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Kwikee Triple Step Fix
6/6/2011
This info was submitted by Tom Silbernagel.
Dale, you have been a great help over & over. Now I have a real problem with my triple step on my 2002 Newmar Mountain Aire.
The step folds up & down just fine, but the step motor has a gear problem (plastic assy broke) . The motor works just fine but cant buy new motor assy for step. Step # 909508000. I looked on internet & only found possible elrctric window lift motor (Ford) I went to my Napa store & they could not match unit & no numbers on motor other than Kwikee pt # 9551 (high torque). I went to Ford, they said looked like it was for a Ford , might be for a older unit vehicle but could not tell since could not read any Ford numbers. They stated Pep Boys may carry a gear repair kit. Pep boys does not carry such an animal. Now went to a RV dealer & they called Kwikee . They state with 3 step # I have would take a upgrade kit # 909776000. Dealer wanted $355.00 for said kit.
I have a hard time thinking I need all that because of plastic gear part problem. I do not know if you have had this problem or have heard of it, and if so what occurred to remedy it other than buy kit???
6-10-2011
I contacted you by phone the other day on step problem (motor). Kwikee no longer has motor for step (motor #9551). They only make a replacement kit for series 24 & 25. This kit new motor & control box + new gear plate. Replacement kit # 909770000 cost $355.00.
After talking with you I went to the internet and looked in the IRV2 Newmar blog. Some nice fellow replaced his motor only, it is a 86-95 left front window lift motor for a Ford Taurus, I Went to ordered a motor part # bk665-1395. I Installed motor, voila it now works like new. It's pPossible the original problem was caused when the "C" clip broke on large gear, causing the plate to tilt & take out plastic gear in motor. If anyone else has had problem please pass this on.
6-12-2011 - The How To
Sorry I did not take pictures.
1) Unplug motor.
2) Remove motor & ½ moon gear teeth plate from
step.
3) Remove motor from step plate.Examine gear & plastic mechanism in
motor. Check plate for broken or missing "C" clip (my clip was broken). This
broken "C" clip caused the gear plate to wobble & damage motor. I also
installed another plastic washer under gear plate to frame to take up any
slack.
4) Installed new L/F Ford Taurus window motor (86-95 year) Part
#bk655-1395. You will have to change the connection, because old connectors will
not work (also the electric plug on the motor is reversed, but no problem) Now
reinstall unit back on step. It will work fine.
6.5L Diesel PMD/FSD
The 6.5L diesel used in some RV's suffers from the same problem the GM trucks do, failed PMD (Pump Mounted Driver) do to heat. The PMD is also called FSD (Fuel Solenoid). This problem has exsited for years (1998 or earlier) and continues to be a problem with vehicles like H1 Hummer, according to info posted on the Internet. GM and Stanadyne (makers of the PMD) have yet to acknowledge that a problem exsits to the extent there should be a recallto fix it. So you on are your own to repair this issue at the present time.
Most solutions are to:
- Remotely mount the PMD to keep it cooler.
- Add a heat sink and/or fan to help keep the PMD cool.
- Replace the PMD
- New version from Stanadyne
- Aftermarket PMD/FSD
- All of the above
7-28-2011 Update
I got a note from Paul Burns that his relocated PMD/FSD with heat sink and fan keeps his PMD/FSD nice and cool compared to the stock setup. DIY Engineering works!
One mans experience... PMDFAILURES
GM PMD/FSD Service Bulletins
SB 77-63-06A
7-17-1998
SB 00064G
4-18-2007
SB Other Misc
Date
Here are a couple of links for parts.
A1Customs Info
A1Customs Remote
Or you can build you own like Pual Burns (located in the UK) did.
He purchased another PMD/FSD, an PMD extension cable, heat sink, heat sink grease and a 12V muffin fan.
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PSIClops
I like most you check my tire pressures before I leave and sometimes even at the RV park if I am on the road a bit. It's a necessary evil and can be time consuming. If you have a TPMS system it's not to bad except if you have to add air. Well I found a pressure gauge that pretty much does it all PSICLOPS.
- Fill/Equalize 2 tires
- Fill a single tire
- Pressure relief button (let air out)
- Lighted Dial
- Molded carrying case
You can get off Ebay for about $35.
Note - There is enough hose to do both front tires.
This photo shows my rear duals.
Water-Miser Battery Caps
I took this info from the Wind & Sun web site.
"These are a bayonet type 1/4-turn twist lock cap. Fits all U.S. manufactured deep-cycle batteries except the (so-called) "maintenance free" type, or those with the plug-in 3-cap bars, such as the West Marine Sea Volt or the Interstate 12 volt group 27 marine.
Water Miser, Flip Top Battery Vent Cap, 1 1/8" bottom insert width, total width 1 3/8" x 1/4" height into battery insert and 1" height above the battery insert
Water Misers are molded plastic "flip-top" vent caps designed to reduce and ease maintenance on flooded Lead-Acid batteries.
There is no need to remove the caps when charging, filling, or equalizing the batteries. When charging, the plastic pellets capture up to 90% of the moisture and acid droplets. This reduces acid fumes, corrosion, and keeping the battery tops much cleaner and dryer. Excess water is dropped back into the battery cell.
Water loss is reduced, which extends time between watering."
They work pretty much as advetised. Here are a few photo's.
