Bay Door Hinge Failure, PD 4104

[Kevin]

Good Afternoon All,

I was working on the 'Ol Mare last evening and had the passenger-side forward "big" bay door propped open in order to access my toolbox. I left it propped open all night and when I came out this morning, the door was lying on the ground, dangit! The prop is still attached.

I'd noticed about a 7" tear in the rubber hinge a few months ago, but I've not driven the bus in over a year (I know, the shame of it all!) At any rate, Jon (siberyd of this forum) had recently purchased some hinge material from Luke at US Coach and installed it successfully on his '04. He pm'd me a very detailed description of how to remove and install the new hinge material (thanks Jon!).

I phoned US Coach today but they are open M-F only. I will phone again Monday to order my hinge material. In the interim, we had plans to leave mid-week (I'm in SoCal and don't expect we'll be getting hinge material so quick...) to visit Pop in Pahrump, NV to celebrate his 85th. Question: Will the bay door stay put if I place it back on the coach and secure the latch? My latch has a key lock too. Anyone know? I sure as heck don't want to drill any unsightly holes in order to mount a temporary hinge... Anyone had a "Road Fix" scenario in the past for this? Thought about a very thorough duct-taping effort as well, but just the thought makes me sort of cringe!

Also, after firing up the Beast, and while waiting for air pressure to build as we sat in or home's dining room, my wife Kathryn and I suddenly heard a bomb-like sound and an ear-piercing shriek of escaping air coming from the bus out back. I was thinking air bag or something, but it turned out to be the forward (the one behind the front axle) air tank's drain cock "flipped its lid". Disenigrated. It's the type with a cable one pulls remotely.

I bought a replacement from the local truck supply. Question: Is it just a matter of jacking and blocking up the bus securely and wrenching out the old drain cock, applying sealant to the threads of the replacement and wrenching it back in then routing cable to wheel-well? Appreciate any advice.

Thanks in advance, and happy busing!

Kev

[chessie4905]

   Easy to replace after jacking or blocking, or find a spot where there is a parallel depression, or pull one side up on a curb. Make sure wrench fits properly so you don't round off the hex loosening it.. Funny, my 4104 had those installed and the rear one developed a pinhole leak. They must be really thin material in ball socket area.
   I don't remember about the door, but you could latch it shut and attach a ratchet strap to inside top of door and hook and tighten to something secure

[Kevin]

Hey Chessie,

Thanks for the reply. Well, the door definitely does not stay put just latched. It falls right off! I thought about using a tie-down to hold it from the inside, but I instead screwed an L bracket to the door inside panel and then screwed the bracket to the bay ceiling (floor of bus). It won't open 'til I get the hinge replaced, but it ain't gonna fall off either! Just getting ready to tackle the drain cock. I'm hoping it will go smoothly. Appreciate your advice!

Kev

[siberyd]

Kevin,

Offer of help is there when you get back. The coaches always act up when you want to take them for a drive:)

Siberyd

[Kevin]

Thanks Jon!

Yeah, never fails. Always when you're about to shove off... I replaced the drain cock no problem and she air'd right up. I haven't driven 'er in over a year. Went through the starter while she was sitting. Just disassembled, inspected and cleaned/lubed it up. I did flip a contact "disc" thingy over in the solenoid that looked a bit pitted, and I snugged down the loose posts on solenoid where battery cable and ground attach. The main reason I took it all apart was that it sounded as if the starter drive gear was staying in touch with the flywheel after releasing the start switch.

Turns out the mechanism was munged up with old, dry grease and really stiff so the spring couldn't push it back properly. Cleaned it all up and applied some lube sparingly. Its working great I'm happy to report! Nice that one can actually disassemble, clean and lubricate parts on these old dinosaurs and breathe new life back into them. This stuff was built to last the ages! It would be good to see you when I get my hinge material. I'll give you a call and see if we can get together.

Kev

[gus]

Keep in mind that the rubber hinge supports most of the door weight when it is open but none of the weight when it is closed and latched.