OMG what have we done............??? }motorhome{

[TeamCheap]

We have finally been going riding again lately and decided that it would be much more fun and practical to be able to stay up north for atleast a few days.
The problem is we dont want to spend the bucks to sleep at a hotel and a tent is a bit to rustic for us after a day of riding, we want to be able to relax and maybe shower in comfort.

So anyway we decided to buy a used motorhome and it has been an ordeal just finding a decent old one as every single one we looked at had serious water damage and hadnt been used in years.Yeah we are shopping at the bottom end of the market.

Last night I drove our new/OLD motorhome home and am now looking at the long list of things that need to be done and that I/we want done to it.

Its just a 85 Itasca around 22' which is perfect for us and it is powered by a fuel guzzling 454 but it did cruise down the road with ease on the 120 mile drive home.

[dmmcd]

My wife keeps trying to convince me that a motorhome is a good idea. I still don't believe it...

She has grand mental images of happy family memories in beautiful parks and natural settings. Being able to go anywhere, freedom, etc...

I have images of really expensive gas station visits, breakdowns along the highway, insurance and registration fees, driving a giant vehicle through heavy traffic, kids screaming in the back, smelly sewer dumping stations, and 95% of the time having a large vehicle sitting unused and deteriorating in my driveway or back yard.

Maybe we'll have to try renting one some day to see if one of us is wrong.

[Weldangrind]

I'm all over an old Class C; I have Mrs. Weldangrind nearly convinced. I'm hoping to find something in the 22' range with a proper shower, not the type where you sit on the john and shower yourself. It also needs to be able to accomodate Son of Weldangrind, since he is becoming a giant.

I'd prefer a small block Chev, primarily because of interchangeability and my familiarity. I know I can make more efficent power with a SBC than a Ford or Dodge. A set of Vortec heads would do the trick nicely.

We would primarily use one as a dirt bike / atv hauler, and we'd only drive it one hour to Nickelmine. We have unlimited camping at Nickelmine with our membership, and a Class C motorhome would be ideal.

TeamCheap, what sort of prices were you seeing in your area?

[TeamCheap]

Prices were all over but since we capped at 3K so we had nothing but junk to choose from and even the one we got has its many problems but overall it should do nicely once we get it straightened out a bit.No serious water leaks that we've seen yet anyway.

I moved it to the back yard today after work and it fits but it is very tight.
Measured it bumper to bumper and it is 23'.

I'm so tired after last night and working today I want to work on it but I'm to tired to mess with it.

It has the seperate shower in the far left(drivers side) corner then the toilet and then a little sink.The nice bed is in the far right corner (double bed size) so it has the funky half bathroom half bedroom in the back but should be fine for just the two of us.

It needs a good scrubbing inside and out.
I was at work today and realized I hadnt even ever seen it yet in daylight.

[TeamCheap]

My wife keeps trying to convince me that a motorhome is a good idea. I still don't believe it...

She has grand mental images of happy family memories in beautiful parks and natural settings. Being able to go anywhere, freedom, etc...

I have images of really expensive gas station visits, breakdowns along the highway, insurance and registration fees, driving a giant vehicle through heavy traffic, kids screaming in the back, smelly sewer dumping stations, and 95% of the time having a large vehicle sitting unused and deteriorating in my driveway or back yard.

Maybe we'll have to try renting one some day to see if one of us is wrong.When you say it like that it only sounds half as fun. :D

The camp ground we found this summer is a short ride to the trails and is also on a very small, beautiful, quiet lake.

[FastDoc]

Sounds like fun to me.

I bet with the economy in the crapper and the price of gas a guy can buy a motorhome for a good price nowadays. :D

[SpudRider]

If you have time, please post some photos, TC. :) We would love to follow along with your project, if you are willing to share it with us. ;)

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

X2! I'd love to see pics.

You're blessed to have any selection around $3K; nothing in that territory exists around here.

[TeamCheap]

I'll post pictures ASAP I was to tired yesterday after work since I didnt get home with it until around 11:30 P.M. sunday night.
I had to get up and go to work early monday and after work all I could do is get it around to the back so the neighbors didnt have to look at it.

If it doesnt rain today I'll wash it and then take a few pictures after work.

