fleetwoodjambo
Jul 17, 2018Explorer
1989 Fleetwood Jambo Ford E-350 with 460 engine question
I recently purchased a used 89 Fleetwood Jamboree with Ford E-350 460 engine. It has 36,000 miles. I drove it home after private party purchase on approx. 150 miles drive,and it performed fine about 75 degree weather. A few weeks later, I took to a mobile mechanic to address electrical issue (coach lights and generator not working unless engine on or plugged into shore power). Anyway, it was 110 degrees in Cali that day, and while motor was running in park, it suddenly shut off. In total the engine had been running for about 45 minutes, but was only in park for about 2-3 minutes. Luckily I was in a Pet Boys parking lot when it happened. Not being too familiar with the mechanical history I thought the fuel pump went out (as there are two), but both were making a noise so I changed out fuel filter. Still would not start. Sprayed starting fluid into intake and it started after a few attempts of this same pattern. I let it run for about 5-10 minutes and proceeded to drive home, forgoing the initial electrical issue, as the engine was now my main concern. When Shortly after entering the freeway I encountered traffic at about 35-40 mph. Within a mile and while going up a small grade, the motor made some loud violent noises almost like a miss-fire and I could see hood compartment shaking. I applied throttle to go up grade but speedo needle continued to drop (no acceleration) to zero and then engine quit altogether again. I was able to re-start it right away but only for a few seconds. The 100 degree heat was unbearable, and not knowing what was wrong I had to call a tow truck. Next morning I went to tow yard and it started right up? A mobile mechanic came out and found no error codes. Pressure in fuel pump was tested and determined to be good. I found a nearby grade, much steeper than the one it died on the day prior, and climbed it without any problem. I was unable to duplicate the issue. Any thoughts on why it died on me? Again it was very HOT on the day in question but engine was on for less than an hour in total. When I drive it the temp needle stays in the middle but tends to move a bit towards the "H" under load. Also after running the motor for a few minutes, the hood release becomes extremely hot to where you need a rag to open it. Is the 460 motor known for getting overly hot? Anyone have this same experience? I am considering changing the ignition control module but I don't see it mounted anywhere on the left fender. Does anyone know for certain where the module is located on a 1989 Fleetwood Jamboree E-350? Research says might be on distributor, but with hood open I cant see beyond the top of distributor unless air filter and hoses removed...Hoping I have recourse to address this issue, wondering since it's almost 30 yrs old perhaps options are now available. Thanks for reading, any help is appreciated.