QUICK NOTES
Website Under Construction
03 - 04 - 2014Howdy Vixen Family!
I joined Greg and the team to help get the website updated with parts, pricing and pictures.
There's a ton of stuff here to share with y'all!
Stay tuned as I hammer away at this project.
From Montana,
CJ
NEW Vixen 21 TD Adaptations
09 - 07 - 2013We just received our first Porsche G-50/01 transaxle. It is our intention to fit it behind the 2004-2013 BMW M-57 Turbo Diesel engines. If this combination works we will be fitting the assembly as a new drivetrain option for the Vixen 21.
The M-57 is an exciting project with our R+D program running well over a year now. This will be a professional conversion not just an engine swap. By luck and good graces we have met some amazing people who have helped steer us in the correct direction with M-57 project. Much of the R+D has been done already and the folks we have shared ideas with have been very helpful with our project.
The Porsche G-50/01 transaxle has been lent to us by another Vixen 21 owner. We will return it to him but in the meantime we will use it for our own R+D. In trade we will solve the cable shifting quandary for him. The G-50/01 transaxle gearing is too high for the low power of our M-21 Turbo Diesel so it will not be a replacement for the current Renault UN-21 transaxle. The Porsche transaxle is a very strong unit. It will require a modified flywheel, stock Porsche clutch, an adapter plate, clutch hydraulics and a modified cable shift system. We anticipated the power of the M-57 and the size of the Porsche transaxle when we developed our new rear wheel bearing/hub/flange/axle system. The bearing and flange are much larger as is the axle. The axle will accept a variety of inner axle joints.
I think this is a well thought out project that will increase the value and function of the Vixen 21 TD. We are meeting some amazing new owners who have direct input to the project.
Popular Parts Sale This Week
07 - 26 - 2013Popular Parts Sales 7.22 - 7.26
Amazing!
The most popular Parts Sold for the Vixen 21 this week are:
2 - Ackerman Correction KITS
3 - CS-144 ALTERNATOR KITS
2 - Short Shifter KITS
3 - Rear TD remanufactured AXLES
2 - OEM Rear Wheel Bearing KITS
1 - Timing Belt/tensioner/water pump/ T-stat KIT
Great week for us and our Vixen 21 owners.
Our NEW Speedometer Sensor/Cable/Interface is in the final development stages.
The work is being done by one of our favorite enthusiastic Vixen 21 TD owners.
We hope to have the product available at the VOA Annual meeting in Las Vegas, NV this Sept.
New Vixen 21 OWNERS this week
07 - 24 - 2013New Vixen Owners
Wow! We have 3 new Vixen 21 TD owners and a new Vixen SE revival this week.
Congrats and best wishes to:
Dan in Saskatchewan, Canada Vixen 21 TD
Jim in California, USA Vixen 21 TD
Joe in Michigan, USA Vixen 21 TD
Doug in California, USA is reviving his families Vixen 21 SE
Other:
George in Oregon found a new in the crate 524TD engine and is installing it in his Vixen 21 TD. George and Jamie have a very nice Vixen 21 TD and use it quite often.
Don P from Rapid City, SD USA stopped by yesterday to discuss all things Vixen. Don bought a Vixen 21 TD from Agency RV years ago and now that he his retired he is on the hunt for another one. He is interested in having our quality upgrades done as soon as he locates a Vixen 21 TD.
We purchased a NEW in the crate M21 BMW engine recently. It apparently was part of the Ford/Lincoln engine warranty program. It sat in a CA. shop for years. We will be making the changes necessary to fit it properly to a Vixen 21 in the next week.
We have 8 Vixen 21 TDs here for our UPGRADE Packages right now!
I will be describing what the packages involve and the advantages of having a reliable easy to maintain Vixen 21 in coming posts.
One important upgrade is our new REAR WHEEL BEARING SYSTEM. It consists of an off-the-shelf truck bearing/flange and hub. This requires a new and sturdier Axle, redesigned rear upright, rear disc brakes w/ parking brake and a new proportioning valve. These are not only necessary to install the Bearing but also anticipate and will work with our in-developement BMW m57 engine upgrade.
