| |
Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
|
 |
RE: Header Help??????
Mail order exhaust parts can be trouble some, particularly if there are complication in the installation process.
Try talking to these guys: Stan custom headers in Seattle @ 800-962-6467
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
10/08/08 08:03am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: What is dangers of buying a old motorhome bus?
Every once in a while a someone tries to off an old BB school bus as a Wanderlodge. This is not one of those. Center door and 50's steak house interior, all copper tube plumbing, great laminate work are typical of a real factory built Wanderlodge. The main problem with the old FC/3208 units is lack of hill climbing, make that incline, prowess. Many folks question the competence of the 3208 due to the frequency of engine replacements in motor homes so equipped. In the case of the FC required maintenence it difficult due to the cumbersome engine cover. This frequently results in premature engine failures. Valve lash adjustments and cooling system Ph are the most over looked items. The real killer is the uniformed operator running the engine 'on the governor' or wide open, for extended periods of time. This behavior can result in valves falling into the cylinder, never a good thing. 1800 to 2400 rpm or suffer is the word.
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
09/26/08 10:09am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Dometic RM7030 frig blowing 12 volt fuse in fuse panel
Check the ground wire. Make sure it's clean and effective. It's not possible to over state how many times a poor ground is the cause of electrical problems.
MH
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
09/17/08 07:02pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Sad thing on I 40
My uncle-in-law had a Dodge class C "mobile home" that burned to the ground a while back. The transmission failed and dumped transmission fluid on the exhaust. This caught fire and coach went up in flames like a book of matches. It was a hot day in Phoenix when this happened.
That's the way it usually happens. A transmission temp gage, sending unit in the oil pan, backed up by a warning light would be a cheap solution for those who own older RVs.
The fact that 'replacement' coverage on older units is not generally available, makes such preventative measures very important.
Pressure gage on the cooling system isn't a bad plan either.
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
07/30/08 11:50am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: 454-what should a rebuilt motor cost to replace?
Purchased a pretty nice Airstream Classic a couple years back. PO, had a fresh engine installed; including a new radiator the total gouge was 8 grand, engine price was 2800, rest was labor and lots of extra 'stuff'The chassis had 120k miles at the time of the repower. Thankfully it has proved to be a good engine, that AS P-30 is a real rascal to work on.
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
07/16/08 08:50am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Old interesting FWD RV on Ebay
I concure with the "real" mileage from back in the day. Had a very well tuned 455 Pontiac Grandam 4 dr sedan, 10 mpg.
That Toro/camper would probably do about 7 @ 70 mph.
However, it is a very sweet piece of work.
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
07/12/08 10:44am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Chev 454 Carb Misfiring -- Help -- Near Wits End
Sounds like HEI distributor woes. I always carry a complete replacement, including rotor, cap and wires. There is a reason for that.
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
07/12/08 09:52am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: My turn to wine about mpg (follow up observation)
I have a P-30 in a Airstream classic. Fresh reman 454 by an unknown rebuilder, but it runs well. The PO had the reman installed.
I added headers and a OD transmission. Lost all the emission******and expected great things.
6.5 mpg @ 2600 @ 65 mph pulling a 240D toad. PO told me he always got 8,running 3500 rpm but no toad. I dunno. The 502 is bigger than the 454, duh.
It occures to me there might be a reason Chevy used a 366 in thier vocational medium duties forever.
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
06/27/08 10:27am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Exhaust manifold question
Much valid information has been posted on this thread. However, tubular headers are not automatically the best option. Tubular headers flow advantages are at higher engine speeds, that's why they are used in racing applications. In the short term it would be wise to opitimize the lower engine speed characteristics of a given engine combination. Consider the fact that truckers are dropping their road speeds, and gaining significant milage numbers. I personally like cruising along at 80+ mph, but it's not really cost effective in the best of times.
The GM P30 shop manual recommends using a graphite paste between the head surface and manifold flange, to allow the two surfaces to move indepentantly, reducing manifold stress and cracking.
There is a place for tubular headers, but they need to have a thick flange, 3/8" minimum and that means expensive.
Last week we 'remanifolded' a GM TopKick with 7.0 engine and 30k GVW.
Both OEM manifolds were cracked, miles on chassis 32k. Local dealer had both manifolds and all fasteners and studs, total cost $607. The replacement manifolds differed from the OEM as the flange surface was slit between cylinders, futher isolating the manifold from heat related stresses. I chose the Victor graphite manifold gasket as it will NOT burn out as long as torque and sealing pressure are maintained. The real key to success is using grade 8 fasteners and maintaining torque, and allowing the manifold surface to flex somewhat using graphite in some form.
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
05/24/08 09:55am |
Tech Issues
|
|
RE: P30 Tire Choice
I like the sound of a Kelly, but what model comes in a 225R19.5? I like the Kelly tire on my other vehicles.
I had Kellys installed on my Airstream Classic 34.5 this spring.
I have the IPD front sway bar and bushing upgrade on the stock rear bar. My weights are about the same as yours, I do have a tag axle.
The front end is tight, new shocks and alloy wheels.
Drove on Route 24 from Indiana to I-39 in the wind last week. It's not good and it won't be with a high profile vehicle. The Airstream is much better than the Southwinds I have owned in the past due to the improved aero-dynamics, but still need to steer it in the harsh winds that always seem to blow accross the flatlands. I wouldn't expect ANY tire to cover-up the inherant short comings of the P-30.
