection of all chassis item under the coach. Replaced tie rods, lubrication and got a report on the condition of bags, brakes, tires, etc. Very inexpensive if other work is being done.
"Also, would doing an engine oil analysis be of any benefit, if there's no previous analysis to compare it to? I was curious how many of you find this to be a good diagnostic method for overall engine "well being."
______________
If you have no previous history of the engine it would show something major but, it is a good thing to do, "Trend" is what you are looking for, as it will show things that are starting to wear more than the norm.....
One thing about the engine oil analysis, most dealers will change the oil and service the engine, etc. when they receive the unit on their lot. Oil analyses are not really valid on a new oil change. You need a few thousand miles on the oil to have any determination of problems. Like Jimmy said the analysis is an excellent way to see what's going with your engine once you have a trend.
Yes, On the oil analysis form they ask for brand of engine, and how many miles/hrs total and also on that particular oil sample. It is best to have a history of analysis but even the first one can ID coolant in oil, excessive water, indications of excessive wear based on the metals present. They sometimes can tell if an air filter should be changed (Although it should be changed long before an oil analysis would show it)
Take an oil sample of the old oil just before change. The purpose of the analysis is preventative to be alerted if there are contaminants that may result in a problem. Kind of like having an annual blood test to spot problems. Worth the little cost even if there is no baseline.
Where do you go for the oil test? You guys talk about it quite a bit and I assume its its not a difficult thing to have done. Just as an aside, what is the wheel cut on Newell's from 1999 to 2004 on the 45 footers?
you get an oil analysis kit from a fluids lab. here i use the local cat equipment dealers lab. about 20 bucks or so and you get the bottle and prepaid analysis.
i also got a suction pump just for the kit so i can pull it out of the dipstick tube if i want
tom
I've been using Blackstone labs for a few years, order the free bottles and send them in full. There are many mail order labs or local places like Tom uses. Doesn't Speedco have a quick oil analysis at their stores? Anybody use them?
I have my oil changed by a Detroit dealer, and they send it to the lab with the results mailed to me. I use synthetic oil in everything and the best price is Walmart. I do not know the wheel cut, but I understand independent suspension cuts a little better than a solid axle, but nearly as good as the turning tag. The turning tag is so good that you can get into trouble with the rear of the coach swinging around. Nice to drive.
Sorry, meant NOT nearly as good as the turning tag.
This is the schedule for to reduce. Real downs from the Prevost community group. If there are no records to price otherwise I would move forward as it has not completed.
COACH MILEAGE_________________DATE_____________HOURS_______________
PREVOST COACH
TASK INTERVAL COMPLETED
Oil Change 5000 mi. ___________
Oil Filter Change 5000 mi ----------------------
(Baldwin B495, NAPA 1971, Detroit 25014505)
Lubrication (all underside fittings) 5000 mi ___________
Lubrication (steer compartment fittings) 10000 mi ___________
Fuel Filter Change 5000 mi ___________
(Primary Baldwin PF 590-30, NAPA 2020PM, Racor S 3202)
(Secondary Baldwin BF581, NAPA 3120 AC TP916D)
Brake Adjustment 5000 mi ___________
Coolant Change 2 Years ___________
Coolant Conditioning Filters 6 Months ___________
(Detroit 23507545)
Transmission Fluid 48 months ___________
(note: interval varies depending on type of fluid and duty cycle)
Transmission Filter(s) 48 Months ----------------------
(Allison 29503829)
Air Filter As Requ’d ___________
(Baldwin PA2839, Fram CA7113, Nelson 70337-N)
Inspect Fluid Levels (power steering, hubs, differential 5000 mi ___________
Inspect brake linings, pads 5000 mi ___________
(Steer, Tag: Meritor Kit 15615PM)
Inspect Brake hoses 5000 mi ___________
Drain Air Tanks 5000 mi ___________
Air Dryer Cartridge 2 Years ___________
(Wabco S-432-923-2, Meritor R 950011)
Differential grease change 100,000 mi ___________
Differential level check 5000 mi ___________
Brake Chamber Replace 5 years ___________
(Steer-Type 30)
(Drive- Type 30-36)
(Tag- Type 16-24)
Batteries 5 years ___________
(Bus-Delco 1150)
Tires, check pressure Daily
(Steer-105 PSI) Replaced_____________
(Drive-85 PSI) Replaced_____________
(Tag-90 PSI) Replaced_____________
Windshield Wiper Blades 2 years ___________
Windshield Glass As Requ’d ___________
Belt Tensioners As Requ’d ___________
(Goodyear 1M1A 3” Dia., Prevost 950208)
Belts (All)
(Fan K100510) ___________
(Alternator-Gates K120738) ___________
(Fan-Dayco AX74 <3 requ’d>) ___________
(AC compressor-Dayco BX97 <2 Requ’d>) ___________
Air Bags 10 years
(Steer and Tag 630126 <1R11 296> Possibly 630259) ___________
(Drive 630104 <1R11 088>) ___________
Brake Hoses 10 years ___________
Webasto Fuel Filter 1 year ___________
(Baldwin BF791, NAPA 3225)
Power Steering Filter 10 years ___________
(Donaldson DNP550487, Garrison Hydraulic 32516)
Shock Absorber Bushings As Requ’d ___________
(Stabilizator 415015-001)
Exterior Light Bulbs As Requ’s
GENERATOR
Oil Change 100 Hrs. ___________
Oil Filter Change 100 Hrs. ___________
(NAPA 1334, Kohler 229841, Yanmar 129150-35151)
Fuel Filter Change 100 Hrs. ___________
(Primary Baldwin BF791, NAPA 3225 )
(Secondary Baldwin BF940, NAPA 3390, Kohler 252765,
Yanmar 121850-55701)
Coolant Change 2 Years ___________
Air Filter Change 200 Hrs. ___________
(NAPA 6360)
Belt As Requ’d ___________
(Gates 8400-2380)
Battery 5 Years ___________
(Optima group 24)
HOUSE
Air Conditioner Filters, Clean 12 Months ___________
Water System Filters 12 Months ___________
Refrigerator Coils 12 Months ___________
Light Bulbs As Requ’d
Flush and Sanitize Fresh Water Tank 12 Months ___________
Replace Coolant Hoses 10 Years ___________
Batteries 5 Years ___________
(8D lifeline AGM)