RVing message boards > Motorhomes
Running Hot in Texas
acelandman:
Hello, my name is Mike and this is my first ever blog. My wife and I purchased a 97 Fleetwood Southwind with 38,000 original miles, to live out of during the week and return home for the weekends, some three years ago. We have only had to move the motor home once a year and typically to a somewhat close location from where we had left. We were ask to travel and stay for long periods while working in West Texas.
While out in west Texas I began to notice the temps on the motor home rise and rise to the point I was more than worried. I put it in for repairs in Lubbock at a commercial repair shop. I had the cooling system flushed and then I had them replace with all new equipment, water hoses, radiator, radiator cap, thermostat (sp), all of the belts, water pump, shocks, tune up and oil change. I picked up the motor home in 106 degree temps and after 10 miles or so the temp gauge was near the red. yes, during the whole time, I was running the gen set and a/c to avoid additional drain on the 460's power and add to its overheating.
Now, I have checked the radiator fluid for the tail tell signs of a blown head gasket, by testing for oil riding on top of the anti-freeze. I experience no discoloration of exhaust in stressful situations. I have purchased a chemical tester that is to determine whether or not there is a hairline crack in the block, but it's some thing that I have almost be able to rule out. I figure that my whole problem is the lack of air flow across the a/c and then the radiator.
My wife and I are increasing wanting to drive the motor home to other destinations throughout the southern US, but I cannot afford a break down and my rolling office be placed outta of commission, so these are the reasons that I ask for guidance from others who may or may not have experienced the same or similar problems.
Sincerely, Mike
Water Dog:
Don't know how your particular engine is set up, but the first things that came to my mind were #1 the fan clutch and #2 electric fans kicking in if so equipped.
shakenbake:
We are currently driving through the pan handle and outside temps yesterday got up to 116. I highly recommend installing a analog temp gauge. Don't trust the dummy gauge.
Ernie Ekberg:
sounds like you are doing all the good things. running the genny while powering the roof a/cs is best. even though a 460 gasser- stay off cruise, downshift on the hills- keeps all bodily fluids circulating. lots of folks think they can get better gas mileage with cruise- if you have an rv, fuel economy went south. keep the rpms up- your engine and all the rest will love it- AND- unlike my D A son- you don't have to run 75mph
Jeff:
Can you tell if the fan is running at full speed? The fan clutch could be the next thing to check.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version