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1998 allure

Yahoo Message Number: 7468
We are currently looking at a 1998 36' Allure w/ slide. The buyer seems to have it priced right. I was wondering what to look out for on this coach besides the usual. I have read about the slides and leaks as well as the electrolysis issue.

Any helpful advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt

Re: 1998 allure

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 7470
One other thing you might want to check is the "creeping window seals" on the windows that were made by SE-GI. The windows in question were manufactured before October of 1999. We did have one problem in our 2000 CC Alure. It was the bathroom window.
I believe the date of manufacture is down in the right hand corner of the window. Might be a little difficult to read - Just look closely. Not all windows experience that problem but you might just take a look at them.

Good Luck - Enjoy the good times.

Kathy Marsh

Re: 1998 allure

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 7476
I personally cannot say what happens to your windows if those little seals start to do their "creeping" thing! Visually, it just looks like a bit of a bulge from around the edge.
There was an anticle in the September 2002 Highways magazine under the Action Line heading by Terry Banister that first brought the "Walking Seals" to my attention.
I am going to have to defer to some of the smarter minds on this CC site that can explain just what the function is and does! Sorry.

Kathy Marsh

Re: 1998 allure

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 7477
We had a 97 Magna that had window creeping problems.
They were that way shortly after we bought it (the coach was 16 months old) and nothing really happened other than looking funky. The thermopanes kept their seals, no moisture issues. However, when we tried to sell it, the buyers required that they be replaced.
Se-Gi replaced 5 windows (we picked them up) and we paid $150 each for installation and repainting. Dale

Re: 1998 allure

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 7481
Check the exterior gel-coat condition, is there a log book with maintance having been preformed, always check for the smell of the coach, the tires need to be replaced with 275r80/22.5 if not already, does it have a C8.3 or an ISC 330, which would mean it was built after May, 98 and have a 99 Chassis. Are the shocks Monroe or Koni's? Have the windshield wiper motors been replaced? Check all the brake and turn lights and the condition of the air tanks etc. There were three or four updates on the ISC engine, see if they were done. Could save you a lot of money. Tom Insall, 98 Allure 30255, Intrigue, 11731 2004

Re: 1998 allure

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 7484
in addition, have the right height sensors been repositioned to, two in the rear and one in the front, very important.

Re: 1998 allure

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 7487
Tom,

Can you provide more info on the height sensors? The engine is a 325,
8.3. Do you recall any of the updates?

Thanks

Re: 1998 allure

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 7499
Take a look in the files folder and look at the PDIChklist(3).xls file. I periodically update it and it should give you some ideas of what to look for based on things I discovered on my 2000 Allure and advice from others. The only better thing to do is have a professional mechanic familiar with CC or similar diesel coaches to check it over and give you a written discrepancy list.

Jim Hughes

2000 Allure #30511

Quote from: mhylbom
We are currently looking at a 1998 36' Allure w/ slide. The buyer
seems to have it

Quote
priced right. I was wondering what to look out for on this coach
besides the usual. I

Quote
have read about the slides and leaks as well as the electrolysis

issue.

Re: 1998 allure

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 7500
I have 4 windows in my 2000 Allure that have the creeping seals. CC has arranged to send me the windows and I will have to pay shipping and installation. The windows really do not have a bad seal that creeps, but a spacer used during the production proscee that keeps the two panes of glass parellel while the edge of the windows are sealed. While unsightly, my windows do not show any signs of leakage or moisture buildup between the panes of glass.

Jim Hughes

2000 Allure #30511

Quote from: Matthew Hylbom\[br\
]
What is the end result of these creeping seals? Leaking windows?

Thanks

On Friday, December 5, 2003, at 11:01 AM, marshshopk@a... wrote:

> One other thing you might want to check is the "creeping window

seals"

Quote
on the windows that were made by SE-GI. The windows in question

were

Quote
manufactured before October of 1999. We did have one problem in

our

Quote
2000 CC Alure. It was the bathroom window.
>

> I believe the date of manufacture is down in the right hand

corner of

Quote
the window. Might be a little difficult to read - Just look

closely.

Quote
Not all windows experience that problem but you might just take

a look

Quote
at them.
>

> Good Luck - Enjoy the good times.
>

> Kathy Marsh
>

>
>

> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email > > to:Country-Coach-Owners-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > >
>
>

