Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 10-07-2020, 06:34 PM   #21
Rivet Master
 
tjdonahoe's Avatar
 
2013 31' Classic
billings , Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,576
454 in tight quarters gets hot....gas don’t flow when it turns to vapor....some even seize a piston
tjdonahoe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2020, 07:39 PM   #22
Silver Dreams
 
stream3's Avatar

 
1988 34.5' Airstream 345
Columbus , OH
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 147
Quote:
Originally Posted by bkahler View Post
Replace the ignition coil. I've had symptoms like that and they were signs that the coil was starting to fail.
I concur. I had the same thing happen on a trip 20 years ago in our first 345. Ignition coil.
__________________
1988 345LE "Rosie"
-Jerry
stream3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2020, 08:11 PM   #23
3 Rivet Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
1987 32.5' Airstream 325
Windsor , Ontario
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 170
1987 325 MH died on the road....help!

Whew! Thanks for the great responses. I usually get an email when I get responses to posts but received nothing on this.

Great stuff and all note worthy.

I have replaced the original gas tank as the original had rusted out. I went around the bend to insist the fuel system be tested and verified and they assured me they had. The sticky fuel cap seemed like a very simplistic solution but they said fuel pressure and delivery is good. The 454 runs and idles very well.

On a previous repair job for the same issue, I insisted we rebuild the ignition system and had the distributor and coil replaced. New plugs and wires. Less that 20 hours of travel on that fix. That does not mean that there may not still be a problem there. It is of my biggest suspicion.

I am leaning more toward a wiring issue and a failure somewhere in the system that happens randomly. Some dodgy wiring has been done behind the dashboard and I suspect this may be a cause. The issue arose after a 3 hour drive outbound without issue and the happened as I was almost home after 2.5 hours. Last week it happened 30 minutes outbound.

I have addressed many of the issues that have been noted in these posts:

Replaced rusty gas tank and verified fuel pressure. I love the idea of moving the tank up front tho, brilliant!

Particulate from rust in tank fouled the carburetor so that has been replaced.

I am currently having them trance the continuity of the wires related to the ignition system.

I am greatly heartened by the posts from y'all saying you have had similar hard to diagnose problems, for this I don't feel so alone. Without a reference for names the post on not being in love with this mechanic makes very good sense. As well the heart of this house on wheels beat the powerhouse of a truck, using classic, simplistic technology. I am trying to treat it in this manner.

Will post future developments, many, many thanks to my Airstream comrades. Your devotion, knowledge base and passion is irreplaceable.
Cheers to you all !
realpank is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-08-2020, 01:20 AM   #24
3 Rivet Member
 
2020 25' Flying Cloud
Chula Vista , California
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 116
I too am leaning towards the coil. By and large the coil in cap is a good design but it has its weaknesses. The biggest problem is heat causing the breakdown of the epoxy filled coil. And with the majority of replacement parts being made in China these days, quality is suspect. First of all insist on genuine Delco Remy parts for your ignition system.
There are also kits that remove the epoxy coil from the distributor cap and replace it with an oil filled coil mounted remotely. Something a competent mechanic can do easily
Oreg52 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-08-2020, 05:29 AM   #25
Airstream Driver
 
PeterH-350LE's Avatar
 
1994 30' Excella
1992 35' Airstream 350
Austin , Texas
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,224
Images: 49
After your detailed list of what you have done, I am very curious to hear what the cause of your problem turns out to be. When I do preventative maintenance, I keep the known working part in my carry on Parts bin, just in case new didn't turn out to be reliable.
__________________
1994 30' Excella Front Kitchen Trailer
1990 25' Excella Travel trailer
1992 350LE Classic Touring Coach
AIR #13
PeterH-350LE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-08-2020, 07:17 AM   #26
4 Rivet Member
 
