Electrical arcing noise - 2015 Coachmen Pursuit 31BD

[designfly]

Looking for advice on issue:

Hearing loud arcing, snapping noises coming from engine compartment on 2015 Coachmen Pursuit 31BD.
Just went to start it up, so I shut down the engine and turned off the main battery switch.
I heard loud arcing even after engine and battery switch was turned off...then it eventually quit.

I called Coachmen but have not heard back....

This spark could easily produce a fire....scary ****

I have had 2 different repair shops look into this and they could not find a problem...or didn't try to find the problem

Anyone dealt with a issue or have advice please let me know

Thanks in advance!

[designfly]

Started it up again....ran for 2 minutes...nothing then started popping again
arcing / snapping electrical sounds coming from possibly underneath engine compartment

shut it down and turned off main battery switch again

[BigHomey]

Turning off the main battery switch is only turning off power from the house batteries to the lights, fridge etc. in the coach. It does nothing for the engine compartment. It could be the cable that feeds power to charge those batteries from the alternator, but the main switch is after the batteries.

My suggestion would be to get a helper, open everything up (dog house, hood) and start it when it is dark out. You should be able to see where any arcing is happening.

Used to troubleshoot high voltage radar chassis this way when I was in the Army - turn out the lights and turn on the power. You will see the location of the problem.

AL

[designfly]

BigHomey,

Just did that...took a video with the help of my daughters boyfriend.

The arcing started at 4:20 minutes ... i could see no arcing from underneath, but i have audio of snapping and 3 witnesses saying shut it off....YIKES

I will try again with engine cover removed tomorrow


Again I really appreciate your input THANK YOU

[A32Deuce]

Originally Posted by designfly

BigHomey,

Just did that...took a video with the help of my daughters boyfriend.

The arcing started at 4:20 minutes ... i could see no arcing from underneath, but i have audio of snapping and 3 witnesses saying shut it off....YIKES

I will try again with engine cover removed tomorrow


Again I really appreciate your input THANK YOU

Is there a switch under the drivers seat to start the chassis engine from the house batteries? If so, I would check there for lose connections or maybe a bare wire!

[Thurman]

Checking for the source of this noise at night, in the dark is a good idea.
Not familiar with the switch under the seat but another good idea.
Back in the day when we had older cars we had done "alterations" to we had this type noise often. More likely than not it would be a bad spark plug wire arcing to the closest grounded metallic object. With today's high energy spark systems it would not surprise me that there is something arcing over to a grounded surface. Back to checking it at night.

[designfly]

I appreciate your input guys...there is a switch on dash to start MH from house batteries if battery for engine is dead.

I am hearing arcing after engine has been shut off for a few seconds...would I still hear arcing?

Thanks for your input!!!!!

[A32Deuce]

Sounds like a bad heavy battery type cable that is arcing. Aux. ground wire.

[designfly]

Wow...

stumping the forestriverforums

not sure a ...
'a bad heavy battery type cable'
on a 2015 would be an issue...most likey poor wiring somewhere...

hasn't started on fire yet


waiting for a response from Coachmen monday

[ResQfrog]

Start and run with the engine cover off. If you can do it at night so arcing is more visible. Look closely at the alternator and coil packs.

[Schwartzworld]

Mine does the same thing when it's gotten wet and it's the first start. It's been in the Ford shop twice for it but they can't find the cause nor can I. All the coils have been checked, all grounds checked and main power feeds. It will light up the night (if you can get it to do it at night) but finding it's source is impossible so far. It hasn't done it when the engine is hot or a cold start when it's dry out. Get the underside wet and the fireworks begin.

I wish I had better news for you.

[designfly]

Took the "dog house" cover off to look for sparks and the aluminum engine insulator that was glued on "poorly" was laying on top of the engine with burn marks...DO NOT KNOW IF ITS RELATED
I fixed that issue...

Then proceeded to start and run for 5 minutes with "no arcing"...but this time "house battery" switch is turned off.

I just started it again with house battery off and no arcing.

Hoping at this point I can get it to a Ford dealer...wish me luck! I will need it

Both Coachmen and Ford are very little help in these situations...

____
Any input greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance

[A32Deuce]

Do the same again but turn on the house bats. If all sounds good, then you found the problem on your own. Not bad!

[Schwartzworld]

Not the dog house liner either. I tried the same thing. Replaced it with Dynamat while I was at. Still sparks and arcs. If it was loose wiring you'd think it would run rough, die out or set a code. None of those either. Mine will actually spark so hard that what ever is doing it is spitting something off the engine, hitting the concrete driveway and sends tiny bits of concrete back up at me. I kid you not. Hurts like heck.

I'm starting to wonder if its something to do with the heads as it's warming up. Doesn't make sense though, only area I haven't checked.

[designfly]

I have it in the Ford dealer right now...anything you can think of that i should have them check?
Thanks!

[designfly]

FORD is working on motorhome right now and can not find theor replicate the problem.
I asked them to wash it and spray water underneath and in wheel wells....

I am really getting frustrated with the support you get with these matters from service personel

Thoughts anyone? Bueller

[ResQfrog]

Having worked in the service side of motor vehicles for over 35 years. I can tell you that no manufacturer is going to let a dealer just change parts if they can't see or duplicate the problem. Did you video the problem to give them a starting point? By any chance did you have the unit plugged into 110 volts at the same time you had this problem?

[designfly]

No parts have been changed they can not replicate the problem
Was not plugged into 110

thanks for your time

[Schwartzworld]

Originally Posted by designfly

No parts have been changed they can not replicate the problem
Was not plugged into 110

thanks for your time

Sent you a PM

Most Ford shops won't put much into the F53 chassis. I asked my dealer to check the brakes and the hubs. They refused to pull the wheels, said they can see everything from the back of the wheel when its on the lift. Well, if that's so, why do I have grease streaks all over all of my wheels?? I have to get in there and fix the seals myself in the spring. I was literally handing them money to do work and they wouldn't.

I learned an important lesson when buying an RV. Once your off the dealers lot, your the warranty, the mechanic, the electrician and the plumber. Plus you have to fix everything the factory screwed up. What an industry.

[designfly]

Update:
Ford can not find the problem
Coachmen service manger says multiple service centers have looked and can not find a problem

I hope my next update doesn't report a fire...really very disappointed in the level of expertise of these service centers

Disgusted