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[GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262121] Wed, 17 September 2014 06:41 Go to next message
Kingsley Coach is currently offline  Kingsley Coach   United States
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Netters

Jared said, "...buy a cherry picker, pull the window,
set the engine, drive it home."

He has me thinking, has this ever been done or could it be done?? Maybe he
is on to something?

Just wondering.....

Mike in NS
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Re: [GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262122 is a reply to message #262121] Wed, 17 September 2014 07:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
C Boyd is currently offline  C Boyd   United States
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Hi Mike: I believe Jared is speaking of the side window behind the pass seat. I was told a long time ago that the local dealer use to remove the engine by removing the windshield. I did some measuring and I think you would have to short chain the engine as close as possible with the picker over the dash and might not leave enough room to get out. But then anything is possible.



Kingsley Coach wrote on Wed, 17 September 2014 07:41
Netters

Jared said, "...buy a cherry picker, pull the window,
set the engine, drive it home."

He has me thinking, has this ever been done or could it be done?? Maybe he
is on to something?

Just wondering.....

Mike in NS
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C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
Re: [GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262124 is a reply to message #262122] Wed, 17 September 2014 08:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
LNelson is currently offline  LNelson   United States
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The shop that does my State inspections casually told me that they had "replaced engines" in the GMC Motorhome (for other customers). I asked what method they used. "We remove the passenger windshield". I was thinking they would really have to have that thing tight to the boom to get the boom AND the engine out the windshield hole.

Larry Nelson Springfield, MO Ex GMC'er, then GM Busnut now '77 Eleganza ARS WB0JOT

[Updated on: Wed, 17 September 2014 08:46]

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Re: [GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262139 is a reply to message #262124] Wed, 17 September 2014 11:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Otterwan   United States
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Years ago I used an attachment to pull a BBC engine that might work in this case. It was something a friend of mine already had. It was a flat bar about a foot long with an eye in the middle and several holes on both ends. The ends were bent up just a little. We removed the distributor and carb and lay the plate across the engine until we found two bolts that lined up. I think they were intake manifold mounting bolts. Then we put the hook of the engine hoist in the eye and pulled the engine.

What you might have to do with the GMC is lift the engine as high as you can, set it down on some dunnage, re rig your chain, and repeat a few times until you got it high enough for a straight shot out the window.


1977 Birchaven, Lynnwood WA - "We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us."
Re: [GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262155 is a reply to message #262121] Wed, 17 September 2014 17:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lotsofspareparts is currently offline  lotsofspareparts   United States
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Actually I was thinking that it could be accomplished by pulling the large slider window on the passenger side. Guys replace the engines in 23' footers going through the entry door so was thinking a cherry picker with a chain hoist on the picking end could possibly do the same thing through the window. As stated before there would be some dunnage and repicking involved.

I was dreaming of another coach, don't have the finances to keep dreaming like this.

If we do ever purchase a second coach it will certainly be a 23'.

Jared


Jared & Tina Lazaron + 14yr old Daughter..... 77 Eleganza II "Recherché"..... 73 Canyon Lands 230 "Elephant"
Re: [GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262158 is a reply to message #262155] Wed, 17 September 2014 17:56 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Joe Weir is currently offline  Joe Weir   United States
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I would think the trolley system would be easier and less hassle to fabricate than to remove a windshield, unless you were replacing a windshield anyway. The trolley for the 26 will work in the 23.

Aren't there plans posted out there?


76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center... Columbia, SC.
Re: [GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262163 is a reply to message #262158] Wed, 17 September 2014 18:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lotsofspareparts is currently offline  lotsofspareparts   United States
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Joe Weir wrote on Wed, 17 September 2014 15:56
I would think the trolley system would be easier and less hassle to fabricate than to remove a windshield, unless you were replacing a windshield anyway. The trolley for the 26 will work in the 23.

Aren't there plans posted out there?


My idea is based more on a super fast have to get it done kind of idea. Fly in, pick the engine up that I shipped, replace the engine where it sits using out of the store hoist and chain lift, drive it home.

