Engine bogs down loses power at 50 - 60 MPH

[class87]

From: The Wilson's  (Original Message)
Sent: 8/8/2001 10:57 AM

Hello everyone,

We are new to the list and also to owning a MH.  We purchased a 1973 Winnebago Indian, Dodge M400 with a 413 engine.  Excited about finding this list!

It was well kept, most everything works.  Need to reupholster the pads, the grey & black water tanks leak, need to install 'On demand' pump for water system as the air pump pulley for pressurizing tanks is broken. Oh yeah and it needs a water pump for the engine and tires all around.  Yes it has the 17.5 size.

My husband has tuned it up and it sounds and feels like it wants to go, but something is holding it back.  It bogs down at 55-60 mph.  Changed plugs, checked distributor, checked compression, replaced belts & filters, timing seems fine.
Any thoughts?

Can't wait to get it on the road!
From Anaheim, CA



From: jvf
Sent: 8/8/2001 5:53 PM

Congratulations, I also just bought a 1973 Indian.  Mine has the 440-3 in it.  What length is your motorhome?  I am wondering why the different motors.
Mine apparently came with the demand water pump system instead of the air pressure setup.  Perhaps mine was produced later in the year.
Good luck with it.  If I can help you by checking something on mine please feel free to ask.
Jim Ferguson



From: greatwhite
Sent: 8/9/2001 3:51 PM

Congratulations, I know exactly how you feel. I have a 72, 20' Winnibago with a 413. My uncle had owned it since it was new but it had sat for the last ten years so it needed alot of work. My wife and I spent the last year restoring it and are having fun with it this summer.

I'd ace that pressurized water system, it sucks. I ordered a custom plastic water tank to fill my space and I got a 55 gal tank with baffles for $215. I then got a pump at camping world for about $50.

As far as your driving problem, it may be your carbs secondaries, or maybe you need to add an electrical fuel pump. I added one just to prime the lines between my two tanks but I have found that it helps at higher speeds to keep the fuel pressure up, maybe your just not getting enough fuel.

Good luck, if you have any questions feel free to ask,

PS, NAPA has about any part you'll need for that 413, I go to AutoZone first since they are cheaper, but if they don't have what i need i always find it at NAPA.



From: Alan
Sent: 8/11/2001 1:28 AM

We own a '76 21 ft. brave with a 440-3 engine. I agree with greatwhite. electric fuel pump. My 440 will spudder and miss if I accelerate fast or drive too fast without the fuelpump switch on. As long as the fuel pump is on, there is no problem.

Alan



From: wrayye
Sent: 8/11/2001 8:54 AM

Alan, am I to understand correctly that you are using an electric fuel pump in conjunction with a manual one.You have a switch to turn it on when needed.Did you install the switch or was it already in place..



From: Alan
Sent: 8/13/2001 11:09 PM

Wrayye,
Yes. Running an electric and manual fuel pump. Was all ready set up that way when I bought the motorhome last year. I usually do not turn on the electric unless I am going up a hill, accelerating fast or I haven't started it in a while. Is this unusual?

Alan



where would the electric pump be installed in the fuel line? also, has anyone heard of a fuel line cooler to help prevent vapor lock? something using dry ice??? My recent trip in the 100+ heat showed that wrapping the line with insulation worked - but wondering of there is another way.
 


From: wrayye
Sent: 8/14/2001 8:25 PM

Alan, heck I dont know if it is unusual or not. The whole idea sounded great to me and I would like to incorporate the same set-up in my home. I think I was trying to get soup can instructions from you. I didnt understand where exactly the electric fuel pump is located, how it ties into the manual one, etc. I need a road map I guess.lol ....  wrayye



From: Phåråoh
Sent: 1/22/2006 2:16 AM

From: UluzYarx
Sent: 2/19/2004 12:36 PM

New fuel (gas?) filter?



From: denison Sent: 2/19/2004 2:11 PM
I would recommend they ensure the centrifugal advance mechanism is free to pivot - the distributor inner shaft to outer shaft movement. denison