[TerryW]

Hi guys,

I have purchased a 1986 Newell. I recently sold my Wanderlodge so I am somewhat familar, but not with Newells specifically. I am cursed with the urge to "save" these things.
The coach is five hours away which complicates things some what.

The problem as of now is that:
(1) the coach doesn't build air pressure, it started to build pressure but then nothing, 
also, and possibly related, 
(2) the alternator does not charge. 
I am hoping that this is just a thrown belt/belts I didn't have time to check but I did smell burnt rubber and they would be older as the coach has sat for a few years
(3) The generator started and then after about 5 minutes it died. The generator gauge cluster shows that the fuel is propane (is this possible?) and the propane is empty.
There doesn't seem to be any slide catch by the gen slide in/out valve, instead there is just a clip pin in the bumper (is this normal or am I missing something) is there anywhere else I should be looking for the slide catch?

[TerryW]

Does anyone know what belts the 8v92 compressor and alternator take?

[encantotom]

each engine and config takes different belts. so if you have old belts you will have to look at them or measure them

yes, some of that vintage have propane generators.

tom

[Richard]

Welcome Terry

[TerryW]

Thanks, Tom

We are heading out early tomorrow and I'll report back what we find. Maybe it’ll be useful to others. The coach is actually in decent condition and has had professional attention in the past, unfortunately it has sat in a grass field for the past few years so cosmetically it looks pretty abysmal.

[dannymarilyn]

Dear Terry, if your new darling was sitting in a grassy area, suspect about any and all wiring. A lot of critters will chew wiring!

Does yours have hydraulic jacks under it? If not, procure cribbing to block the frame so when you crawl under it to spray air componets with soapy water to look for air leaks. Be sure to find your air reserve tanks and drain the water and trash out of them.

Get a good volt ohm meter if you don't already have one to check voltage on batteries and alternator output voltage. With the engine running at high idle, you're looking for 13.8 to 14.2 volts at the battery terminals. Of course, you need belts to be installed. I've had good luck with my local NAPA 8D batteries. Also, any NAPA store can warranty the batteries should you have trouble on the road.

Good luck and keep us posted.

deg # 277 1991

[Jack Houpe]

Welcome Terry! In an emergency you can take the alternator to mid adjustment position get a piece of string and wrap it around all the pulleys and then measure it.

[Tf175]

Welcome Terry !
I will go on the assumption that your '86 is similar to mine , although we know that no two Newells are the same .
My set up : 
 Alternator and air compressor are direct drive off the engine . Both at rear of engine , over bell housing .
 The alternator is at the top, centrally mounted . Drives off blower shaft.
 Compressor on driver's side, accessory drive . 
 Both accessible from driver's side engine compartment door.
 I have a propane tank , driver's side . Third door to rear of left front wheel , inboard of two fuel/water separators .

My coach has air throttle , not much will happen without air . With no air the rear brakes are locked as well .
You may have a major air leak , possibly at the air dryer . My coach came with a CR Roadmaster dryer , mounted on forward bulkhead , driver's side 
engine compartment . Round , finned vertical job . Air goes to dryer from compressor , dryer purges at the bottom . Unless the compressor just stops
building air , there may be a leak . You mentioned that air starts to build , there can also be a problem with the " unloader" in the compressor or the governor . The governor is easily accessed , beside the bottom of the air dryer .

If you haven't already , check your alternator output at the alternator itself . Mine was originally a Leece Neville 85 amp unit . I went over a few hurdles , I can at least tell you some things to avoid . 
 I'm sending a PM .
Chris

[Tf175]

The generator slide is held by a pin . I use a 1/4 bolt and jam nuts .
There is a 220 v squirrel cage fan on the passenger side forward of the wheel . This fan must be running or the generator will overheat . There is a duct underneath the generator,  below the radiator. There should be a brisk breeze from the duct when generator is running . There is a safety shut off system for low oil pressure or high water temp .
 Is the generator producing current while it's running ?

[Tf175]

Also , if you are having difficulty sliding the generator out , it is likely the exhaust pipe sticking . The pipe from the engine slides into a larger diameter pipe .
Mine was a bear the first time I tried to slide the generator out . Just kept rocking it back and forth until it slid out . You can see a bulkhead behind generator where the pipe goes in , if bulkhead is flexing,  pipe is stuck .