More of a dream than anything else, but the big question is COULD it be done using the method I mentioned, that is what the others are asking.

Jared

edit, and I was thinking pull out the big slider on the passengers side and pull through there.

Jared


Jared & Tina Lazaron + 14yr old Daughter..... 77 Eleganza II "Recherché"..... 73 Canyon Lands 230 "Elephant"

[Updated on: Wed, 17 September 2014 18:59]

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Re: [GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262165 is a reply to message #262163] Wed, 17 September 2014 19:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Joe Weir is currently offline  Joe Weir   United States
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Thats a lot of weight. I was nervous enough getting it out through the door...

lotsofspareparts wrote on Wed, 17 September 2014 18:54
Joe Weir wrote on Wed, 17 September 2014 15:56
I would think the trolley system would be easier and less hassle to fabricate than to remove a windshield, unless you were replacing a windshield anyway. The trolley for the 26 will work in the 23.

Aren't there plans posted out there?


My idea is based more on a super fast have to get it done kind of idea. Fly in, pick the engine up that I shipped, replace the engine where it sits using out of the store hoist and chain lift, drive it home.

More of a dream than anything else, but the big question is COULD it be done using the method I mentioned, that is what the others are asking.

Jared

edit, and I was thinking pull out the big slider on the passengers side and pull through there.

Jared



76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center... Columbia, SC.
Re: [GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262166 is a reply to message #262165] Wed, 17 September 2014 19:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lotsofspareparts is currently offline  lotsofspareparts   United States
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Joe Weir wrote on Wed, 17 September 2014 17:04
Thats a lot of weight. I was nervous enough getting it out through the door...

lotsofspareparts wrote on Wed, 17 September 2014 18:54
Joe Weir wrote on Wed, 17 September 2014 15:56
I would think the trolley system would be easier and less hassle to fabricate than to remove a windshield, unless you were replacing a windshield anyway. The trolley for the 26 will work in the 23.

Aren't there plans posted out there?


My idea is based more on a super fast have to get it done kind of idea. Fly in, pick the engine up that I shipped, replace the engine where it sits using out of the store hoist and chain lift, drive it home.

More of a dream than anything else, but the big question is COULD it be done using the method I mentioned, that is what the others are asking.

Jared

edit, and I was thinking pull out the big slider on the passengers side and pull through there.

Jared




Others have used a cherry picker through the entry door of the 23'.

"Where there is a will.... there is a way".

Not my quote, but I do have my own..... "There may be five ways to do a job, could be right, wrong, or indifferent, if the end result is the same, what's the difference"

Jared


Jared & Tina Lazaron + 14yr old Daughter..... 77 Eleganza II "Recherché"..... 73 Canyon Lands 230 "Elephant"
Re: [GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262167 is a reply to message #262163] Wed, 17 September 2014 19:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
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Jared,

I think the method would work, but be a reat PITA because of the tight
confines and the necessity to have a much higher than normal "cherry
picker".

After having done half a dozen engine changes, using 'most every way known
(aside from out a window), I don't think I'd try the window route. The
gantry needed to drop the engine and transmission, either separately or en
bloc, is too simple and effective to consider another method. It can be
made IAW the manual instructions, or a simplified welded-up affair can be
easily made; some have even built one from wood. The cost of either method
should be comparable to that of a cherry picker, and no disassembly of the
windows would be necessary.

Oh yeah, how HAVE I done it?

On my 23': (1) Through the door using a cherry picker. (2) Roll the
entire front frame clip out & in, (3) Lower the transmission out the
bottom, followed by the engine, and vice versa (4) Lower the engine +
transmission + final drive out the bottom and vice versa (3 times).

On my 26': Roll the front clip from the 23' into it.

On another owner's 26': Out the door using a trolley system.

Obviously, en bloc out the bottom is my favorite, but that's slightly
biased by having a 4' high service rack.

JMHO,

Ken H.


