Just bought an '83 B250 Royal Wagon.. Help!
Pantysniff
02-07-2005, 11:45 PM
http://b.im.craigslist.org/zg/e4/6hCNS7yI0lou2eeKArfl1z2abjok.jpg
I'll probably be hanging around these parts from now on as the need arises. I was looking for a cheap and reliable work/camping van; and today found and bought a 1983 B250 Royal extended van for $1000. It has the 318 motor and it shows 4k miles. The seller says it's 104k, but who knows, could be 204k. The van was part of the University of Texas system before this guy.
I have some questions that I'm having trouble answering:
1) What does the "Royal" designation mean? Do I indeed have the "wagon", is that what the extended vans are called?
2) It has a 3-speed auto transmission; is that the 727? How do I find out?
3) It starts right up and idles fairly smooth, except when I'm at a stoplight in gear with the brake applied, it revs so low I think it's gonna stall- though I wouldn't go as far as to say it's "sputtering." I want it to idle more consistently and not worry that it's about to stall at every light. I'm gonna change the fuel filter, air filter, oil, pcv... because that's easy and cheap. What else might I do? Carburetor adjustment? How easy or expensive is that?
4) At highway speeds it vibrates pretty loudly, and the vibration seems sensitive to how much the accelerator is depressed. Is this U-bolts? Probably that and more?
5) This thing is loud to drive- windy. I'm gonna spend a lot of time sound-deadening, insulating, and weatherstripping I can tell. Any advice?
6) How expensive and difficult is the timing chain? Is that an issue I'll likely have to contend with?
Any help is truly appreciated.
I'll probably be hanging around these parts from now on as the need arises. I was looking for a cheap and reliable work/camping van; and today found and bought a 1983 B250 Royal extended van for $1000. It has the 318 motor and it shows 4k miles. The seller says it's 104k, but who knows, could be 204k. The van was part of the University of Texas system before this guy.
I have some questions that I'm having trouble answering:
1) What does the "Royal" designation mean? Do I indeed have the "wagon", is that what the extended vans are called?
2) It has a 3-speed auto transmission; is that the 727? How do I find out?
3) It starts right up and idles fairly smooth, except when I'm at a stoplight in gear with the brake applied, it revs so low I think it's gonna stall- though I wouldn't go as far as to say it's "sputtering." I want it to idle more consistently and not worry that it's about to stall at every light. I'm gonna change the fuel filter, air filter, oil, pcv... because that's easy and cheap. What else might I do? Carburetor adjustment? How easy or expensive is that?
4) At highway speeds it vibrates pretty loudly, and the vibration seems sensitive to how much the accelerator is depressed. Is this U-bolts? Probably that and more?
5) This thing is loud to drive- windy. I'm gonna spend a lot of time sound-deadening, insulating, and weatherstripping I can tell. Any advice?
6) How expensive and difficult is the timing chain? Is that an issue I'll likely have to contend with?
Any help is truly appreciated.
frankendart
02-28-2005, 08:00 PM
http://b.im.craigslist.org/zg/e4/6hCNS7yI0lou2eeKArfl1z2abjok.jpg
I'll probably be hanging around these parts from now on as the need arises. I was looking for a cheap and reliable work/camping van; and today found and bought a 1983 B250 Royal extended van for $1000. It has the 318 motor and it shows 4k miles. The seller says it's 104k, but who knows, could be 204k. The van was part of the University of Texas system before this guy.
I have some questions that I'm having trouble answering:
1) What does the "Royal" designation mean? Do I indeed have the "wagon", is that what the extended vans are called?
2) It has a 3-speed auto transmission; is that the 727? How do I find out?
3) It starts right up and idles fairly smooth, except when I'm at a stoplight in gear with the brake applied, it revs so low I think it's gonna stall- though I wouldn't go as far as to say it's "sputtering." I want it to idle more consistently and not worry that it's about to stall at every light. I'm gonna change the fuel filter, air filter, oil, pcv... because that's easy and cheap. What else might I do? Carburetor adjustment? How easy or expensive is that?
4) At highway speeds it vibrates pretty loudly, and the vibration seems sensitive to how much the accelerator is depressed. Is this U-bolts? Probably that and more?
5) This thing is loud to drive- windy. I'm gonna spend a lot of time sound-deadening, insulating, and weatherstripping I can tell. Any advice?
6) How expensive and difficult is the timing chain? Is that an issue I'll likely have to contend with?
Any help is truly appreciated.
ANSWER to #1 : "Royal" Is the trim level of your vehicle. It usually means you have things like power windows, and locks, etc.
Dadoe refers to it's passanger vans as "Wagons".
ANSWER #2: It's either a 727, or a 904 (999). Since it's a B250, I would guess it's a 727. You can check easily enough by simply looking at the trans oil pan. If it's square, it's a 904, if it has a bump out at one corner, it's a 727.
