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aabrennan's avatar
aabrennan
Explorer
Jan 06, 2018

8.1 liter Chevy mechanic/ engine shop

up date Tuesday Jan 9th--yesterday, following difficult engine start, and slow to drive into quartzsite to refuel 1/2 empty gas tank engine would not restart in gas station--on road could not accelerate normally--Towed to Blythe Mead Auto & RV Repair. This AM their test showed 13 lbs fuel pressure at engine, 55 to 65 normal--fuel pump ordered enroute to Las Vegas, then to Quartzsite---their esitmate is four hours to drop tank & install ect. The reattached the drive line that the tow operator took off to tow today.
Please accept our thanks for the thoughtful responses for our RV problems. Andy

Up date: fuel starvation difficulty
1. Engine will start on 2 nd or more try
2. Do not attempt to accelerate or engine quits—allow Idling and wait for rough idle to smooth out, then can slowly accelerate To 1500 & hold then 2000rpm for a minute—then able in to accelerate as Normal & hold operational rpm after Following a-two minthrough rough
3. Rig is 2003 Tiffin Allegro 30DA Workhorse with 8.1 liter Chevy—annual maintenance include changing both fuel filters
4. Recommendation for mechanic
A. Courtesy Chevy Phoenix
B. Midway Chevy Phoenix
C.Sands Chevy Phoenix
D. Other suggested?
Will be camping McDowell Regional Park east Phx
Class A
  • ArchHoagland's avatar
    ArchHoagland
    Explorer
    Jan 16, 2018
    Thanks for the update!!! Glad to hear all is well.

    How much did all that set you back, not including the tow?
  • aabrennan's avatar
    aabrennan
    Explorer
    Jan 16, 2018
    Kevin, last Monday in Quartzsite Chevron the Workhouse W 22, 8.1 liter Chevy, suffered complete fuel pump failure—AAA approved tow to Blythe, Mead Auto and RV Repair—Owner, Mechanic Hamp, certified and really key was his knowledge and had a source with access to Workhorse parts—They we’re very helpful plus camped us on site Friday they began at 9 am prep—when part arrived Hamp and Mike spent the day dropping Tank (complicated by 1. full load .2 generator line manufacturers installed before RV dropped onto chassis—no way to reach it & had to cut tube, then replace with rerouted flexible tubing)—6:30 pm we drove out driveway heading for McDowell Mountain Park—grateful to Owners Hamp and Lois, Mike and two employees who all made the repair happen—asva side not we carry full Good Sam Road Service including towing & first contacted them— would only tow to closest shop which was in Quartzsite-
  • kcgaz's avatar
    kcgaz
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2018
    Andy- Just saw your post and see that you are in our backyard at Mc Dowell Mountain Park. I too have had issues with our 8.1L Workhorse and have taken it to Midway without much success. I would give Courtesy a try and please let us know how things turn out.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jan 06, 2018
    Could also be an air filter issue.

    Sorry. Do not know an 8.1 person in that area.. Might try a chevy dealer

    Now if you were in S.E. Ga.. I know a real good one.
  • wildmanbaker's avatar
    wildmanbaker
    Explorer
    Jan 06, 2018
    aabrennan wrote:
    Our location Eastern Phoenix/-camping McDowell Park—fuel starvation problem —can’t accurate & starting difficulty-2003 Tiffin Allegro 30DA

    Was your MH running alright when you got there? If so, you may have an electrical problem from rodents chewing some of your wiring. If this is the problem, its not going to be easy to find. Try looking at chassis fuses first. Fuel filters do not plug while not being used. If it is the filter, you may have been having problems before this.
    When trouble shooting, remember electrical first, fuel last.
    Good luck
  • tropical36's avatar
    tropical36
    Explorer
    Jan 06, 2018
    aabrennan wrote:
    Our location Eastern Phoenix/-camping McDowell Park—fuel starvation problem —can’t accurate & starting difficulty-2003 Tiffin Allegro 30DA

    As said, check the filter, which you may find alongside the frame rail, passenger side, amidships.
    Disconnect the output and see if it spurts fuel with the ignition on and probably best to attach a pressure gauge there, as well.
    Check fuel pump relay, for operation and power to the intank fuel pump, as well.
    If the pump is bad and before dropping the tank, see if there's a way for going through the floor and then covering with a marine access plate for future use.
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Jan 06, 2018
    Have you changed the fuel filter that is underneath your coach, near the fuel tank? It will be a 4" inches long/silver/2" in diameter.

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