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
05/16/08 09:00am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Portland, OR to Detroit
I84 to I86 to I15, south on 15 to US 30. East on 30 to I 80. The construction in Chicago should be under control by now, so that bottle neck won't be an issue. The grades in OR are the only ones of consequence, and they aren't bad. This is the most direct route, done it many times. Nebraska is not a great drive but it's got to be crossed. Iowa has rolling hills and it can get windy sometimes. Stop a Walcott to experience the 'Worlds largest truck stop'.
Enjoy the ride.
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
05/10/08 02:24pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Starter Engaging While Driving
You need to rewire the power source to the chassis fuse box. Most P-30 chassis source all power from the large starter stud. Relocating to a Ford type solinoid mounted on the frame rail is the easiest way to fix the problem. A jumper wire between the start signal stud and the large stud is needed, and a suitable cable from frame mount solinoid to the starter. This modification keeps all the 'hot' wires away from the exhaust manifold heat.
This mod is a pretty normal race car fix. If the starter needs to be changed it makes life a lot easier. I don't mind Chevys, but that wiring technique is the worst. Keep in mind you may have some fusible link issues. I changed all the fusible link wire to circuit breakers of the proper amperage. Unwrapping the wire loom can reveal some amazing things, you need to do that. Don't assume that all the wires are in good shape. I have a 87 Airstream Classic on a P-30.
MH
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
03/25/08 12:09pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Where can I look to find an RV to refurbish?
I've known people who have started with something way too old and abused to rebuild. It may be cheaper in the long run to get one in fairly good condition.
Been there done that, not a good way to save money. There are some excellent deals out there on lightly used rigs. Four bucks a gallon for gas this summer will result in more of them.
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
02/27/08 03:14pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: diesel propane injection on 3208 Cat
Has anyone done a propane injection on a 3208 cat?? I am looking at getting this done on my Marquis would like to see if anyone on here has had any issues with this cat (or older diesel)and allison setup. Thx
I used a Proshot 2000 to power up my toter home. The 3208 has the 3 ring piston upgrade and is based on a 250 hp arrangement. I have added 375 marine injector nozzles, a 9Y 1344 turbo charger (Cat Part number) a 350 hp charge air cooler with water spray to provide additional cooling capacity. Instrumentation includes EGT, intake pressue, engine oil temp. Propane is costly so I only turn the switch on if hilly terrain is being encountered.
In operation, the propane provides a very noticable power increase and raises the intake pressure an average of 4#s, that's a bunch in my world. It seems many people are of the opinion it's OK to run a 3208 @ 2800 rpm all day. Not so, keep the RPM around 2000 and life will be much better. My oil temps dropped from 220 to 170 by reducing cruise RPM from 2200 down to 1700. I suspect due to reduced piston skirt friction. I'm a big overdrive transmission proponet.
There are few people crazy or stubborn enough to chase all the variables I have in pursuit of power related to the 3208. I can make these suggestions, Turbo charged engines only, NAs are not going to make it. Charge air coolers are required to control EGTs and propane injection is a good value for added grade climbing capability.
Crank shaft bearings should be inspected and replaced if required before 150k miles in motor home service.
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
02/22/08 08:25am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Dealers stocking fewer class As
With the credit the way it is and not knowing how high gas prices will go and the downturn in the economy I can see why class a may be selling slow.
Yep, that's the way it is. Those who stay up on current events aren't surprised at the obvious. Tear drop TT's are the future.
Bummer.
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
02/17/08 07:49am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Something About Getting a CDL if it's not Needed
There is another little issue to consider. A fellow I know of was operating his motorcycle. While sitting at a traffic light, not moving, he was hit by another vehicle. Not a serious issue as there was no physical injury. However as he was involved in an accident chemical checks were made. The guy blew .04 legal limit is .07, .08 is intoxicated. Due to the fact he had a CDL, the cop HAD to cite him for DUI, even though he was obviously off duty. CDL seems to require total sobriety at ANY time a vehicle is operated by a CDL holder. He was as innocent as can be, but now has a DUI on his record. I didn't know this until I heard the story, wouldn't have a CDL now if I knew about it before hand.
This happened in Milwaukee.
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
02/16/08 09:54am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Doghouse gaskets
Being in FL, I suspect you have yacht/cabin cruiser suppliers. I found the exact replacement gaskets for my dog house is such a facility.
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
02/04/08 07:33am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: DRACO RV FOR SALE
Kinda looks like the garbage truck that picks up our trash.
Yes it does, and you would probobly have the same luck getting into a RV park for the nite with a garbage truck. I doubt you are going to be parking @ Indio with Draco unless they are real impressed with the cable tv time it got once. In fact some KOAs might complain.
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
01/20/08 08:52pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: GM HydroBoost electric pump
I think the idea is for the engine to keep running. Excessive re-engineering of the hydro-boost calls into question the validity of the state of engine tune.
I have over 250k miles with big block powered hydro-boost equipped vehicles and never had a problem related to engine quitting. I would recommend the modification of the brake pedal to allow both feet to apply the brakes, even with the engine running and booster fully energized, two feet on the brakes stops better in a serious situation. I think them old GM brakes work pretty good as produced.
Saved my butt with a Chevy C-30 crew cab with camper in Chicago, and with type C motor home in Indy, towing race car trailer both times, major tire smoking stops, but it stopped.
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
01/17/08 09:23pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: DRACO RV FOR SALE
I saw Draco on the RV on line site for a half a mil a couple of years back. It was off the site real soon. Wonder why. Assumed it sold, guess not.
|
Mike Hohnstein
|
01/17/08 09:09pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