ANswer #3:
SUGGESTION: You can adjust the idle speed on a carb, without adjusting the air/fuel mixture. Infact, I think the air/fuel mixture is preset, and not adjustable.
Remove the engine cover and air cleaner. Sit in the van and start it. Step on the gas , and watch the carb lingage. As you operate the gas, you'll see the lingage. At the carb thewre are two screws on the lingage. By turning those screws clockwise, you will slowly increase the idle speed of the van. adjust the longer of the two first, and then the second screw. Notice the relationship of the screws and the serface they contact, and maintain that relationship while adjusting. You van should idle at around 700-750 RPM.
ANSWER #4: Could be a number of things from U-Joints to unbalanced tires. Have your tire balance checked. Also, listen for the normal clunks when shifting from D to R. That a pretty good sign that the U-Joints are going.
ANSWER #5: That's pretty common for Dodges.
ANSWER: Timing chains are pretty cheap. The installation is about a 4 hour job. It involves draining the antifreeze, and removing much of the front of the engine. Not a difficult job, just time consuming. Just be sure you follow the directions in the repair manual about setting up the timing marks!
Good Luck.
I'll probably be hanging around these parts from now on as the need arises. I was looking for a cheap and reliable work/camping van; and today found and bought a 1983 B250 Royal extended van for $1000. It has the 318 motor and it shows 4k miles. The seller says it's 104k, but who knows, could be 204k. The van was part of the University of Texas system before this guy.
I have some questions that I'm having trouble answering:
1) What does the "Royal" designation mean? Do I indeed have the "wagon", is that what the extended vans are called?
2) It has a 3-speed auto transmission; is that the 727? How do I find out?
3) It starts right up and idles fairly smooth, except when I'm at a stoplight in gear with the brake applied, it revs so low I think it's gonna stall- though I wouldn't go as far as to say it's "sputtering." I want it to idle more consistently and not worry that it's about to stall at every light. I'm gonna change the fuel filter, air filter, oil, pcv... because that's easy and cheap. What else might I do? Carburetor adjustment? How easy or expensive is that?
4) At highway speeds it vibrates pretty loudly, and the vibration seems sensitive to how much the accelerator is depressed. Is this U-bolts? Probably that and more?
5) This thing is loud to drive- windy. I'm gonna spend a lot of time sound-deadening, insulating, and weatherstripping I can tell. Any advice?
6) How expensive and difficult is the timing chain? Is that an issue I'll likely have to contend with?
Any help is truly appreciated.
ANSWER to #1 : "Royal" Is the trim level of your vehicle. It usually means you have things like power windows, and locks, etc.
Dadoe refers to it's passanger vans as "Wagons".
ANSWER #2: It's either a 727, or a 904 (999). Since it's a B250, I would guess it's a 727. You can check easily enough by simply looking at the trans oil pan. If it's square, it's a 904, if it has a bump out at one corner, it's a 727.
ANswer #3:
SUGGESTION: You can adjust the idle speed on a carb, without adjusting the air/fuel mixture. Infact, I think the air/fuel mixture is preset, and not adjustable.
Remove the engine cover and air cleaner. Sit in the van and start it. Step on the gas , and watch the carb lingage. As you operate the gas, you'll see the lingage. At the carb thewre are two screws on the lingage. By turning those screws clockwise, you will slowly increase the idle speed of the van. adjust the longer of the two first, and then the second screw. Notice the relationship of the screws and the serface they contact, and maintain that relationship while adjusting. You van should idle at around 700-750 RPM.
ANSWER #4: Could be a number of things from U-Joints to unbalanced tires. Have your tire balance checked. Also, listen for the normal clunks when shifting from D to R. That a pretty good sign that the U-Joints are going.
ANSWER #5: That's pretty common for Dodges.
ANSWER: Timing chains are pretty cheap. The installation is about a 4 hour job. It involves draining the antifreeze, and removing much of the front of the engine. Not a difficult job, just time consuming. Just be sure you follow the directions in the repair manual about setting up the timing marks!
Good Luck.
frankendart
02-28-2005, 08:02 PM
http://b.im.craigslist.org/zg/e4/6hCNS7yI0lou2eeKArfl1z2abjok.jpg
I'll probably be hanging around these parts from now on as the need arises. I was looking for a cheap and reliable work/camping van; and today found and bought a 1983 B250 Royal extended van for $1000. It has the 318 motor and it shows 4k miles. The seller says it's 104k, but who knows, could be 204k. The van was part of the University of Texas system before this guy.
I have some questions that I'm having trouble answering:
1) What does the "Royal" designation mean? Do I indeed have the "wagon", is that what the extended vans are called?
ANSWER: "Royal" Is the trim level of your vehicle. It usually means you have things like power windows, and locks, etc.
Dadoe refers to it's passanger vans as "Wagons".
2) It has a 3-speed auto transmission; is that the 727? How do I find out?
