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1978 Dodge Sportsman

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1978 Dodge Sportsman Larry 8-8-06  
I recently purchased a 1978 dodge sportsman, 360 motor, that had been just sitting for 4 years. I have replaced many new engine part just to get it running. The problem I am having now is, when I go to put it into gear, it dies. After warming up, it will continue to run after putting it into gear. But when you give it gas, it acts like it is not getting any vacum. Does anyone know what else I can look for to solve this problem. I have replaced the distributor, carb, fixed the timing, new coils, plug wires, and many other parts. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks
Re: 1978 Dodge Sportsman Charley B. 10-27-07  
Hey Guys,
I got my 78 Dodge Sportsman 19 ft RV up an runnin But, just went threw the evac over the fires here in Southern Cali,. Had a couple-a issues with this 'trial run', had to shift into nuetral when ever breaking or it would die. Also the tranny shifted threw a couple-a gears but seemed to be racing when doing 45 er better, is that normal?
It has the 360, rebuilt carb, all new egnition parts from key switch to coil. New fuel filter, pump, trans filter and fluids. The thing is gonna get a tune-up as I aint got er 'just right', she dies when the modulater gets warm. Have to pull off and let er cool an hour er so, then she fires right up. But will the tune-up help the problem of it dieing when I stop in drive? And some in-put on the tranny would be cool!
Thanks all!
Re: 1978 Dodge Sportsman Tom Feller 11-13-08  
I have a 1978 Dodge Sportsman MH and I am having a problem with the Brake Lights "they don't work" Turn signals work. New bulbs. I did notice that one one of the bulbs wires lights up. I would think when the brake pedel is pushed on the sencod filament would come on. So the bulb knows??? More power turns on second filament????
Thanks for your time in this matter,

Tom F
Re: 1978 Dodge Sportsman mike e 8-8-06  
Sounds like its running to lean not enough fuel.Maybe a vacuum leak.Easy to check for leak by spraying around base of carb,and any vacuum hoses or hose connections.Also pinch off or temporary plug up vacuum hose to the brake booster,sometimes it leaks causing a lean condition.When spraying wd40 or carb. cleaner around base of carb.if engine speeds up you have found a leak.Looked for cracked hoses also.
Re: 1978 Dodge Sportsman Liz 2-9-08  
I want to buy this 1976 Dodge Sportsman Class B. The guy says it just wont start, turnover or even show any signs of life. He put a new battery in and still nothing.He had the tranny replaced and was driving it until he let it sit for awhile and then it wont start... Any ideas?? QUIK So he doesnt sell to another...Thank-you
Re: 1978 Amerigo Sportsman Stephan Wilson 8-9-06  
I just bought this RV and I am not sure what kind and what type of tire would be best for this 22 ft RV. I know it has 16.5 tires on there, but I need to know what is the proper size to ensure that I have met all the saftey factors and comfort and best economy.
Re: 1978 Dodge Sportsman Alan Roberts 1-13-07  
1. Make sure that you have good gas, bad gas smells rotten.
2. make sure that the fuel filter is new and will let the gas to the engine.
3. Check the fuel pump to be sure it is working.

All three of these is from personal experance. I let my MH set for 5 years and then tried to run it. Nope dont think so. My mechanic had a good time witk me about thos.
Re: 1978 Dodge Sportsman ivan 7-24-08  
Hey i me looking auto parts for 1978 Dodge Sportsman need as soon se postiblie
Re: 1973 Dodge Sportsman liz k 2-13-08  
I purchased a 1973 dodge sportsman camper. The camper is a shasta. I wonder if anyone knows were to get wiring diagrams or water line drawing. I don't know anything about the water tanks sewer tank etc. I need to learn as I will be traveling around new englands music festivals this summer.
Re: 1978 Dodge Sportsman rene'e 4-18-08  
HELP I have been trying to find A new or used frond door handel for my 1978 dodge sportsman (THE ESTABLISHMENT) for 2 1/2 years and no luck can anybody tell me where to find one PLEASE!!!!
Re: 1978 Dodge Sportsman Oregonian 4-5-08  
I scored this 78 Sportsman 19 ft classic with 58,000 original miles and went through everything. Installed an instant heat water heater, replaced all the interior over head,but the gas gauge isn't working because the original metal tank is now plastic.
I will probably sell this RV as I am too disabled to do much more work on her.
Re: 1978 Dodge Sportsman chris 2-26-08  
Hey larry i happen to havea dogde sportsman mida motor hoome i am currently working on but i have run into the same problem you may want to check the fuel line for leaks i dont have nearly as much trouble since i did that try checking right up near the fuel pump itslef
Re: 1978 Dodge Sportsman steve 11-9-08  
Put carb kit it in it accelerator pump is bad.
Re: 1978 Dodge Sportsman Teresa 12-4-06  
I need sooo much info on a 24 ft, Sportsman, I acquired this RV that had sat for a bit and then to boot was "worked" on by idiots evidently. I can't get fuel to the carb, several lines had been cut. I need the fuel line diagram just to start with, also the wiring for all of the accessories, i.e. interior lights, generator, acc. battery etc. etc.
Re: 1978 Amerigo Sportsman Paul Duclos 1-16-08  
Stephan:
What tires did you buy?
I got a 78 Sportsman and need new tires.
Paul
Re: 1978 Dodge Sportsman Charley B. 10-28-07  
Teresa, I have a 19 ft Dodge sportsman RV, I looked around for a manual for the camper area and no luck. They built em 'generaly' the same as all off the line, but at times fit a different frig or stove or whichever they had handy, hence there isn't many manuals out there on the home part of your ride. The drive train and all else about the Dodge aspect is not a proublem in finding a manual for, but you'll need a good 'Wrench' to figure out whats what with your wiring etc.
Good luck!
Re: 1978 Dodge Sportsman Paul Duclos 1-16-08  
Alan:
I replaced the carb float in mine and the gas works fine, now. the float was soaked with gas and did not float.
Paul
Re: 1978 Dodge Sportsman steve 11-9-08  
Check your neutral safety switch. to try it without it unplug it.
Re: 1978 Dodge Sportsman steve 11-9-08  
Theres a fuseable link connected to the positive terminal to the battery check it out
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