1997 Holiday rambler Endeavor LE Ford 460

kharrell1972 wrote:
Thanks for the replies… I just went and picked it up today to take it the exhaust shop. Drove it without any issues. It does feel like there is not a lot of power but I figured that is because it is a gasser and is so big. I don’t expect it to be like a hot rod but figure it should have more power than it does. As it is, I wouldn't trust trying to drive through even the smallest of mountains! It has sat for a week since I parked it so leads me to believe the excessive exhaust back pressure is causing the lack of power and maybe something to heat up which eventually causes it to lose power. I am told braking is affected when the exhaust back pressure is excessive.

Exhaust back pressure has NOTHING to do with braking. Your brakes are hydro-boost. Meaning the power for the brakes comes from the power steering pump.

Richard

Good luck, but that 460 isn’t known for back pressure, headers will give you hp.

Check your fuel pressure, most likely cause. Ignition module is cheap and easy to replace. Likes to fail when it gets hot.

Thanks for the replies… I just went and picked it up today to take it the exhaust shop. Drove it without any issues. It does feel like there is not a lot of power but I figured that is because it is a gasser and is so big. I don’t expect it to be like a hot rod but figure it should have more power than it does. As it is, I wouldn't trust trying to drive through even the smallest of mountains! It has sat for a week since I parked it so leads me to believe the excessive exhaust back pressure is causing the lack of power and maybe something to heat up which eventually causes it to lose power. I am told braking is affected when the exhaust back pressure is excessive.

Richard nailed all the major issues pertaining to 460/7.5L
On my 97 bounder built on a 96 F53 chassis, i have replaced the fuel pump, the frame mounted filter, and the ignition module which mounted under the front hatch/hood on the firewall on the driver side, i also flushed the brak system snd filled with fresh Dot 4 brake fluid ,

Your MH does NOT have a CC.........There is a resonator just after the "Y" pipe that could be mistaken for a CC.
I suggest the first thing to do is put a fuel pressure gauge on the fuel rail. Port is on the right fuel rail about center of the fuel rail. Pressure should be about 32lbs. at idle and about 40lbs. with the vacuum hose pulled off the fuel pressure regulator. The only way to fully test the fuel pump is to drive the coach at wide open throttle and see if you get about 40lbs of pressure.
If low pressure, check the fuel filter first. It's on the left frame rail, mid-ship.
Your engine is port injected, not TBI. It still has the old EEC-IV computer with OBD-1

Your coach has disc brakes on both ends. The caliper mounting system is of poor design and needs maintenance every 2 years. The calipers need to be removed, mounting surfaces cleaned and greased with synthetic brake caliper grease. The pistons in the calipers will swell over time and not move freely. There are replacement metal pistons out there or you could buy rebuilt calipers with metal pistons. RockAuto has such items.



Richard

Start with known problems...i.e., the brake system. Raise each wheel and apply brakes and check if the calipers release proper. With those few miles I would think there are problems with the seals sticking in the calipers causing extreme resistance and slowing down the vehicle. I repaired a gentleman's Jaguar that was doing similar to what you described, and it was his brake power booster activating the brakes under acceleration and speed. Check brake drums/caliphers temps and drive it and if it slows down after a few miles check the temp at the time to see if their temp has increased a lot.

Is the engine fuel injection or carb? Check for any codes showing. Does the engine accelerate proper sitting in park? Is the transmission slipping? Has its fluid and filter been changed recently?

With that few miles and that year your most likely cause is the OEM fuel pump is still in it. Check to see if it was upgraded to the new one. As I remember the number of wires to it will be the indication.

Pretty easy to see if there's a catalytic converter or not, just look. Not sure how you think an exhaust issue could cause braking problems, please elaborate.

On the driveability issue, my money is on a fuel system clog. I know you said that filters were changed, but years of rust and sentiment in the fuel tank could easily plug a new filter. Exhaust could easily be plugged with god knows what as well.

Everything has been went through. That is what I am saying. All new Belts, hoses, oil, filters, fuel injectors, fuel pump, plugs, wires all new brakes, calipers and rotors, AC units checked, generator runs like a top etc…. The mobile mechanic says the exhaust is plugged. I have read that the 95-97 F53 chassis with the Ford 460 did not come with catalytic converter. I Realize it has extremely low miles but this thing is cherry! Just wondering if anyone had any dealings with exhaust or catalytic converter issues if there are any on this model.

for sure check the brakes. They could be apply and did not release due to rubber brake hose collapse. If you can not find new hose then you will have to go to the braid stainless ones. The exhaust and transmission should be easy to check.