Forum Discussion

Justin210485's avatar
Justin210485
Explorer
May 02, 2017

New rig, could use some troubleshooting advice.

Hello all, My name is Justin and I am new to the forum! My wife and I picked up a 1978 Ford Midas is super good condition for the upcoming summer.even though we got a killer deal, there are some repairs I need to take care of.

Break lights do not work.
Fuel tank selector does nothing
Crack in grey water tank

I have read that maybe its the break light switch under the dash near the pedal, so I will look there.

Rear main tank is selected but using the toggle switch doesnt change tanks.

Pretty good size crack in grey tank. Will replace later but would like to know if it can be sealed for some use beforehand.

Thanks all. Here are some pics of the rig!



new upload photos
Class C
  • toedtoes's avatar
    toedtoes
    Explorer III
    May 02, 2017
    Going to suggest something real simple on your fuel tanks: are you sure you have two actual tanks?

    When a rig gets that old, people do a lot of mods and someone may have taken out the second tank if it sprang a leak, etc.

    When you say it does nothing, does it continue to pull fuel from the first tank? If so, then the 2nd tank may not be there or a prior owner bypassed it because it leaks.

    If it doesn't pull fuel from anywhere, then it might be the connection has become disconnected.
  • mfox20's avatar
    mfox20
    Explorer
    May 02, 2017
    I had success with Eternabond tape on a small grey water tank crack a few years back on my former Class C. I could not get the JB Weld to hold up to the flexing of the tank as it filled up. Try the Eternabond if you can see the crack.
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    May 02, 2017
    Brake lights: take the cover off, take the bulb out. Put one end of your meter tester in the center of the socket. Bring a good ground from the battery to where you are testing. You might be getting the power, but no ground return.

    Before you try to determine how power gets there, actually see if power is there. It you determine there is no power, bring power to the positive side of the bulb, and prove it works when you have good power.
  • Tyler0215's avatar
    Tyler0215
    Explorer
    May 02, 2017
    Brake lights and fuel tank selector start with the fuses. Then check the ground. Then the switch, Do the turn signals work on the rear? If so it's probably the switch.

    J B Weld makes a product that may seal the gray water tank. You need to determine what the tank is made of and buy the correct J B Weld.
  • rv2go's avatar
    rv2go
    Explorer II
    May 02, 2017
    Welcome to Forum.

    Gosh, your Midas brings back memories. We bought a 19' Midas in 1976. Kept it for 21 years. No problems to the house part other than having to replace the fridge. During the time we had it, Gas went unleaded causing problems. One valve job, then replaced the heads. This was on the 302.

    Sure wish I could help with your items. I only had the one fuel tank.
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    May 02, 2017
    start at the fuse for the lights, then check the bulbs.and very important check the date code on those tires, they may look great but tires dry rot.

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