RV Squid: Check Engine

September 30, 2024

At the end of the second day on our burn run from Norfolk to Rapid, Harold observed a check engine light on the dash. He was unable to get the diagnostic tool to work, but took heart in that members of RV forums noted that it was not unusual to get a code that would disappear on its own after a couple of engine restarts. Sometimes electrical gremlins occur. So he reset the dashboard.

The next morning the check engine light came on again. Hmm...This time we exited the highway and called Spartan. The customer service representative walked Harold through the diagnostics. We had erred in our diagnostic procedure the night prior. We had low coolant according to the diagnostics. Harold checked the engine. Sure enough, we had a coolant leak. Ugh!

We disconnected the Jeep, and I went in search of coolant. Our engine uses Final Charge coolant, something not found at most automotive stores. No luck. Harold used the last jug of coolant we had. There was a truck stop a couple of miles up the road. We decided to risk driving. We made it and bought four jugs of coolant. We used three of them. Harold tightened a clamp and off we went.

About 15 miles down the road, we stopped at a rest stop to check the leak. Hmm...still leaking coolant. We added the last jug for the second time that day. So, it wasn't the clamp. We were chatting with another RVer who was waiting on parts for his RV. He said there was a Speedco at a truck stop about two miles down the road. Once more we took the driving risk.

At the Speedco, we discovered that because we didn't have a DOT number, they could not work on our coach. However, they did have coolant available, and let's just say that Harold had plenty of eyes and hands searching for this leak.

My mind was on tow trucks. How much would it cost? How long would it take? Roadside assistance for big rigs is typically slow. Where were we going to get it fixed? How much would that cost? Would we make our appointment in Rapid?

Finally the leak was found, but only after accessing the engine from inside the coach and viewing the engine from the top. Four stores and two construction zones later, we had the hose barb and clamps needed to replace the bad hose section. Hose fixed, we added coolant, and went on our way.

Exhausted, we only drove a couple of more hours that day. We were so blessed at how things worked out. The truck stops and Speedco were right where we needed them to be. Thank you God!

As a bonus, because of our short travel day, we discovered a beautiful, peaceful campground that is on our very short list of favorites. We want to spend a week there sometime, simply relaxing.