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gypsychris · 03-05-2008, 09:34 PM

Hello all, we are now the very proud owners of a 1989 345 LE.

We are on our way back to CT, and have been having lots of morning/starting probs...(so if we could get someone's input by tomorrow morning--that would be great!!)

Engine starts fine (454 w/ 80,000 miles or so...) and we let it warm up for 5 - 10 minutes. Then, we hit the road...and as soon as I think we're ok...the engine seems to choke on itself...and then dies.... I can restart, if not in gear, rev it up, then I put it in Drive...go up to 15-20 MPH's...and duh.....dies on me again...But, here is the catch...after an hour (this morning) driving with the hazard lights on etc.....the problem seemed gone...and we drove 200 beautifull miles... What am I doing wrong? I was told by seller, that we needed to have the engine at op. temps.... Please help...(it sounds kind of weird to have to let the engine warm up for an hour?) -- It is very cold here in Northern Ohio....

Hope someone here can help us....Love our airstream and this forum!!

Goin camping · 03-05-2008, 10:31 PM

Welcome in and CONGRATS!!!!!!

You got a sweet Moho.

Here's what to do to get help from someone that knows.

Post a new thread with a title like. "Need help with my 345LE Engine!"

That way the Moho owners and the engine guru's will see it and help out.

Sounds to me like your automatic choke isn't but Im no engine whiz. There's also a Moho forum here and you may find your answr there and with the search function.

Good luck.

loudruff · 03-05-2008, 10:47 PM

can we help we are west of cleveland

loudruff · 03-05-2008, 10:58 PM

Just some quick thoughts:
If you started out with a tank full of old gas, or it had some condensation in the fuel and moisture in the lines...old filters etc. you may have solved the problem just by driving it and adding fresh fuel.
Maybe a couple of cans of fuel conditioner couldn't hurt it. If it is actually an operating temperature problem partially blocking the radiator with a piece of cardboard is an old trucker's trick...in the cold weather. If you try this keep an eye on your temperature gauge and don't let it overheat.
Pull and change fuel filters.
If someone comes up with better ideas and you need a spot for the night we have lots of tools and a place to work. We have full hookups here. We are just off the major highways and there are lots of full service garages close by, as well as a big Chevy dealer.
You can PM us if you need directions or further help, or to get our phone number.

**moosetags** · 03-05-2008, 11:25 PM

I would also bet on a dirty fuel filter.

Brian

yukionna · 03-06-2008, 04:38 AM

Chris...welcome to the forum and congrats on your purchase. Sorry to hear you are having issues. Is the MH gas or diesel?

If gas, the problem could be the carbeurator or choke; if diesel, the problem could be with glowplugs.

Perhaps a moderator could change the title of this thread and move it into the MoHo forum. Then the real experts could chime in.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

gypsychris · 03-06-2008, 05:32 AM

Wow...thanks so much for all the replies. I am going to start another thread in the MOHO forum....I found a new fuel filter in one of the cabinets... but am not sure where to replace it? are there two fuel filters? It is a Gas MH. the 454 Engine. Thxs!

87MH · 03-06-2008, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gypsychris

... What am I doing wrong? I was told by seller, that we needed to have the engine at op. temps.... Please help...(it sounds kind of weird to have to let the engine warm up for an hour?) -- It is very cold here in Northern Ohio....

Hope someone here can help us....Love our airstream and this forum!!

Fuel Pump -

There is an electric fuel pump just forward of the 80 gallon fuel tank - a pesky critter to say the least.

Purchase a fuel pressure gauge and a good electric meter - you WILL need both -

Do a search on "345 fuel pump" here on the Forums.

Luck

87MH · 03-06-2008, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gypsychris

Wow...thanks so much for all the replies. I am going to start another thread in the MOHO forum....I found a new fuel filter in one of the cabinets... but am not sure where to replace it? are there two fuel filters? It is a Gas MH. the 454 Engine. Thxs!

Actually, there are probably three filters - just before the rear electric fuel pump, just forward of the electric step, and around (or in) the carb or fuel injection system.

gypsychris · 03-06-2008, 05:50 AM

can someone please explain a bit why it would work fine after restart etc..and after it warms up...but not in the cold AM..does that all have to do with fuel supply/pumps/filters? Sounds strange..and am just trying to understand how she works :-) THANKS!!

87MH · 03-06-2008, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gypsychris

can someone please explain a bit why it would work fine after restart etc..and after it warms up...but not in the cold AM..does that all have to do with fuel supply/pumps/filters? Sounds strange..and am just trying to understand how she works :-) THANKS!!

Grasshopper -

The Beast Doth Protest if Worked Unduly....

I have owned one of these eight ton monsters since January of 2003 - I daresay I have been into each and every system at least once.

I have come to believe that, just like a woman, there is NO understanding them. Take each mechanical malfunction as a camping adventure - make sure you get a good towing insurance package (Good Sam's is who I use), don't sweat the small stuff - if you don't get there today - you'll get there eventually.

As far as "understanding" how the mechanicals work, remember that the entire system was somewhat marginal twenty years ago when the units were manufactured. Leaking connections and old hoses will huant both the 454 and the Onan - the fuel systems will suck in air and loose prime at the most unbelievable places.....to say the least, they are maintenance hogs.

On the upside, they are probably the finest and most recognizable gasoline MoHo ever manufactured. Good luck in your endeavors - have patience in your troubleshooting - you will often find multiple "reasons" for any particular system not working. The good news is that each of the systems are relatively easy to get to, each can usually be handled by only one person (very seldom will you find you need two people to work on it), and engine and running gear parts are still abundant.

gypsychris · 03-10-2008, 05:56 AM

Ok...so we made it home !! long story short...we had all fuel filters checked...found three, and now I know where these are... :-) It turned out that the rear fuel pump, by the tank, was defective, and the mechanic replaced it. The drive to CT was great, and we are now cleaning/re-doing the interior... Thanks to everyone for your support!!

juel · 03-10-2008, 09:04 AM

Pictures, we need pictures. Take before and after, so we can see how talented you are.

soldiermedic · 03-10-2008, 09:09 AM

Welcome to the forums. We're glad to have you.

Steve

Midamrail · 03-10-2008, 09:13 AM

Here's a second vote for pictures - I love the paint scheme on the 1989 MHs.

gypsychris · 03-10-2008, 09:55 AM

Here are pictures that the seller sent us via email, before we decided to go look at it...am repainting the end cap in the bedroom, re-covering the headboard and underbed door (they were pink and nasty...) hopefully will be done sometime in the next 3-4 hours...have been working some 20 hrs on this room alone--- I am afraid of paint leaks on the carpeted walls....we shall see !!! Here are the pics... Oh...and does anyone know of leather covers we could put on the captain chairs and the swivel ones? The fabric inlets on these is torn up....