[TeamCheap]

OK I got some pre-wash pictures.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm105/TeamCheap/1985%20Itasca/100_1046.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm105/TeamCheap/1985%20Itasca/100_1047.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm105/TeamCheap/1985%20Itasca/100_1049.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm105/TeamCheap/1985%20Itasca/100_1048.jpg

After the photo-shoot I climbed up onto the roof with a pale of crud cutter and started scrubbing, it was a mess but cleaned up nicely.Took two buckets to clean it, the roof that is.
(NO I WILL NOT TAKE A PICTURE OF THE ROOF TONIGHT)
:)


$1850 to get into a money pit but it might be fun.

[MICRider]

Wow! It looks great to me :). I was shopping for one last spring for me and my son to tool around in, but couldn't find anything even close to what you got for under 5 to 7 grand. I ended up getting discouraged and bought a Chevy Tracker to fool around with instead. Your motorhome looks good though, I'll be following this thread to see how it goes. Grat's on the new rolling house!

Edit: Here's a local one... I think yours looks better!
http://edmonton.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-RVs-campers-trailers-RVs-motorhomes-1980-Dipomat-Motorhome-W0QQAdIdZ324920572

[SpudRider]

My goodness! If it's in good mechanical condition, I think you got a great deal on that motor home, TC! :D

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

That's a Class A! You stole that motorhome.

[TeamCheap]

Mechanically it is OK I did drive it home but the brakes feel better on the second pump and the exhaust has a leak that needs to be fixed it may be a cracked header, header gasket or something less intense to fix, dont know yet.
It needs a generator and the wiring is a bit twitchy but overall we are happy with our small cash outlay for it.

Its pretty solid feeling up on the roof as I was scrubbing it very hard getting that caked on black dirt off the roof.

I really need to reseal the roof in the few spots there are to seal.

The two vent stacks rubber cone seals are wasted and I just tarred them for now but they will need to be replaced since they no longer flex they just crumble.

[SpudRider]

You got a great deal. :) Please keep the photos and updates coming! :D

Spud :)

[FastDoc]

How hard it it to drive something so large?

[SpudRider]

How hard it it to drive something so large?
I wouldn't ride it on singletrack. ;)

Spud :)

[Jim]

How hard it it to drive something so large?

Not very :P

[katoranger]

That one looks pretty good. Down here anything decent is snatched up for people's hunting properties.

[TeamCheap]

How hard it it to drive something so large?Its easy to drive just a bit taller and wider is all but I drive dump trucks at work so its not a big deal.You just have to know how tall it is and be mindful of the width/height.

That one looks pretty good. Down here anything decent is snatched up for people's hunting properties.I went in to check on another one that I emailed about and did a quick CL search using "statewidelist" and seen this ad and called and made arrangments to go see it ASAP.

I took some pictures of it into work and I think a few guys were a little bummed that it was as good as it is :roll: oh well.

[MICRider]

Lol, you should have seen one that I looked at for $3500... It was actually frightening! I think you got a dynamite deal, hoping you guys have a lot of good times with it :D

[Jim]

Yeah I think you got a pretty good deal. Now you need to plan some cool road trips :)

[SpudRider]

...I went in to check on another one that I emailed about and did a quick CL search using "statewidelist" and seen this ad and called and made arrangments to go see it ASAP...
You've got to move quickly to secure the good deals. ;) Congratulations! :D

Spud :)

[TeamCheap]

Yeah we pounced on it like a kitten pounces on a june bug.


I was looking at the exhaust and it needs a "donut" at the header/exhaust pipe flange.
It looks to be an easy fix.....all I have to do is remove three rusty nuts. 8O.

Actually I'll start soaking them up today and hopefully this weekend I'll have the new donut in but even after all that I will still need exhaust work but the donut should quiet it down enough so I can give a really good listen to the engine.

Work has been rough this week with having to clean the chlorine contact channel.

I was hoping to win an ONAN micro-quiet 4000 generator from repocast (an auction house) but it went for $1100 bucks and I just didnt want to spend that much on an unseen, unheard used generator with no real description.

[Weldangrind]

Maybe the right Honda clone generator will come along. I've seen those go cheap.

[TeamCheap]

Maybe the right Honda clone generator will come along. I've seen those go cheap.Yeah its from HarborFreight brand new for $469 on sale but with a Db level of 90 at 1 meter it might be a waste.

I wont make many friends at the camp grounds and I may not even be able to use it at some camp grounds because of the noise and fire risk from the exhuast but it would work.