mkcurtiss's Avatar
 
1968 26' Overlander
CORDOVA , TN
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 414
Images: 4
I would replace the coil, the fuel pump, and the crankshaft position sensor, or camshaft position sensor if it has one.
__________________
1968 Overlander Land Yacht International
Ford E-350 W V-10 booom!
2018 Chevy Tahoe smooooooth
Find a way to enjoy life and have fun, every day !
mkcurtiss is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-08-2020, 07:19 AM   #27
4 Rivet Member
 
mkcurtiss's Avatar
 
1968 26' Overlander
CORDOVA , TN
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 414
Images: 4
You might investigate the possibility of replacing the old distributor with a more modern electronic unit......solves lots of issues.
__________________
1968 Overlander Land Yacht International
Ford E-350 W V-10 booom!
2018 Chevy Tahoe smooooooth
Find a way to enjoy life and have fun, every day !
mkcurtiss is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-08-2020, 09:51 AM   #28
Rivet Master
 
Waipio Rim's Avatar
 
1984 31' Airstream310
Honokaa , Hawaii
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 993
I bought an MSD brand coil when ours failed, no problems since.
Waipio Rim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-08-2020, 10:04 AM   #29
3 Rivet Member
 
1988 32.5' Airstream 325
calgary , alberta
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 177
Smile MH died on road

I have a 1988 325 I had similar problem unit would stall out, my solution was to replace the electric fuel pump. We tested it and found faulty. I was in Rochester NY. We replaced it and went to auto wreckers and found a sediment bowl from and old olds installed it.New gas in line filters. Drove all the to Calgary Alberta Canada with no problem.
jhenry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-08-2020, 12:02 PM   #30
Rivet Master
 
HiHoAgRV's Avatar

 
1991 34' Excella
1963 26' Overlander
1961 26' Overlander
Central , Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,919
Images: 29
Blog Entries: 49
I had a P30 chassis MH years ago and had the same problem. Short answer, the vapor recovery system was plugged and wouldn't vent the tank. After a while the pump would pull a vacuum on the tank and starve the delivery.


Removing/loosening the gas cap was a quick fix to get home.


The giveaway of the problem was after being parked for a few minutes, I heard a GONG noise. It was the tank re-expanding after being sucked in.
__________________
Hi Ho Silver RV! Vernon, Sarah, Mac the Border Collie(RIP) -
A honkin' long 34' named AlumaTherapy https://www.airforums.com/forums/f20...num-54749.html
and a 26' '63 Overlander, Dolly https://www.airforums.com/forums/f10...ome-71609.html
HiHoAgRV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-08-2020, 01:34 PM   #31
Airstream Driver
 
PeterH-350LE's Avatar
 
1994 30' Excella
1992 35' Airstream 350
Austin , Texas
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,224
Images: 49
when you go through the wiring, you may want to take a good look at the fusible link(s) on top of the engine. This picture is a 1979, but I know my 1992 has 1 as well.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	fusiblelinks.jpg
Views:	48
Size:	54.6 KB
ID:	380340  
__________________
1994 30' Excella Front Kitchen Trailer
1990 25' Excella Travel trailer
1992 350LE Classic Touring Coach
AIR #13
PeterH-350LE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-08-2020, 02:02 PM   #32
NOAZRK
 
NOAZRK2690's Avatar
 
2004 34' Classic S/O
Currently Looking...
Kutztown , Pennsylvania
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 194
You have lots of good suggestions here. Here's a really cheap fix. Wrap your fuel line in aluminum foil and reroute it if it's too close to either the intake and/or exhaust manifolds. This will help prevent a fuel lock. Second, those older GM motors had mechanical fuel pumps that relied on their pumping action coming from a rod that rides up & down on an oval lobe that is machined at the front of the crank shift. The lobe and rod wore out quickly in the big bore motors causing them to starve for fuel and the motor bucks due to irregular fuel supply. The trick is to remove the fuel pump, remove the rod then put the fuel pump back in place. Install a new electric fuel pump and route the fuel lines as needed. Good luck!
NOAZRK2690 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-08-2020, 04:51 PM   #33
Rivet Master
 
bobmiller1's Avatar

 
2005 34' Classic S/O
2006 39' Land Yacht 396 XL
north blenheim , New York
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,847
I believe that the lobe is on the camshaft........just saying.....you don’t need anymore mid-information, Regards, Bob
bobmiller1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-08-2020, 07:08 PM   #34
3 Rivet Member
 