On Wed, Sep 17, 2014 at 7:54 PM, Jared wrote:

> Joe Weir wrote on Wed, 17 September 2014 15:56
>> I would think the trolley system would be easier and less hassle to
> fabricate than to remove a windshield, unless you were replacing a
> windshield
>> anyway. The trolley for the 26 will work in the 23.
>>
>> Aren't there plans posted out there?
>
>
> My idea is based more on a super fast have to get it done kind of idea.
> Fly in, pick the engine up that I shipped, replace the engine where it sits
> using out of the store hoist and chain lift, drive it home.
>
> More of a dream than anything else, but the big question is COULD it be
> done using the method I mentioned, that is what the others are asking.
>
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Ken Henderson
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www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262168 is a reply to message #262167] Wed, 17 September 2014 19:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Joe Weir is currently offline  Joe Weir   United States
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Sure, rub it in... Very Happy Laughing

Ken Henderson wrote on Wed, 17 September 2014 19:14


Obviously, en bloc out the bottom is my favorite, but that's slightly
biased by having a 4' high service rack.

JMHO,

Ken H.




76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center... Columbia, SC.
Re: [GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262169 is a reply to message #262168] Wed, 17 September 2014 19:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Joe Weir is currently offline  Joe Weir   United States
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I need to add: my jealousy is fueled by a neighborhood association that would burn us at the stake if I so much as attempted to install such a facility...The stationary GMC in the driveway already has them on edge... Very Happy

Joe Weir wrote on Wed, 17 September 2014 19:23
Sure, rub it in... Very Happy Laughing

Ken Henderson wrote on Wed, 17 September 2014 19:14


Obviously, en bloc out the bottom is my favorite, but that's slightly
biased by having a 4' high service rack.

JMHO,

Ken H.





76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center... Columbia, SC.
Re: [GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262172 is a reply to message #262169] Wed, 17 September 2014 19:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
midlf is currently offline  midlf   United States
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Joe Weir wrote on Wed, 17 September 2014 19:28

I need to add: my jealousy is fueled by a neighborhood association that would burn us at the stake if I so much as attempted to install such a facility...The stationary GMC in the driveway already has them on edge... Very Happy



Sounds like it's time to move!


Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
icon10.gif  Re: [GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262174 is a reply to message #262158] Wed, 17 September 2014 19:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lonestranger is currently offline  lonestranger   United States
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The plans (with Bill of Materials) for hoist/trolley package, are listed in the Engine Section of the "INDEX LIST OF UPGRADES". Listed under "engine removal out the top".

[Updated on: Wed, 17 September 2014 19:54]

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Re: [GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262182 is a reply to message #262121] Wed, 17 September 2014 21:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
kerry pinkerton is currently offline  kerry pinkerton   United States
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Having recently (Summer, '13) done an engine R&R, I'd say by far the simplest way would be to fly in. (I'd suggest driving in with your TOAD and towing it home...you'll need to run a lot of errands while this is going on) Either ship in or find the nearest Harbor Freight, buy a air/hydraulic jack and some air hoses, some air tools and fittings and other tools you might need. You can always take back what you have not used within 30 days. Either buy from HF or rent a small compressor. Find a Lowes/Home Despair and buy some 6x6s, 4x4,x and 2x4s and get them cut into 18" and 12" lengths. Jack the coach up and block it SECURELY on racked staging consisting of the wood. You want it pretty dang high. Be sure and block the rear wheels so it CAN'T move.

Pull the accessories off the coach engine, disconnect and label all the wires/hoses, etc. Using the trolly system you shipped in, lift the engine/tranny/diff, pull the motor/tranny mounts and lower the unit onto a creeper reinforced with some plywood so it won't crush through and using the come-a-long or chain fall you used to lower the engine, pull the engine/tranny out from under the coach.

Deal with the engine issue, replace and drive away, pulling your TOAD behind you.


Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
Re: [GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262210 is a reply to message #262182] Thu, 18 September 2014 08:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
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Call Faye and Bert and ask them. They replaced an engine on the road going to the Rapid City. At least I think it was Rapid City. I think they even showed on time. I remember Laurie saying "come look a this". It was their removed engine sitting under the the dining room table.

Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: [GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262214 is a reply to message #262121] Thu, 18 September 2014 08:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
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You guys need to think outside of the box on this one.

How about helium, or better yet hydrogen, filled balloons. Attach the balloons to the engine and float it out of there. Be careful to keep it tied it down when you go out of the door.

When you are done with the installation use the hydrogen to power the GMC on the way home

Can anyone say "Hindenburg"

I guess I ought to go get something solid instead of liquid for breakfast now.


Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: [GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262297 is a reply to message #262167] Fri, 19 September 2014 01:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
rjw   United States
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Ken Henderson wrote on Wed, 17 September 2014 20:14
Jared,
On my 23': (1) Through the door using a cherry picker. (2) Roll the
entire front frame clip out & in, (3) Lower the transmission out the
bottom, followed by the engine, and vice versa (4) Lower the engine +
transmission + final drive out the bottom and vice versa (3 times).
....
Obviously, en bloc out the bottom is my favorite, but that's slightly
biased by having a 4' high service rack.

JMHO,

Ken H.

I can't imagine doing it any other way than the complete drive train out the bottom. With the assembly in my garage, it took me about two hours to swap transmissions and final drives. I don't think that can be done faster any other way. Another half a day to move brackets, rocker covers etc. from the old motor to the new one. The service rack (ramp) I used allowed me to walk around under the coach without having to stoop. Of course it helps to have the ramp. I am pretty sure I would not have attempted the engine R&R on my own without the benefit of your mentoring (Ken H.) and the ramp.


Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com

Roller Cam 455, TBI+EBL, 3.42 FD, 4 Bag, Macerator, Lenzi (brakes, vacuum system, front end stuff), Manny Tranny, vacuum step, Tankless + OEM water heaters.
Re: [GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262311 is a reply to message #262297] Fri, 19 September 2014 10:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Keith V is currently offline  Keith V   United States
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rjw wrote on Fri, 19 September 2014 01:11
Ken Henderson wrote on Wed, 17 September 2014 20:14
Jared,
On my 23': (1) Through the door using a cherry picker. (2) Roll the
entire front frame clip out & in, (3) Lower the transmission out the
bottom, followed by the engine, and vice versa (4) Lower the engine +
transmission + final drive out the bottom and vice versa (3 times).
....
Obviously, en bloc out the bottom is my favorite, but that's slightly
biased by having a 4' high service rack.

JMHO,

Ken H.

I can't imagine doing it any other way than the complete drive train out the bottom. With the assembly in my garage, it took me about two hours to swap transmissions and final drives. I don't think that can be done faster any other way. Another half a day to move brackets, rocker covers etc. from the old motor to the new one. The service rack (ramp) I used allowed me to walk around under the coach without having to stoop. Of course it helps to have the ramp. I am pretty sure I would not have attempted the engine R&R on my own without the benefit of your mentoring (Ken H.) and the ramp.


how do you manage dropping the whole mess to the ground when you do the clip?
I'd imagine a gantry inside with a chain hoist ?


Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
Re: [GMCnet] Engine change.....wind-shield removed [message #262313 is a reply to message #262121] Fri, 19 September 2014 10:41 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Larry is currently offline  Larry   United States
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I've had my engine/trans out a couple of times. (don't ask why) So here are a couple of pics of the removal process out the bottom. Whole coach is up on ramps for starters...both front and rear. I post these for you so that you can get a kinda visualization of what the job looks like. Yes, this is installing a Cad 500, but the concept is the same. HTH

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/misc-cadillac-500-install-solutions/p3772.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/misc-cadillac-500-install-solutions/p3773.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/misc-cadillac-500-install-solutions/p3793.html

First four pics of this album
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3382-transmission-install.html


Larry Smile
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
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