>

Re: 1998 allure

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 7502
Updates were on the ISC 330. Some high pressure lines off the injection pump had been failing. Also, there was a new wiring harnes for sensors on the injection pump that had failed to be implemented. There was or is a new programing schedule for the injection pump that gives better low end performance and fuel mileage. On a couple of trips throughtout New Mexico, if I stayed below 62 mph I could easily average 11 mpg. Total weight, 34,000 lbs, with tow car. But stay away from 70, 7.8 mpg. On the original Allures there was one height sensor for the rear and two for the front, which meant any dynamic changes to the left in roll had to be handled by the left front tire. If you have a great slide or especially a kitchen slide that meant an great increase in left front tire stress. To rebalance the coach and shift some of the static weight to the opposite side they took the two height adjusters off the front and put them on the rear and placed the single on the front. Placing the duals as the absorber of roll moment to the left, lust as on the Magna's and Affinities. With the addition of the larger 275r80/22.5 tire that meant if you weighed each tire individually I could reduce the front tire pressure 15 lbs and have a much nicer ride. I have found, though, if your lower your pressure below a certain threshold your handling becomes sloppy and fear of two lane roads increases. On our first visit to the factory in June 0f 99 we had the monroe shocks replaced with the now standard Konis. What an improvemeant, just as installing the 275r80's in 2002 did. You will find if you check around the new IFS makes another magnitude increase in driving pleasure. The only driving problem that I noticedwith our Deschutes was if you had a 3/4 rear cross wind. With the long over hang of a 36' (37' 10") tail wind could move the coach front end in small unpredictable amounts. So be on your toes in Southern New Mexico, West Texas in the Spring time heading east. The new coaches with the tag axle don't seem to have this quirk. It is nothing to be worried about, but to be noted and remembered. TOM Allure 30255/Intrigue 11731, I list both coaches even though #30255 has new home, because I remember her as well as my 34' Limited Airstream travel trailer with much love.

1998 allure

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 7503
Tom: You obviously have a good feel for the handling/suspension issues. I have a 40' 99 Intrigue (10762) with the standard suspension, not independent type. Also, it is a dinette slide model, with the galley on the passenger side.
I had the factory recall on the height and leveling valves performed sometime in 1999 or 2000, I can't remember. Now the question: I just replaced my factory low-profile tires with Michelin 275X80.22.5. I am planning to hit the road for three months or so. What tire pressure do you recommend? The tire dealer inflated them to 100 lbs each but I haven't driven it over a few miles since installation. Can I effectively tell without weighing the corners independently? I have never had a handling problem before and feel satisfied with how it handles.
Also, do you or anyone else have any input on how to recalibrate the Datcom speedometer?
Here is the final question: How the devil does anyone get over 6 or 7 mpg out of these monsters? You mentioned 11mpg?? I always tow a car and seldom take the time to figure mileage, (what's the use?) but mentally I can see that it's about 6 mpg or so, as the little card reader scans my visa.

Thanks for your input. Have a Happy Holiday!

Larry
Intrigue
10762

Re: 1998 allure

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 7504
Quote
Here is the final question: How the devil does anyone get over 6 or 7 mpg out of these monsters? You mentioned 11mpg?? I always
tow a car and seldom take the time to figure mileage, (what's the use?) but mentally I can see that it's about 6 mpg or so, as the little card reader scans my visa.

Quote
>

Thanks for your input. Have a Happy Holiday! >

Larry
Intrigue
10762
Larry: My 2000 Allure is a 36 ft gally slide. And when on vacation Im usually "loaded down". I pull a 2002 Jeep Liberty thats 3700 lbs (plus or minus) I get 7.5 mpg when running with "my foot in it". Avg about 8 with "normal driving" And I get 8 .5 not towing and driving "normal". "Normal" to me is about 65 mph on the interstates.....with my "foot in it" is 72-75 mph....and running about 2100-2200 rpm when hill climbing to maintain that speed.

I weigh in at 31K lbs on the scales.

Sully

2000 Allure #30549

Re: 1998 allure

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 7505
Quote from: C\. Marshall"
Updates were on the ISC 330. Some high pressure lines off the injection pump had been failing. Also, there was a new wiring

harnes

for sensors on the injection pump that had failed to be implemented. There was or is a new programing schedule for the injection pump that gives better low end performance and fuel mileage. On a couple of trips throughtout New Mexico, if I stayed below 62 mph I could easily average 11 mpg. Total weight, 34,000 lbs, with tow car. But stay away from 70, 7.8 mpg. On the original Allures there was one height sensor for the rear and two for the front, which meant any dynamic changes to the left in roll had to be handled by the left front tire. If you have a great slide or especially a kitchen slide that meant an great increase in left front tire stress. To rebalance the coach and shift some of the static weight to the opposite side they took the two height adjusters off the front and put them on the rear and placed the single on the front. Placing the duals as the absorber of roll moment to the left, lust as on the Magna's and Affinities. With the addition of the larger 275r80/22.5 tire that meant if you weighed each tire individually I could reduce the front tire pressure 15 lbs and have a much nicer ride. I have found, though, if your lower your pressure below a certain threshold your handling becomes sloppy and fear of two lane roads increases. On our first visit to the factory in June 0f 99 we had the monroe shocks replaced with the now standard Konis. What an improvemeant, just as installing the 275r80's in 2002 did. You will find if you check around the new IFS makes another magnitude increase in driving pleasure. The only driving problem that I noticedwith our Deschutes was if you had a 3/4 rear cross wind. With the long over hang of a 36' (37' 10") tail wind could move the coach front end in small unpredictable amounts. So be on your toes in Southern New Mexico, West Texas in the Spring time heading east. The new coaches with the tag axle don't seem to have this quirk. It is nothing to be worried about, but to be noted and remembered. TOM Allure 30255/Intrigue 11731, I list both coaches even though #30255 has new home, because I remember her as well as my 34' Limited Airstream travel trailer with much love.
I wont call you a liar about the 11MPG...but I dont think you have ANY accurate way of determining the ACTUAL amount of fuel you have used between "stops". Let the coach sit even slightly at an angle to the pump and you cant get as muuch in it..etc..etc. Or let the auto shut stop fuel and you think your at the top and your not. ANY 8.3 ICS pulling 34K lbs...belongs in a museum.

