Oasis Zone Fault

[Rich W.]

No heat in rear bedroom or rear bathroom. Oasis says zone fault for those areas. To late to go check for fuses so I'll do it tomorrow. But from what I'm reading, the fuses generally blow because the pump is shorted out or bound up. And from what I'm reading, changing the pumps is a real pita?

Yep - its most likely a pump. If you change the fuse and it immediately pops the new one, you have a bad (stuck) pump. I bench tested a bad one, disassembled and reassembled it, and got it to run and then it started smoking and burned up. So just replace it.

You can pay $295 for an OE pump, or try the US solar replacement pump (mentioned above) for a little under $81 - well worth trying a new one and it has @Buly’s endorsement. Thats what I’m going to do next time.

I’ve replaced all three of mine (one of them twice) so I should be good for a while. It’s not easy and its not exactly difficult - just kind of a pain getting in there, clamping the coolant lines, cutting off the factory clamps, etc.

One thing I definitely reccomend avoidnig is the retro-fit kit with 3/4” fittings. It’s cheaper, and availability is better, but it is not worth the hassle of making it fit. I did it because there was nothing else available from Oasis/ITR/Hydronic warehouse at the time, and I didn't know about the US Solar pumps. But it was a shoehorn fit and not fun at all - never again!

Factory pump:

20010 OASIS CIRCULATION PUMP: ITR Brushless Pump 12 VDC 1/2 inch Connections

ITR Brushless Pump 12 VDC 1/2 inch Connections Newmar Oasis Stir Pump 103705T The mounting for the new pump is 2 1/4 in diameter 2 1/4 Bracket for pump is sold separately If replacing an older pump. All three pumps are the same.https://hydronichea...

hydronicheatingwarehouse.com

US Solar pump:

C1EA Summer Loop Replacement Pump

The Summer Loop Replacement Pump is an excellent choice as a replacement for many vehicles, boats and cooling systems for homes.

www.ussolarpumps.com

What not to get:

Buehler C20 Pump Retro Fit Kit 400/450 - PLE-100-905-FRU

Technical Service Bulletin 450-400 Pump Retrofit PDF Document BUEHLER C21 400 - 450 Pump Retro Fit Kit. New Style Pumps are used on all new aqua-hot and hydro-hot systems. This can be used as a circulation pump, stir pump & engine pre-heat pump. *...

hydronicheatingwarehouse.com

On your other heat sources, you have heat pumps, not just air conditioners, so you need to find that selection on your thermostat. Mine is simple, but yours may not be. So when plugged in or on the genny you will generally use your heat pumps; when “unplugged” you’ll use the Oasis. You may very well have heated floors too. You really need your MSRP and build sheets, available from Newmar - they’ll email them to you.

 

[sheridany]

There should be a heat pump in your hvac unit handled by the thermostat. At least that was how it was in my Ventana. LADP might be different. On the oasis pump, it’s typically the summer loop pump that was problematic. I’d go turn the oasis on and off on the driver side bay and see if that makes a difference.

 

[sheridany]

One other thing I seem to recall there was a switch near the dash that had to be turned on to get the furnace turned on tied into the oasis. It’s been a while but that what I remember.

 

[Rich W.]

May seem like a silly question, but is the Oasis the only source of heat in these coaches? No heat pump?

Just looked at the brochure and you have the same thermostat I have. So just hit the mode button for each zone until you get to Heat Pump and set your temp. There is a short delay but it will come on and start blowing heat in a couple minutes and they really put out nice heat.

From the 2016 LA brochure:
Mine looks like this with the heat pumps selected:

 

[Jim]

Just looked at the brochure and you have the same thermostat I have. So just hit the mode button for each zone until you get to Heat Pump and set your temp. There is a short delay but it will come on and start blowing heat in a couple minutes and they really put out nice heat.

From the 2016 LA brochure:View attachment 15690
Mine looks like this with the heat pumps selected:
View attachment 15692

I have a silverleaf and unless the "mode" is hidden somewhere, I'm not seeing it. And for some reason the heat pump isn't coming on. Maybe because it's below 40*?

