Generator slide lock

[cdat]

I have been trying for a week to get the gen slide lock to release, so far no luck at all. Yes, I've unscrewed the handle on the cable all the way.:blushing:
Is there any way to access the generator compartment, or reach up and access the lock? The underside of the coach was sprayed with foam, so can't even see into the compartment. I'm assuming I can pull the radiator on the drivers side, or the air dryer on the passenger side, but hoping there is a another way, more then likely false hope.

Thanks

[ccjohnson]

John,
You should be able to pull the handle straight out. The cable is attached to a "dog" on the other end. When pulled, the dog slips up out of it's locking position and the generator will slide out. You will need supply air pressure, as the slide is operated by an air cylinder. If stuck it may need a gentle tug on the bottom of the cover in the front of the coach. The red knob on the "palm" valve is what operates the air cylinder when the cable lock handle is pulled out.

[cdat]

I've tried pulling on the cable as hard as I can, does not release, also tried tugging on the underside of the cover, still no luck. I'm assuming that the "dog" is frozen or rusted from lack of use like a couple of other items that don't normally get used much. The cable handle pulls out about a and inch or inch and a half from the locking nut, but no further.
Thanks
John

[folivier]

Did you try spraying some lube or penetrating oil down the cable?
Mine was stuck in unlocked position (thankfully) and I was able to get it working by spraying lube and working the cable.

[ccjohnson]

An inch & a half should be far enough to release the locing dog. Are you using the red knob on the "palm" valve? It is also push/pull. Make sure you have supply system air pressure, pull the cable handle, and push or pull the "palm" valve knob. Might have to tug the cover while someone works the cable & "palm" valve.

[ccjohnson]

As an afterthought, you might call Newell & see if they can scan & e-mail you a drawing on how it all works. 888-363-9355 Tommy Key or Creslie Clark should be able to help out.

[cdat]

I've tried the red air valve, no movement in slide with air pressure up. I'll try some penetrating oil, although it doesn't feel like any type any type of click like a hood release. Hadn't considered a problem with air, will need to investigate that more, thanks.

[folivier]

Do you hear a whoosh or popping sound of air when you pull the red handle?
The valve could be bad. On my '93 there is no click when it releases it just pulls a latch up to allow the slide to run out.

[larryweikart]

John, I just recently had to get into my Gen Comp to fix my lock. It's not a real difficult task if you find you need to do it. My coach is a 94 so I'm assuming we have the same set-up. Air the coach up and put your floor jacks under it, then go to the rear of the comp and you'll find a 1/2 inch nut in each corner which holds a steel plate. Once the nuts are removed the plate will come off. (be careful when taking the cover off, as I found out):bored:, a lot of soot can be built up and will drop on your face. After open you'll be able to see the cable and lock. Mine wasn't broken but the set screws that hold that lock in place had come loose thru the years. Good Luck.

[cdat]

Larry, thanks for the info on that.
Forrest, no whooshing sound, after some of the suggestions I'm probably need to look more at the air valve.

Thanks too all of you

[folivier]

John the red valve should exhaust air when you pull it. Just checked mine and that's what it does. If you're not hearing air exhaust I would start to unscrew the air supply going into the valve to make sure there is air there. Also check the exhaust port on the valve and make sure it's clear. Around here bugs love to build a nest there and it could keep the valve from operating.
Good luck.

[cdat]

Just wanted to say thanks, as many of you suggested, it turned out to be the air portion of the system, not the lock. There is still an air leak I need to fix but the slide does work.
John

[folivier]

Congrats John, have a stiff drink, pat yourself on the back cause you're now an expert like the rest of us! :)

[gbuss]

Hi John,
I just picked up our '90 yesterday. One of our concerns when we looked at the caoch was that the generator would not slide out. The dealer initally thought that it was the lock, but when we picked it up yesterday he told us that the problem was in the exhaust. He said the exhaust pipe from the engine slides in and out of the pipe that runs to the rear of the coach similar to the stages on a retractable antenna. The pipes on my generator were stuck together. The release moved just a little when I had initially tried it and the air valve didn't make any noise. Sounds a lot like what you are experiencing.