Paul J Mauro's Avatar
 
1985 34.5' Airstream 345
Bolton , Massachusetts
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 175
my 345 has died over the years . first it was a failed coil /easy to replace sits on top of the block in terrible heat -not expensive. secodn was a short on the electrical lines to the midship fuel pump just a worn wire shorting on the frame and of course worked until you hit just the right bump... also a cheap fix. depends on where you are .tough to find good mechanical help so best to begin learning .
Paul J Mauro is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2020, 11:06 AM   #35
1 Rivet Member
 
1961 16' Bambi
Phoenix , Arizona
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 5
Probably not applicable but . . .

I had an '87 El Camino that experienced the same issues, turned out to be clogged CAT. After 20 years they get pretty dirty. FWIW.
ChristopherH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2020, 02:02 PM   #36
3 Rivet Member
 
1987 34.5' Airstream 345
Auckland , New Zealand
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 138
I reread your original post, you referred to your ground strap hot/ loose ect .
My 345 had many various and vague ellectrical problems, starter, dash gauges ect that I went looking for bad earth points.
My 345 had been untampered with, so original ? It relied on the battery earth strap that ending on the chasis then one web strap from there to drivers side off motor. I added another short 200 amp earth strap from that chasis point across onto the Bell Housing bolt.
My tail lights came up brighter, rear fuel pump sounded louder, starter now worked on a hot motor restart , dash also, all down to an original design weakness. As they get older crud builds up between things! Like us all :-)
I read a 2003 forum fixing a 454 backfire issue caused by a bad earth.
I always go for the fundamental's befor I go part swapping.

Rus
Voltair is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2020, 05:30 PM   #37
2 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
Clive , Iowa
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 38
Maybe mentioned above. I did not read all comments. Sounds to me like your catalytic converter is bad and needs replacing.
jpaine4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2020, 06:20 PM   #38
3 Rivet Member
 
2MileHi's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
Lake George , Colorado
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 117
You could buy an awful lot of parts before you catch the right one. So I would suggest finding a really good diagnostician to give you an opinion. Or maybe your bus just doesn't want to come home!
2MileHi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2020, 07:11 PM   #39
"Cloudsplitter"

 
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas , Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
Images: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by jpaine4 View Post
Maybe mentioned above. I did not read all comments. Sounds to me like your catalytic converter is bad and needs replacing.
Plugged CAT converter.
BINGO....remove it and drive.
Take out a pre CAT O2 sensor & drive, hole saw it and drive all methods I have used to diagnose.

Also mentioned the 'sock' filter in the fuel tank can also cause intermittent loss of power.

Bob
🇺🇸
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
ROBERT CROSS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2020, 07:13 PM   #40
Regular Guy
 
NavyCorpsman's Avatar
 
1978 31' Sovereign
Hot Springs , Arkansas
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 603
Warm negative terminal? Check the chassis ground cable. Sometimes alternator bracket to frame or engine to frame.
NavyCorpsman is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
1987 325 Touring Coach Manual Help! Youngs1987 Classic Motorhomes 1 05-22-2019 12:46 AM
1987 Motor Home 325 model alternator - HELP! realpank Classic Motorhomes 8 06-04-2015 09:26 AM
HELP! Need a gas tank: 1987 325 MH realpank Classic Motorhomes 3 03-14-2015 08:36 AM
12 Volt System died....Need help! Tikiman Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 3 11-28-2005 04:32 AM
Help and advise she died in the middle of nowhere saxonsraven Airstream Motorhome Forums 7 07-29-2003 07:10 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:17 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.