Having just completed a 3,000 mile vacation without a single incident I sent the Barth into the shop for its hourly/yearly PM. I changed all the fluids and filters, checked alignments and a vibration in a front wheel and a balky speedo. The result was two worn front wheel bearings and races, a faulty speed sensor and a worn cable at the speed sensor. The need for PM on a regular scheduled basis makes the Barth as reliable as any new coach and I can't recommend it enough. With Bill NY specializing in diesels those of you who plan to go to Milford should consider arriving early and scheduling a good diagnosis and repair as needed. For the southern crown Billy T (ask Rusty about his work) can make you trips and adventuring less stressful and pleasant. There is no substitute for regular professional service, even if you do most of it yourself. The money spent is far less than the fear of breakdowns or accidents. Milford may be an ideal time for a group service GTG.

I couldn't agree more. When I went to Florida in March to get my Barth I spent 3 weeks going over everything I could think of. Made it back to MI on the 1700 mile maiden voyage, no real problems.

Found a few more things later but haven't been "found on road dead" yet.

The latest round of reported incidents with u-joints and rear axles has added a new project to my list of "should do" My Barth is heavier than most P32's since it is a 33 ft. and it has about 90K miles on it.

As soon as the weather gets back to normal I'm going to pull the driveshaft and replace u-joints and center carrier bearing. Also pull the diffy cover to look at gears and check for metal. (Monday and Tuesday set records in the 90's, today it is 50 degrees and rain, next week 80's. If you like unstable weather go to MI) The peace of mind will be worth the effort.

quote:

Also pull the diffy cover to look at gears and check for metal.

I recommend replacing the cover with one from Mag-Hytec. Not only does it cool better, but it increases lube capacity. I didn't measure before BillyT did his fine work, but after a 300 mile run, the diffy was at 140°F on a 95°F day.

Excellent suggestion. I'll have to verify which axle I have. I like the extra capacity and the o-ring too.

Another benefit is that the diffy can be drained without removing the cover.

And a magnetic dipstick too! I'm sold on this. When it quits raining and warms up again I'll check which axle I have and order one.

Thinking maybe a tranny pan too. I'd like to have a pan temp sender as well as the one in the cooler line. The cooler sender gives me quick peak readings under load but I don't really know what the "average" pan temp is. I could put in a switch to select which sender. Not sure I'll go with cast pan, might just install in the existing one. Any thoughts there?

I'll have pics for u-joints and diffy when I do it so we can all enjoy crawling under Barth together. A little dirt for your eyes and mosquito bites and we'll be there!

BTW, gotta love the A C Clark quote. Truly profound.

I have the 4L80E pan; it increases fluid volume by 4 qts. It dropped temps 20°F.

I have a front engine leak .We found loose bolts on the timing chain cover .I will take it off clean and reseal.I think there two oil seals in the pan .Just don't know if I have to drain the oil before I take off the pan. My maintenance book does not say.
lenny

If you have to drop the oil pan to reseal it or the timing chain cover, I strongly recommend draining the pan or your going to wear alot of oil....

thanks just going to start with the timming chain cover and seals.I have loose bolts on the cover .Should they be torqued to what?
lenny