Classic Motorhomes running too hot ?

[Punch]

Originally Posted by chiefair

No, the 8.1 is a different block than the 502. The 8.1 is a "tall deck" with a longer stroke than the 502.


1982 310 motorhome 454
Henniker New Hampshire

Interesting. So does the 502 not burn more gas than the 454? I presume we're talking TBI for fuel atomization though.

[chiefair]

I have a Holley 850 carb. I have been on one shakedown cruise and one weekend camping trip since I installed the 502. My initial impression is that my fuel mileage has improved. I never calculated it with the 454 so I can't make a real accurate assessment. I've always felt that if you are worried about fuel mileage you should probably find another hobby.
I think the 502 is not working as hard as the 454 was so that may explain my perceived increase in economy.
I certainly never expected it to run so much cooler.


1982 310 motorhome 454
Henniker New Hampshire

[Grosspoluter]

For what it's worth
When I receieved my 345 last year it would 200 - 220
I did a little research and had people on the internet say that 200 - 210 is normal and good for a 454 "they like to run hot" seemed to be the answer, but I just could end stomach it so I did a simple flush (not removing the radiator)
I replaced the 190 thermostat with a 160 then ran just water and a product called water wetter. Now my temps seem to run cooler 180 - 200. BUT I live north (Chicago Area) and I will flush again and install antifreeze very soon!
Here's another thing... The temp sensor on the 454 is in the head I since have installed another gauge with its sensor in the upper radiator hose
Just today running down the highway the temp difference between the two pretty great at one point the head temp was 200 and the upper hose one was 180
Also for what it's worth I also installed a engine oil temp it was reading 200 - 210 today (it was however a PERFECT travel day sunny and 60*)

[Isuzusweet]

Just my 2 cents

83 Isuzu, no dash air due to compressor seized and disconnected, with interior heater cored bypassed runs a steady as a rock 180 degrees in up to 95 F.

Recent trip in much cooler temps with heater core bypass open, saw temps 165-170 for much of the trip on highway, into the hills and on the diesel, close to, but not quite 180.

Cheers
Tony

[tevake]

WOW ! Chiefair. Only 100 degrees indicated temp would cause me to doubt the gauge. Have you confirmed those temps? Those hand held laser thermometers are usefull.
Hell, I mean in Phoenix up until a few days ago you'd get 100 degrees before starting the engine.

Interesting to hear that the cooling water additives are so effective .

It seems clear to me that managing airflow thru the engine compartment is crucial to proper cooling in our classic coaches. I had read here about the importance of the air dams , so that's why I replaced mine.

[tevake]

I lost the previous text two times when trying to add pics. So here it is in the making and fitting stage.

[tevake]

And installed.
Also replaced the dams at the bottom of the radiator.

[tevake]

Better pic
Having the new dam in place totally blocks any view of the front of the engine. But is somewhat removable for access.

[tevake]

The view out the stream door while parked here at my place here in Chino Valley.
Tho it's usually covered I still enjoy seeing it right out the window.
Really appreciate all the positive comments about my rig and Toad.
The Porsche is a great car to own, drive, and to tinker with.
Mostly DIY maintaince. Also fun PCA club activities like Autocross, and track days. Big fun!
I'm hoping to include more Porsche club activities into future travel plans, join in with distant track or Autocross events while traveling.
The online Porsche community is active and a lot of fun for me.
Here is a link to my summer travel thread that I posted on pelican parts, my favorite site. Warning lots of car content.
Cheers Richard
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-t...g-911-tow.html

[mayco]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

Just my 2 cents

83 Isuzu, no dash air due to compressor seized and disconnected, with interior heater cored bypassed runs a steady as a rock 180 degrees in up to 95 F.

Recent trip in much cooler temps with heater core bypass open, saw temps 165-170 for much of the trip on highway, into the hills and on the diesel, close to, but not quite 180.

Cheers
Tony

Same same Tony, on my 310 TD. No dash air, heater core is connected, steady Eddie at 185. It will climb to 200 when its warming up, thermostat opens and it sits at 185.

[tevake]

Those ornate chrome vents above the front wheel wells really do work.
This became clear to me after an overnight drive across the desert from Az to Ca. At the very beginning of this summers trip.
I started out all freshly washed clean, coach and toad.

