Forum Discussion

Bob360's avatar
Bob360
Explorer
Sep 25, 2017

getting 1988 bounder 31k up and running

I recently bought a house from my aunt and it came with an RV. I took trips in this thing as a kid and the interior is perfect. The problem is it hasn't been started in 10 years. Prior to that my grandmother whose it was has it fully serviced so she and my aunt could go on a trip but she was diagnosed with terminal cancer and that didn't happen. I wanted to start a basic restore of the motor to see if it will fire but I cant find any resources on it other than its most likely a Chevy 454.

Does anyone know where i can get a parts list to start with? I need to find info on the basics oil filter plugs wires hoses belts. Then I can start draining fuel and replacing batteries.
Class A
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Sep 26, 2017
    Deep cycle marine is not as good as two 6 volt golf cart batteries. They are about $80 each at Costco.
    You should be able to find pump to empty the fuel tank at Harbor Freight. It is going to be very difficult to empty completely. Look at the fuel tank filler hose to see how it is to come off for easier access then trying to use filler port.
  • fulltimin's avatar
    fulltimin
    Nomad
    Sep 26, 2017
    I have an 83 chevy chassis, and the bottom of the gas tank has 2 plugs, one at each end, at a corner, that can be removed, to drain the tank.

    They appear to use an allen wrench to remove them. Have a look underneath, and seal the plugs when re-installing them.
  • Bob360's avatar
    Bob360
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2017
    crb478 wrote:
    I would pull the spark plugs and fog the cylinders or at least spray some wd40 down the cylinders and replace the plugs.Let it sit for at least a week before trying to turn the flywheel with a flywheel turner.


    That along with the hoses and belts was my plan. Any suggestions for emptying the gas tank? I was looking for a siphon pump and cleaning the tank with muriatic acid.

    I looked up the chassis info like suggested and ordered a manuel so I know what to buy. It is a chevy 454!

    I have a friend who can get me deep cycle marine batteries so im hoping i can find a match there to save some coin.

    Thank you all for the advice and anymore you have for me!
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Sep 26, 2017
    I like that unit for all the windows particularly on the driver's side. Big project but worthwhile.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Sep 26, 2017
    Good source locally is O'reilly auto parts. You can type in the rig. If Chev chassis it would be a P-30 for the model.
    Again if Chev Chiltons makes a manual that covers basics. Chilton manual number 28642 covers 1987-1997.
    You should start by charging the battery. It the chassis battery should be the 12 volt. Many Fleetwood products used two 6 volt batteries in series for coach power.
  • fulltimin's avatar
    fulltimin
    Nomad
    Sep 25, 2017
    Chevy's typically had the chassis info on the steering column, under the steering wheel.

    If you plan on keeping the rv for a while, and plan on doing most work yourself, you can get a repair manual, that will cover virtually every aspect of the chassis. Probably way more info than you need at this point, but, it is a great reference manual that will give you specs on just about everything chassis related.

    It does not cover the coach parts.

    These manuals are not cheap, but, imo, well worth the money.

    http://www.faxonautoliterature.com/

    I have no affiliation with them, and make no money from their sales. I am just a satisfied customer.
  • crb478's avatar
    crb478
    Explorer
    Sep 25, 2017
    Look up parts for an 88 chevy. I would pull the spark plugs and fog the cylinders or at least spray some wd40 down the cylinders and replace the plugs.Let it sit for at least a week before trying to turn the flywheel with a flywheel turner. If it is not seized then you can try to get it to turn over with the starter. It will need a new battery and all fluids changed, but if you get it this far you have reason to be optimistic. Any decent mechanic and work on a 454 chevy from 88.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Sep 25, 2017
    Welcome to the forum. You need to know what engine/chassis is under your Bounder.
    There's no point buying Chevy parts if it's a Ford engine.
    After you identify the engine, most auto parts stores will have what you need.

    If it is a Chevy it will be the 454. A Ford will be the 460.

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