Tap's 1981 280 Motorhome (Purchased January 2016)

[Smartstream]

Originally Posted by kyote

Good luck Tap. I've read through this thread and it has been helpful in making a checklist of things I need to be addressing in the future.

speaking of radiators,

I drained mine, but it literally took days because i was getting one drip per second! So, obviously I have a blockage. Coolant was low, dark and cloudy, but the Isuzu TD hadn't been overheating when idling.

What is others experience using coolant flushes?

or a backflush system like this?:

https://www.amazon.com/Prestone-AF-K...=coolant+flush

Diesels don't make heat while idling. They make heat by working. Your exhaust temperature gauge (EGT) measures the amount of work or power output by the temperature of the exhaust.

It's possible your system drained slowly because the drain port itself was blocked from lack of use. If your Isuzu doesn't overheat on the highway, especially in the mountains, then you are probably in good shape.

If the cooling system is in decent shape, change of coolant and back flush might be considered a maintenance item but if you have an overheating problem pulling the radiator for boil-out and rodding or recoreing if needed would be a better solution.

[mehes]

Hey Tap, what's up? Tell us you are still alive and haven't given up. We've all had problems in the past and slowly worked thru them.


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[tevake]

I peeked back at the beginning of your thread Tap. And was relieved to see that your coach came to you at a low price. So You have some room to move on it.

This all reminds me of when I bought my 911. The word on the forums was that it was a $20k car. One way or the other. You could buy a nice one for $20k. Or you could buy a project and spend the difference in repairs to end up at 20k

I'm not sure what number to assign to a classic coach but you get the idea.

Cheers Richard

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by tevake

I peeked back at the beginning of your thread Tap. And was relieved to see that your coach came to you at a low price. So You have some room to move on it.

This all reminds me of when I bought my 911. The word on the forums was that it was a $20k car. One way or the other. You could buy a nice one for $20k. Or you could buy a project and spend the difference in repairs to end up at 20k

I'm not sure what number to assign to a classic coach but you get the idea.

Cheers Richard

Have I missed something from Mark indicating he is getting ready to cut and run? I hope not!

[Isuzusweet]

Originally Posted by tevake

I peeked back at the beginning of your thread Tap. And was relieved to see that your coach came to you at a low price. So You have some room to move on it.

This all reminds me of when I bought my 911. The word on the forums was that it was a $20k car. One way or the other. You could buy a nice one for $20k. Or you could buy a project and spend the difference in repairs to end up at 20k

I'm not sure what number to assign to a classic coach but you get the idea.

Cheers Richard

Truer words couldn't have been better said but there's a difference........

IMHO If you're not mechanically inclined or don't have access to a skill required for a project at, or near free; buy a very nice one. It gets very expensive having people fix things for you at shop rates.

Projects are for mechanically inclined people.

That being said, I hope Mark sees this through, but starts taking the time to pick a system on his rig and learn everything about it to mitigate his costs.

Cheers
Tony

[PeterH-350LE]

As I get older and supposedly wiser , I come to realize that the Classic Airstream Motorhome is a real fun Hobby to have.
I have the knowledge and experience, to work on about every system on these machines, even while on the road. But I do not have the unlimited resources and ground crew to completely bring these rigs into the 21 century, concerning reliability, safety, emission, fuel consumption, AC etc.
So, when I go on big trips, I prefer to take my late model Van and pull an Airstream. It is much more enjoyable and SAFE for the family, the pets and myself. I have done my share of thousands of miles of sweating every mile that something will blow.
And the Classic Motorhome remains to be a fun Hobby and that's it.
I am looking for a sticker "My other Airstream is a Classic Motorhome"
Go ahead an bash me, I can take it.

[mayco]

No bashing Peter. I think I run on a good deal of blind faith when traveling long distances in the 310.

[tevake]

Maybe I'm just rationalizing my choice to use vintage vehicles, 1989 345 classic for travel adventures, and 1980 911 for fun sporty driving.

It seems to me that by the 1960s reliable vehicles were commonly available. Most, if in good condition and well maintained, could be counted on to get you across town or the country and back again. Just not with the comfort and ease
Of modern vehicles.

Well things have certainly come a long way since then, better performance on every level. smoother, much quieter, better air con, better brakes, safer cabin protection etc.

There is a charm and challenge to enjoying vintage motoring.
I think some keys to safely enjoying using vintage vehicles are knowing their capabilities and staying well within them. Also attention to the condition of running gear is important.
But most of all is adjusting your expectations. Modern motoring is so comfortable and easy. We are so insulated from the working of the mechanics of the vehicle and the feel of the road, the closed interior create a nice comfort place to be.