I need 4000 watts minimum so this one would work fine.
13 HP, 5500 Rated Watts/6500 Max Watts Generator with Electric Start (http://www.harborfreight.com/engines-generators/gas-engine-generators/13-hp-5500-rated-watts-6500-max-watts-generator-with-electric-start-98838.html)

I plan on going to look at some this weekend and see if I can stuff one up into the generator bay after removing the generator fuel tank and bar cage.

[Weldangrind]

I wonder if some creative muffler work on the HF unit would pay off.

[SpudRider]

I wonder if some creative muffler work on the HF unit would pay off.
I think it's worth a try. ;) That's a nice generator for $469, on sale. The deal gets even better if you use a 20% off coupon! :)

Spud :)

[MICRider]

The HF units are pretty good generators and would probably do well in motorhome service if you could quiet 'em down a bit. We had a few of them at work (not HF, but Honda clone generators) but they saw a lot of use and developed valvetrain problems, particularly the rocker arms getting indented by the valve stems effectively throwing the valve lash way out. The mechanics at work discovered that they could replace the soft rocker arms with much sturdier Honda ones, they were exactly the same :)

[SpudRider]

The HF units are pretty good generators and would probably do well in motorhome service if you could quiet 'em down a bit. We had a few of them at work (not HF, but Honda clone generators) but they saw a lot of use and developed valvetrain problems, particularly the rocker arms getting indented by the valve stems effectively throwing the valve lash way out. The mechanics at work discovered that they could replace the soft rocker arms with much sturdier Honda ones, they were exactly the same :)
That's a good tip, Stew! :D

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

There's an entire racing class online that is dedicated to the Honda clone motors, and the Honda parts that can be used to upgrade them

Check before you go to HF; they have some restrictions on the 20% off coupon (welders fro example).

[SpudRider]

There's an entire racing class online that is dedicated to the Honda clone motors, and the Honda parts that can be used to upgrade them...
If you have one, please do share a link to that website. :)
...Check before you go to HF; they have some restrictions on the 20% off coupon (welders fro example).
Thanks for the tip! 8O I never read the "fine print" on the 20% off coupons! :roll:

Spud :)

[TeamCheap]

With another 20% off would be a steal but even at $469 I'd be happy.

I hope to get some stuff done on it this weekend like repair the exhaust and clean up the wiring and replace all the burned out bulbs.

The front suspension had air bags in the coils that are blown and I'd like those replaced or atleast removed.

I'll try to take pictures as I work on it.

[SpudRider]

If you have time, please do take photos, TC. :D

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

There's an entire racing class online that is dedicated to the Honda clone motors, and the Honda parts that can be used to upgrade them...
If you have one, please do share a link to that website. :)

I don't have a link to the specific website I had in mind, but a quick Google search for GX200 clone will get you started. This site is more about racing, but it gives some good reliability tips also: GX200 Performance Basics (http://www.affordablegokarts.com/performance_basics.php)

I'm sure that TC is more interested in making a GX200 clone quiet, so I'd choose a stock Honda muffler: MUFFLER (Honda Code 4743100), fits GX200 engine (http://www.amazon.com/MUFFLER-Honda-4743100-GX200-engine/dp/B00366F3LG)

I would also ensure that the carb jets match the Honda GX200 stock setup. I bet it would be easy to start, quiet like a Honda and very reliable. Of course, all of this presumes that the generator TC is considering has a GX200 clone.

[SpudRider]

As always, thank you for providing the good information, Weld. :) I am completely unfamiliar with these generators, and the Honda GX200 engine, so I am enjoying learning more about these subjects. ;)

Spud :)

[TeamCheap]

I dont think a cx200 powered or similar generator will have the capacity I need.

I need to have 4000 watts minumum.

Or well I need to fix the exhaust leak and after messing with it today my second worst fear is realized and I have to remove the header to replace the gasket.

[Weldangrind]

If you have to remove the header (and you're lucky enough to get all the bolts out), try studs instead of bolts. The load on the fastener is much better, and you won't be as likely to break 'em off in the future.

[Weldangrind]

As always, thank you for providing the good information, Weld. :) I am completely unfamiliar with these generators, and the Honda GX200 engine, so I am enjoying learning more about these subjects. ;)

Spud :)

You're welcome. :)

Those little engines are real workhorses, and like Stew said, they'll accept Honda GX200 parts.