More soon.
Greg
"Fixin" Vixens"
07 - 24 - 2013NO START Diagnosis TD
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
There seems to be some confusion regarding diagnosing the Vixen 21 TD NO START condition.
Our procedure:
1 Is there FUEL in the tank?
2 Is the Air Filter clean?
3 Is there sufficient engine BATTERY CHARGE to crank the engine properly? (You can use the AUX Boost switch if the coach batteries are charged).
4 Engine Spins over with KEY in Start position. YES / NO
YES – Does engine sound like there is compression (Some resistance is heard when cranking)?
Yes – Continue.
No – Possible Timing Belt Issue, Head Gasket, Major engine damage requiring further inspection,
NO – Do you have B+ (12 Volt Battery) Power at the Main Starter Lug? Do you have B+ power to the small terminal on the starter solenoid with the ignition switch in the START POSITION?
Yes – STARTER issue
NO – IGNITION SWITCH, BMW to Vixen 21 wiring harness connector above the trans bell housing (PIN connectors), seized engine.
6 FUEL. Is there FUEL in the tank? Are you sure?
Diesels, unlike your gasoline powered vehicle will start and run on nearly ANY type of fuel.
7 At the engine compartment find the translucent neoprene 11mm fuel line that connects the fuel filter head to the injection pump. The line has an upward arch. The fuel injection pump has a low pressure internal “lift’ pump. When the engine is cranking (takes 2 people or a remote starter switch) the lift pump pulls fuel from the fuel tank and returns unneeded fuel back to the tank. The translucent fuel line SHOULD have a small air bubble (~3/8” long) at the top of the arch.
When cranking the engine the bubble should move towards the injection pump. This tells us that there is fuel being pulled from the tank, through the filter to the injection pump.
If additional air bubbles are seen there is an air suction issue. Diesels do not run with air in the fuel system. Possible air suction points are at the fuel tank where the old Buna rubber fuel lines connect to the fuel sender/ pickup or the hoses themselves, the O’ring at the top of the fuel heater (directly between the fuel filter and the filter head), loose or damaged fitting on the translucent fuel feed line.
If the bubble moves towards the injection pump with NO additional air bubbles turn the ignition key to ON (KO). You should hear a solid “CLICK” from the rear of the injection pump (you will also hear a buzz from the engine ECU). The click is the FUEL CUT-OFF SOLENOID operating. The opening of the fuel cut-off solenoid allows fuel to pass from the low pressure chamber of the injection pump to the rotary high pressure section. If the fuel cut-off solenoid does not open (click) there is NO fuel is at the injectors.
8 The B+ wire to the fuel cut-off solenoid is GREEN. If you do not hear the click you can run a jumper wire (we always use a wire with an inline 15 amp fuse) from the + terminal of the battery to the green wire. The spade connector on the green wire where it connects to the fuel cut-off solenoid is hard to access (use a long needle nose pliers). If you jump 12 volts into the green wire you should hear the click (solenoid) as well as the ECU buzz. If the solenoid opens (click) you can now crank the engine and you should have fuel dribbling out of the hard steel fuel lines between the injection pump and the injectors when you crack the fuel line nut open at the injector.
9 If fuel is present at the fuel injector when you loosen the injector line nut while cranking your fuel system is working and is most likely not the cause of your no start condition.
10 This diagnosis does not assure that the fuel injection pump is creating the proper 1880 – 2200#s of pressure or if the fuel is delivered at the correct time relative to crank and cam shaft TDC. The injection pump rarely fails. Injection pump issues and repairs normally require certified Bosch Diesel repair.
11 GLOW PLUGS. Engine spins with starter but won’t start or tries to start but fails. Do you have B+ power to the glow plug relay w/ KO? If Yes, check the 50 amp fuse inside of the glow plug relay (timer) cover. The glow lug operation is covered in your VMC provided Service Manual.