Sully

2000 Allure #30549

Re: 1998 allure

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 7506
Other factors affecting MPG are the use of generator, and in my case, Webasto hydronic heating. The ECM readout can give actual fuel consumption through the engine.
Max

98 Affinity #5487

Re: 1998 allure

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 7513
I used to run 105 in the front and 95 in the rear. That was after split weighing the coach and then adding 5 extra pounds because sometimes I would run a continuous 70 mph. It takes for ever to get anywhere out west. When I have attended some of the CC seminars I was surprised how many 40' owners were over weight! I used aluminum slide trays to keep the weight down, and I pull a Saturn L wagon, though I used to pull a Mercury Marquis. The Cummins manual will give you some clues for better mileage, as will the Allison manual. Never try to make time when you have a strong crossing or head wind! And watch out who you buy fuel from. I learned along time ago while pulling my Airstream trailer with a ford crew cab diesel, that where you buy your fuel can cost you a 25% loss. Hint, don't ever buy fuel in Roswell NM, I think the aliens have polluted all the storage tanks. The speedometer calibration is as I understand it is a function of the ECM on the ISC engine. But with the 325 I have no clue. Keeping track of your mileage is like you taking your temperature and watching your cholesterol or weight. It will sure tell you when something is wrong. When I drive home from Albuquerque (260) miles , there are two grades I monitor for performance and monitor my fuel consumption. That's how I new ahead of time I was going to have an Injection pump problem. But the "trip from hell" is a long story. Everyone has one, no matter it was in a motorhome, Class C or travel trailer. TOM 98 Allure, now 2004 Intrigue 11731 Try to get 8 mpg out of an Ovation.

From:Larry Hanson
To:Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com

Re: 1998 allure

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 7514
I might agree with you about using auto shut off, and how temperature can effect density, etc., etc, etc . But I have duplicated the results 6 times in the previous two years after having the injection pump replaced in Albuquerque, and reprogrammed for " the higher altitudes I normally operate with the same fuel I always use. My coach weighed 26,500 dry. And normally between 29,000 and 30,000 lbs. Hang a 4000lb Mercury Marquis or a 3000 lb Saturn behind and 450 lbs for Me the Navigator and the three cats, and that's that. There is a gentlemen who distributes jewelry to the shopping malls in the rocky mountain area, he has a 97 with a great slide (36') and he said after about 30,000 miles he was getting 10, with no effort at all. Of course we are not running our generators or setting any speed records either. TOM 98 Allure 30255, Intrigue 2004 11731. i HAD 40,000 + miles.

1998 Allure

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 7489
Matt: If you can get the engine serial number from the current owner, you can call Cummins and get a current status on the engine, whether the updates were done and/or if still applicable.
The owner would have a specification sheet in the coach that lists the engine serial number. The electronc engines store all of the fault codes if you wanted to go so far as to have a diagnostic tool hooked up to look at the history including the number of hours on the engine.
When I recently installed a VMS monitor to my engine with about 45k on it, the data was fairly close to the hour meter on the dash. Mileage on the engine will be off due to idle time, mph, etc.

Larry
Intrigue
10762
 

Re: 1998 Allure

Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 7492
Hi Folks,
Re:

When I recently installed a VMS monitor to my engine with about 45k on it, the data was fairly close to the hour meter on the dash. Mileage on the engine will be off due to idle time, mph, etc.

Larry
Intrigue
10762

My response:

It is my understanding that the engine hours stored in the ECM may differ from the dash gauge for the following reason: the dash gauge was not updating for some reason (disconnected or failed). The date and time may be different as reported by the ECM if power to it was removed. If any updates to the ECM were done(e.g. engine hp increased) then all values are set to zero and increment from there (ISC engine - don't know about the versions after the ISC). I have had this discussion with Martin Perrot, owner of Silverleaf and reported this situation about 1 1/2 years ago.
Fred Kovol