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[GMCnet] Another Trying Day [message #221419] Fri, 06 September 2013 23:43 Go to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
We moved today from Hill AFB to Grand Junction, CO. We were "beside the
road" 5 or 6 times in the last 100 miles. The engine would just slowly
die, usually as I neared the crest of a long grade. A couple of times I
immediately checked fuel injector spray and spark -- both there. After
sitting for 5-10 minutes, it would start and run fine for another 10-30
miles at 60-70 mph, then lay down on the job again. Finally, I
disconnected the toad and SHE drove it the last 50 mies or so. STILL I had
the problem -- it almost died as I pulled into the RV park after 20 level
miles -- though it didn't completely die like it did in the main gate to
Hill AFB. :-)

Because I never lost fuel pressure on my dash gauge, I'm sure it was not
vapor lock. I THINK the ignition control module in the distributor must be
heat sensitive, so I bought and installed a new one this evening.
It's hard to understand "cooling off" during the brief pauses, when "heat
soak" should have been heating things up -- but that's how it worked. I
never stopped for long enough for any real cooling to occur. I'm all ears
for better ideas.

Since Fred told me all I could need to know about Rt.50, except how many
times to sneeze, I've decided that's the route we'll take tomorrow.
Monarch Pass, elev 11,312' should tell whether my diagnosis was correct.

Ken "Shoulder Lover" H.
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Another Trying Day [message #221427 is a reply to message #221419] Sat, 07 September 2013 01:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimtze is currently offline  jimtze   Canada
Messages: 92
Registered: June 2011
Location: Victoria, BC
Karma: 1
Member
Hello Ken

That sounds too familiar. Driving across New Mexico, we had the same stop and go experience. It turned out to be the fuel filter. I guess sitting let gravity move enough material that we could run for a ways until it clogged again. I'm hoping that having my supply of Fram G3870 will ward off the ethanol spirits.


Jim Bratvold Victoria, BC 76 Eleganza ll
Re: [GMCnet] Another Trying Day [message #221431 is a reply to message #221427] Sat, 07 September 2013 01:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mickeysss is currently offline  mickeysss   United States
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
Karma: 0
Senior Member
some times the in tank fuel pump glove or other pumps would do the same. Filter is best bet. 2 cents.

If it had a catalytic converter - they stop up, but there is none on the gmc.?

M. )'( 77 palm playa, anaheim ca. :-)


On Sep 6, 2013, at 11:17 PM, Jim Bratvold wrote:

>
>
> Hello Ken
>
> That sounds too familiar. Driving across New Mexico, we had the same stop and go experience. It turned out to be the fuel filter. I guess sitting let gravity move enough material that we could run for a ways until it clogged again. I'm hoping that having my supply of Fram G3870 will ward off the ethanol spirits.
> --
> Jim Bratvold
> Victoria, BC
> 76 Eleganza ll
> _______________________________________________
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Re: [GMCnet] Another Trying Day [message #221436 is a reply to message #221419] Sat, 07 September 2013 05:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
wally is currently offline  wally   United States
Messages: 643
Registered: August 2004
Location: Omaha Nebraska
Karma: 5
Senior Member
Ken, Could you read afr while this was happening?
Ken Henderson wrote on Fri, 06 September 2013 23:43

We moved today from Hill AFB to Grand Junction, CO. We were "beside the
road" 5 or 6 times in the last 100 miles. The engine would just slowly
die, usually as I neared the crest of a long grade. A couple of times I
immediately checked fuel injector spray and spark -- both there. After
sitting for 5-10 minutes, it would start and run fine for another 10-30
miles at 60-70 mph, then lay down on the job again. Finally, I
disconnected the toad and SHE drove it the last 50 mies or so. STILL I had
the problem -- it almost died as I pulled into the RV park after 20 level
miles -- though it didn't completely die like it did in the main gate to
Hill AFB. Smile

Because I never lost fuel pressure on my dash gauge, I'm sure it was not
vapor lock. I THINK the ignition control module in the distributor must be
heat sensitive, so I bought and installed a new one this evening.
It's hard to understand "cooling off" during the brief pauses, when "heat
soak" should have been heating things up -- but that's how it worked. I
never stopped for long enough for any real cooling to occur. I'm all ears
for better ideas.

