Southwind by Fleetwood – sporting its new paint job
As you read this article you’re first impression will be that this is a nightmare (and it is). I want to say, normally this process is a pain in the butt, but goes smoothly. Its tedious work and in almost every case, the studs can be removed without going to Continue reading F53 – Repairing broken exhaust manifold studs
I haven’t had any problems, but this is one of those things that goes bad when you have a full tank of gas and are out in the middle of no-where. Considering our Southwind is 19 years old, I decided to replace the pump as a “Preventative Maintenance” issue. After Continue reading F53 – Replace Fuel Pump
I run across this a couple times a week on various forums and in RV parks… Owners complain how the motorhome is squirrelly when driving in crosswinds or being passed by large trucks. Before doing these things, driving my Mirada or Southwind was a two handed white knuckle adventure in Continue reading F53 – Improve the handling
On our recent shakedown cruise I noticed I had a distinct vibration between 50 and 55 mph. I was able to do various tests to see if I could isolate it, engine, tires, drive-train, etc. I placed the shift lever in “N” and the vibration was still there so that Continue reading F53 – TSB Funny vibration around 50 mph – Wheel Centering on F53
UPDATE – JUNE 2019 – I originally ran my flexible intake tube down, then back up in front of the radiator. Although I didn’t have any problems with this. I decided to reroute the tube so it doesn’t block the radiator.The new route takes it down then over and back Continue reading F53 – TSB air intake reduces water ingestion
ALERT – If you own a Ford vehicle (including F53 chassis) manufactured between 1994 and 2004 – Take you VIN number to any Ford dealer and have them run the VIN number for you. They can tell you if the Recall applies, and if its been complied with. It could Continue reading F53 – RECALL Ford fires and the cruise control recall
UPDATE – May, 2019 – I replaced the starter relay. This is the starter solenoid looking thing that’s on the radiator support in the front passenger side wheel well. NOTE – The new solenoid had a “I” ignition terminal. I cut it off to make sure there was clearance for Continue reading F53 – Replacing starter
The water pump hasn’t given any signs of impending failure, but at 18 years old, I figured its cheep enough and reasonably easy to replace, so I’ll replace it as a “preventative” function. This will give me piece of mind that I’m good for years to come. Draining the cooling Continue reading F53 – Replacing Water pump and Thermostat
One of the last things on my hit list was to verify the fluid level in the parking brake assembly. Hidden just above the cable is a 13mm plug. To check the level, remove the plug, the level should be even with the plug. When I removed the plug, a Continue reading F53 – Parking Brake assembly fluid check
Toe-in adjustment effects tire wear and handling. Unlike a car that has an adjustment on each wheel, the F53 chassis has one adjustment that points the front tires in (toe-in), or pushes them out (toe-out). Once this adjustment is made, the steering wheel may need to be re-centered. If the Continue reading F53 – chassis front end toe-in adjustment