Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Hello from Colorado again....
| Hello from Colorado again.... [message #318108] |
Sun, 28 May 2017 19:18  |
thorndike
Messages: 406
Registered: January 2011
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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After recovering from a nearly 2 foot snowfall a week ago, I am finally able to get back to the coach to try and get it up the hill to my new place. As some of you may recall, my issues started while on the highway, I lost power and was able to limp along at 13 mph until I reached my home at the time.
I have discussed this with several of you and as a result have replaced the fuel filter, and ignition module and coil. It appears I have healthy flow of fuel to the carb as I have robust flows of fuel entering the carb when activating the accelerator.
I installed the ignition module and coil today but no luck. It still ran quite rough and had no power going up a small incline. I let it idle for a while to burn as much of the old gas off as possible and will take several cans of fresh over tomorrow to try.
Could this be as simple as a timing issue? It has been years since I had to adjust the timing on any vehicle, the last was a '79 Toyota, and I am finding it hard to believe that the timing would go out in the middle of the highway. But I am game to try anything now as we really want to use the coach.
Is there a simple guide available to adjust the timing? Is this a one person job, or do I have to enlist help? I am at 8400 feet so is there a recommended + or - TDC I should be aiming for?
I wish I were more of an 'engine' guy!
Robert Peesel
1976 Royale 26'
Side Dry Bath
Conifer, Colorado
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| Re: Hello from Colorado again.... [message #318109 is a reply to message #318108] |
Sun, 28 May 2017 19:33  |
A Hamilto
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
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Senior Member |
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thorndike wrote on Sun, 28 May 2017 19:18After recovering from a nearly 2 foot snowfall a week ago, I am finally able to get back to the coach to try and get it up the hill to my new place. As some of you may recall, my issues started while on the highway, I lost power and was able to limp along at 13 mph until I reached my home at the time.
I have discussed this with several of you and as a result have replaced the fuel filter, and ignition module and coil. It appears I have healthy flow of fuel to the carb as I have robust flows of fuel entering the carb when activating the accelerator.
I installed the ignition module and coil today but no luck. It still ran quite rough and had no power going up a small incline. I let it idle for a while to burn as much of the old gas off as possible and will take several cans of fresh over tomorrow to try.
Could this be as simple as a timing issue? It has been years since I had to adjust the timing on any vehicle, the last was a '79 Toyota, and I am finding it hard to believe that the timing would go out in the middle of the highway. But I am game to try anything now as we really want to use the coach.
Is there a simple guide available to adjust the timing? Is this a one person job, or do I have to enlist help? I am at 8400 feet so is there a recommended + or - TDC I should be aiming for?
I wish I were more of an 'engine' guy!
Kind of wondering if your timing chain slipped a tooth.
It wouldn't idle for poop with a bad vacuum leak.
You say it is getting plenty of gas.
It fires, so it is getting spark. The distributor wouldn't have slipped if the bolt was tight (is it?). Cracked distributor cap (you could see the fireworks in the dark)? Bad coil (sorry, I don't know if HEI has a coil or what)? I saw a car act like that with the top of the coil housing cracked. It was sparking between the spark output connector and ground. But it barely idled.
Unlikely that it spontaneously lost compression (unless it ran out of oil, but I think you would hear a knock before the compression went away).
All I got left is a mismatch between valves opening/closing and piston TDC (timing chain).
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| Re: [GMCnet] Hello from Colorado again.... [message #318112 is a reply to message #318109] |
Sun, 28 May 2017 20:29 |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1500
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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What was the elevation that the coach came from?
Is the coach in Morrison?
How many miles on the engine (original or rebuilt)?
What time are you going to be at the coach?
On Sun, May 28, 2017 at 6:33 PM, A. wrote:
> thorndike wrote on Sun, 28 May 2017 19:18
>> After recovering from a nearly 2 foot snowfall a week ago, I am finally
> able to get back to the coach to try and get it up the hill to my new
>> place. As some of you may recall, my issues started while on the
> highway, I lost power and was able to limp along at 13 mph until I reached
> my home
>> at the time.
>> I have discussed this with several of you and as a result have replaced
> the fuel filter, and ignition module and coil. It appears I have healthy
>> flow of fuel to the carb as I have robust flows of fuel entering the
> carb when activating the accelerator.
>>
>> I installed the ignition module and coil today but no luck. It still
> ran quite rough and had no power going up a small incline. I let it idle
>> for a while to burn as much of the old gas off as possible and will take
> several cans of fresh over tomorrow to try.