 

[NWIP]

They are not very effective below 40 but should work. I recommend getting some heater hose so you can replace, I imagine yours is probably hard/stiff due to age. I measured and put on hose on new pump prior to disconnecting the old pump and hose. I also recommend a pair of hose clamps and lots of rags.
I also recommend the US Solar pump @Rich W. suggested, it is identical except you need to put on the electrical connectors.

 

[Neal]

@Jim there is logic in the systems that at a certain temp somewhere 40 or below they will auto switch to furnace. Mine does it at 32 which is too low but I verified it works.

Changing the pumps in your coach would not be hard as you have big basements. The pump location is accessed from the passenger side and you'll likely have to remove one of the wooden "faux" walls on the back side of OASIS or shore power reel, I can't remember which, for me it was the bay forward of the pegboard.

You'll need something to clamp off the hose(s) to avoid fluid loss. I use these (get 2):

Amazon.com

ITR Heat is great to talk to if you need troubleshooting advice. I've done far too much triage in mine from electrical shorts, failed pump (so far only 1) and then of course the annual service kits which if you don't know if yours has been done I recommend picking up a 5 year kit.

Itrheat

Phone: 800-993-4402

5 year service kit (other options are 1 and 3 year kits which have reduced parts for service):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N75RKTE/?tag=rvf01-20

YouTube has videos on performing OASIS services.

Carry a spare pump at all times, they can't be trusted! They went to a newer version which supposedly is better. I got mine from ITR but others found replacements which sound good but I have yet to need.

You can download the Oasis troubleshooting manual:

ITR Oasis Service & Troubleshooting Manual

ITR Oasis Service & Troubleshooting Manual

rvforums.com

Have spade connectors and spare fuses on hand as well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BZ8BLJN/?tag=rvf01-20

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XY2V532/?tag=rvf01-20

If you need more Century Transfer Fluid which your reservoir should be in the chassis battery bay (rear passenger side) make sure you put the same kind in that you have already but it should be this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BDWQXM2/?tag=rvf01-20

 

[JRW-NAW]

New to the Oasis world but since the majority of noted failures are pumps, I ordered one of the Solar C1E 12V 20L pumps for my parts box.

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

The easy answer to avoid the need to quickly replace a failed pump is to not join Neal on one of his winter wonderland RV tours.
Instead, follow the birds south, then you can take your time to replace a pump.


Knocking on wood here… Oasis is now 8 years old and no pump issues. I check coolant levels regularly, and a couple times a year have to transfer a little back from the overflow to the main unit. Makes me wonder if pumps go bad due to having air in the system. Knocking on wood again…

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

Following this thread, though I am not a Newmar owner. Hoping you Newmar owners won’t mind a Renegade owner hanging around as our coach has an Oasis unit (instead of Renegade’s usual choice of AquaHot).

 

[Neal]

Nope, just one big happy friendly gang here. You did get your RVF tattoo right???

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

@Jim there is logic in the systems that at a certain temp somewhere 40 or below they will auto switch to furnace. Mine does it at 32 which is too low but I verified it works.

Changing the pumps in your coach would not be hard as you have big basements. The pump location is accessed from the passenger side and you'll likely have to remove one of the wooden "faux" walls on the back side of OASIS or shore power reel, I can't remember which, for me it was the bay forward of the pegboard.

You'll need something to clamp off the hose(s) to avoid fluid loss. I use these (get 2):

Amazon.com

ITR Heat is great to talk to if you need troubleshooting advice. I've done far too much triage in mine from electrical shorts, failed pump (so far only 1) and then of course the annual service kits which if you don't know if yours has been done I recommend picking up a 5 year kit.

Itrheat

Phone: 800-993-4402

5 year service kit (other options are 1 and 3 year kits which have reduced parts for service):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N75RKTE/?tag=rvf01-20

YouTube has videos on performing OASIS services.

Carry a spare pump at all times, they can't be trusted! They went to a newer version which supposedly is better. I got mine from ITR but others found replacements which sound good but I have yet to need.

