1982 28' Diesel MH

mcplaidpiper · 04-05-2008, 11:18 PM

Hello:
I just purchased a 1982 diesel AS MH, with 37,000 miles (whoo whoo; been looking for about 3-4 yrs and finally found one) Miles are reflected on the odometer-and seem to be correct.

I curently have it in the shop for a general go-over for the things I can't do. One issue came up almost immediately...it won't start and I believe its the battery(s) which the PO stated he thought one or more may have weak cells; I'm not sure what type of replacemenet batteries I should buy. Does anyone know if all three batteries should be marine deep cell, or just the house batteries, and if not, which one is for the engine, and which ones are for the house? I've been looking at the COSTCO marine batteries @ about $150 each (ouch!) with sprial cells & 850 Cold Crank Amps. I would like to get the batteries & deliver them to the repair shop by Monday. Any help would be appreciated!!

Thanks!

Dale

guy99 · 04-05-2008, 11:27 PM

Congratulations on your new rig.

If your rig is like my gasser you will have one Chassis/Starting battery and two Coach/House batteries. You need a regular starting type battery for the chassis. As to house batteries, do a search and you can read as much as you want about differing opinions.

mcplaidpiper · 04-06-2008, 05:21 PM

Thanks for the response. But looking in the owners manuals they mention that for the diesel when starting, all batteries are linked together, and after the engine is started they are separated again for the house/generator, etc from the chassie battery.

I am still not sure what type batteries I need (e.g. all three marine or 2 marine and one regular with a higher CCA?). The issue is also all batteries are tied together with the wing nut and flat washer type connector...not the normal post or side post connections.
Anyone have any experience with the diesel, or have any ideas?

Thanks!
Dale

guy99 · 04-06-2008, 11:08 PM

Well, you don't want to use a 'starting' type battery for the house batteries as this type of battery doesn't take well to being discharged and the charged frequently. Deep cycle batteries are designed for this. BUT deep cycle batteries are not as good at supplying very high amperage for short bursts. So I think you need a 'starting' type battery and two deep cycle batteries.

Here is one of many threads on battery selection: Best Battery

Also, if you are going to be spending money on new batteries you may want to look at the threads on three stage converters/charges. The converters originally supplied with these motorhomes was a single stage charger called a Univolt. They can boil batteries if you leave the rig plugged in for long periods.

mcplaidpiper · 04-07-2008, 08:32 AM

Thanks for the response. Good info. on the link.

In this MH, the three batteries are located together & by the door--under the floor. I agree it best to purchase a battery designed to crank the engine and two deep cell/marine for the house, generator, etc. Do you/anyone else know in which position to place the battery to crank the engine--or does it matter where its placed? They are all linked together in a row/sequenced...
Thanks for any help!!

cooperhawk · 04-07-2008, 08:41 AM

It is true that on starting a switch which we used to call a (sireies paralel switch) on semis, combines all the batteries for starting. You might want to check the switch.
I have one engine battery, a regular battery, and two deep discharge coach batteries. I also found that a common problem is the ground strap that grounds the battery compartment to the frame. Make sure that it is bright and shiney where it connects.

cooperhawk · 04-07-2008, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcplaidpiper

Do you/anyone else know in which position to place the battery to crank the engine--or does it matter where its placed? They are all linked together in a row/sequenced...
Thanks for any help!!

On mine the rear most battery is the engine battery. Check your wiring diagram.

guy99 · 04-07-2008, 09:18 AM

Checking my wiring diagram would not have done me any good since one or more POs had made a few modifications

I suggest that you trace the wiring to verify.

If they are all wired together (not via a relay) I don't think that is stock.

mcplaidpiper · 04-07-2008, 02:37 PM

I believe it is wired through the relay (located under the front hood). But it appears each battery is connected serially together...not a separate wire running to the relay. Is this original? I will check the wiring diagram, I didn't think to do that, or that it would include the battery diagram.

cooperhawk · 04-07-2008, 03:36 PM

The two coach batteries are wired together and the chasis battery joins them at a switch on the back of the battery tray.

mcplaidpiper · 04-08-2008, 07:59 AM

Hey, thanks for the info. I will look for that and let you know what I find.

Thanks again!!

mcplaidpiper · 05-04-2008, 07:46 AM

Hello:
Well I visited Jinny yesterday at the mechanics shop and found the drivers seat back horizontal...that was something new. Looking closely, I discovered the cable leading to the seatback recline lever on the right side of the drivers seat disconnected. Funny, I did not find any 'loose parts' on the floor. My question to the forum: has anyone else experienced this? Could I only be missing a nut and washer (and can put this back together), or could the cable be broken? I did put things back together as best I could (w/o tools and in low light), but it didn't appear to work. If the cable is broken (if there is an inner cable-which there appears to be), is there any way to replace this item (is there still a source for these kind of driver seat parts?), or should I just go ahead and replace the captains chairs (and would replacement be seen as a big negative should I sell Jinney some time in the future?) I would prefer the keep things looking as close to original as possible, but those seats are NOT just real comfortable (had thought of recovering before this happened). Has anyone encountered this type issue...any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated!!

BTW, I am very glad to have such a great resource for working on this beauty. We looked long and hard for our MH and really like what we found! The information on this website is absolutely fantastic!! Thanks for any help!!

jayray5 · 05-04-2008, 08:30 AM

Replacing the drivers seat is an upgrade. Getting a great seat will make the driver's life behind the wheel much better. You can save the original seat and have it on hand for a new owner to do with as they please. Right now it is all about YOU!

mcplaidpiper · 05-04-2008, 03:35 PM

Do you have any recommendations for a seat replacement (e.g. manufacturer?) And would you buy the captain's chairs with the build-in seatbelts...or is that too much of a hassle to reinforce the floors (as recommended) for that type chair?