What's Under the Hood?

[Charlotte's Web]

Can anyone tell me which engine is likely to be under the hood of a 25 ft RV described as a 1983 Ford Econoline XL?

I want to research the engine.  I am partial to carburated engines with as few computer innards as possible.

In Mexico, where I travel a lot, shade tree mechanics are my friends!
Charlotte

 

[MrNoodly]

Probably a 460 cubic inch V8, with a carburetor. Ford didn't use fuel injection on that engine until 1988.

 

[Gary68]

351 or 460 both solid engines

 

[Charlotte's Web]

Would like to know who's out there in rigs with either of these engines.  How they perform for you, if there are any "issues" of note, etc.

I googled the 460 then checked the "HotRod" site.  That much info tends to make my hair hurt.  Right away came a mention of "lubrication" issues/improvement.  I'm just never 'gonna be "there" with any old engine I'm likely to end up with!  So, I'd like to know how these two choices work out for non hot rodders.   What are their real life issues?  Do I even dare ask about MPG...
Thank's

 

[highdesertranger]

open the hood there will be a smog sticker that tells you exactly what motor it has. more than likely a 460. a 460 will suck gas. expect 8-10 tops maybe much less 4-5 is not unheard of. all Ford V-8's from that era had oil circulation problems. highdesertranger

 

[Charlotte's Web]

open the hood there will be a smog sticker that tells you exactly what motor it has.  more than likely a 460.  a 460 will suck gas.  expect 8-10 tops maybe much less 4-5 is not unheard of.  all Ford V-8's  from that era had oil circulation problems.  highdesertranger

Foiled again?  I was about to reconsider the size compromise on an RV, since I located a nice 25 footer with one owner & a layout I like.  Low mileage, but well used/cared for.  Already has a complete solar set up, fridge replaced a year ago, nice, sturdy "old school" coach build quality, pressure tested/no water damage...plenty of new batteries, and even a small 12 volt swamp cooler.  What's claimed, anyway.  Pics look good.
(I love a swamp cooler when it's too warm in the desert.) 

For all the above amenities, I could almost learn to live with 10 mpg, since my travel style is to slowly travel a long distance, then stay there as home base.  But 4-5 mpg would be nuts. 

I am awaiting reply from sellers with preliminary questions/answers.  I'd have to be real serious about a "looks see"--- it's a good 5 hour drive from here. 

Finding a good old RV is damn hard,  especially with a small budget.  I've read the horror stories on this forum of what can happen just getting the old beasts home to the driveway the first time!   And the cash outlay for repairs soon to follow.   Trouble is, I like the older rigs, for many reasons.

I remain very cautious & am keeping a cool head.  It's good you are all "here" to help me. 
I'm 'gonna need it.

 

[highdesertranger]

I like older rigs too. I was just trying to be honest. highdesertranger

 

[Charlotte's Web]

I like older rigs too.  I was just trying to be honest. 

I understood you.  And I suspected you might like older rigs.  I appreciate your honesty, I need it. 

It's not an easy matter finding what I want/need.  I am no mechanic, goddess knows!  If I can make it as far as Mexico without a breakdown, mechanics there are affordable and good.   

Tho I speak pretty good Spanish, I always carry The Peoples Guide to Mexico, which has an exhaustive vocabulary list of auto parts, symptoms, etc.  I've had good luck with repairs in Mexico.  (Tho I have learned to turn a blind eye when they smoke while cleaning greasy parts in a bucket of gasoline...)

I always keep a lookout for just the right old Dodge RV with a 318.  The ones that have been restored are too pricey for me.  The others scare me.  They are money pits for anyone who's not a mechanic.

 

[GotSmart]

That year also had the Navstar Diesel.  Expensive to work on.

 

[Charlotte's Web]

That year also had the Navstar Diesel.  Expensive to work on.

Too expensive an option for me anyway & I can't stand the smell of stale french fries.

 

[Oaknollbaby53]

Can anyone tell me which engine is likely to be under the hood of a 25 ft RV described as a 1983 Ford Econoline XL?

I want to research the engine.  I am partial to carburated engines with as few computer innards as possible.

In Mexico, where I travel a lot, shade tree mechanics are my friends!
Charlotte

The best way to know is to check the VIN, you can google it & know.