My friend got me the motorhome,. It is a 1986 Pace Arrow with a Chevy 454. It started right up without hesitation, It ran great as the seller was talking and we said our goodbyes and off I went in the motorhome and off my friend went in his car. The gauges are jumpy they read nothing and then full tank the half. it read low temp then real high. a lot like my Holiday Rambler. But the Holiday Rambler has after market gauges that work like they should so I figured that the old GM gauges were not good. Well it over heated and I noticed that the belt fell off the alternator and water pump. The seller came out and helped me out on a new belt that I got at an auto parts store. I was driving to go back home. and 4 miles later over heated again,, then belt was off again. what can casue this and how do I fix this??? thanks so much for any help.

The idler or the water pump may be either falling off or frozen and the only way to tell is to look at it.

I will haveto go look at it this week. it is sitting at Ellis park near Henderson KY. I don't know if there is a motorhome repair place around there if so I may have them look at it.

Well, if you can loosen the belt, then check the waterpump to see if it turns, that might be the answer..

Yes the water pump turns very easily and it must be working as the water temp was at a little below middle mark, then it got hot voltage when down and the belt was off,,,,, alternator spins freely couldn't find the idler as it is tight in there and just wanted to get back. I hope it is something simple.

Does it have a serpentine or v-blet?If it is kicking the v-belt, check for proper alignment of the belt on the pullies.

Engine problem Pace Arrow 1986 model. | Good Sam Community

enblethen
Nomad
Jun 15, 2013
I would not eliminate the mechanical fan. You could add an electric fan without much hassle. Have it controlled by a switch on the dash routed through the charge relay and battery control center to operate only when ignition switch is in the "run" position
shaneperch
Explorer
Jun 15, 2013
lfeather wrote:
IMO it's going to be tough to find a local mechanic that has the in-depth knowledge that you will find here for free. You sound like you have the wrench turning skills needed to get the job done with the expert guidance you're getting here. JMO

Larry

Thanks for the compliment. I will get it. I am going back to Missouri and it is only 350 from the house and I have a great friend that was a mechanic in Jersey. I will get this thing home I most certainly will. Just frustrating.
lfeather
Explorer
Jun 14, 2013
IMO it's going to be tough to find a local mechanic that has the in-depth knowledge that you will find here for free. You sound like you have the wrench turning skills needed to get the job done with the expert guidance you're getting here. JMO

Larry
BrianinMichigan
Explorer
Jun 14, 2013
I don't believe it's a fan problem. If it was, your water pump would be locking up. I still think your on the right path as far as the alternator is concerned. A long time ago I had a voltage regulator go bad on me and caused to battery to over charge. This was in an old van where the battery was inside the van. It really stunk up the place.
shaneperch
Explorer
Jun 14, 2013
I was thinking if I can get rid of that fan if it is causing my issues put in a dedicated on all the time electric fan array I could relieve the pressures of the belt. If that fan is bad. I need to drive it 350 miles and I don't want to be stranded. That is my biggest fear, being by myself limited funds 300 miles from home broke down. that is a fear of mine. I feel so much better when my buses and motorhomes are safely tucked away in my yard. I know it is not the way to be if you want to travel in these things. but I don't want to break down on the side of I64. need to mitigate that reality as much as possible.
BrianinMichigan
Explorer
Jun 14, 2013
An original OEM fan clutch cost me around $250 a couple of weeks ago. To my knowledge there is no electric fan that can do what the OEM fan can do.
shaneperch
Explorer
Jun 13, 2013
How expensive is a fan clutch assembly? I would like to get rid of that fan and go with electric. I wonder if that is possible?
2Bargos
Explorer
Jun 13, 2013
enblethen wrote:
Are you sure you are spinning the water pump or just the fan?
I got a new alternator from NAPA for less then a rebuilt and it came with a lifetime warranty. Check around before buying. Have it bench tested.

Did you check the tightness of the belt ??if the pulley is getting hot than the belt is definatley slipping.

I own a starter and alternator rebuild shop and have seen this problem before,,also be aware of the "new" alternators from many box stores..they are full of chinese aftermarket parts and will give you a "lifetime: of grief.Also the lifetime warranty may only be a one time replacement.
The fact that the other belts are missing may be your problem.I honestly dont think one V belt can pull the alternator and fan without slipping,,
shaneperch
Explorer
Jun 12, 2013
Yeah I will try that. I would love to install a separate fuel tank for the generator. I got to do that with my buses as they run on diesel. and the generator uses gas. I love the idea of a separate fuel tank. I will try to start it off a can. I got a can of gas in the motorhome I should have done that when I was there,
enblethen
Nomad
Jun 12, 2013
Take the fuel line loose at the genset, blow toward the fuel tank, listen to see if you hear it bubbling the gas. I would say the fuel line has rotted away above the fuel tank.
You could use a short piece of hose into a fuel can to see if the genset set will run that way. Temporary only.

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