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Topic: What to look for in early 90's 26' models (Read 10 times) previous topic - next topic
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What to look for in early 90's 26' models
Yahoo Message Number: 156745
I'm looking at 2 different early 90's 26' units (91 & 92).  Both are based on Ford chassis with the 460 ci engine, about 50K miles with overdrive transmission and both sound to be in very good shape.

Are there any problem areas I should pay close attention to?

Any thoughts on a reasonable price is appreciated too.

I currently have a '87 22' foot and I've learned a lot about the Quadradjet, 3 speed tranny, leaking front windwow and cracking exhaust manifolds and would like to avoid these pit falls in the future.

Thank you again everyone.

Randy
Re: What to look for in early 90's 26' models
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156749
"Are there any problem areas I should pay close attention to?" ----- Others may speak to the engine questions, but be aware that the '91 and '92 (and models through 1996) 26.5' units were built on the Ford E-350 chassis; this chassis has a GVWR of 11,500 pounds. LD went to the Ford E-450 chassis from 1997- present; this chassis has a GVWR of 14,050 pounds and was used on the 26.5' and 30' models. (The 23.5' was built on the E-350 until the 2003 model year.)

In 2008 (I think; please correct this date if wrong.), the GVWR of the Ford chassis (used as the LD platform for 27' and 31') was upped to 14,500 pounds; the chassis used for the 24' came stock with a V-8 and the 14050 GVWR, but a buyer of the 24' could choose the 14,500 pound V-10 at additional cost.

Those looking for pre-loved LDs might want to keep this "LD Changes through the Years" link handy:

http://www.andybaird.com/travels/LD-guide-web/changes.htm#1990

The lower GVWR of the earlier 26.5' and 30' models isn't necessarily a "problem", but, IMO, the 2550/3000 pound GVWR difference is significant.

YMMV, of course.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: What to look for in early 90's 26' models
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156791
I've had experience with both the 460 ford and the Chevy 350 (though TBI) in motorhome applications.

I am really unimpressed with the 460, at least in that generation E-350 chassis.

You mention cracking exhaust manifolds in the Chevy. The 460 Ford had a notorious problem with breaking exhaust manifold bolts, ESPECIALLY in motorhome applications. There is very limited clearance between the manifold and the doghouse insulation (much tighter than on the Chevy) to the degree that even during normal cruising, resting your leg against the doghouse cam be uncomfortably hot.

This limited clearance means not a lot of airflow around the manifolds, which means high temps, which means the bolts fail, which means an exhaust leak a few inches off the heads, which often means exhaust valves warp when cool air reaches them after the vehicle is shut off.

You can google "460 broken exhaust manifold bolt" and find a wealth of reading material.

A broken exhaust manifold bolt almost always requires removal of the engine to drill out because of a lack of clearance.

I had this repair creep up 3 times in 2 years- 1 of which required a rebuilt head for bad valves. The cheapest time it was merely $800 to fix. It was also sold broken when broken bolts happened yet again.

Obviously the 460 offers more power and torque, but it is an exceptionally thirsty engine. We get milage in our 3 speed TBI 350 LD (about 12 mpg on flat ground, 11 climbing Colorado mountain passes) that would be a pure fantasy in my 1988 EFI 460 Motorhome (with a 3 speed).  With a 4 speed, I expect the transmission will grant you come economy that the 460 will take away.

One other recurrent problem I had with my Ford cab is squirrels eating the wiring harness and creating a huge mess. I have heard more than once that people think Ford's wiring insulation is particularly tasty to squirrels, but I can't find anything to substantiate that beyond legend. I do know that a squirrel started a burrow on top of my TBI engine (which was always total disaster in the Ford) but did not choose to chew up any wiring. Still, they may be luck and anecdotal.

After my negative experiences with the 460, it became my strong preference to have pretty much anything else for a motor than the 460. I have been very happy with the performance of my 350 TBI mill.

-Jeff

1989 MP
Re: What to look for in early 90's 26' models
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156799
Thank you so much for the wealth of information about the 460. I can imagine the engine is a tight fit but I was hoping the big block torque would allow the engine to relax and stay cool. I'm shocked at how hot my carburated 22' with 350 engine is after cruising at 55 mph. I can feel the heat radiating when I get out. I wish I could figure a way to cool that engine better.
 Either way, with this info I will stay away from the 460. Thanks again.
Re: What to look for in early 90's 26' models
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156800
That's the opposite of my 460. I've never had any kind of over heating problems. I've got a '91 RB. I Tow a Wrangler and it runs very cool. As for mileage: while towing, about 8mpg. Runs strong, no problems.
Dale from Downey.
Dale from Downey 27’ 2012 RB,”Casa Verde”, 2000 Jeep Wrangler. Formerly1991 RB & 1990 Jeep Wrangler.
 
Re: What to look for in early 90's 26' models
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156801
Overheating (in the sense of coolant) isn't the problem. The problem is that the Exhaust manifolds are expected to be able to shed a certain amount of heat, but there isn't enough space in the engine bay to air cool them as designed. On a typical Econoline van it probably isn't a problem, but when it has a few extra thousand pounds of motorhome behind it, then that 460 has plenty of opportunity to throttle up and spit fire into the manifolds, and the expansion of the metal eventually pops the heads off of the manifold bolts.

It is probably worth mentioning two additional points of information:
1. I live in Colorado. If you live in the flats and don't tend to visit places where a 6000 vertical foot grinding climb is on the regular agenda, this probably is less of a concern.
2. The RV mechanic that did the repairs stated that drilling broken bolts out of Ford 460 heads was pretty much his full time job.

1989 MP