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 11/22/17 03:28am

Thank you for your tips Griff! My play is not a rebuiling of the Thermoquad, but to eliminate the leak. I hope, it's only the gasket under the carburetor. Making photos is the first what i do :-) I know the problems from restoration of old 2 stroke scooters and there is everyting very simple.
Out of interest: What is the price of a Carter Thermoquad in very good (plug and play) condition?

'79 Dodge Sportsman 5.9 LA 360 TEC Campmate

Posted By: Griff in Fairbanks on 11/22/17 04:11am

If you're leaking raw fuel, it's probably not the gasket under the carb. Instead, it's probably the bowl gasket, float, needles, or all the above. I know it's not good news but you're probably looking at a rebuild rather than a simple gasket swap.

You probably should ask Leeann about prices and availability. My experience and knowledge is more or less limited to Carter BBDs and AFBs. (Plus one Satan-spawned Ford two barrel that looked like a four barrel.) Leeann's knowledge and experience is better than mine in this area.

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: Leeann on 11/22/17 05:57am

We searched on eBay and Craigslist to find one of the right model # in decent condition and not too much $$. It took awhile...

'73 Concord 20' Class A w/Dodge 440 - see profile for photo

Posted By: Eric Hysteric on 11/23/17 01:50am

Thanks guys!
What do you think about this offer? It is a 9207S (the number of my TQ) and cheap. I have a complete overhaul kit for Carter TQ. It would be an interesting experiment.

Posted By: Eric Hysteric on 11/23/17 02:13am

Rockauto offers a completely rebuilt Carburetor for 300 €
It's the easiest option.

* This post was edited 11/23/17 02:28am by Eric Hysteric *

Posted By: Griff in Fairbanks on 11/23/17 02:49am

It has a lot to do with what you're comfortable with.

I've rebuilt a few myself, had some rebuilt by people I trust, and bought factory rebuilds. Of the ones I rebuilt or had someone rebuild, most were the OEM carburetor that was on the vehicle (mostly two barrel Carter BBDs) and a bought a few rebuildable cores. (Rebuildable core is what the $45 one is.)

Part of what you're paying for from Rockauto is a warranty. So, take a careful look at the warranty before buying, if you go that route.

For price comparison, see what Edelbrock wants for a new carburetor.

Edelbrock bought the Carter AFB molds and tooling machines when Carter went out of business. So, Edelbrock carburetors are essentially Carter AFBs and many of the parts interchange. (It's my impression AFBs were more widely used than Thermoquads.)

Another possibility, as long as you can afford the extra cost, is an aftermarket electronic throttle body injection (TBI) conversion.

A third consideration is you mentioned maybe converting to LPG (propane). As long as you're messing with the fuel system, it might be worth converting now instead of rebuilding/replacing the gasoline carburetor.

Posted By: Eric Hysteric on 11/23/17 03:58am

Aftermarket electronic throttle body injection (TBI) conversion?
Sounds very interesting but i think it's not cheap. Do you have more informations about it? What i need is a bullet proof engine for travelling. This car is exotic here in Europe and I have to solve every problem on my own.
I am very glad, that i found this forum and you answer all my questions :-)

Posted By: Griff in Fairbanks on 11/23/17 10:46pm

Eric Hysteric wrote:

Aftermarket electronic throttle body injection (TBI) conversion?

These have been available for 15-20 years so the market is mature and the technology proven.

I haven't explored the market for quite a few years. So, due to your question, I did a quick survey last night. It looks like the market has slimmed down to several of the more capable companies, with marginal companies dropping by the wayside.

Eric Hysteric wrote:

Sounds very interesting but i think it's not cheap.

Prices start a little over $700USD for basic units and go upwards as units increase in features and sophistication, based on my quick survey. (Sophistication in terms of what the units do rather than effort required by the consumer.)

Eric Hysteric wrote:

Do you have more informations about it?

Yes, but it'll take several of my lengthy posts. For starters, read this Wikipedia Fuel Injection article. I didn't see anything in the article that contradicted what I already know and gained some new information and insight. (Sometimes I encounter information that dispels misconceptions I had ... it didn't occur in this case.)

Eric Hysteric wrote:

What i need is a bullet proof engine for travelling.

Presumably, that's everyone's goal. However, it's noteworthy that you choose to state it explicitly. (Personally, I see this as an indication of greater potential for success.)

Eric Hysteric wrote:

This car is exotic here in Europe and I have to solve every problem on my own.

This is a common problem for anyone who owns a motorhome, especially older ones. Many, many parts stores in the U.S. will give you a blank look if you mention motorhome or tell you they don't carry motorhome parts. (Never mind that there is essentially no difference between CB300/MB300 motorhomes and B300 vans.)

Likewise, repair shops that are willing -- and only charge standard rates -- to work on B300 vans either refuse to work on motorhomes or charge significantly higher rates for the same type of work.

So, you're not alone.

Posted By: Leeann on 12/24/17 12:45pm

Merry Christmas, all!

Posted By: Ballenxj on 12/24/17 01:09pm

Leeann wrote:

Merry Christmas, all!

Yes! Merry Christmas everybody! Happy Hanukah if you prefer, and to the rest, Have a Nice Day! [emoticon]

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