timmac wrote:
Need help here, my 79 dodge 440 runs hot on hills, have replaced radiator with a 4 core super cooler, new stat, new hoses, new cap, and installed a new large transmission cooler and 50/50 antifreeze, motor runs cool in town with Vegas high temps and stop and go with no problem, runs cool on flat highways however it all goes to #@%$* when I drive up large grades in the summer, with all this work what is going wrong or is this normal for these old dodge motorhomes...
I just got back last night from Bridgeport Calif. and it was 107* at times, I changed my radiator also but along with that put in a Milodon high volume water pump and thermostat, I also changed the fan just because I wanted to cover all the bases.The rig (a 1977 dodge establishment on a MB400 chassis, 440-3 motor)had no heating issues but I did experience what I would call a small case of vapor lock the unit would act like it was out of gas and at first I thought it was a fuel filter but it would come and go not like a filter problem. I replaced the thermoquad with the edelbrock replacement carb and boy it was not cheap and it did come with the phenolic spacer but I still think this issue was a vapor lock situation, although it never put us on the side of the road 100* degree weather all the way and no overheating problems, after the first trip this was a success story.
I have to say the ride rite air bags were a big improvement in the handling of these types of motorhomes, I was a mess after the last trip and this time it was much better. If you have any questions on the mods I have done you can e-mail me ssvette@adelphia.net
