77 Champion, a couple of issues.

[Allen Sheldon]

Hey all, first time poster, nice to be here. I just bought a 77 27" Champion, 440-3 40K miles. It's VERY clean and original, Edlebrock carb on it, custom dual exhaust, runs fantastic. Couple issues (yeah right) I'm going to have to deal with asap, would really appreciate any tips on how to get started on this with minimum wasted time and energy. First issue is the fridge isn't working. I haven't even really tried it yet... but any "check this" advice would be greatly appreciated. Next on the list is the Onan 5000, will start and run but only for a few seconds.. first thing I plan to do is to change the oil, and probably take the carb out and clean it. I have heard to absolutely not remove the jets, I have no understanding of why though? Seems odd ;-) I have heard also about something having to do with the electrical components (?) needing to be cleaned? Other than that it rides a little clunky, it's down at the shop currently having a suspension and brake inspection. Everything else seems to be ok (for the moment), other than six tires which are absolute suicide, cracks galore. The people who owned this before me actually took their kids camping with it that way... no no no. Again, thanks for any hints/tips here! 

[Russell E Johnson]

Welcome Allen,

Sorry I don't have any advice for you on the fridge or the generator.  When we got our 87 Fleetwood Southwind, I had an RV chassis mechanic shop go through it completely and they fixed the generator for us.  I know they rebuilt the carb and installed a new plug, but what else they did I do not know.

But I do know there are very knowledgeable  people on this forum that will get you pointed in the right direction. 

[John "T" Nordhoff]

  Allen, your questions " First issue is the fridge isn't working. I haven't even really tried it yet... but any "check this" advice would be greatly appreciated. Next on the list is the Onan 5000, will start and run but only for a few seconds.."

 Are just so wide open and we have such little information its hard to answer even if there let alone over the internet. That being said:

 Is the Fridge a combination LP Gas and Electric???? If so will it work on either setting or does it automatically set itself (like later models)???   If there's a small in line gas valve right at the unit it has to be ON for LP Gas operation. Likewise often theres a 120 VAC receptacle where the fridge is plugged in, is that circuit and receptacle hot???? Are there any inside front eyebrow type of controls and settings etc (later models) or are there inside bottom controls and settings (older units) HAVE A MANUAL????

 Generator: Is there over 1/4 or so minimum of gas in the RV tank, if gas gets low they don't get enough gas. Is there a fuel filter you can see and get to????  Will it keep running if you manually choke it upon starting (clogged filter perhaps or weak fuel pump)

 If there I would do some preliminary checks, but not there and with hardly info this is tough to answer lover the net HAVE A MANUAL?????????   

 John T

[Allen Sheldon]

Yeah you're right, of course...I knew it was vague but was thinking that some general principles might apply regardless of model(s) till I could get some more specific info. It's been down at the tire shop since Sat, the day I bought it, so haven't had much time to get acquainted with it. I guess I was in a hurry ;-)