ANSWER: It's either a 727, or a 904 (999). Since it's a B250, I would guess it's a 727. You can check easily enough by simply looking at the trans oil pan. If it's square, it's a 904, if it has a bump out at one corner, it's a 727.
3) It starts right up and idles fairly smooth, except when I'm at a stoplight in gear with the brake applied, it revs so low I think it's gonna stall- though I wouldn't go as far as to say it's "sputtering." I want it to idle more consistently and not worry that it's about to stall at every light. I'm gonna change the fuel filter, air filter, oil, pcv... because that's easy and cheap. What else might I do? Carburetor adjustment? How easy or expensive is that?
SUGGESTION: You can adjust the idle speed on a carb, without adjusting the air/fuel mixture. Infact, I think the air/fuel mixture is preset, and not adjustable.
Remove the engine cover and air cleaner. Sit in the van and start it. Step on the gas , and watch the carb lingage. As you operate the gas, you'll see the lingage. At the carb thewre are two screws on the lingage. By turning those screws clockwise, you will slowly increase the idle speed of the van. adjust the longer of the two first, and then the second screw. Notice the relationship of the screws and the serface they contact, and maintain that relationship while adjusting. You van should idle at around 700-750 RPM.
4) At highway speeds it vibrates pretty loudly, and the vibration seems sensitive to how much the accelerator is depressed. Is this U-bolts? Probably that and more?
ANSWER: Could be a number of things from U-Joints to unbalanced tires. Have your tire balance checked. Also, listen for the normal clunks when shifting from D to R. That a pretty good sign that the U-Joints are going.
5) This thing is loud to drive- windy. I'm gonna spend a lot of time sound-deadening, insulating, and weatherstripping I can tell. Any advice?
ANSWER: That's pretty common for Dodges.
6) How expensive and difficult is the timing chain? Is that an issue I'll likely have to contend with?
ANSWER: Timing chains are pretty cheap. The installation is about a 4 hour job. It involves draining the antifreeze, and removing much of the front of the engine. Not a difficult job, just time consuming. Just be sure you follow the directions in the repair manual about setting up the timing marks!
Any help is truly appreciated.
Good Luck.
I'll probably be hanging around these parts from now on as the need arises. I was looking for a cheap and reliable work/camping van; and today found and bought a 1983 B250 Royal extended van for $1000. It has the 318 motor and it shows 4k miles. The seller says it's 104k, but who knows, could be 204k. The van was part of the University of Texas system before this guy.
I have some questions that I'm having trouble answering:
1) What does the "Royal" designation mean? Do I indeed have the "wagon", is that what the extended vans are called?
ANSWER: "Royal" Is the trim level of your vehicle. It usually means you have things like power windows, and locks, etc.
Dadoe refers to it's passanger vans as "Wagons".
2) It has a 3-speed auto transmission; is that the 727? How do I find out?
ANSWER: It's either a 727, or a 904 (999). Since it's a B250, I would guess it's a 727. You can check easily enough by simply looking at the trans oil pan. If it's square, it's a 904, if it has a bump out at one corner, it's a 727.
3) It starts right up and idles fairly smooth, except when I'm at a stoplight in gear with the brake applied, it revs so low I think it's gonna stall- though I wouldn't go as far as to say it's "sputtering." I want it to idle more consistently and not worry that it's about to stall at every light. I'm gonna change the fuel filter, air filter, oil, pcv... because that's easy and cheap. What else might I do? Carburetor adjustment? How easy or expensive is that?
SUGGESTION: You can adjust the idle speed on a carb, without adjusting the air/fuel mixture. Infact, I think the air/fuel mixture is preset, and not adjustable.
Remove the engine cover and air cleaner. Sit in the van and start it. Step on the gas , and watch the carb lingage. As you operate the gas, you'll see the lingage. At the carb thewre are two screws on the lingage. By turning those screws clockwise, you will slowly increase the idle speed of the van. adjust the longer of the two first, and then the second screw. Notice the relationship of the screws and the serface they contact, and maintain that relationship while adjusting. You van should idle at around 700-750 RPM.
4) At highway speeds it vibrates pretty loudly, and the vibration seems sensitive to how much the accelerator is depressed. Is this U-bolts? Probably that and more?
ANSWER: Could be a number of things from U-Joints to unbalanced tires. Have your tire balance checked. Also, listen for the normal clunks when shifting from D to R. That a pretty good sign that the U-Joints are going.
5) This thing is loud to drive- windy. I'm gonna spend a lot of time sound-deadening, insulating, and weatherstripping I can tell. Any advice?
ANSWER: That's pretty common for Dodges.
6) How expensive and difficult is the timing chain? Is that an issue I'll likely have to contend with?
ANSWER: Timing chains are pretty cheap. The installation is about a 4 hour job. It involves draining the antifreeze, and removing much of the front of the engine. Not a difficult job, just time consuming. Just be sure you follow the directions in the repair manual about setting up the timing marks!
Any help is truly appreciated.
Good Luck.
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