Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?

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Topic: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?

Posted By: Eric Hysteric on 10/05/17 12:28am

It's a great feeling when you are sure, that the engine is great starting without praying every morning :-)
Have a nice trip Eyeteeth!

Now a very basic question: How do you start your engines?
1. Press the accelerating pedal to activate the choke
2. Release the accelerating pedal
3. Turning the key and cranking without touching the accelerating pedal until the engine starts.
Is it right?

'79 Dodge Sportsman 5.9 LA 360 TEC Campmate

Posted By: Griff in Fairbanks on 10/05/17 01:52am

Yes, definitely on steps one and two. Three if the ignition and fuel systems are in top condition.

I've found it sometimes necessary to give it some gas once the engine starts cranking. One quarter to one third throttle and no more than half throttle. If this is necessary, press slowly and hold the accelerator pedal steady when you get a quarter to a third way down.

Pumping before cranking is the leading cause of flooding.

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

Posted By: Eric Hysteric on 10/05/17 02:13am

Thanks Griff, that's also my way to start old engines. My Dodge and me are still in the learning eachother phase. many years ago i had 2 old Vw Beatles with the same engines. The first liked 1/3 accelerating during cranking, the second absolutely not.

Where can i find out, if my engine has this ominous "electric throttle control"? It is not affecting me, but i will test a new ICM and some online shops need the information.

Posted By: Griff in Fairbanks on 10/05/17 03:21am

Not sure about electronic throttle control because I've never run across it.

Be careful with parts databases, both online and in parts stores. There's more errors in the modern databases versus old-fashion printed parts catalogs. Most companies are now hiring minimum wage workers who can run a keyboard but know little or nothing about motor vehicles. Making matters worse, they're told, "Just do your **** job," if they try to ask questions.

As a result, they just regurgitate what's handed to them, propagating and magnifying errors as they go.

In turn, many counter people rely heavily on the company's database system and just repeat the questions the computer asks.

I think the "electronic throttle control" question may be an example of this situation. Read this article on Chrysler Electronic Ignition.

I think someone, somewhere, got their 'wires' crossed and mixed up words, terminology, and concepts. (They could also be using altered terminology in a misguided attempt to avoid copyright/trademark infringement lawsuits.)

I think question refers to Chrysler's (problematic) Lean Burn system. Read this article (and accompanying sidebar.)

I will dig deeper, in part due to my personal curiosity.

Posted By: Griff in Fairbanks on 10/05/17 03:27am

Eric - read this Wikipedia article also.

Posted By: Eric Hysteric on 10/05/17 03:30am

Thank you for yor "reading matter". I like knowledge input when something is very new for me and there is a lot of unanswered questions.

Posted By: Griff in Fairbanks on 10/05/17 03:36am

The gist of the Wikipedia article is "electronic throttle control" means no mechanical linkage or cable between the accelerator pedal and carburetor.

Instead, it's sensors, electronics, and so forth between them.

Posted By: eyeteeth on 10/05/17 07:18am

The RV is a roller coaster. Yep... it's great when you feel you have stuff worked out. And then I can be ready to just leave it in a field when something else goes wrong. lol. We'll see how the temp thing goes now that the exhaust manifold isn't leaking into the doghouse.

Posted By: eyeteeth on 10/06/17 07:57pm

We're sitting here on the beach at the State Park. Found out th park is closing for the season Sunday... last day. I guess we're here just in time. Anyway. Seemed to run pretty well on the way out. Quiet enough I hear 100 other things to make me nervous. Temperature never got much past half way on the gauge. Don't know if that is because it is 20 colder today than it was a couple weeks ago when we took it to the soccer tournament, or if fixing the exhaust so it wasn't blowing into the doghouse helped. May have to wait until next fall to make that determination. Also, the drive has felt a lot better since replacing the drag link several weeks ago. I think the cold idol is a little high, may tweak that a bit yet... currently... I have a little faith in the old beast again. Yea! Too bad the tires are 10 years old... gotta save up for a new set before planning anything big. May try and get to Disney next summer. I think the next thing, is to get the Genset fixed and tuned up. currently leaking oil when running. [emoticon]

Posted By: Eric Hysteric on 10/09/17 02:29am

eyeteeth wrote:

Seemed to run pretty well on the way out. Temperature never got much past half way on the gauge.

Congratulations! :-)
My temperature is also all the time under half way of the gauge. Maybe it's normal? I don't know.

Next weekend i will change fluid in the rear axle and need to buy gasket for the differential. I took some photos. I think it's a Dana 60/70 axle. Can anybody confirm this?

[image]

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