[TeamCheap]

I'm going to try to get the manifold off sunday but I'll have to jack it up and pull the tire and hopefully then be able to get in there at it.

I dont expect it to be easy but I do like the stud idea instead of the bolts either way it wll need new bolts.

[Weldangrind]

There isn't a doghouse that gives you decent access from the driver's seat?

[TeamCheap]

It has a dog house but the bolts are facing down and difficult to get a good leveraged position on.

With the tire off I should be looking straight on at the bolts just over the frame rail

[TeamCheap]

OK so I got it jacked up and supported on a thick steel plate on the ground and two 3 ton jack stands as well as two 12 ton bottle jacks.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm105/TeamCheap/1985%20Itasca/100_1054.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm105/TeamCheap/1985%20Itasca/100_1053.jpg

Got the tire off and snapped this picture.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm105/TeamCheap/1985%20Itasca/100_1055.jpg
Much easier to go in from the side.

Pictue from the top.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm105/TeamCheap/1985%20Itasca/100_1050.jpg

Pictures of the nasty battery tray.(will be painted when I get time)
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm105/TeamCheap/1985%20Itasca/100_1051.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm105/TeamCheap/1985%20Itasca/100_1052.jpg

As of right now I have a whopping ONE bolt out and am building air in my tanks and have the bolts soaked down with PB (as if that will help :roll: )

[TeamCheap]

So around 4-4:30 I got the last bolt out, no broken bolts and I'm excited about getting it back together next week.
The manifold is a bit rough but I think it will clean up and be fine with a new gasket.


Took a picture of what I'm using to lift it off the ground while working on it.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm105/TeamCheap/1985%20Itasca/100_1056.jpg

[MICRider]

Wow! If you got all those exhaust manifold bolts out without breaking any I would go out and buy a lottery ticket! :D I'm usually lucky if a couple will come out and the rest break. I think the penetrating oil is the key.

[TeamCheap]

I just set my impact gun on the lowest setting and let it hit it many many times with low impacts to jar them free before twisting them in half.

I am a firm believer in penetrating fluid as well.

I had one bolt that the socket was spinning on a bit but that was from trying to get at it from the top once I was working from the side it was much easier.

[Weldangrind]

My extraction method for stubborn, rusty bolts is to heat 'em until they glow, then give 'em a quick blast with WD-40. The WD-40 wicks in between the threads and quenches the fastener in the same step. They usually come apart with little fuss after that. YMMV.

A 3 ton jack is a really good investment for jobs like this, for both power and stroke. I got mine at Costco with jackstands for $90.00.

I recommend that you try the electrolytic rust removal trick for the battery trays; I found it to be cheap and effective. If you can find POR-15 for a good price in your area, it's an excellent way to coat the tray after the rust is removed. It won't likely rust again any time soon. The same rust removal trick will likely work on the manifolds.

[TeamCheap]

slow and easy and hundreds of hammers with the impact seemed to work well I could tell in seconds if it was loosening or not just by the sound.
If one didnt start to loosen soon I'd hit it with the gun for a minute or so then spray again and try another bolt.
I really didnt want to deal with a bunch of broken bolts.

I think I'll leave one of the 12 ton bottle jacks on the motorhome along side the original jack.Maybe pick up two jack stands to have onboard.

I seen that it had air bags in the front coils and would like to replace them and add some to the back and have all four independant along with a small onboard air compressor that we could also use for airing up tires on the toys and motorhome and trailer if needed.

I'd hope to be able to use the air ride assist bags to adjust for small amounts of level when camped as well as help control ride.

[Weldangrind]

Airbags at each coil is an excellent idea. I know that in drag racing applications, the preload of a coil spring airbag is 15-30psi, but I'm not sure about your application. Nevertheless, you certainly shouldn't need a compressor that is capable of more than 100psi.

I'm curious to learn if levelling will be effective by means of airbags. I'm really enjoying this thread.

[TeamCheap]

Yeah I think I could only get a small amount of leveling but it might be worth it.

Here is the front kit.
http://www.truckspring.com/suspension-parts/helper-springs/air-spring-kits/air-lift/1000-81560.aspx

The rear kit.
http://www.truckspring.com/suspension-parts/helper-springs/air-spring-kits/air-lift/load-lifter-5000-57203.aspx

I'm thinking of a small air compressor that goes to a set of four air valves/regulators with pressure meters and safety blow offs at or close to the bags max pressure.

