I build a 400 engine for my 66 coronet a few years back using the 383 rods and crank since I had them {steel crank and the rods are a little lighter}. This is one of the best engines I have ever built, the 400 has the same stroke as the 383 the extra cubic inches come from the larger bore. the pistons in a STD 400 are larger than in a 440. It's a sweet combination.
A few other things to take a look at if you haven't already is the vacuum booster for the brakes... they operate off the vacuum of the engine and if totally shot and leaking can cause a lean condition. if the engine is idling smoothly you proabbly don't have an air leak but you can take a can of carb cleaner and spray around the intake and carb flange with the engine running.. if you notice an increase in RMP or any change in the engine you may have a leak. You can also with the engine running and the air cleaner off take a rag and slowly cover the top of the carb,, this should slow and choke the engine. if the engine picks up RPM you have a vacuum leak somewhere. The reason I am concerned about vacuum leaks are the 400 and 440's use a steel shim gasket for both the intake and the heads from the factory. after time they will rust, and cause leaks. my clipper had the oem head gaskets and when I was running for long periods after shutting the engine down it would boil over. this was due to the old head gaskest leaking coolant between the cylinders and water passages. The only fix for this were new gaskets and to have the heads milled.
good luck
Rodney
Visit my website
1978 American Clipper 21 ft. 440 Dodge.
Mr.Mopar! wrote:
That's good you know what engine you have, there are many parts interchangeable between the B and RB engines you have the B the RB stands for Raised block {added stroke}. Tbe water pump and housing, timng cover, oil pan and pump, heads and valve train {execpt pushrods} all interchange. the intake and valley tray are smaller on the 400.
I build a 400 engine for my 66 coronet a few years back using the 383 rods and crank since I had them {steel crank and the rods are a little lighter}. This is one of the best engines I have ever built, the 400 has the same stroke as the 383 the extra cubic inches come from the larger bore. the pistons in a STD 400 are larger than in a 440. It's a sweet combination.
...snip...
That's good you know what engine you have, there are many parts interchangeable between the B and RB engines you have the B the RB stands for Raised block {added stroke}. Tbe water pump and housing, timng cover, oil pan and pump, heads and valve train {execpt pushrods} all interchange. the intake and valley tray are smaller on the 400.
I build a 400 engine for my 66 coronet a few years back using the 383 rods and crank since I had them {steel crank and the rods are a little lighter}. This is one of the best engines I have ever built, the 400 has the same stroke as the 383 the extra cubic inches come from the larger bore. the pistons in a STD 400 are larger than in a 440. It's a sweet combination.
...snip...
Mr. Mopar knows more about the big blocks than I do. I had a '66 Dodge Polara with a 383 in it. Loved that engine. Sounds like the 400 is an upgraded version.
1970 Explorer Class A on a 1969 Dodge M300 chassis with 318 cu. in. (split year)
1972 Executive Class A on a Dodge M375 chassis with 413 cu. in.
1973 Explorer Class A on a Dodge RM350 (R4) chassis with 318 engine & tranny from 1970 Explorer Class A
![[image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/dongizmo/P5230022.jpg)
Hey...I dig that "spoiler" that you have on the bottom under the front bumper...mine is mysteriously absent and looks like it is missing something...gunna have to try to figure out where i can pick one up...
Second question - the roll out awning is showing pinhole wear in the UV cover. Is there anyway I can lay another layer of material over this to reinforce this before it fails. The rest of the awning looks fine.
This is our first motor home and we are excited about modifying and decorating it to our liking.
jssussex wrote:
MH with a Dodge title says 1981 dodge sportman. RV was made by Mobile Traveler with a MH # F44CD9V726590 - what does that tell me. The engine is a 440.
MH with a Dodge title says 1981 dodge sportman. RV was made by Mobile Traveler with a MH # F44CD9V726590 - what does that tell me. The engine is a 440.
Working backwards from the rightmost character:
726590 = Sequential serial number
V = Warren assembly plant
9 = 1979 chassis model year
D = 440-1 series engine
C = 10,001 - 14,000 pound GVW class
F44 = Unknown (my books don't show those letters/numbers but those are usually the model and body type.)
Important Note: Federal law states that the model year for title purposes is designated by the final manufacturer, even though the vehicle identification number (VIN) is designated by the chassis manufacturer. The result is what is known as "split year" vehicles. In my case, the MH manufacturer said it was a 1970 model, even though it was built on a 1969 chassis, so 1970 is what the title says. The serial number, assigned by Dodge, definitely says it's a 1969 chassis.
In your case, it appears that Mobile Traveler used a 1979 Dodge chassis to build a MH that they identified as being a 1981 model. (That was about the same time that various manufacturers started engaging in "model year creep")
What does this all mean? Not a thing until it's time to buy parts for the chassis, engine, or drivetrain. Then, it avoids a lot of confusion and incorrect parts to know the chassis model year.
I don't have a clue about your awning. Might want to ask a better fabric store or a drapery shop.
Enjoy your motorhome. They're frustrating, aggravating, annoying, etc. but they're essential to creating some wonderful memories. (In other words, it's the best money I've ever spent...and spend...and keep spending. But, I've gotta get it in shape for the grandchildren.)
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/travco/
The Travco Motorhome Mailing list, for owners and enthusiasts of the Travco, and Dodge Motor Home from 1959 on. Learn about the Dodge Motor Home Chassis, trade tips for service and find parts. All Dodge Motorhome Chassis-based motorhome owners are welcome here. Foretravel built Travco/Avco motorhomes are also supported here
We have 284 members and can usually answer any question you may have regarding any Dodge-based RV.
Please mention your DMH interest when you apply as membership is moderated to prevnt spam.
Brent Covey
Vancouver BC
1977 Chevrolet C20 3+3 Deluxe Camper Special 8200 GVWR, 454-THM400-3.73 axle
I'm having a similar problem with the grey water sliding gate vale for the drain. It sticks and slides poorly although the Black water valeve seems fine.
Scruffy 1977 25'Allegro
For maintenance, once in a while, wipe the stems clean while they're open for dumping and spray with silicone... you'll never have a sticky valve again.
Good luck.... Andy