Geocritter
Austin, TX 78744
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I'm going to be in the market soon for a Class A motorhome. Knowing my budget, I may end up purchasing something that needs a new engine (such as a 454 or 460 V8). On the typical 80's to 90's vintage motorhome, how does the engine normally go in? I'm thinking from the front with the grill and radiator removed, but I suppose it could go in from underneath or even through the cab with the proper made-for-purpose hoisting equipment.
I'm 64 and though I'm a geologist by profession, I've worked on cars all my life (I even worked as a mechanic while in college) and have numerous engine swaps under my belt, I've just never worked on a class A motorhome.
Steve
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hottubkid
SCHAUMBURG,IL
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Joined: 12/29/2004
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The whole front comes off. Radator, Hood, and then start taking parts off. On mine the short block when in and the rest was replaced around the engine
hottubkid60193@yahoo.com
2004 SOUTHWIND 36E Tow 2003 CRV
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mike brez
milford ct
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Up through the dog house and out the side door. I think Daveinet has some pics from when he replaced his.
1994 Pace Arrow 33L,454,P30
2oo4 ground up ridgid chopper 120rwhp
http://community.webshots.com/user/oneHD
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nelson
Clio,Mi USA
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I put one in the side door of my first MH GM 454 Not an easy fit but I had a 1/2 clearance. After getting it in the hole it took two hydraulic jacks under the motor hanging on a hoist I rigged on a front end loader to get the motor lined up. It's a job that can be done but it's much harder then dropping a motor.
2002 Damon Challenger 348 Ford V10
Blue Ox Auto Stop and Aventa II Tow Bar
2001 Ford Sport Trac with Remco Driveshaft Disconnect
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RV-1/2n-FUN
FL.
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Joined: 03/30/2003
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mike brez wrote:Up through the dog house and out the side door. I think Daveinet has some pics from when he replaced his.
Remember those pictures from some time ago. Pretty cool.
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Geocritter
Austin, TX 78744
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Years ago, 1974 I believe, I replaced the engine in a 1969 Ford E150 Van. I was pretty broke at the time so I lifted the van up slightly, took off the front wheels, and then put concrete blocks under the engine. I pulled the cylinder head (it was a 6) and put a chain on the engine. I removed the mounting bolts, hose etc and then stood over the bare lock, straddling the engine compartment, and lifted it out, putting the old engine in the back of the van. Next I took the new engine, removed the head and with a chain bolted to the top I carried it over the engine compartment and while straddling the compartment I lowered it onto the concrete blocks, bolted it up, and put everything back together. I could see such a plan for a motorhome except for several realities’
(1) I’m sure even a bare block 454ci V8 is a good deal heavier than a bare block 240ci 6.
(2) Though I’ve always been pretty strong and durable, I’m not so sure I’m up to the task these days, no matter how much I might work out beforehand (LOL).
However, I suppose a temporary 2X4 framework could be built over the engine compartment to use while lowering the engine in place with a hoist.
Steve
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pkunk
Questa, NM
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When we changed the 454 out on the '89 Allegro, we disconnected the front suspension as a unit and then dropped the engine out from underneath. Much cleaner then trying to get it out a door and out the front is way too much.
1999 Coachman Mirada 34 ft.V10-F53 chassis
12ft.LR slide-2 gp31 AGM 12V @220AH
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Finding one with a good transmission and engine will cost less $$$ and take less time. 
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Geocritter
Austin, TX 78744
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Gale Hawkins wrote:Finding one with a good transmission and engine will cost less $$$ and take less time.
The thing is sometimes you can save a lot of money. That 1969 Ford E150 Van I mentioned earlier cost me $100 in 1974. The used engine cost me $50. I used it to move from Illinois to california, after the move I easily sold the van for $1,000. So ya, if someone else does all the work it'll cost you, but if you can do it yourself you can save a bundle.
Please folks, I'm aware of the above quoted alternatives but am interested in direct mechanical solutions to my question.
Steve
FWIW I am looking for one with a good engine and trans but am trying to keep my options open as long as I have this mechanical gift/curse.
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Geocritter wrote:Gale Hawkins wrote:Finding one with a good transmission and engine will cost less $$$ and take less time.
The thing is sometimes you can save a lot of money. That 1969 Ford E150 Van I mentioned earlier cost me $100 in 1974. The used engine cost me $50. I used it to move from Illinois to california, after the move I easily sold the van for $1,000. So ya, if someone else does all the work it'll cost you, but if you can do it yourself you can save a bundle.
Please folks, I'm aware of the above quoted alternatives but am interested in direct mechanical solutions to my question.
Steve
FWIW I am looking for one with a good engine and trans but am trying to keep my options open as long as I have this mechanical gift/curse.
I saw the shop next door drop a 454 out of the bottom of 1977 P30. It will be a good project. Not sure but I think the owner finally ditched it due to age related house issues after doing the engine and transmission. It may have be wife related too.
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