I do believe the bags are supposed to have around 15-30 PSI minimum and a max of 100PSI.

Anyway I'm a long way from doing all that but the onboard air with retractble hose is almost certainly going to happen.
We have a large amount of space under the rear bed that is in need of being made useful.Probably end up with a simple tool kit and some spare parts in there.

I got to decide on the generator today to make use of the coupon I have.
I could wait and hope to get a one day use coupon for 25% off and save a little more but the generators may not be included in that sale.
I really want a quiet generator but may have to settle for the HF one atleast it would be brand new and I might be able to muffle it enough.
It will fill the generator bay fully which could cause some cooling problems, I'll remeasure it all today and decide.

[Weldangrind]

Is the generator you're looking at GX200 based? If so, the Honda muffler might be a bolt-on (depending upon generator housing space).

Not sure what the generator bay looks like, but perhaps some fans to move air would be a benefit. The muffin fans from typical PC computer towers are 12 volt, and you can often find them at surplus shops for cheap. A couple of those mounted in a push and pull arrangement could exchange the air and use very little power.

[TeamCheap]

I just got home from work and time is running out I have to decide on the generator or wait and see what comes up atleast I dont need it RIGHT NOW so if I have to wait it might work out better.

I think the HF generator engine is sort of styled like the honda 200 engines and putting a different muffler on the generator is doable.

My wife got most of the parts so I can start to put the exhaust back together although the wire set wont be here until tuesday.I will wait until tuesday to work on it its supposed to be nice out.

[katoranger]

On the clones that I have the honda muffler appears to be a bolt on. I would think that with you fab skills that you could easily make a larger muffler.

On the pushrods. I have a pump with a clone engine. Low compression. I believe its the pushrods too. Its my parts engine.

[TeamCheap]

Well for now we passed on the HF generator because I didnt want to change from a 30amp to 50 amp service.

The HF gen has a 230volt 4 prong 50AMP twist lock and we have a 30AMP 3 prong.

I know in the long run the 50 would be better but I'd have to do a lot of work to make it RIGHT, plus I'm hoping to get a correct era genset to go in there.

Going to see if a CLer still has an Onan marquise 5000 today.

[katoranger]

Don't they have a 50-30amp adaptor?

[Weldangrind]

I don't think there's a problem with more available current. As Kato says, if you use an adapter (or change the plug), you can still operate with 30 amp service. If all of the devices you are using add up to more than 30 amps, your main breaker will blow, cutting off the power. That's exactly what would happen if tried to pull more than 30 amps on a 30 amp service.

As long as voltage is correct, you're set. You can always change to a larger panel with 50 amp service in the future, if it seems that you need to run more electric devices at once. As long as you're not running your proposed compressor, a microwave, a toaster and a kettle at the same time, you'll be fine.

[katoranger]

I think I just remember something about RVs. 50amp RV service is different than 50amp home service.

http://www.myrv.us/electric/

[TeamCheap]

From what I have seen the 30AMP service is 10-2 wiring and the 50AMP would be 10-3.

10 gauge wire can pull 30 amps max.

So in order to do it right I'd have to change to 10-3 wires to run the power properly.

10-2 just has black(hot-power)/ white(common-return) and ground

10-3 has black(hot-power) / red(hot-power) / white(common-return) and ground

[firebuggy660]

Loving this subject as I am living this in much the same idea but I went a different route.
Couldn't afford a motorhome so had an opportunity to buy one of our old 1992 23 foot buses for $2500 from the care home were I work. Me and my two boys converted it to a camper so my wife would finally go camping with us after nearly 20 years of saying no.
We finished it this summer after two years of an hour here and there we are proud of it as it sleeps 5 out of the elements. We had a few great trips this summer and it will be hard to say good bye but I just bought another one we retired for even less but this one has a diesel engine. The first one only had 120,000 km on and this one is a year older at 1992 and has 140,000 km.
Nothing for a diesel engine.
We used portable stoves etc and did all the cooking outside but we want to make the second one even nicer. Its been great fun but there has been quite a few head scratching days.
Weldngrind knows by Larry.

