Forum Discussion

Unconfined's avatar
Unconfined
Explorer
Apr 02, 2019

RV not starting anymore (?)

I was given an RV last summer, which had been parked in the driveway for 18 years, with only 29,000 miles. The carburetor was taken for another RV, then the owner passed away. I bought a new carburetor, which a mechanic chose (Holley Performance), and it ran just fine. But the mechanic was always messing with one thing or other, and now it doesn't want to start. I have a feeling the problem may be in the battery cables because I saw the mechanic adding a new one under the hood one day, pretty much when it stopped running. But now I don't remember how the cables were when I first got the RV. It takes up to 3 batteries, and so there are several cables coming from different areas under the hood.

How can I find out if the cables are set up correctly?

Also, it was backfiring before it stopped starting altogether, could that have created a problem?

Could it be that the Holley Performance carburetor is too much for the RV?

*It is a 1979 Dodge Southwind, which when I web search it, there doesn't seem to be information for this particular year, make, and model (?)
Class A
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Apr 02, 2019
    It probably has the 440 engine which means that parts are still available. I would go to basics and just use jumper cables from a SINGLE good 12 volt battery and see if you can get the starter to turn the engine over.
    If that works, then you might have a timing issue, which was causing the backfiring. You also need to insure that the carb is getting fuel, which may have gone bad from the coach sitting so long. The fuel lines could be clogged, the fuel filter clogged, the fuel line broken or cracked, etc.
    You just need to go through one thing at a time until all issues are corrected. Dealing with a vehicle that sat for so long is a big challenge.
  • garym114's avatar
    garym114
    Explorer II
    Apr 02, 2019
    The engine starting only takes one battery, the other two are the house batteries, not connected to the engine starter.
    Start with the starter and trace the cabling back to the starting battery.
    You can still get parts for the engine.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2019
    Before you put a lot of money into getting it running, check the roof and interior for signs of leaks. Stains on the ceiling/walls and soft spots on the floor are good indicators.

    Buy or borrow a moisture meter and check different spots. A small leak can cause a lot of damage.

    Please, keep up updated on your progress.
  • MountainAir05's avatar
    MountainAir05
    Explorer II
    Apr 02, 2019
    Also you have points and cables, cap, rotor. As other state, just one battery. I owned a 75 and a 80. Could be a 318 or 440, most were 440. Check you fuel pump and hoses. Some had a fuel switch back mid way drivers side that switch from Left and right fuel tank. Both of mine went thru headers. Always cracking. Finally put on tube headers to stop it on both.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Apr 02, 2019
    Could be a 360 as well but no matter, engine and transmission parts are readily available and cheap.
  • D_E_Bishop's avatar
    D_E_Bishop
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2019
    You can find the proper wiring of the chassis and the coach in the 12 volt side of life from a search just asking what you want to know which should be how are the coach batteries wired and how is the chassis battery wired.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Apr 03, 2019
    Once you get it running, in my opinion your main concern will be the transmission. Most likely a 727 Torqueflite and it needs a large transmission cooler no matter and a fluid change, filter change and torque converter drain as well and under no circumstances take it to a flush and fill place. Do it yourself.

    You'll have built up deposits in the tranny and the flush and fill places will destroy the tranny. Just drain, change the filter and refill, no flush unless you really want to flush the tranny that is.

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