Engine manuals?

[ralley]

I have a 1991 AS 350, with, apparently, a 1990 Chevy engine and frame.

1. Does anyone sell decent multi-year engine manuals for the chevy 454?

2. My Airstream owner's handbook (the one with all those nice crisp, clear, easy to read wiring diagrams) states that there was also a Chevrolet manual which came with the MH from the factory. Does anyone still have these?

3. If none of the above are adequate or available, and I had to have a manual for some other Chevy product with a 454 in it which was similar to the Airstream, which Chevrolet vehicle would it be for?

I feel naked without some form of reference for engine stuff in the vehicle--but I cannot find a suitable manual which can answer simple (and sometimes not so simple) questions about stuff, and with which I can do simple troubleshooting. It's real purpose is to inform me whether or not I need a professional wrench to fix my problem, or can I manage it myself. No other vehicle I have ever owned went on the road without a good manual.

Anybody know what I need, and where to get it??

R

[noiva]

Originally Posted by ralley

I have a 1991 AS 350, with, apparently, a 1990 Chevy engine and frame.

1. Does anyone sell decent multi-year engine manuals for the chevy 454?

2. My Airstream owner's handbook (the one with all those nice crisp, clear, easy to read wiring diagrams) states that there was also a Chevrolet manual which came with the MH from the factory. Does anyone still have these?

3. If none of the above are adequate or available, and I had to have a manual for some other Chevy product with a 454 in it which was similar to the Airstream, which Chevrolet vehicle would it be for?

I feel naked without some form of reference for engine stuff in the vehicle--but I cannot find a suitable manual which can answer simple (and sometimes not so simple) questions about stuff, and with which I can do simple troubleshooting. It's real purpose is to inform me whether or not I need a professional wrench to fix my problem, or can I manage it myself. No other vehicle I have ever owned went on the road without a good manual.

Anybody know what I need, and where to get it??

R

I've just gone through a similar experience with my 1989 370LE, which has a Ford 460 engine. No engine manual . I finally figured out that the 460 in my MoHo was not the typical 1989 460 since Ford didn't even put carbs on 460s by then . By getting my local NAPA parts guy to go back in his parts listings for 460s, I finally determined it was essentially a 1985-1987 engine configuration used in the F-350 vans and pick-ups. I then bought a Chilton's manual that covered those vehicles, and have had very good success since getting the right parts, instructions, etc. needed. Not as good as a "real" factory manual, but enough to get most things done. I have no idea if Airstream did the same type of thing with the Chevy engines as with the Ford, but it's worth a shot. (You could even reverse the process by checking out a manual at your local library for the year you have, and see if it matches your engine.)

Hope this helps.

[guy99]

I purchased a chevy manual which covers the P30 chassis from ebay. Its useful once you find what you are looking for.

[noiva]

Originally Posted by guy99

I purchased a chevy manual which covers the P30 chassis from ebay. Its useful once you find what you are looking for.

Guy,

Let me know if you ever come across a Ford manual that covers the Gillig chassis .

[balrgn]

Check this out
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHILT...QQcmdZViewItem
I got one for my '77 P30. It's a great resource!

[swebster]

I have the P30 manual, and while it's good for specs and some information about specifications, fluids, etc (for example the engine is meant to run at 195 degrees and the remote solenoid starter installation to solve hot starting issues was part of a dealer service bulletin) it's not much of a manual for the 454 itself.

I'm used to the Haynes manuals for my other vehicles, which typically shows you how to do almost everything, including a rebuild on the engine. This is not that manual.

I would look for light truck service manuals for the year range of your motorhome for more detailed info on the engine, chassis, etc.

[ralley]

All: Thanks very much. My local parts store--the one that has guys on the counter older than 19, and who don't give me a blank stare when I say "Chevy 454 on a P-30, don't worry about the rest of it...." tell me that they think the Haynes or Chilton manual for a Suburban ought to have what I need. We shall see. I tend to like the Haynes manuals. I'll pass on my opinion when I have one.

Again, thanks to all.

R