SCRIPAL

I just got out from under the engine. I traced the negative side cable on the battery. It is bolted to the chasis and the bolt holding it down is a 9/16. Just before getting to the bolt, i saw the insulation has a gash in it exposing the copper wire inside. It does not appear that the wire is burnt. Is there a chance this could be causing the issue?

Derek, I am not very mechanically inclined. When you say new ground from the engine to the chasis, just exactly where is it located on the vehicle? Is this ground you are identifying in addition to the negative ground on the battery? Thanks

Does it have anything to do with cranking the engine?

Can anyone tell me what this part is and it's function? It is on the firewall just above the power brake booster/mastercylinder. This is a 1989 Dolphin 6 cyl, however, it is a replacement engine. I am still having a hard time cranking the engine after it is warm. On a cold start, it fires right up. I have checked the ground cable and it showed that it is properly grounded. I also replaced both battery cable terminals with brass ones .When it fails to start, there is a clicking noise which seems to be coming from under the dash, passenger side. After several tries of turning the key, it will finally start???? Any thoughs appreciated! Thanks

I have a starting issue with my 89 Dolphin. Last year it would not crank. My neighbor hit the started with a hammer at which time it started. I figured the starter was old and probably shot and needed to be replaced. I replaced it with a rebuilt and it worked fine on my month long trip to Montana. This spring it again would not start. We hit the starter numerous times and it started. I returned the starter but this time bought a new one, not a rebuild. I am again experiencing the same issue. I also changed out the old starter battery as it was not holding a complete charge. My mechanic is scratching his head and the only thing we can come up with it that it may be a faulty hot or cold cable off the battery to the starter. Upon turning on the ignition switch we can clearly hear the solenoid engaging. We have also thoroughly cleaned all battery connectors on both the hot and cold side of the battery. Anyone had a similar experience? Are we missing something peculiar to this model or something, relay switch, fuse ????? Any suggestions GREATLY APPRECIATED!

I have found that the screw on fittings are actually more prone to breaking than the line itself. I have encountered this twice. This Fall, I am going to replace the hot/cold lines under the sink just to be safe. I am grateful I don't have this stuff in my home!

BTW, the gray water lines were the subject of a class action law suit several years back. I believe this was the result of breakage in homes. I just replaced the line going to my toilet with a flexible cold water line which I bought at Lowe's. I had to place a 3/8" adapter to the gray line to make it work. The beauty of this set up is you can easily disconnect the line in the Fall and drain it for the cold winter months and not worry about water freezing in the toilet valve. Yes, the sharkbites are great! Lastly, vinyl wood flooring is functional and beautiful.

I purchased a re-built starter for my 89 Dolphin from O'Reillys. It did not last very long. I bought a brand new one on Ebay for $75 and free shipping. No more "re-builds" for me.

After many years, it was time to change out the old toilet for a new one. My 89 Dolphin was equipped with a Tetford Mark IV. I found that the Mark IV had been replaced with a newer version, the Mark V which is advertised as an exact fit but with a smaller profile. The height of the Mark V is a good 2" less and is more compact, a plus for limited space. For anyone considering a replacement using the Mark V, your water line may be to long due to it's decreased height. It was necessary for me to cut off 2" of the old water line in order to get a proper fit so that water line fitting could be connected onto the toilet valve inlet without crimping it. Due to the positioning of the toilet, it was quite difficult making the transition and, due to the necessary alterations, took much longer for installation.

Thanks, did you replace it with a universal valve. If not how did you do it.

I put memory foam over the original cushion in my 89 Dolphin. Very comfortable but I need to shorten the width.

I am getting very little rear brake. My mechanic looked at it and said it was not leaking fluid but it could either be a master cylinder or the Valve. These are hard to find and are $$$$$. I have done some research on the Net. and several Toyota truck owners have remove it entirely and had good result. Of course, this is not a mini either. Anyone had a problem with the valve and a fix. As usual, any insignt greatly appreciated.

Totally agree. I did the same thing and it looks beautiful.

I am installing a new toilet in my Dolphin. After researching the Web to find the best price, an Amazon suppier was the best including free shipping. I also found that Thetford (Aqua Magic maker) has a $25 rebate coupon on many of it's toilets. The coupon is valid until September 2015.

Probably so but the one featured in the article was too small and ineffective. I am certain a larger one would suffice though.

I appreciate the valuable info. shared with others on this site and would like to pass along an interesting article I found on the Net. regarding locating water leaks on an RV. I was unable to attach the article to this post so, if you will Google "This simple leak test will find small undetected water leaks" it should provide you with the info. I used a carpet drying fan through a window to provided the pressure needed and children's play bubble solution (Walmart) as my indicator. It worked! I found leaks above 2 front compartment running lights where the silicone had deteriorated after installing two years ago. Lastly, my son is in the commercial high rise construction business so, stopping water penetration is a critical factor in high winds and sway. He and his contractors swear by Dow Corning 795 because of it's flexibility and resistance to UV. I re-sealed with it and hope this works.; As of today, NO LEAKS!

I agree with Derek, there is just too much rust to be a California vehicle. I own an 89 Dolphin and I am very familiar with water leaks. This one appears to me to have that problem. From my experience, I would pass on this one and also look for a 6 cyl. if you are going to climb mountains. Good luck!

There is a very informative article on the net showing how to pressurize your RV in order to find leaks, expecially on the roof. You can Google "Simple leak test to find udndetcted leaks" and it will come up. I had a leak on my 1989 Dolphin and used a carpet blower to pressurize the cabin through a window. I used childrens's play bubble spray (Walmart) to apply at suspect locations. Just like in the article, a large bubble appeared above two of the front roof running lights. My son is in large building commercial construction and swears by Dow-Corning 795 sealant. His contractors love it because it withstands UV and is very flexible once cured. It seems to me that the flexibility issue is very important as we all know how RV 's tend to move while driving. I installed my new running lights two years ago and used clear GE silicone as my sealant. On both lights, the sealant had cracked and pulled away from the housing allowing water to enter. I re-sealed all 5 lights yesterday using the 795. We will see how it works

Thanks Derek have already done so and I have found this type thing happens all the time....part is supposed to fit but doesn't. I even sent a photograph. UPDATE: This Amazon seller does not respond to emails nor answers the phone. I think they are out of business.

The schematic certainly looks like what I need so I will order it today. Thanks to you Linda and Back East Don!

Thanks for all the responses about the center cap. Believe it or not, I have found a wrecked Dolphin very close to where I live and it is exactly like mine except it has been abused. I tried to purchase both center caps but for some reason the owner is not interested. The RV is a total wreck but there are lots of good parts on it. In the event the owner decides to part it out, I will post on the site. PS. Linda, thanks for the lead but the item you cited on Amazon is a 14" wheel cover for a Toyota truck, my center cap is much smaller.

Does any know where I can find a replacement for a 1989 Dolphin? Any leads would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

My rig is a 1989 Dolphin which is exacly like this one. It has Dolphin emblems on the rear and sides.

Amazon has it. Part C1H104151001

I put the covering over my Dolphin today. Fits great!