Re: 1982, issues to look for Reply #25 – April 13, 2020, 01:13:07 am Notwinnie....I would seriously listen to Larry's advice. I received the same info 11 years ago and though I trusted Larry, my in-laws pocketbook and time line did not allow for a post 91 LD. Inpretty much new what I was getting into as I lurked here for several years before that. There was a rush to find a motorhome in about 2 months and head out to Yosemite with the rest of the family RV caravan. Looking back I should have convinced them to wait until we found something nicer. We ended up with an 85, paid $2500 and can't tell you how much we put into it in 10 years. I had a stack of receipts between them and me and was afraid to add it all up before we donated her away. We also had a stack of used parts, some still good and some new parts we never installed and just left them in the rig for the nest owner. It did bring us a lot of good times though.The motor and trans were about the only thing that never really gave us any issues (had 67k when we bought it) other than the occasional Carb issues (evaporation while sitting, always loosening up on manifold) . It never stranded us, it always started up, it did run high RPMs on the freeway because of the 3 speed trans, we just drove slower plus I was towing a 5th wheel at the time and going slow anyway so they just followed. Everything Larry says about the front windows, the other windows, the rot, the smell , all the roof leaks, the carburetor are the main issues of these older rigs and we experienced every one of them. Back then I enjoyed the challenge of the repairs as I am pretty handy. I rebuilt that entire upper bunk too.. took me forever. As time went on, chasing leaks got real old. Larry was a huge help during all of this. I removed that entire front window and cleaned resealed and though the frame stopped leaking to the body, I could not get the glass to seal around the metal frame. You have have to use that black goo that never dries and I did not have that at the time. Captain Tollies sealer became my friend. That said.. please really think about this. Every window I took out had rot in there somewhere. At minimum the Fuel injected motor and 4 speed are a must...... at least the FI which I think came in about 88 or 89. Today's gas does not play well with Carbs and a pusher pump is usually needed to avoid Vapor lock. I look forward to buying something much newer when I retire.Good luck in your search. "Caveat emptor"Ramon 6 Likes
Re: 1982, issues to look for Reply #26 – April 13, 2020, 02:39:45 am Ramon-Thanks, thanks, thanks. You and Larry should design the seals on LDs, you both make an air tight case-for not buying an oldie. Like a great older mechanic I know says, buy the best one you can affford, a lot less trouble and expense that way. I'll boil all of this down and then get down to business. Thanks again, Nick.
Re: 1982, issues to look for Reply #27 – May 14, 2020, 02:54:21 am Thanks to all of you for talking some sense into me. I was all excited about buying a well cared for and excellent running ‘83 multi plan. It took a while, but I managed to convince myself to walk away and not buy it. I’m still really sad and disappointed. But I barely had enough for the purchase price, let alone the new tires it needed, ...and who knows what else. Especially after calling around and pricing rebuilt transmissions and engines, (what an eye opener) I just couldn’t take the gamble on such an old vehicle. Hopefully someday I’ll run across an affordable LD that’s a ‘91 or newer. Thanks again! This is valuable information for LD wannabes. 4 Likes
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