1. Check the valve covers and oil pan gaskets. Sometimes, previous owners over-torque the bolts, distorting the sheet metal which prevents a good seal. (Older Chevy small blocks, with the two bolts through the center of the valve covers, were notorious for this -- so much so you could assume you'd have to replace the valve covers.)
2. Check the front main seal. It's a PITA to replace and you might need a speedy-sleeve if it's leaking there.
3. Personally, if the rear main seal is leaking, I plan on a complete rebuilt. The in-place replacements are only good for a few ten thousand miles.
If there's no serious external leaks, replace the valve stem seals. This can be done -- carefully -- without removing the heads. You use air pressure to hold the valves closed and a bolt-on spring compressor. (Instead of the C-clamp style compressor.)
The valve stem seals on LA small block (273, 318, 340, and 360 cu. in.) engines are known to disintegrate with age and are the most likely cause of internal oil consumption. I know this was a problem at least through 1977 model years but don't know if the same problem existed with the big block and Magnum small block engines. I've also seen signs of this problem in the V6 engines that are based on LA small block but don't know how common it is.
If you do a valve job, you should at least hone and re-ring the cylinders. Otherwise, the improved valve seating significantly increases ring blow-by.
Oh, by the way ... I got another motorbome. (Don't ask me how many this makes ... I've lost count ... four or five ... or six.) This one is a Class C that runs, although the previous owner was an idiot so who knows how well it runs. The previous owner (my buddy's loser cousin) stripped the coach off it and got frustrated with the project at that point. I'm thinking of welding van-like backend to the cab and turning it into a flatbed materials hauler.
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
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/smile.gif "smile")
Jer, my 440 had a miss when I got it. Replacing the coil, plugs, wires, cap & rotor and 2 vac lines took care of it so well it idles at 400 rpm. Oh, and the choke bits on the carb, too.
'73 Concord 20' Class A w/Dodge 440 - see profile for photo
this is the amp gauge rolling down the road at 60mph
changed out voltage regulator.
I checked the battery and the alternator with volt gauge, they read just as they should.
at idle it reads just above 0
just wondering do I have a problem or that is where they are supposed to read?
[img width=480 height=640]http://i38.pho........-B695-90EBAF7777C6_zpsk2grxsj9.jpg[/img]
![[img width=480 height=640]http://i38.pho........-B695-90EBAF7777C6_zpsk2grxsj9.jpg[/img]](http://s38.photobucket.com/user/chicknnhead/media/Motorhome/3005B6B3-847A-4CBC-B695-90EBAF7777C6_zpsk2grxsj9.jpg.html){kind=link}
with the lights on
[img width=480 height=640]http://i38.pho........-B5DD-27898350F54B_zpspibvns1c.jpg[/img]
![[img width=480 height=640]http://i38.pho........-B5DD-27898350F54B_zpspibvns1c.jpg[/img]](http://s38.photobucket.com/user/chicknnhead/media/Motorhome/A6FBED3B-1BD0-427F-B5DD-27898350F54B_zpspibvns1c.jpg.html){kind=link}
However, those gauges are notoriously inaccurate. I'd double-check the readings with an actual voltmeter, then check the wiring to/from the gauge.
was just curious what everyone else's amp gauge reads on the ol'dodges
beniam wrote:
Jerry what kind of Motorhome did you settle on??Where did you find that Fantastic vent?Congratulations ,and good luck especically in the dark it is 1218 midnight here in Texas, I guess it is sunlight there..LOL..ben
Jerry what kind of Motorhome did you settle on??Where did you find that Fantastic vent?Congratulations ,and good luck especically in the dark it is 1218 midnight here in Texas, I guess it is sunlight there..LOL..ben
It's a '76 Dodge Monaco w/440. I found the vent at a garage sale I came across here in town, the guy wasn't sure what it was for but I did as soon as I saw it. We are sure looking forward to putting it to good use.
Thanks for the info Leeann & Griff, that will be a big help.
Jerry & Gerry, our pets (dogs), Byron, Coco
1976 Monaco, 440 ci. Dodge Sportsman chassis
Chicknnhead wrote:
I already changed out the Voltage regulator. I think i'll get out the multi-meter next and see what the actual amperage is
was just curious what everyone else's amp gauge reads on the ol'dodges
I already changed out the Voltage regulator. I think i'll get out the multi-meter next and see what the actual amperage is
was just curious what everyone else's amp gauge reads on the ol'dodges
Forget the ammeters, both in your dash and the setting on your multimeter. A voltmeter will provide more information on what's going on with your electrical system.
Look up how to "full-field" the alternator to find out what its output is in volts. That will tell you if the alternator is weak or bad. A functional alternator, when full-fielded, will kick out at least 14.5 volts and as much as 18 volts, depending on manufacturer and model. (Don't full-fielded it for longer than necessary to get a voltage reading ... full-fielding creates a temporary over-voltage condition in your electrical system and can stress some components if it lasts too long.)
An ammeter measures current draw, which depend on load. Headlights and heater motor are the biggest draw and turning both on best way to get the ammeter needle to move.
Also, the battery acts a buffer, further confusing ammeter indications.
In a nutshell, ammeters are outdated throwbacks to the days of generators and low-amperage alternators. Around the mid-60's they started becoming worthless as a useful indication of your electrical system operation.
Had a tire blow last year and caught a piece of the fender. It ripped out the wheel well and blew a big hole out the size of a basketball on the inside wood paneling by the stove. Got a new project on my hands!
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