Forum Discussion

Ryan7361's avatar
Ryan7361
Explorer
Nov 19, 2016

1987 P30 radiator

So I'm restoring a 1987 Establishment RV on a P30 chassis. My next big project is to replace the radiator(you have to trust me that it's my best option).
Once I have the radiator off I intend to do lots of preventative maintenance including:
-new fan clutch
-new thermostat
-new water pump
-replace all radiator and heater hoses
-replace all belts

The question is then-What else should I do in terms of preventative maintenance while I have easy access to the wild beast?
foot notes:
61,000 miles(i believe this is considered low mileage)
-previous owner DID NOT take care of the engine
-other than slight cooling issues, engine ran flawlessly on a recent trip from Austin to St. Louis and back
-454 with a quadrajet carb
Class A
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Nov 19, 2016
    I had two mhs on 030 chassis
    How close is the radiator to the grill
    Some RV have a big nose and the radiator sets way back
    These models are greatly improved by using a radiator air dam , to force air into the radiator and keep it from going around or under the radiator
    My 82 pace arrow was one that needed the air dam

    Google radiator air dam
    For more info
  • darsben1's avatar
    darsben1
    Explorer
    Nov 19, 2016
    I have a 1989 P30. Pm me if you need any info I will try to help.
  • JoeH's avatar
    JoeH
    Explorer III
    Nov 19, 2016
    I suggest you get a starter heat shield if one isn't already on there. The manifold is close and tends to cook the starter on the motorhomes. Ditto with getting an OEM fan clutch... I once tried a generic from an autoparts store in our P-30 and it didn't perform properly.
  • DougE's avatar
    DougE
    Explorer
    Nov 19, 2016
    On the 454, go with an OEM fan clutch. Myself and others have tried aftermarket units that didn't do the job. Store it in the position it will be mounted until you can install it. Valve stem seals are an early failure item on these engines as well.
  • D_E_Bishop's avatar
    D_E_Bishop
    Explorer
    Nov 19, 2016
    Times 3,4,5,6,7 on the timing chain and gears and the alternator. Our first rig was a '89, 454 w/ a quad. There were a lot of them and there were some coach designs that had overheating problems so a rebuilt 4 tube instead of the OEM 3 tube is a great idea as long as you're having it done. You can buy new 3 tube if you look hard enough, but,...
  • hanko's avatar
    hanko
    Explorer
    Nov 19, 2016
    usersmanual wrote:
    Ryan7361 wrote:
    So I'm restoring a 1987 Establishment RV on a P30 chassis. My next big project is to replace the radiator(you have to trust me that it's my best option).
    Once I have the radiator off I intend to do lots of preventative maintenance including:
    -new fan clutch
    -new thermostat
    -new water pump
    -replace all radiator and heater hoses
    -replace all belts

    The question is then-What else should I do in terms of preventative maintenance while I have easy access to the wild beast?
    foot notes:
    61,000 miles(i believe this is considered low mileage)
    -previous owner DID NOT take care of the engine
    -other than slight cooling issues, engine ran flawlessly on a recent trip from Austin to St. Louis and back
    -454 with a quadrajet carb

    new tru roller timing chain and gears



    thats a good idea
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Nov 19, 2016
    check which alternator, you have, and upgrade to the biggest delco that will fit

    our member MEXICOWANDERER can help with alternator info
  • usersmanual's avatar
    usersmanual
    Explorer
    Nov 19, 2016
    Ryan7361 wrote:
    So I'm restoring a 1987 Establishment RV on a P30 chassis. My next big project is to replace the radiator(you have to trust me that it's my best option).
    Once I have the radiator off I intend to do lots of preventative maintenance including:
    -new fan clutch
    -new thermostat
    -new water pump
    -replace all radiator and heater hoses
    -replace all belts

    The question is then-What else should I do in terms of preventative maintenance while I have easy access to the wild beast?
    foot notes:
    61,000 miles(i believe this is considered low mileage)
    -previous owner DID NOT take care of the engine
    -other than slight cooling issues, engine ran flawlessly on a recent trip from Austin to St. Louis and back
    -454 with a quadrajet carb

    new tru roller timing chain and gears
  • olfarmer's avatar
    olfarmer
    Explorer II
    Nov 19, 2016
    We had a 1987 Itasca Windcruiser on a P30 chassis. It didn't overheat but the radiator developed some small leaks. I could not find a replacement radiator so I took the radiator to a radiator shop and they re-cored it for less than a new radiator, we had no more problems with it. Just thought I would mention this incase you can't find a new radiator.

About Motorhome Group

38,707 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 05, 2014