Since Fred told me all I could need to know about Rt.50, except how many
times to sneeze, I've decided that's the route we'll take tomorrow.
Monarch Pass, elev 11,312' should tell whether my diagnosis was correct.

Ken "Shoulder Lover" H.
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Wally Anderson
Omaha NE
75 Glenbrook
Re: [GMCnet] Another Trying Day [message #221441 is a reply to message #221419] Sat, 07 September 2013 06:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
kerry pinkerton is currently offline  kerry pinkerton   United States
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
Senior Member
Hate that you are having troubles Ken.

When it looses power, if you shift to neutral, will it rev up? Or is it only under load that you see the problem?

I'm in the fuel problem camp.

I'm not very good on hydraulics but isn't there something about you can still have constant pressure while having restricted flow?

I know you have two electric fuel pumps and am sure you've switched around many times during the day. It would not make a lot of sense for both tanks socks and/or filters to restrict at the same time UNLESS you got some crap gas.

Have you tried something like StarTron additive or octane booster?


Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
Re: [GMCnet] Another Trying Day [message #221449 is a reply to message #221419] Sat, 07 September 2013 07:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
Senior Member
Ken, I am sorry about the problem. Hope you fixed it. Y'all will enjoy 50 if the coach is running ok. Monarch pass ain't that bad. From there to Branson is a nice drive in the GMC. You can got through Dodge City and check on Miss Kitty without going out of your way.
See you in Branson.
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: [GMCnet] Another Trying Day [message #221450 is a reply to message #221419] Sat, 07 September 2013 07:56 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Steven Ferguson is currently offline  Steven Ferguson   United States
Messages: 3447
Registered: May 2006
Karma: 0
Senior Member
I hope you get it sorted out Ken. You're going to love Black Canyon, the
scenery never quits.
Steve


On Fri, Sep 6, 2013 at 9:43 PM, Ken Henderson <hend4800@bellsouth.net>wrote:

> We moved today from Hill AFB to Grand Junction, CO. We were "beside the
> road" 5 or 6 times in the last 100 miles. The engine would just slowly
> die, usually as I neared the crest of a long grade. A couple of times I
> immediately checked fuel injector spray and spark -- both there. After
> sitting for 5-10 minutes, it would start and run fine for another 10-30
> miles at 60-70 mph, then lay down on the job again. Finally, I
> disconnected the toad and SHE drove it the last 50 mies or so. STILL I had
> the problem -- it almost died as I pulled into the RV park after 20 level
> miles -- though it didn't completely die like it did in the main gate to
> Hill AFB. :-)
>
> Because I never lost fuel pressure on my dash gauge, I'm sure it was not
> vapor lock. I THINK the ignition control module in the distributor must be
> heat sensitive, so I bought and installed a new one this evening.
> It's hard to understand "cooling off" during the brief pauses, when "heat
> soak" should have been heating things up -- but that's how it worked. I
> never stopped for long enough for any real cooling to occur. I'm all ears
> for better ideas.
>
> Since Fred told me all I could need to know about Rt.50, except how many
> times to sneeze, I've decided that's the route we'll take tomorrow.
> Monarch Pass, elev 11,312' should tell whether my diagnosis was correct.
>
> Ken "Shoulder Lover" H.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Take care,
Steve
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Re: [GMCnet] Another Trying Day [message #221452 is a reply to message #221419] Sat, 07 September 2013 08:06 Go to previous messageGo to next message
George Beckman is currently offline  George Beckman   United States
Messages: 1085
Registered: October 2008
Location: Colfax, CA
Karma: 11
Senior Member
Ken Henderson wrote on Fri, 06 September 2013 21:43

We moved today from Hill AFB to Grand Junction, CO.


Since Fred told me all I could need to know about Rt.50, except how many
times to sneeze, I've decided that's the route we'll take tomorrow.
Monarch Pass, elev 11,312' should tell whether my diagnosis was correct.






Ken, Ken, Ken... You have had your troubles.

I agree with the module idea. They will break down in heat. At least your fuel pressure is not sagging.


I wish you well. Remember I am the guy who never had vapor lock unti Monarch Pass. Because you had vaporlock like symptoms before in the Rockies, start with a full tank and start early. The last 8 miles or so I suggest shifting down to low and just letting her putter up. Watch your trans temp.

On the other hand maybe you did not have vaporlock coming West in May. Maybe it was module all the time!


