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Assyrian_Elvis's avatar
Assyrian_Elvis
Explorer II
Sep 21, 2014

Ticking/Knocking Engine noise 1989 Coachmen E250

Hey guys. I just bought an 89 Coachmen Ford Econoline E250. Got it from Vegas and it was one owner and carfax verified to have only 44000 miles on it. It is in mint condition. I drove it from Vegas to Little Rock Arkansas with no problems. I recently have been hearing a ticking noise coming from the right driver side engine area near the power steering pump. The ticking noise does not go away and the van is struggling to get over 55mph on the highway. Im not sure if it is and exhaust manifold or catalytic converter. Hopefully its not the valves or lifters. Just wanted to get some help and info on this. Anyone can help lemme know.

Also 2 other issues. My onan generator was worked on by a guy and he messed it up. Before it would work and I used the rooftop AC for 2 days. Now when I turn the fan option on the coleman rooftop ac it works, once I select the low cool or high cool option for the AC it shuts off. The regular fan option works on the rooftop unit when the genset is on but when the actual air condition option is selected like low cool or high cool, it shuts off right away.

The other issue is my monitor panel is not working and my propane tank if leaking propane from the valve. Any guys on here from the little rock area who work on rvs please contact me cus I wanna get it fixed. Any info or help on here? Lemme know guys.
Class B
  • Assyrian_Elvis's avatar
    Assyrian_Elvis
    Explorer II
    Sep 22, 2014
    coolmom42 wrote:
    Switch to 89 octane for a while and run a can of Seafoam through the gas tank.

    Also..... if that is the original propane tank, it is way past due for inspection or replacement. I would replace the entire tank.


    Ok Im gonna try the 89 octane or even 93 octane gas. Ive heard a lotta people using seafoam but Im scared too and not sure if its good for the gas tank or engine. Why do so many people talk about using seafoam? I know nothing about it, What does it do?
  • Assyrian_Elvis's avatar
    Assyrian_Elvis
    Explorer II
    Sep 22, 2014
    ol' grouch wrote:
    How long did it sit before you got it? I've seen a lot of cars over the years bog down and not want to go very fast. A few things it could be are;

    Mice building a nest in the tail pipe plugging it up.

    Internally rusted muffler

    Slipped timing chain from miles. They usually last about 120,000 miles but a lot of idlingcan shorten that.

    Hook a vacuum guage to the intake and see what you get. A healthy engine will pull between 17 and 20 inches of vacuum.

    Now, the ticking could be a sticky lifter.


    It drove fine with no ticking 1400 miles from vegas to little rock. The owner told me it was sitting in storage for 5 years. I had to repace the rear fuel pump and sending unit because the gas was old and dirty and the pump didnt work. I drove it with the front fuel pump from vegas to little rock with no problems. I just wanna know whats the acceleration problem? Is it the exhaust manifold cracked or low air pressure from a bad sticky valve making the ticking noise. Ive had for a few months a few weeks ago the ticking started coming from the right side of the engine right on the driver side near the power steering pump. Are you saying I need to do a compression test and see how many pounds of air compression its making? I dont understand or know what a vacumm test is. I did replace the valve cover gaskets and intake manifold gasket but they were all made by felpro and not the original motorcraft,
  • ernie1's avatar
    ernie1
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2014
    What engine do you have? A 351 or 460 ci? The 460s are notorious for having cracked exhaust manifold.
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Sep 22, 2014
    Switch to 89 octane for a while and run a can of Seafoam through the gas tank.

    Also..... if that is the original propane tank, it is way past due for inspection or replacement. I would replace the entire tank.
  • ol__grouch's avatar
    ol__grouch
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2014
    How long did it sit before you got it? I've seen a lot of cars over the years bog down and not want to go very fast. A few things it could be are;

    Mice building a nest in the tail pipe plugging it up.

    Internally rusted muffler

    Slipped timing chain from miles. They usually last about 120,000 miles but a lot of idlingcan shorten that.

    Hook a vacuum guage to the intake and see what you get. A healthy engine will pull between 17 and 20 inches of vacuum.

    Now, the ticking could be a sticky lifter.
  • newman_fulltime's avatar
    newman_fulltime
    Explorer II
    Sep 21, 2014
    Assyrian_Elvis wrote:
    newman fulltimer wrote:
    sounds like valve pinging time for a tune up and good quality gas on the noise


    I do use 87 gas, The van has been fully tuned up, changed both fuel pumps, sending unit, fuel selector valve, I use 1030 castrol gtx synthetic oil.
    some chevy engines ping on 87 use lucas and some supreme see if it goes away mine does
  • Assyrian_Elvis's avatar
    Assyrian_Elvis
    Explorer II
    Sep 21, 2014
    WyoTraveler wrote:
    If you have a large propane dealer near you they can change out those valves if the tank is empty.


    I need to buy the valve for it. I think I can buy it online and have my mechanic install it. Rv places charge too much. Where can I get the valve any ideas?
  • Assyrian_Elvis's avatar
    Assyrian_Elvis
    Explorer II
    Sep 21, 2014
    newman fulltimer wrote:
    sounds like valve pinging time for a tune up and good quality gas on the noise


    I do use 87 gas, The van has been fully tuned up, changed both fuel pumps, sending unit, fuel selector valve, I use 1030 castrol gtx synthetic oil.
  • WyoTraveler's avatar
    WyoTraveler
    Explorer
    Sep 21, 2014
    If you have a large propane dealer near you they can change out those valves if the tank is empty.

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