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chiefair · 08-02-2015, 03:41 AM

I am a new guy here. I have a 1982 310 motorhome with a 454 gas engine. I am currently in South Bend Indiana with a blown motor. If anyone is from the area and can refer me to a reputable mechanic, I would be grateful. I am a long way from my home in New Hampshire and could use some advice from a local.

SteveSueMac · 08-02-2015, 04:50 AM

Sorry to hear. I don't know the area. Do you have AAA, Coachnet or Good Sams?

Also try googling in your area and call a few shops. They'll tell you if they're capable or not. Indiana is the heart of RV manufacturing - I'm sure there must be good service teams there. Good luck!

bobmiller1 · 08-02-2015, 05:05 AM

What makes you think you have a blown engine ??? If the engine is shot you basically have three options, maybe four. The first would be a Airstream dealer for repair. The second would be to call Jasper and get a recommended shop near your location. The fourth, which I would do, is have the Airstream transported back home and repair it yourself. Oh and the third option???? sell it as is where is....if you're done.

Wayne&Sam · 08-02-2015, 05:05 AM

I was at a KOA there the night before last. The KOA map has an ad for Master Tech RV 866-895-4456 and Gates of Granger 574-237-4101. They don't specifically mention motor rebuilds, but they may or may be able to refer you to someone.

Good luck

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

chiefair · 08-02-2015, 06:22 AM

Thanks for the quick replies. I was on I-80 and happened to be looking at my gauges when the oil pressure suddenly dropped off to 20 psi. Almost immediately after that it went bang. I quickly got it into neutral and shut it off. I could see the telltale white smoke from the exhaust in my mirror. I coasted to the shoulder. Now it is locked in a tow yard and I am in a hotel.

1982 310 motorhome 454
Henniker New Hampshire

chiefair · 08-02-2015, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

I was at a KOA there the night before last. The KOA map has an ad for Master Tech RV 866-895-4456 and Gates of Granger 574-237-4101. They don't specifically mention motor rebuilds, but they may or may be able to refer you to someone.

Good luck

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

Thanks for the potential contacts.

1982 310 motorhome 454
Henniker New Hampshire

AldeanFan · 08-02-2015, 06:46 AM

You might be better to look for a truck shop than an RV shop.

martin300662 · 08-02-2015, 07:36 AM

You actually have two issues chiefair; finding a shop to repair the engine that is also capable of removing the engine from the labyrinth that is a classic motorhome engine bay.

Finding someone able to repair or exchange a big block Chevy should not be difficult, but we need Brad or another of the 310 guys to chip in on how difficult it is to get the engine out/rebuild in place.

I was quoted two weeks labor to change an engine on an older Argosy because the entire front end has to be un-riveted, hopefully access is easier on a 310.....if not start to arrange shipping.

PeterH-350LE · 08-02-2015, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefair

I am a new guy here. I have a 1982 310 motorhome with a 454 gas engine. I am currently in South Bend Indiana with a blown motor. If anyone is from the area and can refer me to a reputable mechanic, I would be grateful. I am a long way from my home in New Hampshire and could use some advice from a local.

Sorry to hear, ChiefAir.
This is what I would do:
I would first try to get a local mechanic to assess the damage, if possible.
You are just under 1000 miles from home. Get a quote from https://www.uship.com/ right now and then add up all the expenses you would have, if you have the motor repaired or replaced in South Bend.
Hotel, rental car, loss of wages , food etc, but not counting the motor work.
Having a motor replaced at an unknown pace does not sound very appealing, since you will encounter many other issues that will need to be addressed.

chiefair · 08-02-2015, 08:53 AM

Thank you all for good input. I am hoping to arrange shipping through uship. I can't access the MH until tomorrow. I will get better measurements then so I can fill out the uship form. I believe mine is 10'8" tall but I don't know the actual width or length. I know the 310 is a 31' MH but I have never measured it to confirm. Can't post to uship until I get accurate measures.

