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bfrein's avatar
bfrein
Explorer
Jul 26, 2017

1998 P30 Chevy 454 - Stalling at interstate speeds

Hello,

We have a 1998 Fleetwood Southwind 32V. I believe this is the P30 Chevy 454 chassis

Today while cruising about 65mph on the interstate, the RV stalled. No engine lights came on. I still had power to my guages, a/c fan, etc, but rpm dropped to 0 as did oil pressure. I coasted to the shoulder and was able to easily restart.

15-20 miles further down the road, it acted like it was going to stall again. I'd push the accelerator, but no response. RPMs were bouncing below 1500. Suddenly, the accelerator was responsive again and I was able to continue driving without pulling over.

We stopped at a truck service shop on the next exit (about 10 more miles- no issues on this leg). They tested the fuel pump pressure and it was 58. Replaced fuel filter. He was able to blow through the old filter.

We took off and make it another 15 or so miles before the engine stalled again. This time while I was coasting, I just shifted into Neutral and was able to restart.

We took the next exit and returned back to home. Of course for the entire 70 miles back, we didn't have any issues.

The RV is still fully loaded out front and we are attempted to figure out if we should risk trying again tomorrow or just cancel the week trip

Any insights or suggestions would be great

Also for reference, we just took the RV on a 350 mile trip last weekend, so the fuel is fresh. In Feb we took it on a 3300 mile trip to Texas and back without any issues. There are approx 65,000 miles on the RV

Thank you
Class A
  • DougE's avatar
    DougE
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2017
    Ditto. In-tank fuel pump gets hot and stops pumping. Especially if the fuel level is low. When it cools down it pumps normally. At 60k replacement is about due. Another (more rare) problem that comes to mind is an intermittent wiring connection to the injectors.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jul 26, 2017
    When the fuel pump starts to go, it doesn't always get weak, it just doesn't run at times. When it does run the pressure will be fine.
    So a FP test doesn't really tell you much.
  • bfrein's avatar
    bfrein
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2017
    Thank you all for the quick responses.

    The shop we stopped at did check the fuel filter. He could blow through it but since he had it off, we just replaced it as well. They mentioned that it may be the fuel pump starting to go. At the time they tested it, the pressure was in range.

    Unfortunately the pumps aren't stocked anywhere local so it will take a few days to get in. We will start unpacking

    1995brave - I will check the air filter and also have the shop check the vacuum lines.

    Thank you
  • IAMICHABOD's avatar
    IAMICHABOD
    Explorer II
    Jul 26, 2017
    I had a Class A on a P30 chassis with the 434 and had the same problems mostly in hot weather, and I tried all the fixes mentioned here.

    Took it to Chevy truck mechanic and he said it was common problem,and showed me the reason. The fuel line is routed inside the frame rail next to the exhaust system and it would cause a vapor lock,he re routed the fuel line and the problem was solved.
  • 1995brave's avatar
    1995brave
    Nomad
    Jul 26, 2017
    There should be a fuel filter on the passenger side of the frame rail just in front of the rear axle, replace it. Also check your air filter and snorkel to the front, could be blocked by dirt and debris. Also check the vacuum lines on the TBI, being a 98 they are probably dried out and cracked.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2017
    blazenpm wrote:
    You probably have a 4 barrel Holley carburetor.

    Our 96 Southwind is fuel injected.
    I agree with ScottG, I'd be looking at the fuel pump.
    And, I would postpone the trip until I got the situation corrected. Mr Murphy is out there waiting to enforce his law.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jul 26, 2017
    A buddy has a truck of the same era. He had similar issues and it ended finally quiting completely. They replaced the electric fuel pump and its relay and it never happed again.
    BTW, you have fuel injection.
  • blazenpm's avatar
    blazenpm
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2017
    You probably have a 4 barrel Holley carburetor. Chances are your accelerator pump ( needle and seat) need to be replaced. Just a thought. There are numerous areas to look at from your in tank fuel pump to the fuel regulator to the fuel filters to your mechanical fuel pump on the engine then to the carburetor. You also have a filter where the fuel line goes into the carb. So, as I said earlier, there are several areas in the fuel system to look at. Might be better to have an experienced RV mechanical repairman look at it. With all that said you might have fuel injection. Not sure what year that was introduced to the Chev. 454.

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