EXHAUST FIRE!

[rwoody]

sent u a couple emails

need some stuff asap

[Christian]

I agree that inspections are key..

But what about a 10-12" dia piece of interlocking stove pipe surrounding the muffler/pipe just inside the enclosure... that way if there is a failure it will serve as a backup for safety...? the flames will lick the stove pipe until you get a chance to find the leak with inspections...

I have no idea what the enclosure looks like. Just curious...?

[NH Bill]

Originally Posted by TRAILERKING

Hi I am new here. I am looking at buying a 1997 41' Wanderlodge. It had an issue at the back left corner near the exhaust. It caught fire and the fire fighters got it out in time however they did more damage than the fire. They chainsawed the inner wall open and severed through two large wiring harnesses. I am wondering if there is tracer markings on these wires to identify? Is this fire problem common with these coaches?
Thanks.
Bernie

Couple years ago at the Birds and Bears Rally in NH, Paul had to take Ziggy in to undergo an emergency re-sectioning for this very the reason. The bends and twists needed to run the stack upward rust out. Fortunately, Randy (KOW) was on hand with the necessary knowledge and precision tools needed to complete the task. Pretty sure Ziggy has since gone in for a stainless refitting and all good is well.

NH Bill

[Randy Dupree]

Originally Posted by Christian

I agree that inspections are key..

But what about a 10-12" dia piece of interlocking stove pipe surrounding the muffler/pipe just inside the enclosure... that way if there is a failure it will serve as a backup for safety...? the flames will lick the stove pipe until you get a chance to find the leak with inspections...

I have no idea what the enclosure looks like. Just curious...?

In pauls case the muffler was not the problem.
The muffler is in the enclosure,and theres no room for a pipe shield.
No matter what,you need to inspect the exhaust systems everytime you drive.

[Rob Robinson]

Two weeks ago I had a local diesel shop service the coach for lube, oil and new Transynd. I also asked them to check out the exhaust system which they did and reported everything OK. Well less that a week ago I removed my breather tube that goes between the air filter and the turbo. Behind this tube I found a cracked 3 inch band clamp (cracked half way through) at the lower end of the articulated exhaust section. Recommend others do what they have to to check out the hidden parts of exhaust (mirrors or remove obstructions)

[doszorros]

Bernie:

If you give me the year and model of the unit you are interested in, I might be able to supply you with some wiring diagrams via PDF. I have some years and models on file.

Email: doszorros@hotmail.com and put Wanderlodge in the subject line to get through my spam filter.

[TRAILERKING]

It's a 1997 41'
1BBCCNB987VF075727

[Christian]

I'm not sure if this is a good way to check for leaks or cause them...

How about testing the exhaust by mostly blocking the exhaust pipe. Say reducing the outlet from 4" to 1-1/2 or 1" just while Idling... Or you could use a board...

The result is a loud whistle or loud hiss at the leak. I don't think there is a fire risk while idling so it won't be blowing fire out of any holes...

A restricted exhaust fitting tool or valve at the exhaust might help check the system under partial pressure and find any potential leaks... or seals that were about to fail... a butterfly valve would do the trick...

Think this will work? I'll give this invention to the public domain...

If any of you guys have the OEM two-ball-joint flex coupling, I wouldn't even check for leaks. After 15 years the ball joints rust together and leaks are assured. Just assume you have leaks and replace it. Use the Westfalia triple-s flex pipe. I'll post part numbers in a bit.

This stainless steel flexpipe will replace the aluminized steel double-ball flex pipe on 1997 WB's and LXi's.

wff-515 Westfalia Triple-S Flex (2.5" on each pipe, installed length is 15")
wfc5 clamp (2)

Available from the Chrome Depot: 800-496-6303

http://www.westfalia-group.com/wEngl...e.php?navid=13