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Topic: FORD C-6 Trans questions long (Read 3 times) previous topic - next topic
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FORD C-6 Trans questions long
Yahoo Message Number: 50147
I took the LD out early this morning for its biweekly run.

It's a 1989-26ft Ford with the FI 460 engine.
 I like to go every other week (50 to 100 miles) when not using it, so every thing get warmed upped, batteries tweaked, and to check out any problems.
 Well, looks like it was a good thing, I was heading up a long grade on when it started slowing down more than normal.

Runs fine on the flats and easy grades.

I don't think it's the engine, maybe the trans or torque converter

(Hey maybe it's just me and a sign of old age :).

I'm going to try to get it into a shop this week.

I'm hoping that it's a minor problem. If not..

My question is to other LD owners who had replaced or rebuilt their C-6 three speed trans or torque converter.

At what mileage did it go out?
 Did you replace with a new or rebuilt Ford unit or go with a "custom built for RV/towing" unit that many independent shops offer?

Has any one upgraded a C-6 with one of the newer Ford 4 speed with over drive units? I have emailed a couple of trans rebuilder/shops that claim that such an installation is easily doable.
 Also one said he could put in an Allison 545 4 speed, any thoughts?!

How much should I budget for the trans and installation?

Any other work that should be done along with the trans?

Anyone have a good trans shop in the San Francisco Bay Area?

Thanks and off to buy lotto tickets:)

Jerry Thompson
Re: FORD C-6 Trans questions long
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 50160
Quote
I took the LD out early this morning for its biweekly run.

It's a 1989-26ft Ford with the FI 460 engine.

I like to go every other week (50 to 100 miles) when not using it, so every thing get warmed upped, batteries tweaked, and to check out any problems.

Well, looks like it was a good thing, I was heading up a long
grade on

Quote
when it started slowing down more than normal.
This can be indicative of a partially blocked fuel filter. Have you changed it lately?

all the best,

bumper
bumper
"Yonder" '05 MB
"WLDBLU" glider trailer
Re: FORD C-6 Trans questions long
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 50171
Quote
I took the LD out early this morning for its biweekly run.

It's a 1989-26ft Ford with the FI 460 engine.
 I like to go every other week (50 to 100 miles) when not using it, so every thing get warmed upped, batteries tweaked, and to check out any problems.
 Well, looks like it was a good thing, I was heading up a long grade on when it started slowing down more than normal.

Runs fine on the flats and easy grades.

I don't think it's the engine, maybe the trans or torque converter
Jerry Thompson

Jerry:

I had the same problem with the 460 and it took 2 years to chase down, going through new filters, injectors, never letting the gas tank go below half, etc.  Eventually it got to where I could run only about 40 miles without engine failure, having to wait a half hour, then try another 40 miles.  As luck would have it, it pooped out in Yuma, AZ, right opposite a highway auto repair shop.  At last a technician who knew what he was doing instrumented the engine and taped the gages face down on the windshield.  We then went out for a drive.

Rotton luck - it just kept running fine!  Knowing I was taking his time, I told him I would buy another hour of his time if we could keep going and at last - a power loss followed by a stop.  Gas pressure had gone to zero!  He replaced the fuel pump and the rig ran like new.
And then I learned that this #%$^& model was notorious for failed gas pumps and the Ford people said they had never heard of the problem!
 Maybe this isn't your problem, but for heaven's sake, don't spend two frustrating years like I did.

Gus Weber
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: FORD C-6 Trans questions long
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 50173
Bumper:
 Thanks for the info, just got off the phone with my shop and his first response was the same.

Hope the problem is as easy as this.

Jerry

John Morgan wrote:
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: FORD C-6 Trans questions long
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 50177
Gus,
 Thanks, good tip on fuel pump. I'll have the shop check out the fuel pump also.

Jerry
[Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: FORD C-6 Trans questions long
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 50192
Quote
Gus,

Thanks, good tip on fuel pump. I'll have the shop check out the fuel pump also.

Jerry
Jerry,

If it turns out to be the pump, make sure they use a pump from a 97 or newer model.  There is a retro kit to make it work.  The fuel pump design from '87 to '96 have a design flaw.  It's a well documented problem.

-Victor
 
[Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: FORD C-6 Trans questions long
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 50215
Quote
Gus,

Thanks, good tip on fuel pump. I'll have the shop check out the fuel pump also.

Jerry,
The "in tank" fuel pump in your LD was replaced with the later model pump several years ago. That doesn't mean it hasn't gone bad, but not likely. Also, look at the maintenance spreadsheet on your LD and I believe I replaced the fuel filter about 18 months ago. If you are determined to get to the bottom of the problem, have it road checked or get it tested at a dynanometer equipped shop.

Your catalytic converter was at one time the subject of a recall. I didn't have it replaced since the Ford replacement cats at that time were also failing. It might not hurt to have Ford check to see if it is restricting your exhaust. This could also contribute to the low mpg you have previously reported.

Good Luck, Tom.