[Weldangrind]

Loving this subject as I am living this in much the same idea but I went a different route.
Couldn't afford a motorhome so had an opportunity to buy one of our old 1992 23 foot buses for $2500 from the care home were I work. Me and my two boys converted it to a camper so my wife would finally go camping with us after nearly 20 years of saying no.
We finished it this summer after two years of an hour here and there we are proud of it as it sleeps 5 out of the elements. We had a few great trips this summer and it will be hard to say good bye but I just bought another one we retired for even less but this one has a diesel engine. The first one only had 120,000 km on and this one is a year older at 1992 and has 140,000 km.
Nothing for a diesel engine.
We used portable stoves etc and did all the cooking outside but we want to make the second one even nicer. Its been great fun but there has been quite a few head scratching days.
Weldngrind knows by Larry.

Larry! I knew that was you before I got to the bottom of your post. :lol: Welcome! You know that we're gonna need pics of your creation.

[Weldangrind]

From what I have seen the 30AMP service is 10-2 wiring and the 50AMP would be 10-3.

10 gauge wire can pull 30 amps max.

So in order to do it right I'd have to change to 10-3 wires to run the power properly.

10-2 just has black(hot-power)/ white(common-return) and ground

10-3 has black(hot-power) / red(hot-power) / white(common-return) and ground

All that means is that if you combine the two hots (red and black), you get 220. If you have no need for 220, then just run one leg to the 30 amp service. Pick either the red or the black along with the white, and you're done.

[SpudRider]

This is a little off topic, but how did you get the HF, 25%-off coupon, TC? I need to pick up a couple of items at Harbor Freight, but I don't have any current coupons for this month. :(

Spud :)

[TeamCheap]

The HF 25% off coupons typically come out for a one day only event like thanksgiving or newyears.I dont have one right now, actually after looking I dont have many HF coupons right now but they'll come back. :D
I doubt the generators can be bought with those 25% off coupons but I suspect that generator will go on sale again soon enough.

The roof AC needs the power to run the rest is just small appliances except maybe the fridge but that should be a LP/electric setup.

I can wire it up but just didnt want to get into it that much but I do have all winter and spring so I may still do it.

Right now I just want to get the exhaust manifold back on and the new plugs/wire set on, I already have the right side plugs in.
Someone must have used anti-seize because they came right out.The color looked good on them with a tan color.

It looks like someone was doing some work on it all over as the starter looks like new as well as many other things.

In my reading on these P30 motohomes I found that the heat off the exhaust manifolds is somewhat trapped and will cause problems to the point that people run cooling duct work near there and reccomend idling the engine after a hard run to allow for it to cool down.
I have to chase the threads in the block or I risk snapping a bolt in the rusty/crusty holes as I put the manifold back on even though I will be using ant-seize.

[Weldangrind]

Do you have a cleaning / bottoming tap for that purpose? That would be better than a conventional tap, because you don't want to cut new threads.

Does the rad have an electric fan? If not, could you install one? If it does, you could also install a helper "pusher" fan on the front of the rad, like the type found in the old Toyota Tercel. They're nearly free in the boneyard.

With the fan on a toggle, you could switch it on any time you like, to further cool down the motor and area. A temp gauge is an excellent investment, if you don't already have one.

[TeamCheap]

I need a cleaning tap because yeah I dont want to cut new threads I didnt see any at performance tool yesterday.

The exhaust mainfolds are what get hot and cause problems so some people run the duct work near them to force cooler air over them or I could get some nice new ceramic headers.I like to do that and have electric fans that run on for about 10 minutes after the MH is shut down.

[TeamCheap]

Got the exhuast manifold back on and its quiet.......for now...we'll have to see if it holds up.

Did all the spark plugs and spark plug wires but I think one wire is off most likely the last one, front left that was a real bugger to get out then back in I think the heat shield is stopping the wire boot from going all the way on.
A recheck of all the spark plug wires sunday should take care of that.

Messed with the AC power cord ....put new plug end on and cut out the couple of serious abrasion spots to it and the AC plugs work when its plugged in to house current but no go on the fridge but we really want to replace anyway so we need a reason.

[katoranger]

I believe the fridge works off the power convertor. There may be an issue there. Does it charge the house batteries?

[TeamCheap]

I havnt got to deep into it but there is a switch for either gas/dc or AC, I'll test the outlet the fridge is plugged into and verify AC power and go from there.

It was getting late today and we had been out there most of the day.

I still have to secure the power cord junction box but atleast I can plug it in and start checking all that stuff out So when we get a generator that half will be ready.

