Loud Motor?

[Celticknott]

Hey i just recently bought a 1978 argosy 28(454 motor) and drove it 100 miles home loved the handeling one question is it usuall for the motor to be so loud? and also down shifting didnt seen to give me any more power in the mountians only raising my rps is this normal

[ROBERT CROSS]

Loud in what way...type of loud, rattling, scraping, clunking.
Location, top of engine, bottom, front, rear.

When... moving?, acceleration, deceleration, backing. How does the sound change with engine speed? Well you the idea, the more info the better.

[GlenCoombe]

All I can say is "let's get together."

I'm just over in Sumter. I'm wondering if the original manifolds are still in place and you may have cracks, or the connections are in need of donuts at the bottom of the collectors.

You may also have limited insulation in your doghouse cover. I fixed mine, cheap.

However the bottom line is that this is a big motor. It will be big and loud at the best of times. If you have clearance above your air cleaner I would suggest you do the remote intake and make a deeper can. See my photos.

I suggest you start with a compression check and leak down to find out how healthy the motor is. Did you check your rpms vs. speed while coming home? This will give you a good indication of the final drive ratio.

Can't wait to see photos of your new to you Argo.

PM or email me if you like.

[John H.]

Maybe the engine cooling fan is Stuck ! ON

[GlenCoombe]

I forgot to address the downshifting.

Remember, you're driving a 12,000+/- pound wall down the road. Once you exceed about 50 mph the return of value from pressing your foot deeper into the throttle is diminished.

I've told folks that stepping into the secondaries and or downshifting is like flushing a toilet and what you are really doing is akin to converting money to noise.

Drive gently and you'll get the most out of the old girl for the least amount of money.

You likely will have a 4:56 or 4:10 rear end ratio and the best way to cure both the noise and economy issue is to install a GearVendors overdrive. I was amazed at the noise reduction when I slipped into overdrive the first time.

[guy99]

Originally Posted by GlenCoombe

.... both the noise and economy issue is to install a GearVendors overdrive. I was amazed at the noise reduction when I slipped into overdrive the first time.

Glenn,
I never heard what impact the GearVendors had on fuel economy. Do you have any information to share?

[GlenCoombe]

Guy, I've not had time or inclination to do the fuel economy test yet. I think I'm in the 11 mpg range though. From the original 8.5 mpg.

The sound difference alone is worth it. It's like turning the engine off from a cruise standpoint. It's never been so quiet in the bus.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Celticknott

Hey i just recently bought a 1978 argosy 28(454 motor) and drove it 100 miles home loved the handeling one question is it usuall for the motor to be so loud? and also down shifting didnt seen to give me any more power in the mountians only raising my rps is this normal

Check to make sure that the sound pad is still mounted on the engine side of the "dog house", which is the name of the engine cover.

That padding helps reduce the engine noise.

Andy

[Celticknott]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Loud in what way...type of loud, rattling, scraping, clunking.
Location, top of engine, bottom, front, rear.

When... moving?, acceleration, deceleration, backing. How does the sound change with engine speed? Well you the idea, the more info the better.

yea the motor has a really loud rumble may just be the motor it is a 454 but it only has 40,000 miles on it and was just gone thru at service shop prior to purchasing , so maybe the dog house needs more insulation dunno when i down shift it really gets loud well rumbly loud not like falling apart loud

[Celticknott]

no fan seems to be workin fine but good thought thx