'74 Eleganza, SE, Howell + EBL
Best Wishes,
George
Re: [GMCnet] Another Trying Day [message #221459 is a reply to message #221419] Sat, 07 September 2013 08:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JohnL455 is currently offline  JohnL455   United States
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
Senior Member
How can it be fuel with your military spec fuel system? But you would think bad ignition would be popping and missing rather than sag. Could the computer be pulling timing with a false knock signal????Are you at 14V when this happens?

John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
Re: [GMCnet] Another Trying Day [message #221460 is a reply to message #221419] Sat, 07 September 2013 09:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dennis S is currently offline  Dennis S   United States
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
Senior Member
Well, since all other guesses have been taken -- I will suggest you check for intake air obstruction. As I recall you have the agricultural hose intake -- maybe it is collapsing or has some other blockage.

Dennis

Ken Henderson wrote on Fri, 06 September 2013 23:43

We moved today from Hill AFB to Grand Junction, CO. We were "beside the
road" 5 or 6 times in the last 100 miles. The engine would just slowly
die, usually as I neared the crest of a long grade. A couple of times I
immediately checked fuel injector spray and spark -- both there. After
sitting for 5-10 minutes, it would start and run fine for another 10-30
miles at 60-70 mph, then lay down on the job again. Finally, I
disconnected the toad and SHE drove it the last 50 mies or so. STILL I had
the problem -- it almost died as I pulled into the RV park after 20 level
miles -- though it didn't completely die like it did in the main gate to
Hill AFB. Smile

Because I never lost fuel pressure on my dash gauge, I'm sure it was not
vapor lock. I THINK the ignition control module in the distributor must be
heat sensitive, so I bought and installed a new one this evening.
It's hard to understand "cooling off" during the brief pauses, when "heat
soak" should have been heating things up -- but that's how it worked. I
never stopped for long enough for any real cooling to occur. I'm all ears
for better ideas.

Since Fred told me all I could need to know about Rt.50, except how many
times to sneeze, I've decided that's the route we'll take tomorrow.
Monarch Pass, elev 11,312' should tell whether my diagnosis was correct.

Ken "Shoulder Lover" H.
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Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
Re: [GMCnet] Another Trying Day [message #221462 is a reply to message #221452] Sat, 07 September 2013 09:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
Senior Member
I also would look at the module.
'
good guess''
- hard to get a real module. you might want to call dick Patterson

-in my case, he found that the module would be ok a low rpm, and cut out at
1200

- since your fuel press was up there, prob a bad module

- i think we should look at the work Kirk, has done with a remote coil

good luck
gene


>
> I agree with the module idea. They will break down in heat. At least your
> fuel pressure is not sagging.
>
>


--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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Re: [GMCnet] Another Trying Day [message #221488 is a reply to message #221419] Sat, 07 September 2013 11:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Kirk is currently offline  Kirk   United States
Messages: 80
Registered: April 2008
Karma: 0
Member
MSD Ignition HEI Dust Cover Conversion for a Blaster 2 Coil PN 8401

The PN 8401 Dust Cover allows the use of an external coil with an internal coil GM HEI distributor. This cover replaces the coil in the cap reducing distributor heat build up

Parts Included:
1 - MSD HEI Dust Cover
1 - Y-spliced Pink Wire
1 - Brown Wire

INSTALLATION
1. Disconnect the 3-pin wiring harness and the single Pink wire connector from the distributor cap.
2. Remove the dust cover from the original coil and remove the internal coil.
Note: Leave the rotor bushing in place.
3. Install the MSD Dust Cover using the original screws.
4. Connect the supplied Brown wire to the Brown wire of 3-pin distributor connector. Connect the other end of the Brown wire to the coil negative (-) terminal.
5. Connect the supplied Y-Spliced Pink wire to the single Pink wire (switched 12 volts) and the Pink wire of the 3-pin distributor connector. Connect the other end to the coil positive (+) terminal.
Note: The middle terminal of the 3-pin connector (Black wire) is not used.
6. Install the coil wire to the Cover.
Note: If you plan to install a tachometer, the trigger wire connects to the coil negative terminal.