Not so in older vehicles. You really experence the total reality of moving about.
Wind noise, engine and running gear all letting you know they are working for / with you, the feel of the pavement etc. all this input can be tiring to the spoiled modern driver.
Well, honestly to me too, but fun and satisfying in its way.

From what I'm seeing of modern RVs with all of the mod cons, reliability can be a challenge there too.

My tune may change when my well running 180k mile+ original 454 finally requires a rebuild. But for now I'm smiling.

Cheers Richard

Ps. Will leave the pleasure of driving the 911 in the mountains for another time ��

[Tap]

Hi guys, thanks for the encouragement and conversation.

I had to just walk away from the frustration and stress of my 280 for a few weeks. I was ready to drive her off a cliff. Lucky for the moho, she couldn't drive to a cliff without breaking down on the way anyway. :-)

So I stepped away for awhile. Man I wish it were working, but I may just put it away into storage and start fighting the good fight next spring.

I don't think I can take another highway breakdown this year. 5 has been my limit. Besides, AAA no longer covers me. I maxed them out.

I had such high hopes and love for this thing, but maybe I need to just walk away from her for half a year. Makes me sad, but it's probably being realistic.

[mehes]

Tap,
Take a little break. Do a few small projects during the winter and you'll be in better shape in the spring. Do some short drives, then longer ones to shake things out and gain a little confidence in your machine. I don't think you'll regret it in the long run. Stay in touch on the forum in any event. Better times are coming.


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[mayco]

So where does it stand right now Tap. Is it running and driving? If not, what is the latest problem with the rig? Youve done quite a bit to her already, maybe we could give you some guidence on some smaller, inexpensive projects you could accomplish on your own. No shop expense. Just a thought, once the frustration level subsides a bit. Knocking off some smaller projects may give you some feeling of accomplishment and a sense of moving forward on the rig.

[martin300662]

I agree with Mike.

Time to do some of those smaller jobs and allow time for you to fall back in love with it!

[tevake]

Ahoy Tap,
This cooling issue is truly a puzzle!
Seeing that you have replaced most of the components in the system including the radiator. I'm scratching my head with you on what's next.

Is there a new thermostat in there? What was the old cooling fluid like, clean or lots of rust and chunks. Could there be blockage at the thermostat?

I have heard of radiator hoses being sucked flat while driving and blocking the water flow. Having a spring inside the hose to support the shape can deal with that issue.
I vaguely remember some mention of there being two types of water pumps for BBC, anyone know details about these water Pumps?

You have been diligent in addressing this issue and should be reaching a place that it is behind you. I understand your frustration.

We should be able to zero in on what could be still causing this problem.

Could you recap all that you have done in repairs and replacement in the cooling system for us. And share any questionable aspects in the system. Surely we can put our heads together and help you solve this once and for all.

Hang in there Brother, you have accomplished so much in bring your coach back from its LONG SLUMBER. And I think you are getting close to having it running and driving nicely.
Let's solve this cooling mystery. And move on to other more fun thing to play with.
Sure looked nice at the lakeside camping spot.

Cheers Richard

[Tap]

Thanks SO much guys. I appreciate you all so much.

I'll write an update soon.

Thanks!

[propstrike]

Tap,
I've been lugging a project along for over 10 years...! Every time I get a chance to climb back into my 28 footer, it completely and fully transports me back to the days I ran her across the country, and the excitement, even after all these years, gives me the juice to keep plugging along. Now you won't take that long- unless you end up in the Arctic, Afghanistan and other charming, far off theatres. But it will be worthwhile. Take a break. Meet other Airstreamers and step inside their rigs for a visit. It may give you enough juice to keep plugging along! I think it's totally worth it!

For what it's worth, there's a 1972 C20 in pieces, waiting patiently for me to finish body, paint and a new electrical harness. Loads of work, but next month I'll be driving a workhorse of classic American Iron to visit my 1981 280. In the back of that truck, I plan on hauling a fresh 502 engine for some long overdue maintenance on the motorhome. My daily driver is a 1969 CJ5. I may be a little bent and twisted when it comes Seasoned American motorworks - totally worth the work! Easy? Nope. Worthy? For me, most definitely!

[Vycan]

Propstrike, I love your name.

[propstrike]

😎 thanx! So far, I haven't had one. Fixed a few, though...

[tevake]

I don't know, prop strike makes me cringe each time I read it. Quite evocative
No offence.
Are you an aircraft mechanic?

Cheers Richard

[propstrike]

Yeah, that's why it's so easy to get excited about Airstreams!

[tevake]

Well good to have you join us here, we are all pretty deep into the Aluminuminitus. Good to have some more expertise aboard.
Be prepared for detailed riveting questions. ��
Are you involved in vintage plane resto?

Cheers Richard