We plan to go for a short run in it sunday up to my sisters house since my wife hasnt even ridden in it yet.Atleast we have a tempurary plate and insurance.

[Weldangrind]

Maybe the fridge will work on gas for now. Do you have a propane tank you can use for testing?

Good luck on the maiden voyage. :D

[SpudRider]

X2! I hope you have an enjoyable, trouble-free excursion! :D

Spud :)

[TeamCheap]

The propane tank is full and when I turn the fridge to DC/gas I can hear it click like its trying to start but I know the main gas valve is off.

The fridge is pretty rough and we may still be able to buy one we seen for $200 when we went and looked at his generator, it was a newer very clean nice unit.
The seem to go for around $2500 brand new.

I havnt tested the gas side of things yet I was hoping to get the AC power set first.

I want to get smoke/fire and gas detectors installed and operational before going into the gas side.

[Weldangrind]

An excellent plan! I recommend that you choose smoke alarms with a cancel feature.

[TeamCheap]

An excellent plan! I recommend that you choose smoke alarms with a cancel feature.I'll look for them.

We're getting ready to run it up to my sisters house about 30 miles away, I dont expect any real problems since I did drive it home from ionia about 120 miles away.

I found the plug wire that was off it was the last one we did and it was a pain.

It's much quieter now.

[katoranger]

$200 on a used fridge is a good buy.

[Weldangrind]

Would it help to clearance the heat shield for better plug access?

[TeamCheap]

The heat shield is just a round tin cone and the plug is on a weird angle to get at.

Anyway I got it and we drove it up to my sisters and it ran fine.

I still have an exhuast leak somewhere but its not nearly as bad as it was so I'll look for that leak next.

I really want to get a generator for it so that part is done plus if we lose power we'll have it as a backup.

[Weldangrind]

Most people don't use gaskets between the head and the factory manifold, but they are available. Did you try a gasket there, or just at the doughnut?

[TeamCheap]

I tried the gaket I read alot of discussion on with/without but went with the gasket it had one originally but without they say it transfer the heat much better.
We'll see.

[Weldangrind]

I wonder what the source of the noise is then. Could it be that the manifolds are a bit warped? Do you think the doughnut gaskets are blown already?

[TeamCheap]

The manifold did have some warpage but we're thinking the sound is coming from another location, one that we couldnt really hear before its not very loud at all now.

Its not a loud sound but I still want to find it and see what I can do about it.

I'll end up doing the whole exhuast system by the end of nexty year.

[TeamCheap]

With the temps in the 80's a few weeks ago it got me fired up on the motorhome this year.

I have lots to do but lately I have been working on lights and having gotten the cabin lights all working I decided to work on the generator.

The PO had cut 5 holes in the generator base with a torch. :roll:
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm105/TeamCheap/100_1104.jpg

I started by getting nice clean holes.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm105/TeamCheap/100_1106.jpg

Then cut some plugs and welded them in.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm105/TeamCheap/100_1107.jpg

Cleaned up a little with the grinder.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm105/TeamCheap/100_1110.jpg

The bottom shows the plugs are a weee bit thicker but thats ok with me.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm105/TeamCheap/100_1109.jpg

[TCCKSR]

This is what I am looking for now too. I figure this is the best way to take the family and the quads and have accomodations when you get to where you want to ride.
Now I just need to weld up a secure tool storage box on the front of my trailer to keep fixing the boys chinese quads.

LOL

[Weldangrind]

I'm still on the hunt for a nice, cheap Class C.

Nice job on the plugs.

[SpudRider]

You did a nice job, TC. :) Why do you think the previous owner cut the holes?

Spud :)

[TCCKSR]

Weld there are a few decent class C in craigslist in the Lower Mainland right now but best time is ALWAYS Nov - Feb to pick one up cheap.

[TeamCheap]

You did a nice job, TC. :) Why do you think the previous owner cut the holes?

Spud :)Thanks.
I cant figure out what his plan was but there is a also a blue paint stick outline on the left side so he was planning on something.

I have our generator mounted on the base now and just have to do the exhaust and figure out the control hookups.


the motorhome still needs a ton of work donr to it but I'm hoping for a long memorial day weekend for the first run.
(6 weeks to pull it together)

[SpudRider]

Good luck; I hope you're making your first run on Memorial Day! :D

Spud :)