Having had the 2003 Roadtrek 190 Popular Chevy for a couple of months and taken it on one successful camping trip and planning for several more in the very near future then a trek to Maine and Nova Scotia, I thought it would be nice to document what I have learned and still need to learn.
The generator is still my biggest problem. Well, it’s not a big problem cause we can live without it. But the fact that it’s not working just makes me want to get it going and have a complete camper. It won’t start….. I had no idea what to do at first and couldn’t get underneath the RT far enough to do much except check the oil and air filter. I built some ramps out of 2 x 8’s and now can at least get under there and feel safe.
Ramp details: Bought a 10’ premium 2 x 8 from Lowe’s for just over $10. Cut it in half. Then measured and marked lines across the 2 pieces at 15 1/4” and 35 1/4”. Set my circular saw at a 45 degree angle and cut the pieces. Screwed them together with 1 3/4 deck screws.
Had Lila help to spot me while I backed up on to the ramps without any problem. They give me about 5” more clearance than I had before and saved about $30 over WalMart’s cheapest ramps. I also blocked the front wheels with a 4 x 4 post. And set the parking brake.
So now I can get under the RT. Pulled the cover and spark plug cover. Both were pretty rusty so wirebrushed them and gave a couple coats of Rustoleum. Pulled the air filter and found it was spotless and looked brand new. Pulled the upper hose from the fuel filter and hit the start switch. Great fuel flow and the fuel looks normal. While there, noted that the altitude adjustment was set on 10,000 ft. Switched it to the minimum setting. See the left picture below.
Tried to remove the bottom spark plug to have a look at it. Neither of my spark plug wrenches fits. I found out from CyberRally that it is a 11/16 ths size. My largest is 9/16 ths. So, another purchase is coming up. I gave trouble shooting a break and got on the computer to see if I could find out more about the generator. I had confirmed that I have a 2.8KVa OnanCummings generator and went online and found their parts and catalog website. Ordered a spark plug, air and fuel filter for future use and especially ordered the service manual for the unit.
I had read on CyberRally of some good trouble shooting hints and techniques so I went to WalMart and bought some SeaFoam and Techron fuel line/carburetor cleaners/fuel additives. And some starting fluid (ether plus some other flammables.) I am still trying to find the right method to add a little of the SeaFoam to the carburetor and want to run the gas tank down a bit before adding the mixture to the fuel. I have a full tank right now. I will find a syringe to inject a bit of the SeaFoam later. But did try the ether. Lila was inside the RT at the Generator Start Panel. I sprayed about 3 seconds worth and backed well away and she hit the starter for about 4 or 5 seconds. Did this 3 times and had a short burst of generator activity sustained. I am presuming that the electrical system is providing a spark to ignite the ether vapor. My conclusion at this point is that the carb is junked up. Will work more on it next week.
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