Couple of things - LOL - need help!

[gypsychris]

Ok, so work was done on my motorhome (a 1989, 345 LE 0 East/West rear queen) - I now have a bunch of problems:

a) No water pressure at all (be it from city or within the water system - i.e. using my onboard pump) -- Symptoms: I figured out that water gets as far as the water heater (located under the dinette seat - but then no presure) They changed the faucets and lines in the bathroom area (toilet) -- could it be that they cris crossed the lines?? Anyone has any drawings or layout of the original setup for the water lines for my motorhome?

I get a tiny dripping water from the cold water - and basically none on the hot site -- what is weird is that when I depress the hot water heater valve water comes gushing out...

b) I also have an oil leak that NO ONE wants to to touch: the lines are rusted (where there is metal) is there anyway to get a full kit (set) of oil lines, including those that go to and from the oil pump? So that I can fix this once and for all??

THANKS SO MUCH for any help.

Chris

[ScrapIrony-2]

One thought comes to mind...the 345 usually has an in line filter...we have the twins, so I don't know where the queen one is... but ours crapped out and after replacing the water pump we found out it was the water filter, $25, not the pump $78 the filter looked fine, but the removal was a slimy eeeuuu!!! buy two as you may need a quick back-up...m

[ScrapIrony-2]

Chris, if anyone can direct you, it would be Dad's Toy, Keyair, or CrazyVW...

[PeterH-350LE]

Did you look under the right rear for water coming out. They may have opened the drain valves to replace faucets. Switching hot for cold would not cause your problems. The hot water tank probably still had water in it.

[DaveFL]

As long as you are accepting guesses, try closing the valve between the hot and cold line at the water heater, should only be open when you are trying to drain the system.

[Skater]

I was going nuts with our water system after de-winterizing the first time - only one faucet worked. It took me 15 minutes of head scratching to figure out that the problem was that the screens in the faucets were clogged. (Later I noticed that someone else had written a note about it in the winterizing page in the owner's manual...hmmm.) Just something quick and easy to check before starting to tear into plumbing.

[gypsychris]

Hi, the water gets all the way to the heater - but then doesn't flow .. anyone know where the filter Scrapirony-2 is talking about is in the 345 with the East - West queen?

wouldnt it be Before the hot water heater? As for the valves - I toyed with them and I get water coming out indeed...was wondering if maybe there is another valve somewhere that I am missing?

Thanks

[Keyair]

Hi Chris,
I have the service manual for the ealier 345 that has a plumbing schematic... maybe I could email it to you?
The only filter I have found in my MH was between the water tank and pump.. but that is not to say there is/was not another...

The oil leak issue is a common one... I had a leak in my 1987 Suburban, which is similar.
Just an FYI..
On the 454, the front oil cooler is fed from an adapter bolted right above the oil filter. The two metal pipes run along the oil pan, then into flex pipes before entering the cooler or radiator... or both. My leak was from one of those joints. I know your rig has lived in harsher conditions, but its possible that the leak is from the filter, flex pipes or joints, or the O ring in the adaptor above it and running along the pipe... That what mine was doing...

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Skater

I was going nuts with our water system after de-winterizing the first time - only one faucet worked. It took me 15 minutes of head scratching to figure out that the problem was that the screens in the faucets were clogged. (Later I noticed that someone else had written a note about it in the winterizing page in the owner's manual...hmmm.) Just something quick and easy to check before starting to tear into plumbing.

Yep, had this happen to the bathroom faucet. Had no clue what the problem was until I unscrewed the screen on the end of the faucet. Got sprayed pretty good that time

Brad

[gypsychris]

Hey Keyair ^ can you post a copy of it here? I dont have access to email...!!!

[gypsychris]

anyone know about the regulator for the water? is it a must? can I bypass it? mine seems shot...

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by gypsychris

anyone know about the regulator for the water? is it a must? can I bypass it? mine seems shot...

As long as you don't introduce to much pressure into the system (above 65 psi) you shouldn't have any problems.

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by gypsychris

anyone know about the regulator for the water? is it a must? can I bypass it? mine seems shot...

Hi Chris,

Speaking of those regulators, the lot where I park my Excella has one of those right at ground level ahead of the line to my trailer. What I have discovered is that the regulators have a screen inside that can become clogged over time. They are pretty simple to disassemble and clean the screen. I've had to do it a couple of times, usually following construction in the neighborhood that disturbed the water lines. Might be worth checking out.

(At least in my case, the one outside at ground level seems to catch the debris, and being outside it is easier to work on.)

[RandiLeigh]

Originally Posted by vswingfield

Hi Chris,

Speaking of those regulators, the lot where I park my Excella has one of those right at ground level ahead of the line to my trailer. What I have discovered is that the regulators have a screen inside that can become clogged over time. They are pretty simple to disassemble and clean the screen. I've had to do it a couple of times, usually following construction in the neighborhood that disturbed the water lines. Might be worth checking out.

(At least in my case, the one outside at ground level seems to catch the debris, and being outside it is easier to work on.)

I have an Excella ii and I seem to have low pressure. I am almost positive its the screen. I see the inlet where the city water connects with a water hose, but how do I access the screen?

Thanks,

Randi

[crazeevw]

Chris,
I've been under the bed on my 345LE (where water tank, water pump is located) and have not seen any signs of a water filter.
Of course, that's not to say that my AS didn't come with one. Seems my whole water inlet system was hacked away when someone decided that the hose reel wasn't worth repairing.
Ah, the joys of PO 'improvements'. Will try and get some pix tomorrow and post here for you.
Good Luck, Derek

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by RandiLeigh

I have an Excella ii and I seem to have low pressure. I am almost positive its the screen. I see the inlet where the city water connects with a water hose, but how do I access the screen?

Thanks,

Randi

It's deep inside the regulator. The outer housing of the regulator is held together with several screws. (The one shown here is similar, but not identical) Remove the top part held on with all the screws. There is a spring pressing against the adjuster screw sticking in at the top pressing down against a mechanism in the base. It's not going to fly out or anything, but you will notice that there is pressure against the pieces while you are backing the screws out. Take them out a little at a time moving around the regulator.

In the base (the lower part where the water enters and exits) you will see a large hexagon shaped piece. Using an appropriate socket wrench, (I seem to recall that it is over an inch-perhaps 1 1/16 or so, but it's been a while) remove the hex piece from the base. It holds the screen.

Treat the screen gently. An old toothbrush would be good to clean it. I doubt you could get a replacement if you poke a hole in it without breaking down and buying a new regulator.

Should you have to replace one of these regulators, they are not RV specific. In addition to Amazon (where I linked for the image above) they are available at plumbing supplies and hardware stores. I've seen them at Home Depot.

I hope this helps. I tried to give the details as best I can remember. I'm kind of handy with stuff, so to me it's a 3 step process:

1. Take it apart
2. Clean the screen
3. Put it back together

I realize that this is a bit brief for most folks.

[3 Dog Nite]

My '89 345 did not come to me with a regulator. I use a cheap Camco one that screws onto the hose at the water shut off. The one time I didn't use it, the campgrounds pressure ruined the head's flush valve. My filter is under the east-west bed right next to the water pump. It is the part with the blue bottom connected with braided lines.

I noticed you're in Alaska,. Could your pipes just be frozen (hope not) & not clogged?

I will be scanning in my entire maintenance book. PM me with your address & I will send you a disc copy.