I stopped at a rest stop in the wee hours of the morning for a couple of hours of shut eye.
My morning walk around showed that I had An oil leak in the hard trans oil cooling line to the radiator. ( too much movement while doing the radiator work ).
Anyway the pinhole leak had blown into the wheel well area and out that vent and only out that vent, none around the edges of the wheel well.
Out the vent in a narrow swath growing wider till mid way down the coach it covered the whole side of the coach and the car as well. Yuck. Sticky mess to find yourself in in the middle of a drought area.
BUT THE VENTS DO WORK!

Cheers Richard

[chiefair]

Originally Posted by tevake

WOW ! Chiefair. Only 100 degrees indicated temp would cause me to doubt the gauge. Have you confirmed those temps? Those hand held laser thermometers are usefull.

I have confirmed my temps with a thermometer. My temp sensor is in the head but I found very similar readings at the thermostat housing.


1982 310 motorhome 454
Henniker New Hampshire

[ALANSD]

Originally Posted by tevake

The view out the stream door while parked here at my place here in Chino Valley.
Tho it's usually covered I still enjoy seeing it right out the window.
Really appreciate all the positive comments about my rig and Toad.
The Porsche is a great car to own, drive, and to tinker with.
Mostly DIY maintaince. Also fun PCA club activities like Autocross, and track days. Big fun!
I'm hoping to include more Porsche club activities into future travel plans, join in with distant track or Autocross events while traveling.
The online Porsche community is active and a lot of fun for me.
Here is a link to my summer travel thread that I posted on pelican parts, my favorite site. Warning lots of car content.
Cheers Richard
R Ving with 911 in tow - Pelican Parts Technical BBS

I know this is off topic...but I too am a Pelican since 2002. Had an 81 Euro Targa in 1987 until 90, bought my present one in 93.

[Punch]

I figure I'm not old enough to buy a Porsche or start playing golf yet.........

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by ALANSD

I know this is off topic...but I too am a Pelican since 2002. Had an 81 Euro Targa in 1987 until 90, bought my present one in 93.

Beautiful Porsche, Alan, You and me both know what you need to pull that with
hint.......:

[Punch]

Originally Posted by tevake

Those ornate chrome vents above the front wheel wells really do work.
This became clear to me after an overnight drive across the desert from Az to Ca. At the very beginning of this summers trip.
I started out all freshly washed clean, coach and toad.

I stopped at a rest stop in the wee hours of the morning for a couple of hours of shut eye.
My morning walk around showed that I had An oil leak in the hard trans oil cooling line to the radiator. ( too much movement while doing the radiator work ).
Anyway the pinhole leak had blown into the wheel well area and out that vent and only out that vent, none around the edges of the wheel well.
Out the vent in a narrow swath growing wider till mid way down the coach it covered the whole side of the coach and the car as well. Yuck. Sticky mess to find yourself in in the middle of a drought area.
BUT THE VENTS DO WORK!

Cheers Richard

I have to admit that is pretty convincing evidence. It was only yesterday that I had my head stuck inside the left fender well and felt very skeptical that the vents would actually accomplish anything.

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by Punch

I have to admit that is pretty convincing evidence. It was only yesterday that I had my head stuck inside the left fender well and felt very skeptical that the vents would actually accomplish anything.

Never too late to learn.
I have 2, one for trans fluid, the other for engine oil

[Punch]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

I do not have any personal experience with the MH, but I was involved form a MFR standpoint 20 years ago. I specifically recall the absolute need for inner fender closeouts for both sides. When they are open there is a lot of turbulence in that area which prohibits a flow of hot air out of the engine bay. You want a smooth stream of air from the grille opening, back and down and out through the rear. Having no inner fender closeout "balls up" all the hot air and leads to overheating and fuel boiling issues....especially on carbureted models.

So why did not Airstream (or was it GM?) not fit a closeout on the right side? And we're talking years and years without one. There's some old guy somewhere who knows the answer to this.

[Punch]

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

Never too late to learn.
I have 2, one for trans fluid, the other for engine oil

So you have some ducting in the fender well that leads to the vents separately?

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by Punch

So you have some ducting in the fender well that leads to the vents separately?

No, never seen a duct connected to one of the vents. More stuff I have to learn about these?