New to me, Used RV - first trip a bust! :(

[ccastle]

Recently purchased a 1986 Elite on a p-30 chassis. Runs great, etc., until the first trip out. Driving down the freeway, it died! Pulled over, not getting fuel!

Have replaced fuel pump and starter (I knew it was going bad when purchased). Now only getting 1 psi of fuel pressure. Thinking of adding an electric booster pump to assist. Not off to a great start, but making progress!

[96Bounder1st]

Could be fuel filter. There are sometimes two. One easy to find and the other sometimes undocumented.

Good luck,
Terry

[arcaguy]

x2. Adding pressure to an already clogged system is not an answer. On a coach as old as yours I'd replace the fuel filters anyway. But I'd bet a steak dinner that the filter is the problem.

[bobfrommaine]

There is typically a filter in the tank as well. It's kind of a screen that prevents lumps from getting sucked into the fuel pump. If this is clogged, no fuel will flow. A temporary 'fix' is to remvoe the fuel line from the inlet of the pump and blow back into the tank using just lung power. If there is intial resistance and then it seems free, the solution is to drop the tank, clean it and reinstall. As others say, look for all fileers.

[MinntoMich]

I think arcaguy is right. If it is the fuel filters, you might even be replacing them again depending on what's in that 30 year old tank.

The nice thing about your older motorhome is you can look at the motor with the doghouse off and pretty much diagnose of fix whatever the problem might be. No need for a laptop or software. You only have so many sensors.

Hoping you have worked through this and are back on the road. Update your post when you figure it out if you can.

[1bigmess]

Engine dies on freeway but runs during low fuel demand? Always replace the fuel filter(s) first. Cheaper and easier than anything else.

[momdoc]

Welcome to the forum.

You are joining a good group of folks here with good info to share. I agree it is probably the filters. Also check the fuel line to make sure not kinked somewhere.

Good luck and enjoy the adventure!

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Congrats on the new rig! Hope you get the problems solved quickly. Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[ccastle]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I have replaced the inline fuel filter, the filter at the carb inlet and found an inspection plate under the carpet to give access to the gas tank outlet. Pulled out the pick-up tube/sending unit and no junk on bottom of fuel tank and no screen there either, or obstruction in the fuel line. (wandered if it had an electric pump in tank too, but obviously none there.) One thought is maybe they used a heavy duty mechanic fuel pump and my replacement was a stock fuel pump for 454 Chevy engine (p-30 chassis). Thus after all of this, only idea I have left is an electric booster pump. Spent last evening looking at options available on eBay and Amazon, haven't picked which one yet. It has 3/8 fuel hose. Open to all your suggestions!

[1bigmess]

If after all you have done it is still dieing on the freeway, than the engine is most likely getting starved of fuel. If you don't want to take the carb apart to clean and inspect it consider a can of SeaFoam and follow the directions for making huge clouds of white smoke to clean out the carb.

If you do this tell us if the fire department comes by to say hello!

[ccastle]

Well, the next chapter -- I ordered an inline electric fuel pump, along with the necessary oil safety switch, etc. Started determining where to install the pump (close to the tank as suggested). Found a spot and need to reroute the fuel line a little. Disconnected the line from the inline filter and there, in the entrance to the filter was a big blob or orange RTV silicone sealant! Checked and another blob in the fuel line!!! cleaned them out, disconnected the fuel line from the tank and blew high-pressure air through the hose, no more obstructions, reconnected and all seems to be well.

The big question is, how did the RVT sealant get in the fuel line! I don't know and I can only assume something done before I got the rig!

Hopefully, all is well now. Taking it for an excursion on Sunday to make sure. Thanks for all the suggestions!!!

[D Gardiner]

Really sounds like you found the fuel flow problem. Excellent work!

One suggestion to how orange silicone sealer got in there, could be someone used it to seal the fuel tank sending unit gasket, and just used way too much.

[ccastle]

I bet your right, can't think of to many other places it could come from! And they used WAY too much!

[iowaone]

Old things have interesting mysteries! Use to have 100 year old Victorian home. Each project usually had a mystery. Why did they ever do that or what happened here? Great fun but frustrating at times.