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Topic: Recent Msg about failing of brackets on Hurricane Heater. (Read 1167 times) previous topic - next topic
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Recent Msg about failing of brackets on Hurricane Heater.

Yahoo Message Number: 1114
Had new brackets, tailpipe, and muffler installed at the factory in August as the original one had "dropped off," heater was noisy as can be, and instructions stated it was unsafe to operate without a tailpipe. Factory installed with the new short tailpipe, exiting on the passenger side.
Returned to Factory this last week for a couple of items and appointment at Davis Cabinets. Had work done at CC Service and that evening and as was cold turned on the heater and thought at the time it was a bit loud, but as it was cold did not go out and look. Left the customer lounge RV area early next morning and (thank goodness) drove the six blocks to Davis Cabinets. Walking back to the RV from the office noted the strange attitude of the pipe from the heater and went back to check it (It was sticking almost straight up alongside the edge of the coach). The tailpipe, muffler and clamp were dragging on the ground. Only the one bracket at the outside of the coach edge saved it from being run over and lost. Upon examination I noted that the pipe that slips over the stub from the heater was not slotted with a hack saw, and thus could not compress when the clamp was put on and tightened.
With the continuous heating/cooling and the resulting expansion/contraction of the stub inside the tail pipe, and the clamp not being able to compress, it was only a matter of time till the tailpipe dropped off. I WILL BET THAT EACH OF YOUR'S IS THE SAME, IF YOU HAVE NOT LOST IT YET.
Upon return to the CC Service Area, I requested that they cut a slot with a hack saw which will allow the pipe to compress upon the stub and put it back on. This obviously was a workmanship/engineering problem as there was no way the pipe could adhear to the stub the way they originally installed it.
Upon return of the coach to me the order writer advised me they had drilled three holes and installed three stainless steel screws to insure it did not seperate again. Upon checking, I noted no screws at all, but that the mechanic had used a hack saw, cut two slots of about 1,1/2" in length, and put the clamp on over the portion with the slots so that the outside pipe could compress over the stub when the clamp was tightened. I have since added two pieces of metal plumbers tape with screws that holds the pipe up in the event the brackets rust away. I'm not gonna lose another one. Best check your's while your thinking of it.

Regards and good traveling

ron and molly '01 Intrigue 11262