You can download the Oasis troubleshooting manual:

ITR Oasis Service & Troubleshooting Manual

ITR Oasis Service & Troubleshooting Manual

rvforums.com

Have spade connectors and spare fuses on hand as well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BZ8BLJN/?tag=rvf01-20

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XY2V532/?tag=rvf01-20

If you need more Century Transfer Fluid which your reservoir should be in the chassis battery bay (rear passenger side) make sure you put the same kind in that you have already but it should be this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BDWQXM2/?tag=rvf01-20

+1 on service kit

We carry spares for everything on the 5 year service kit. When we get flame out errors, simple 10 minute swap of a nozzle or filter and are back in service again.

 

[Jim]

They are not very effective below 40 but should work.

I understand, but they would probably be whole lot better than the one (1) working hydronic zone. Problem is, they've been working at home just fine. Get to GA and now, nothing!

Having never had an Oasis system, I don't understand how the heat pumps on the roof work in conjunction with the Oasis. Seams reasonable to assume that they can be turned on/off independently, but I'm not seeing anything on the SilverLeaf that allows that.

Under "Climate" -> "Oasis" I can turn off the burner and AC1/2. But that seem to do anything except turn off the heating supply to the Oasis and does nothing to turn on the roof units. What am I missing?

 

[Neal]

OASIS supplies heat to provide hot water and also circulates the antifreeze (heating fluid) through the furnace blowers - that's all OASIS does.

The heat pumps on the roof are not connected to OASIS in any way. But there is logic in the thermostat system that is outside of your t-stat that will auto switch HEAT PUMP units to FURNACE (OASIS) when the outside temp is such that HEAT PUMPS can no longer work. The rule of thumb for manually managing this is to use heat pumps when the outside air temp is above 40F.

Some prefer furnace over heat pump based on noise levels and what you may prefer for sleeping.

If using the FURNACE for heat there is a switch on the front dash, likely below the dash radio, for the furnace blower (low, mid, high) - I recommend HIGH as all that glass area is hard to heat.

I'm not sure if you got your floor heating issue resolved but that gives you another option for heat which many prefer, but hot water is on its own pump and not related.

Comprendez?

 

[Jim]

The rule of thumb for manually managing this is to use heat pumps when the outside air temp is above 40F.

Yes, indeed. But how does one manage this? I can turn the Oasis off, but how do I turn the heat pumps on?

 

[Neal]

There should be an option in your climate control to select heat pump vs. furnace.

 

[Jim]

There should be an option in your climate control to select heat pump vs. furnace.

Haven't been able to find that elusive little bugger as yet.

 

[Neal]

Answered - Using Oasis instead of heat pump?

Just out of curiosity, I'm wondering if it is possible to use Oasis for heat instead of the heat pumps? I know that Oasis will switch in when the outside temperature drops to 40 degrees or so, but is there a way to manually enable Oasis at other times? On our MADP, the climate control is...

rvforums.com

 

[Jim]

Answered - Using Oasis instead of heat pump?

Just out of curiosity, I'm wondering if it is possible to use Oasis for heat instead of the heat pumps? I know that Oasis will switch in when the outside temperature drops to 40 degrees or so, but is there a way to manually enable Oasis at other times? On our MADP, the climate control is...

rvforums.com

Well alright! We're cooking with gas (electricity) now! Hardly straight forward though. Thank you, Neal.

 

[Jim]

OK, I understand it now. Although rather mechanical, it works well enough if you know where the pitfalls are.

[Configurable Settings]
Primary = heat pump (on roof)
Secondary = Oasis
Both = both.

But if you have a faulted zone in the Oasis heat and you set the configuration to "both", your going to have a battle as the Oasis will pump cold air into the room, while the heat pump dumps hot air in from the top.

In making my situation work last night, and to keep the Oasis from dumping cold air into the faulted rooms, I went into the climate setting and turned the heat off in those rooms. That left the one working zone (the salon) working overtime to keep the coach warm. Now that I've switched to Primary Only, I needed to go back into Climate and turn the two faulted rooms back on.

And life is good again. Well, except that the wind is blowing like a small hurricane and it's very low 40's out there. But it's nice and toasty inside!