The wiring diagram wouldn't paste, go to MSDignition.com or summitracing.com/parts/msd-8401






Kirk & Eloise Yeager - Motorcyclists/RVers/Dog Lovers - 77 Royale 455/TBI/3:55 - 49ers - N. Nevada - NdnKirk at Gmail dot com
Re: [GMCnet] Another Trying Day [message #221489 is a reply to message #221419] Sat, 07 September 2013 12:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Kirk is currently offline  Kirk   United States
Messages: 80
Registered: April 2008
Karma: 0
Member
MSD Ignition HEI Dust Cover Conversion for a Blaster 2 Coil PN 8401

The PN 8401 Dust Cover allows the use of an external coil with an internal coil GM HEI distributor. This cover replaces the coil in the cap reducing distributor heat build up

Parts Included:
1 - MSD HEI Dust Cover
1 - Y-spliced Pink Wire
1 - Brown Wire

INSTALLATION
1. Disconnect the 3-pin wiring harness and the single Pink wire connector from the distributor cap.
2. Remove the dust cover from the original coil and remove the internal coil.
Note: Leave the rotor bushing in place.
3. Install the MSD Dust Cover using the original screws.
4. Connect the supplied Brown wire to the Brown wire of 3-pin distributor connector. Connect the other end of the Brown wire to the coil negative (-) terminal.
5. Connect the supplied Y-Spliced Pink wire to the single Pink wire (switched 12 volts) and the Pink wire of the 3-pin distributor connector. Connect the other end to the coil positive (+) terminal.
Note: The middle terminal of the 3-pin connector (Black wire) is not used.
6. Install the coil wire to the Cover.
Note: If you plan to install a tachometer, the trigger wire connects to the coil negative terminal.

The wiring diagram wouldn't paste, go to MSDignition.com or summitracing.com/parts/msd-8401






Kirk & Eloise Yeager - Motorcyclists/RVers/Dog Lovers - 77 Royale 455/TBI/3:55 - 49ers - N. Nevada - NdnKirk at Gmail dot com
Re: [GMCnet] Another Trying Day [message #221493 is a reply to message #221449] Sat, 07 September 2013 12:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
When Heather and I came that way on US 50 a few years ago we went to Dodge City. Heather hopped on the Amtrak there to get back home. She had to go to work. You can park downtown all night if you wish at the Amtrak station. There was WiFi access on the east end of the parking lot. It is quiet and nice. The eastbound train stops at about 12:30 AM and the west bound at around 5:30 AM. I never heard the westbound one come through.

We looked for Miss Kitty while we were there but we were told that she lives in Florida during the off season.



Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: [GMCnet] Another Trying Day [message #221494 is a reply to message #221419] Sat, 07 September 2013 12:21 Go to previous message
emerystora is currently offline  emerystora   United States
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
Senior Member
Ken
If it turns out to be the module, the heat is from the internal electronic components, not the heat soak from the engine. Often on the electrical components in such things as the module the current flowing through the parts will cause some heat expansion which might open up a circuit. When current stops flowing the gap quickly closes and it might run again for awhile.

Of course you might find that it is not the module.

Emery Stora

On Sep 6, 2013, at 10:43 PM, Ken Henderson wrote:

> We moved today from Hill AFB to Grand Junction, CO. We were "beside the
> road" 5 or 6 times in the last 100 miles. The engine would just slowly
> die, usually as I neared the crest of a long grade. A couple of times I
> immediately checked fuel injector spray and spark -- both there. After
> sitting for 5-10 minutes, it would start and run fine for another 10-30
> miles at 60-70 mph, then lay down on the job again. Finally, I
> disconnected the toad and SHE drove it the last 50 mies or so. STILL I had
> the problem -- it almost died as I pulled into the RV park after 20 level
> miles -- though it didn't completely die like it did in the main gate to
> Hill AFB. :-)
>
> Because I never lost fuel pressure on my dash gauge, I'm sure it was not
> vapor lock. I THINK the ignition control module in the distributor must be
> heat sensitive, so I bought and installed a new one this evening.
> It's hard to understand "cooling off" during the brief pauses, when "heat
> soak" should have been heating things up -- but that's how it worked. I
> never stopped for long enough for any real cooling to occur. I'm all ears
> for better ideas.
>
> Since Fred told me all I could need to know about Rt.50, except how many
> times to sneeze, I've decided that's the route we'll take tomorrow.
> Monarch Pass, elev 11,312' should tell whether my diagnosis was correct.
>
> Ken "Shoulder Lover" H.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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