These are just a few of the basic issues that are easy for the Vixen 21owner to check. Do your checks in order and write down the results.
Contact us any time after you have done the basics for more in-depth and technical advice.
Specialized Auto Inc. provides this information as general information and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. All proper procedures must be followed as outlined in the OEM Service Manuals. Specialized Auto Inc. cannot be held responsible for anything you might do to your vehicle or yourself after reading the information. If you screw something up or hurt yourself and want to blame somebody, blame yourself. You have been warned.
Please contact us with any typos, omissions, errors, changes or additions.
Prices subject to change without prior notification.
We have been asked to NOT publish the VOA Events Calendar on our website.
07 - 03 - 2013You may find the Vixen Owners Association Events Calendar here:
http://vixenrv.org/tiki-index.php?page=Event%20index
But you will not be able to access it since it is on a private, password protected site.You may join the VOA here:
http://vixenrv.org/tiki-index.php?page=join+voa
The reason I published the Vixen Owners Association Events Calendar is so folks interested in the world of the Vixen Motorcoach could actually go and see a real live Vixen 21 and meet some of the ownership.
But NO, the VOA feels it should keep their events secret.
I was asked to remove the Events Calendar by a friend in the VOA in a very genuine manner using the
reasoning that if changes are made by the VOA events committee we would possibly not update our calendar and cause confusion.
I have complied with his request. Perhaps the VOA hierarchy can make future changes to make the VOA site a bit more accessible to the interested general public.
7.02.2013
OK, this is ridiculous. We have had 3 calls this week (Its only TUESDAY at 5:30P) asking when the VOA events are. There are people out there that are really interested in the Vixen 21. This was part of my business plan when I purchased the Vixen 21 stock from Iowa and moved it to Montana in 2003. The “baby boomer” generation has $$$, time and interest that far surpasses the original ownership. Now is the time for the Vixen 21.
VOA board; get up and get moving. Make yourselves and at least some of your information available. This will attract many more to your organization (term used loosely).
New people want to play in the Vixen 21 world so boot the haters, reactionaries and clowns and invite them in. It’s just the right thing to do.
Axle CORES NEEDED Vixen 21 SE
05 - 10 - 2013We need rebuildable SE AXLE CORES.
Especially the driver's side.
Please dig around and let us know how much $$$ or trade for parts. We pay the freight.
Thanks
Greg
Specialized Auto Inc.
815 Rottweiler Ln.
Belgrade, MT 59714
406.587.8148
info@vixenrv.com
www.vixenrv.com
Proud to offer Vixen Parts, Sales and Service
Introducing Dustin
05 - 09 - 20135.02.2013
5.09.2013
Introducing Dustin
It’s amazing how time flies. My name is Dustin and It’s been almost ten years since I took a job at Specialized Automotive & RV. I was intrigued by a business that primarily repowered LeSharo motor homes but also worked on ambulances, cars trucks and of course normal RVs too. I had a background in welding & machining as well as mechanical so it was a good fit. Within a few weeks of when I started Greg took off for Iowa to purchase and bring back the Vixen parts. I quickly became hooked on the Vixens and have not been able to kick the habit yet.
As I consider all of the new parts that we’ve developed at Specialized Automotive over the years it is easy for me to choose the replacement shifter for the Vixen as my favorite so far. When I started working on Vixens in 2003 I had Mike Horning showing me the common failure points and his solutions to them. One of the most colorful lessons was on the shifter. We lubed the cables and rerouted them as Mike had done many times before, then we set about adjusting the shifter which involved a large amount of trial and error. Removing the shifter repeatedly to make the adjustments was my first real occasion to question the engineering behind it. We finally achieved an acceptable level of success which in a Vixen meant we had 5 forward gears and reverse all obtainable with only one arm (instead of two and one leg on the dash).
