1983 Midas Kingston - free RV with a locked engine

If you're asking for opinions from anonymous people on an internet forum, you've probably already answered the go or no go question.

Tires, brakes, trans service, motor service, cleaning the fuel tank and lines, getting it to run? It's worth about $0 as is. If you can't get it running then what? Pay to have someone tow it off?

jdc1 wrote:
Tires, brakes, trans service, motor service, cleaning the fuel tank and lines, getting it to run? It's worth about $0 as is. If you can't get it running then what? Pay to have someone tow it off?

I was mostly trying to get opinions on the whole “gummed up” thing. To me a gummed up engine would be a seized engine. One that will either take a good soaking in cleaner loosen up and turn over, or one that is complete garbage.

I don’t really care about having to take time to go over the entire RV and replace every little thing I need to. I have nothing, but, time. Lots of it.

I’ve fixed up an old 91 ford escort that was “seized” and it ran for quite a while. Most I’m bored and want a project.

I’m just trying to see if anyone thinks this project just will not work out. Like maybe these engines when “gummed up” are 9 out of 10 times junk. Just wanted insight .

Upon further review, and with the added details of your situation "bored", go for it. But I'm not towing it away for you, if it doesn't work out. ;)

No offense bud. But if you don’t know the difference between gummed up and seized or how to check, it could certainly be your answer to occupying plenty of your time for a while.

If it was running when it was parked it will run again!

Many years ago I got a 56 Hillman Californian for free. It had been sitting untouched for 5 years. I got it running again. And ran the same half tank of gas it was parked with too.

Pull the plugs, squirt some oil in there, try to turn it over. May have to get a socket and flex bar on the end of the crank, but do try.

I bought a 58 Impala once that was dragged out of a field near Seattle where it had sat untouched rusting for 26 years. I got it running too, and actually drove it.

If I can, so can you.:)

Go for it man, what have you got to lose?

I know a lot about working on vehicles

Then you would be able to answer your own questions and probably have more experience than some of us.

Inspect the coach part of this project. Mice can cause many problems with rvs sitting idle for long periods of time. They have a tendency to eat the wires causing many electrical issues.

Even if you had to throw in a motor or rebuild it, you’re getting this rig for free.
If the coach part of it is working and in decent shape without leaks , it will have value when it's up and running. If you are able to do the work yourself and save that labor then it seems like a win-win situation for you. You just need a dry covered place to work, like a barn.

Good luck , have fun with your project . Come back with an update and pics when you get into it. Its informative to see the progress when someone takes on a project like this.

If it's free and being towed to your home then I don't see any downside. If you have experience working on vehicles and lots of time, then it will be a fun project. I had a similar situation with the Lance I got for free, had some "minor damage". Granted this was camper work and not motor work but you get the idea. Link to the rebuild thread in my sig.

I wouldn't worry about not getting it running, there is absolutely no reason it won't run, all you need is time and money. Worst case you put $5,000 into it to get it running, and if you don't want to keep it when it's done you'll be able to sell it for $10,000.

BurbMan wrote:
Worst case you put $5,000 into it to get it running, and if you don't want to keep it when it's done you'll be able to sell it for $10,000.

Now that's funny! Thanks for the morning humor. $10k, lol...

PS, OP, better hope the engine is good. I'm sure with your skills, swapping out a small block chevy is a walk in the park for you...
Ever try doin it not only in a van...but with an overhead camper in the way?
Good thing time is on your side....hopefully a great deal of determination is as well. You'll need both.
Whatever you do, don't spend the money set aside for scrapping it, until you have it back on the road!

I like camping with my available time so I don't buy RV projects that will take months to make run, work, water resistant...if you are lucky.