1976 Dodge Sportsman Help

Congratulations.

Your Dodge is all Dodge running gear.
Being a '76 and very low millage it
has been sitting a long time.

The motor, transmission, etc. is the same
as found in Dodge trucks, vans and cars.
It just needs a good tune-up.

Distributor cap and rotor, possibility wires
and plugs and most likely a crab kit for rebuild.
maybe a fuel filter or pump. Nothing that a 1976
car or truck would not need as routine maintenance.
Be sure to change the fluids.

If you are not mechanically inclined any tune-up shop
should be able to do that for you.

Being a Mopar fan from the day, be sure to pick up
and extra Transistor control modular for it.
They have been know to go out with out notice.
Neither Dad not I would leave home with out an extra one.
They were about $20.00 back then.

They are strong and reliable drive trains. I have put a
lot of miles on the Mopars.

Hope to start enjoying it soon.

Not sure exactly when they stated to use unleaded fuel, but if yours is a leaded unit make sure you use a lead substitute in the fuel to protect the valves.

Thanks for the advice!

It's currently in a parking lot, hope to go there tonight and do the few things you suggested.

Will update on progress and when I finally get it home. Much appreciated!

I had at one time an 87 Dodge with a carbureted 360 in it that I used for my Lance TC. On one cross country trip I experienced what you are describing. My problem turned out to be vapor lock. I was told that the fuel lines were too close to the exhaust and the fuel would vaporize, therefore liquid fuel was not getting to the carburetor.

There were many recommendations from wrapping the fuel lines near the exhaust to installing an electric fuel pump near the tank.

I also noted that I had the problem when we were in the Midwest. For me it seems that I was using the wrong grade of fuel. I did not realize that there was 86% octane fuel. Once we were back in California I never had that problem again. Bad fuel? JMO

Definitely need a tune-up. Seafoam is good stuff but your carburetor is probably gummed up beyond the ability of seafoam to clean it up. Plus pouring good gas into bad gas doesn't make the bad gas go away. The carburetor probably needs a rebuild. You can do it yourself if you are handy or my preference is to send it to a shop that can restore the carb to original specs (probably $200-$250).

If it has been setting a long time, you also want to completely inspect the braking system including the flexible hoses which are probably close to closing up internally. Tires also need to inspected closely for cracks or separation even though the tread looks good. Age (over 6-7 years) is a the biggest destroyer of RV tires. If you were expecting a new RV with 6,000 miles, your expectations are misplaced. Sometimes the damage comes from non use rather than wear. Vehicles built in the 70's required a lot more maintenance than today's vehicles.

We had a 72 Dodge Maxi-van conversion for many years. Carb needed periodic cleaning,rebuild/replacement, points needed replacement/adjustment . Had some electrical problems with large connector that goes through the firewall also a balance resistor that is mounted on the firewall. Also had trouble with a bad ignition coil that would get hot and malfunction. Try to find a good and friendly mechanic familiar with old Dodge engines, etc. and watch what he does and eventually learn how to do basics yourself. Heed advice about tires and brake system. Have old brake fluid flushed and replaced as part of a good brake system servicing/repair. You may have trouble finding proper size/type 800 X 16.5"bias belted" replacement tires to fit wheels. Get aadvice on buying tires (or) finding wheels that are compatible with modern steel belted radial tires.There is a long running thread about care and feeding of old Dodge motorhomes on this forum. Wider (8.75) tires may rub inside wheel wells making sharp turns. Try not to spend way too much on repairs/upgrades on this old rig, it is only worth about $4000
regardless of mileage or money you invest in it. If housebox has water leak damage, repairs by a professional will be very expensive as will repairs/replacement of roof AC, dash AC, fridge,RV generator, etc. if/when needed.Get to know and understand your 12 volt house battery charging system including the "converter charger", battery(s) and fuse boxes aswell as the 120vac shore power system and propane supply for fridge, water heater and stove.
You will need to monitor electrolyte levels and proper charging of house batteries. You have a challenging new hobby !!! Don't drive with unsafe tires or brakes, learn to control speed with downshifting on twisty down-grades.
You will need to buy a same year/model Chilton's etc., Dodge van overhaul/maintenance manual.

Thanks! VERY much appreciated! Very informative advice, i knew this was the right place to ask.

It has been sitting for a looooong time, is there any negatives to taking it to a car wash and spraying down the engine bay?

You will need to keep water out of electrical/ignition stuff. Might be best to take it somewhere for proper steam cleaning of engine. I forgot to mention that I had reinstalled a kick-down (?)mechanism improperly and the &*$$ thing started in reverse, rolled over my foot and ran accross the street hitting a pine tree in the neighbors yard. Amateur mechanics can get into trouble. My foot has never been the same.

aussiebrewerinco wrote:
Thanks! VERY much appreciated! Very informative advice, i knew this was the right place to ask.

It has been sitting for a looooong time, is there any negatives to taking it to a car wash and spraying down the engine bay?

Over the years I have washed many motors with the
garden hose and laundry detergent sprinkled on
then scrubbed with a paint brush, before rinsing.

Either let the wires dry completely or start as soon as possible
to prevent condensation in the distributor cap. I never had
any problems except maybe 2-3 min of rough idling.

If it by chance does not start, take off the cap
(do not remove all wires as it is not necessary,
and wipe the inside with a dry cloth).

A spray over the wiring, not a soaking, is fine.
I have been doing that for over 50 years on all
types of cars/trucks, etc.

Thanks Bordercollie, ouch!

It appears (or was told) that the engine is a Chrysler 440, does that make any difference?

Also, is there no vin check for RV's? I tried to look it up but usual vin check sites say invalid VIN. I'm just wondering if this is all original parts or if something major has been replaced.

Thanks!