OneDeadChicken
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Re: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?
I have a feeling that the vehicle is dependent on starting fluid. I've spent this entire weekend working on it. I don't know what to do anymore. It cranks and cranks, but won't start. No matter how much I do it isn't enough it seems. I've replaced almost everything apart from the distributor. I'm going to get a can of starting fluid and if she starts right up, I know I have to replace the engine. I'm bad at this stuff.307Views0likes0CommentsRe: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?
I'm getting a manual for a sportsman van. I think I may have installed the spark plugs incorrectly, the only way I can see to actually tighten them is to jack up the vehicle and take off the wheels. The fuel pump is pumping fuel ok, I just have to get the spark plugs in right before I try to crank her up again. I took the battery out to charge it in my explorer, I ran it dry, and jumping is only doing so much. I ran it dry by stupidly getting angry at the thing and walking away, leaving the key in the 'on' position for a full on 24 hours. From the research I have done, it seems the sportsman van and the motorhome are identical in terms of the mechanics. The few things that are different are pretty minor (inverter, electrical, control panel). I heard about some trick using bearing grease on the rod to keep it inside the cam shaft while I installed the pump. The guy who replaced it last FORCED the bolts in place, and ruined the threading. 10 miles into town for two bolts. Looking forward to this weekend. Cross your fingers it will start. Sorry for the multi post, I'm terrible with computers. For someone my age, that's downright embarassing.266Views0likes0CommentsRe: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?
She still won't start. There's a little rod or something in the bay where the fuel pump goes in. I gotta look up how to put that in correctly. She's still just cranking. I'm about to call a mechanic if I can't get her to start tomorrow. AAAGGGGH It's about 107 in Midland, and the vehicle is parked over a mesquite bush. I want this to be over lol.252Views0likes0CommentsRe: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?
She still won't start. There's a little rod or something in the bay where the fuel pump goes in. I gotta look up how to put that in correctly. She's still just cranking. I'm about to call a mechanic if I can't get her to start tomorrow. AAAGGGGH It's about 107 in Midland, and the vehicle is parked over a mesquite bush. I want this to be over lol.253Views0likes0CommentsRe: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?
eyeteeth it's just cranking. replacing the ignition coil tomorrow, as well as the fuel pump. there was so much crud inside the filter, and dirt in the pump. i'm also replacing ALL fuel lines tomorrow (cheap fix). I can't get spark plug 1 on. I got it off, just gtting it on is a major pain. This is the one furthest into the engine on the driver's side. It wants to start, but then will just fall out. I can't get my hand in. I got a skinnier friend trying it out tomorrow lol. The previous spark plugs were BLACK and a couple had cracks in the porcelain, they fell apart as I took them out. They needed to be replaced. DO GE tries so hard to start, if I can just get her started, I'll be in business. The engine only has 76k miles on it. 76 sunshine.... I wish I had your camper. lol251Views0likes0CommentsRe: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?
Hey guys, very new to this whole scene, but I am converting a 1978 Dodge 440 Sportsman into a Food Truck. I have all of my cooking equipment and ice cream machines, however I can't get this daggum machine to start! She'll turn over, but won't actually start, she is trying really hard. The previous owner said the mechanic who drove it to where it is parked now, ran it by spraying ether into the carburetor the WHOLE WAY. I have replaced the carburetor, and it won't start. I replaced the battery cables and the battery itself. I'm in the process of replacing the spark plugs and fuel pump. Next on the list is the Ignition coil. I really hope this gets her to start. I'm at my wits end. The fuel pump squirts nothing when I crank it, and the spark plugs aren't sparking. So I guess they're just plugs now. I pulled one out today, damn near had an anuerism taking off the metal skirt under the dog house thing, and it was black black black. After I replace these, if it doesn't start, I'm hopping back on here to hit you guys up. So heads up I guess. I'll check tomorrow for posts. Thanks guys, keep this tradition alive! I love my machine, even though she hasn't run yet. She's my DO GE.186Views0likes0Comments
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