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johngg's avatar
johngg
Explorer
Jul 29, 2015

OHHHH HELP!

Hi I am buying a 1978 Dodge Monaco, Class C. I am trying to figure out
what size the engine is. It's 24 feet long, 2 fresh water tanks,
gen set, have not looked at it yet. This old rig has 53,567 original
miles on it. It's been sitting for about 4-5 years. Never lived in
never smoked in. Inside is very clean for it's age. It has been started
runs just fine. It purrs for something that's been sitting so long
the owner put a new master cylinder on it. It has a popcorn ceiling.
I would like to know what to check on this rig, as I have to drive it 200 miles home! Brakes work good. But what else should I look at?
The engine COMPLETELY fills the engine compartment. I honestly don't
know how they got it in there. It looks bigger than a 413, which was Chrysler's R.V. engine. Any idea what model or where to find the model
of coach this is? I know its a Monaco, But what sub model?
  • mowermech's avatar
    mowermech
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2015
    Dodge didn't make a 460. A 318 is unlikely to be in a 24 foot coach.
    It could be a 360, or a 413, or a 400, or a 440.
    I have seen Class C and Class A coaches with those engines.

    Look under the hood, and on the radiator frame. There may be data plates there that will give the engine model. Under the hood might be a "build sheet" that lists what was put on the cutaway chassis by Dodge. On top of the radiator frame there might be an emissions sticker that tells what emissions equipment was built on the engine, and what engine it is.
    IIRC, the engine model is stamped on a flat surface at the right front of the block. It will probably be impossible to see in a Class C, unless you are used to using an inspection mirror.
    A 360 may have a 4 barrel carb.
    A 400 will probably have a 2 barrel carb.
    A 440 will have a 4 barrel carb.
    I'm not sure about a 413.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2015
    Welcome to the forum and congrats on your Monaco.
    I don't have an answer for the engine size. If no one comes along with the answer, maybe you could try a Chrysler forum. Someone will know how to tell which engine you have in the Dodge.

    If the brakes are working, that's great. Now, check the tires. Look for the age of the tires, it will be marked on the sidewall.
    RV tires usually age out before they wear out. So, if the tires look good and have decent tread, they may still need to be replace because of their age.

    A blowout can cause a lot of damage to a RV. Plus, there's the possibility of a crash.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2015
    I don't know anything RV specific - do the same you would test driving any used car/truck. What do you mean brakes seem good? Did you get it up to 35 mph and slam on the brakes? Take it onto an expressway and see how it feels at 70mph.

    How about the tires (and wheels for that matter) ... Rub the side of the tire - see if cracks have been filled in with shoe polish (I saw a neighbor doing this on a 1970s boat trailer he was selling.)

    I guess the other thing to ask, you're buying something 40 years old - what are your expectations - do you expect it to drive like a 2015 model?

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