1977 20ft Argosy Motorhome - new to me

[Foxbrook]

Following this conversation. I can't wait to be working on Dream Boat again.
A developer bought most of my road and we are being rezoned into the city from un-incorporated county. I am not going to be able to keep my ramshackle fleet of airstream trailers, bees, dilapidated wood boat, septic system or well water.

Poor Dream Boat is being neglected while all the others get fixed up and sold off.

~S

[Foxbrook]

Hiya Folks,

It has been a while! Poor Dream Boat has been neglected and sitting. We have been scrambling to clear projects before we get fined. They plan to build 100 houses on my street and incorporate my little road into the city instead of being county. No beehives allowed in addition to oodles of other new rules. :-(

I need to drop Dream Boat's fuel tank and since we are already going to be in there rummaging about I figured I would look into replacing the tank.

Anyone know if I can easily increase the capacity of the tank in the allowable space? I have been combing Brad's dual fuel tanks post for information and was envious of the extra capacity of two tanks. I am not sure 2 tanks are doable for me but more gallons carried might be helpful. Thoughts?

Shanna

[Foxbrook]

After new fuel lines and a lot of carburetor cleaner Dream Boat fired up. There was a good bit of backfiring and running roughly for a bit. I noticed a popping/ticking noise and it turns out when you get way down on the floor and look into the engine area under the air filter there is arcing off of the distributor cap. The giant old air cleaner from an old Chrysler with its exhaust stack off the side seems to be too large for the allowed space. I am ordering a lower profile one from Napa this week. Anyone have any suggestions on size typically used?

I have a doghouse that is fairly low profile and maybe harvested from another rv by the previous owner. I suspect this Chrysler number is what fit for them at the time. In the picture, the upper most wire on the distributor cap (left side of image) is the one making contact. The ticking/popping noise and arcing stops if I wedge something in there to eliminate contact between the air cleaner and the cap.

Shanna

[bobmiller1]

Geez.....arching next to a leaky old toilet (Holley) sounds like a remedy for a serious problem. Either fix it without that wedge or install a fire suppression system.....Regards, Bob

[Foxbrook]

Originally Posted by bobmiller1

Geez.....arching next to a leaky old toilet (Holley) sounds like a remedy for a serious problem. Either fix it without that wedge or install a fire suppression system.....Regards, Bob

Yes, it certainly isn't safe to run right now. I am going to need to do something. What would you suggest instead of the Holley?

S

[bobmiller1]

Keep the Holley and install a new set of ignition wires and a distributor cap for starters.....Regards, Bob

[Foxbrook]

Originally Posted by bobmiller1

Keep the Holley and install a new set of ignition wires and a distributor cap for starters.....Regards, Bob

Thanks, Bob! I will hit NAPA this week.

~Shanna

[Foxbrook]

Out with the old and in with the new. It handles so much better with this fix. Dream Boat used to have a falling off the road mushy feeling. The ride is WAY stiffer and the steering is way more responsive. I was intimidated to attempt this job but my husband was confident that he could handle it. I am so glad he did it. What a major improvement to the running gear.

It has new brakes, rotors and drums and a lot of brake line replaced. His fuel pump and several fuel lines replaced.

The new air cleaner is very pretty but most importantly is lower profile and no longer makes contact with the distributor cap. No more sparking.

[Foxbrook]

It feels good to make tiny amounts of progress on the running gear. I am a little worried about the disconnected wires everywhere but progress is being made.