1982 310 motorhome 454
Henniker New Hampshire

PeterH-350LE · 08-02-2015, 10:19 AM

here are my dimensions 83 310
8'6" with mirrors extending, 32'3" bumper to bumper and 10'4" with coleman mach A/C's.
You can get away with just 8' width, if you would fold your mirrors in, in case it would make a difference

mayco · 08-02-2015, 11:04 AM

Absolute drag, sorry for your situation. We have an '82 310 also but its a diesel. Time and time again I read here on the forums about the 454 giving up at 50 to 60 thousands miles. Must just be a lot of vehicle for that motor. Reading the classified adds its common to see "454 engine replaced at 50,000 miles" or 60, or whatever. So should those who own a gasser just build an engine replacement into their maintenance budget? Just asking, not trying to start a gas vs diesel debate here.

For instance, if you are looking to buy one of these Classic AS motorhomes, you see one with very low mileage (say 45000) should you just assume an engine replacement is in your not too distant future and work that into the offer you might make on the rig. Maintenance of course comes into play as a variable. Just thinking about it and was discusding it with my lovely wife this morning (boring her to death Im sure)
Anyway back to the problem at hand, it will be interesting for all of us to know what your shipping quote is if youre willing to share that. Could be applied in the purchase of a rig thats far away and not road worthy enogh to get it back home.

I believe that motor has to be pulled out the front of the rig. So once you get it home and are getting estimates, you may want to consider pulling all the items you can to get back to the motor yourself. I did that when I had to have my harmonic balancer replaced and Im sure I cut several hours of shop time off the bill. Its all bolted together (no rivets) and its just a matter of going step by step removing the parts AND keeping good notes and pictures of the diasembly. It also gets you aquainted real fast with the componants of your rig. So if your are willing and able to give it a go you can save yourself some significant dough-ra-me by doing that part yourself.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/atta...2&d=1377686163

Thats the front end of my rig after removing the grill, trans cooler, radiator, and some other misc items. Of course the bumper and some plastic body parts would need removed also for an engine pull, but not too much more. Its worth considerring as a DIY if you want to save yourself some money.

If this is a life long rig for you, it may be worth just considerring a diesel swap. Its very involved and would take a great deal of research and more expensive that a gas engine replacement. But if this is your rig for life.........you MAY want to give it at least some passing consideration.

Regardless, hang in there. Heres hoping that the ship home is uneventful and the engine swap goes as well as it can.

Keep us posted, great resources here on the forum.

Mike

martin300662 · 08-02-2015, 11:13 AM

If you can get your rig back to NE chiefair, you also have options like (Cummins 6BT Swaps) doing an engine swap to diesel....

alantbird · 08-02-2015, 11:15 AM

Never bought a motorhome because of that 454. Almost got an 80 something cause it had a ford 460. Would love a diesel. Isn't there an AS factory in Indiana?

mayco · 08-02-2015, 11:17 AM

The factory is in Ohio but they wouldnt touch an engine swap...........Jasper engines in in Indiana though

sbeckett · 08-02-2015, 12:10 PM

Sorry about your situation! Don't have much to offer but your break-down was an excellent example for my wife as we contemplate the type of rig to get. She wants a MH and I a TT. My wants are exactly for the situation you are in, having to get a hotel room while repairs are being done, a double whammy!!! Obviously the TT allows it to be towed to a RV park and there you are comfortable while repairs are done on the TV. Good luck and hope you get this resolved quickly.

chiefair · 08-02-2015, 01:11 PM

Thanks for a all the input. I appreciate the measurements! It is up on uship.com. The owner of the tow company where it is located has a rig that can haul it but his driver is in Sturgis. He may deliver it later but won't commit. If I can get it home I can consider my options for a new motor. I have the ability to pull it myself. I will update with shipping quotes in a few days.

1982 310 motorhome 454
Henniker New Hampshire

Hans 34.5 · 08-02-2015, 01:42 PM

I would get it home first and think about what to do next.
You should have towing on your insurance.

martin300662 · 08-02-2015, 02:23 PM

If you are on a budget and doing the work yourself, there is a good running 454 in the 28ft Argosy we bought for parts, that is sitting at the Airstream dealer about 100miles from your home. Let me know if you are interested.

AtomicNo13 · 08-02-2015, 03:41 PM

You might appeal to a local forum member to see if you might store your mh at their place until you can arrange repair or shipping home. A tow yard can ding you $100 in storage fees. Good 454 engines are a dime a dozen, good mechanics or machinists are not!
Did you loose a head gasket? That's just a matter of a head job and some new parts, vastly easier and cheaper than yanking a motor!