topbuddy
Clementsport, Nova Scotia
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Joined: 09/24/2009
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Hi: I recently bought this Winnebago on ebay, and it had been in storage for several years, needless to say I had to put a lot of work into the unit after driving it from NY state to Nova Scotia including a transmission rebuild. The engine runs very well and the unit only has 40,500 miles on it, but I notice that the temperature gauge is very low, just off the lower mark and am wondering if there is a thermostat in and it is not functioning properly or simply none there.
I tried to check it out, but everything is so crammed into the motor area that it is difficult to work, does anyone have any tips? I have to winterize the engine before it gets too cold as I lost my fluid on the trip back here and now there is water in the rad system. I can't find anywhere to drain the rad. Also the unit is equipped with a rear hot water heater but the pipes near the back wheel have rusted out so we had to do a loop at the front so that no fluid now goes to the rear unit. Does anyone have a suggestion how to replace the lines and with what material, or can the unit operate reasonably in winter without the rear heater. We are planning on leaving here mid December to drive to Kitchener, Ontario for Christmas and then heading to Florida for the rest of the winter months and are concerned about the heating. Any suggestions from other Chieftain owners would be appreciated. Thanks
Sam
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sum1
So-Cal
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Joined: 11/07/2005
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Nothing to offer on the lines, but it does sound like you need a thermostat.
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Bill S.
Indian River, Delaware
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Joined: 03/06/2001
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If there is no petcock, you can drain the cooling system by loosening the lower hose clamp on the radiator, and twisting it off. Drain, replace T-stat, flush and fill the system, and you should be fine.
If the rear heater fittings have rusted through, see if they thread into the body of that heat exchanger. If they do, you may be able to replace them. Chances are that the whole unit will need replacing, but that rear heater was used on many model years, so it should be easy enough to find a new one, and chance it out.
A friend of mine just bought a 91 Chieftain 34RQ a few weeks ago, and it looked beautiful inside. Outside some sun damage, but that's to be expected. His is on the F53 chassis. SO far his issues were a roof sealant leak, 1 roof air problem, and generator problems from sitting unused for so long, but I think he's got it under control.
Good luck with your new rig.
Bill, (aka Capt.Bill)
Indian River, De
2002 Horizon 36LD, Cat 330
Practicing retirement! 
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Clay L
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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Joined: 07/01/2002
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I would call Winnebago about the MotorAide lines going to the back. Mine look like galvanized steel but it's hard to tell exactly what they are.
They connect to the tube welded to the outside of the water heater and the rear heater core with rubber hoses.
Clay (WA5NMR), Lee,(Wife) Codi, Brandi (Shelties) and Damncat (damn cat)
Full Timing in a 2004 Winnebago Sightseer 35N, Workhorse chassis, Honda Accord toad
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John&Joey
Northern MN
(Baby it's cold outside)
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Joined: 05/20/2007
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Sounds like a thermostat stuck open to me, or maybe the fan clutch stuck on also.
Just been learning that the F53 has an aluminum radiator so be careful (if you have a F53.) Use distilled water to mix and flush with. That should limit the amount of galvanic corrosion that can occur in the radiator.
I don't have a rear heater, but I'm guessing an auto store can set you up with hoses that should work. During the cold months I use the furnace to keep the rig warm while driving.
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topbuddy
Clementsport, Nova Scotia
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Joined: 09/24/2009
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I do have a F53 so will be careful with the rad. I appreciate the tip re running the furnace while travelling to keep warm. I am having a garage due the theromostat just because it is so difficult to get at. The rear heater looks in terrific shape, it is only the lines underneath that are rusted out and it is easy to reconnect as the lines are attached to the heater via rubber hoses. My problem is running new lines along the bottom and just where to try and hook up considering that they run under tanks and other items on the bottom of the RV.
Sam
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