Firedawg

Just a quick 2 cents, for starters, the converter is either plugged or it isn't. If you feel the need to check it anyways, there is a simple method. Drill a small hole in the exhaust pipe before the converter, and one after it as well. Using a pressure/vacuum gauge with the appropriate fitting, take a reading in each hole and compare the results. If there is significant back pressure before the converter, then it's plugged. A properly running converter, will create very little back pressure at idle.When finished, screw in a short metal screw with exhaust sealant on the threads to seal the holes. Now something else simple to check the next time it acts up. Pull over, shut engine down, and check the resistance on your radiator fan. You should be able to rotate the fan by hand fairly easily with some minor resistance. If this is not the case and the fan won't move easily, then replace your fan clutch. The only reason this came to mind for me was the fact that you mentioned that it sounds as though it begins to "howl" when acting up. If your fan clutch is locking up once it gets warm, this would produce a significant howl as the fan itself is now operating at engine rpm and trying to draw more air than it is designed to, thus, creating a large load on the engine as well. Maybe this helps, maybe it won't, but it's simple to check, and it's the only thing I can think of off the top that would produce an audible howl.

Thanks everyone, yes, I plan to do a complete service to our new vehicle. The previous owner only had it for about four months and was unaware of any prior service records, so I plan on changing all fluids, (power steering, brake fluid, engine oil, transmission, and rear end), and then pulling off all drums/rotors to repack bearings, change seals, clean surfaces, and grease contact surfaces. Allong with a timing belt and water pump change. I just recieved the vehicle back last night from a mechanics inspection and the brakes are over 50%, with the only issue being a small exaust leak on the drivers side that I shall have to hunt down. (I'm assuming its the donut from the header to the pipe), hopefully not too much of a P.I.T.A.

I finally discovered a picture of the aforementioned tube, it's a coolant tube directly off the thermostat housing which supplies coolant to the oil cooler. Looks to be a 1/4" line about 2" long. Hope this helps someone out who may be looking. Obviously I'm new to these motorhomes, it's our first one ever in fact, and I'm quite excited about getting it in shape - Preventative maintenance wise - Then off to new adventures!!! So I welcome any helpful suggestions as far as items that should be addressed, or known issues with this unit or drivetrain. Thanks again everyone!!

Thanks everyone, I just did a search on Rock Auto and behold, the drums are there!!! Thank you for all the help and patience. Also.......looking at doing the timing belt and water pump. The kits specify with bypass tube or without. Apparently it's something to do with the pump or thermostat housing. Can anyone clarify this?

Yes, I've tried Rock Auto as well, however, same problem.....they ask you to pick a make (toyota), then a year (1989), then a model (?) That's the part that seems to end the search. I was hoping there'd be a website that would recognize the toyota 1 ton chassis so that I'd be able to order whatever I need.... drums, shoes, seals ect.

Thanks Bob, yes you're correct my 1990 Dolphin sits on a 1989 toyota chassis. I also contacted Auto Parts Warehouse as well, and during our online help conversation, he indicated to me that they had no parts for my chassis, and all this was after giving him my VIN number to confirm this fact. I found it quite odd as they did have Bendix drums that were listed as fitting toyota duallys. Perhaps I'll give them another try. It's just a little frustrating due to the fact that every site I seem to go to asks for specific vehicle information from a pick list, but the 1ton chassis is never an option.

Hello, I'm the proud new owner of a 1989 Toyota Dolphin, as part of fixing up this ol gal, I'm attempting to find a source for chassis parts, in particular, drums, rotors, pads, shoes, brake springs ect. I've done several online searches, amazon, the ususal parts stores, and am having considerable difficulty in locating parts. Any and all suggestions for retailers of reasonably priced parts would be greatly appreciated. Also, I'd like to service the transmission ie. change and flush the fluid, however, I'm unsure as to the model designation of the tranny, and wheather or not to go ahead and flush with Dextron VI or Dextron 2. I've read some interesting discussion on here. (and some of it with painfull to read use of english) lol Thanks to everyone in advance for your help