Southwind by Fleetwood – sporting its new paint job
Changing the belt on the older F53s looks like a task best left for a contortionist. But its actually fairly easy once you’ve done it about 50 million times.. When I had my chirping problem on my ole Mirada, I must have had the belt on and off 100 times… Continue reading F53 – Serpentine Belt Replacement
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
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 – 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
UPDATE July 2020: When installing a new toilet, make sure it rests completely on the platform and doesn’t hang over the edges. We had to do a modification to the platform to ensure the toilet rested completely on the platform. READ HERE. The previous owner said they just replaced the Continue reading To tall toilet too tall for the tush
NOTE FROM BILL H. REGARDING THIS TSB (3/15/24) I have a 1999 Pace Arrow 7x,xxx miles. I had a crank no start issue. Contacted a mobile mechanic and after two fuel pumps (nothing wrong with either) or a list of numerous parts. I decided to require that your TSB that Continue reading F53 – Faulty grounds cause weird shifting and other problems
IMPORTANT – If using the procedure I originally used (removing the steering wheel), this could result in the turn signal cancelling feature not centering. To resolve this, I removed the steering wheel and re positioned it on the shaft so it was centered to the turn signal cancel. I then Continue reading F53 – Centering steering wheel on Ford F53 motorhome