I have a 1989 Fleetwood PaceArrow John Deere 37J with a Ford 460 engine. Problem I have is that under load, the engine looses power and I can barely get 15MPH. At idle, the engine appears to run just fine. I thought it maybe the ignition module but was hoping to get some expert advice. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Sounds like the famous in tank fuel pump problem. The factory pump can't provide enough pressure at medium to WOT. When it drops below 40 PSI the ECM goes wonky. My symptoms were the same. The tank has to be dropped or cut a hole in the floor. A decent mechanic can test it via the OBD port or by putting a gauge on the fuel line near the engine.

I'd try changing to a new fuel filter first

I don't think there is a OBD port on an 1989/1988 modelI don't remember that chassis's fuel filter location. If it's"in the tank", I would replace the Fuel Filter, Fuel Pump, and tank level sensor. Hopefully then you will never have to drop the tank again.

bobman wrote:I'd try changing to a new fuel filter firstX2. Always do the simple, easy things first.

n7bsn wrote:I don't think there is a OBD port on an 1989/1988 modelI don't remember that chassis's fuel filter location. If it's"in the tank", I would replace the Fuel Filter, Fuel Pump, and tank level sensor. Hopefully then you will never have to drop the tank again.You might be right. I read late 90's. If it's EFI I believe it has OBD. If carb no. If it's carb not the famous in tank problem.

Need assistance for Ford 460 problem. | Good Sam Community

23 Replies

John_Joey
Explorer
Aug 30, 2015
Jagtech wrote:
John&Joey wrote:
Jagtech wrote:
...This vintage isn't as susceptible to the usual fuel pump issues, as it is carbureted....

My '96 was FI, which I think may have been the first year for them. OP has a '98.

I read that as '89. Did he correct that? Agree that a 98 would be FI.

Well what the heck, I see it says 89 not 98 on OP. Sorry about that Jagtech.

Well if it's carb'ed then I'm guessing some jet is plugged, the bowl is full of varnish, or ethanol gas ate at the fuel lines and a small piece of it is stuck in there. Might even have an air leak around the base of the carb. That beast is almost 30 years old, could be just about anything.
jyrostng
Explorer
Aug 30, 2015
OP has 89
Jagtech
Explorer
Aug 30, 2015
John&Joey wrote:
Jagtech wrote:
...This vintage isn't as susceptible to the usual fuel pump issues, as it is carbureted....

My '96 was FI, which I think may have been the first year for them. OP has a '98.

I read that as '89. Did he correct that? Agree that a 98 would be FI.
jyrostng
Explorer
Aug 30, 2015
My 89 p30 454 with carb has a tank pump with a regulator just outside the tank to push fuel to the engine mounted pump. I think yours does too.
rojohot
Explorer
Aug 30, 2015
make sure you have a vented gas cap
John_Joey
Explorer
Aug 27, 2015
Jagtech wrote:
...This vintage isn't as susceptible to the usual fuel pump issues, as it is carbureted....

My '96 was FI, which I think may have been the first year for them. OP has a '98.
Jagtech
Explorer
Aug 26, 2015
Put a vacuum gage on the engine intake - that will indicate right away if there's an exhaust blockage, either the muffler, cat (if it has one) or a collapsed pipe.
This vintage isn't as susceptible to the usual fuel pump issues, as it is carburetted, although even those pumps can fail. And of course, you should change the fuel filter, just on principle.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Aug 26, 2015
Fuel pump, if he filter doesn't fix it. Fuel pump will be necessary with a new pump anyway!
John_Joey
Explorer
Aug 26, 2015
The other cheap and easy things to do next if the filter isn't the problem (assuming the rig sat for awhile) is check the air box/filter to see if something built a nest in there.

Also my old 460 FI would start to plug if I sat without running for 1-2 months. First trip south where I was doing 200-400 miles ever couple of days and using good detergent gas took about 1,500 miles before that 460 really gave me it's all. Going through Mobil, AL when all of sudden that engine kicked in. Nice timing since I had to climb out of that tunnel towing a car.
bertha1989
Explorer
Aug 26, 2015
Thanks for all the suggestions. I will change the fuel filter and see what happens. I will post the results.