new to me 1990

[Jgolden]

New here but have already gotten lots of good info. I just bought a 1990 motorhome with a 5. 9 160. Seems short of power. As advised here I started with the "easy" stuff. This is a 28ft so it has a walbro fuel feed pump. Found it to have a internal filter which I cleaned.

Exaust had a 1" crush that I guess might reduce power but not sure, in process of fixing that.

Thanks to those who have posted the basic info for the new guys. Questions to follow.

Realize it isn't a Dodge, but I do have a Dodge 4wd

 

[dpuckett]

Welcome to the TDR. I'd say 160 hp in a 28' motorhome is WAAYYY underpowered. What type of transmission, gears, etc do you have? There are guys here that know a LOT, and are willing to help you out at a moment's notice. I'd say about 300 is a nice round number to shoot for. The crush in the exhaust... ... sure it isnt a Dodge? Sure wont help power any. I'd start with reading the stickies at the top of the forum about obtaining more power from the VE and Cummins. What is a walbro feed fuel pump? That is a new one on me, though I'm not well- versed outside the Ram/ Cummins pickups. You DO have a fuel filter on the engine itself, dont you?



Good luck in your adventures in the search of horsepower.



Daniel

 

[Jgolden]

It weighs 12,000 (light for a Motorhome) and has a four speed allison. The Walbro eletric pump is to deliver the fuel to the engine lift pump. The tank is way in the back and I guess the lift pump alone dosen't do well from that legnth. Everthing on the engine is the same as in the Ram. This model is unusual because it is a "puller" front engine.

Think I came across some people here with newer cummins who had booster pumps to supply fuel to engine lift pump. Thanks for the reply.

 

[dpuckett]

Ok, the electric pump makes sense. You're right, 12K is light for a motorhome. Most 5ers weigh more than that. 250 may be good enough, though you'll never regret having the extra power in the mountains. Just have to be judicious in the use of it.

The "kicker" pumps are mainly for the 24v trucks- electronic controls, including lift pump. The factory pump is barely adequate for pressure/ volume in stock form, much less if you put a box on it, larger injectors, etc. I love my mechanical engine; if I dotn like something, I turn a screw until I do.