Over the next couple of years we started using new cables instead of lubing the old ones every year. We ran out of NOS cables and lengthened the new Teflon lined cables for easier routing and better arches to reduce the drag from the cables. We installed bushing kits to reduce the play in the shifter. I then experimented with replacing the plastic pivot with an aluminum one (in what was to become Bill Collins V-300). My next step in improving the original shifter was to cut the oversized cable retainers off and welding on ones that were located properly and sized for the cable (on Geri and Warren Foss’s coach). They were ecstatic with the improvement and Geri was willing to drive the Vixen for the first time in many years. It was after this extreme success Greg and I started contemplating a way to consistently rebuild all the Vixen shifters. We kicked around many ideas and created a list of all the problems we knew the original shifter had. If memory serves correctly we came up with fourteen issues. We decided that the best approach was to start from scratch if we were going to solve them all. I’ll spare you the whole list and just hit the most important ones. First and foremost our new shifter had to shift and keep shifting without constant adjustment. This meant it needed to be durable with replaceable bronze bushings, easy to initially adjust, enough travel that minor wear would not mean a loss of 5th or reverse. Other concerns were the reach it took to shift into fifth gear, obsolete electric solenoids, clearance between the seat and shift knob, and a positive stop so that first and second were easy to find.
I built a few prototypes experimenting with all the improvements and eventually settled on a producible design made with a mix of laser cut and CNC machined parts. We are about to build our fourth production run of these shifters and get another batch of happy shifting Vixen owners. I have had a great number of people that have inquired about the new shifter that balk when they hear the price. It is an expensive part but I believe it offers a tremendous “bang for the buck”. I’ve never heard anyone who’s purchased the shifter complain about the price and in fact several proclaim that it is a bargain. The look on their faces and excitement in their voices is great to see and keeps our motivation up for designing new parts. By the way my second favorite part is our new rear bearing package that will be available very soon. We are replacing the troublesome Taurus bearing and wheel flange with heavy duty bolt up parts which will make the Vixen safer and cheaper to maintain. Safer easier to replace wheel bearings might be at the top of my favorites list very soon…
Our Vixen 21 products may be found at the NEW www.vixenrv.com
Welcome to the NEW and improved Vixen 21 RV website!
03 - 01 - 2013Hello!
My name is Dan Deininger! Our team here at Innovative Solutions Group has built this new website for Greg, owner of Vixen RV. It has been fun working with Greg. What was an interesting coincedence was that I had found his old site when searching for an RV that gets good mileage. When we first talked and Greg told me the name of his site that he needed to be updated, I laughed! It's not too many new clients that I have visited their sites before they contact me. Needless to say, I was excited about being able to work on the site since I had already been biten by the "Vixen bug".
We have upgraded the site to a solid Content Management System so Greg will be able to update it himself when he is not busy working on a Vixen Motorcoach. We have added a lot of much larger pictures in easy to use photo galleries, which we think you will enjoy. If you are like me, you love seeing lots of pics of Vixen RVs. As Greg provides more pictures we will get them up on the site. Or we will be providing him some training next week and he will be able to add them himself.
A customized feature we have created specifically for this site is the ability for Greg to export his parts inventory from Quickbooks to an Excel spreadsheet that can then be imported into the website. If you are interested in the part you can then call or send an request for more information. Part of the customization is that it not only imports the current prices, but also creates the multi-triered menu system, so you can easily find the parts you need. Over the next months, Greg will be entering more photos of each of the parts, making the site even more informative and useful to you.
It has been fun working with Greg, and I and the team here at Innovative Solutions Group look forward to a long term, ongoing relationship. If any of you have needs for a website, we would be happy to discuss how we could help you. It is my theory that if you like Greg and you like Vixens, and I like Greg and I like Vixens... we will also like each other! ;^)
I hope you enjoy the new website. Feel free to send your comments to either Greg (info@vixenrv.com) or myself (dandinmt@gmail.com) or visit the Contact page and leave a comment in the Guestbook at the bottom of the page.
Happy Trails to you all!
Dan Deininger
406-495-9291
http://inovativhosting.com
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