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zbuz · 08-10-2021, 04:47 PM

We just completed 4 weeks long 5.5K miles road trip from Washington to Texas and back. While it was amazing it revealed 4 problems with our 1997 F53 class A Pace Arrow RV. They all seems to be related to 95+ degrees weather we found right outside of western Washington where that RV spent its entire life without revealing any of these problems.

#1 Overheating engine and possibly transmission. I am not sure and this might just be an-avoidable given chassis age (it is only 60K miles though) and design. But when temperature is above 95 there are different degrees of overheating. At 95 it can not climb long hills at 105 it heats up even going on straightways. By heats up I mean temp gage goes to above 90% of range (mine does not show temperature) - way too close to red zone. After that mark I start to manage temperature by either turning off AC or going in lower gear slower (which helps with temp) or just stopping. It has new coolant (and it does not disappear), new oil, new air filter, the fan is spinning when the engine is running and I think I hear clutch clicking. One clue that might be relevant is that when it is colder outside (35-50 degrees) temperature gage shows at the lowest even after driving for long time. I'd expect that engine should heat up a bit more like in any other car I had. What the first things I should try to check for that issue?

The other problems that I do not want to cover in this thread are:

#2 overheating brakes

#3 overheating generator

#4 overheating and failing fuel pump. This one was replaced already.

Thanks

donr103 · 08-10-2021, 06:38 PM

I suggest you get obd2 scanner and check real temps.. also when is last time you changed thermostat ? We need real data.. the gauges are just stupid indicators.. and just don't give any numbers.. also when is last time you changed fan clutch ? And water pump ? Good luck let us know what you did and maybe better members then me will help you

HarryStone · 08-10-2021, 06:43 PM

You should be able to hear the fan roar when the clutch engages. I've driven in 100 plus temps and not had any issues of the temp gage rising. If you can't hear the roar, then it's not working. Time to get a new one.

Swampyz · 08-10-2021, 07:18 PM

Second the thermostat because of the staying cold in cold weather. It regulates the engines temperature (hot or cold) for optimum operating temperature.

Harry makes a good point with the clutch fan. Should roar when it engages.

Tim

zbuz · 08-10-2021, 08:26 PM

I do not think any of these have been replaced. I can start with thermostat. Any suggestions on where it is located?

donr103 · 08-10-2021, 08:52 PM

Do yourself a favor.. don't touch anything... until you go to local auto parts store and grab a book repair book for 1997 ford f250, f350 or excursion.. your f53 is a ford pickup with big frame.. ford does not make different eng.. they use the same light duty eng.. it will show you where everything is.. and how to change.. also make sure book covers ford v10 .. keep us posted

zbuz · 08-10-2021, 09:38 PM

Is it really similar to f250? I kind of know where it supposed to be on 250 and it is definitely not there on my RV. Also it is V8 and does not have OBD2.

donr103 · 08-11-2021, 09:06 AM

There can be minor difference.. so if you know what one looks like.. there all about same place.. if yours is ford f53.. it may have 1 or 2yr earlier eng in it.. ford uses same light duty eng.. so get a book that is 1 or 2yrs earlier than coach.. for same eng and trans.. Is yours obd1 ? Or none at all..? Ask clerk if you can look at it.. it should get you close.. but you most likely have more than one issue from lack of maintenance.. parts today on rv need replaced because of time not miles.. the real issue is.. you can run an eng only hot once, but cold you can run for ever.. ,, if you believe it's running hot.. it's only a matter of time the eng will die.. is yours carb or fuel injection..? what yr, make, model and eng do you have? You can always add gauges.. in fact I have added 6 because the idiot gauges are unreliable.. keep us posted.. yes.. light duty truck eng same as used in pickups.. it's a shocker to those who don't understand how manufacturer makes money.. and pays CEO, hundreds of millions..