>>
>> Could this be as simple as a timing issue? It has been years since I
> had to adjust the timing on any vehicle, the last was a '79 Toyota, and I am
>> finding it hard to believe that the timing would go out in the middle of
> the highway. But I am game to try anything now as we really want to use
>> the coach.
>>
>> Is there a simple guide available to adjust the timing? Is this a one
> person job, or do I have to enlist help? I am at 8400 feet so is there a
>> recommended + or - TDC I should be aiming for?
>>
>> I wish I were more of an 'engine' guy!
>
> Kind of wondering if your timing chain slipped a tooth.
>
> It wouldn't idle for poop with a bad vacuum leak.
>
> You say it is getting plenty of gas.
>
> It fires, so it is getting spark. The distributor wouldn't have slipped if
> the bolt was tight (is it?). Cracked distributor cap (you could see the
> fireworks in the dark)? Bad coil (sorry, I don't know if HEI has a coil or
> what)? I saw a car act like that with the top of the coil housing cracked.
> It was sparking between the spark output connector and ground. But it
> barely idled.
>
> Unlikely that it spontaneously lost compression (unless it ran out of oil,
> but I think you would hear a knock before the compression went away).
>
> All I got left is a mismatch between valves opening/closing and piston TDC
> (timing chain).
> --
> 73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
> 73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
> Upper Alabama
> "Every day I become more convinced that I am the only person left on the
> planet that recognizes nonsense for what it is."
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
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Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
1977 28' Kingsley
La Grange, Wyoming
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| Re: [GMCnet] Hello from Colorado again.... [message #318114 is a reply to message #318112] |
Sun, 28 May 2017 21:02 |
thorndike
Messages: 406
Registered: January 2011
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Hey Bruce,
In answer to your question, I bought the coach in N. Mexico and drove it to Va. From there I eventually drove it back across the country to Co.
Yep, it is still in Morrison!
Mileage is unknown. The odometer says 40k but it is an updated dash, so not sure anymore.
If you are interested in seeing it, I can be at the coach anytime convenient for you! It is off of North Turkey Creek Rd.
Give a ring if you'd like.
Bob
571-235-3564
Robert Peesel
1976 Royale 26'
Side Dry Bath
Conifer, Colorado
[Updated on: Sun, 28 May 2017 21:03] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Hello from Colorado again.... [message #318115 is a reply to message #318114] |
Sun, 28 May 2017 23:14 |
Richard Denney
Messages: 920
Registered: April 2010
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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As it happens, I have a good friend who lives off North Turkey Creek Road
in Morrison, but I don't think he's in town. He's been full-timing in his
SOB teaching a college class in Idaho, and the semester may not be up yet.
He also owns a Bluebird Wanderlodge in addition to his modern SOB, plus
he's a Cadillac nut with a '66.
The chain slipping a tooth seems like a good possibility.
Locked up centrifugal advance in the distributor is something else to
check--make sure the counterweights are free. I don't recall if I read that
you checked this, or if it was just the coil. That can happen suddenly--I
remember Doug Rothgaber having a similar problem that popped up suddenly
driving to a rally in Gettysburg some years ago, and that was the cause.
A vacuum leak will make it idle rough and lean out at speed, but it would
take a pretty big vacuum leak to cause the drivability issues you are
describing, like maybe a severely cracked intake manifold.
It is fuel volume, not pressure, that you need for making power. Even if
your filters are clean, the tank socks may not be and they can limit flow.
Usually, though, it will idle fine and even rev up, but lose power under
load, when that is the problem.
Just a few more ideas. If you live on that road, you may already know my
friend, or he may know you, though he never mentioned a GMC, and he has
been keenly interested in mine. I can put you in touch when he's back in
town.
Rick "good luck" Denney
On Sun, May 28, 2017 at 10:03 PM Robert Peesel wrote:
> Hey Bruce,
>
> In answer to your question, I bought the coach in N. Mexico and drove it
> to Va. From there I eventually drove it back across the country to Co.
>
> Yep, it is still in Morrison!
>
> Mileage is unknown. The odometer says 40k but it is an updated dash, so
> not sure anymore.
>
> If you are interested in seeing it, I can be at the coach anytime
> convenient for you! It is off of North Turkey Creek Rd.
>
> Give a ring if you'd like.
>
> Bob
> 571-235-3564
>
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> --
> Robert Peesel
>
> 1976 Royale 26'
>
> Side Dry Bath
>
> Conifer, Colorado
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Rick Denney
73 x-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Off-list email to rick at rickdenney dot com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Hello from Colorado again.... [message #318116 is a reply to message #318115] |
Sun, 28 May 2017 23:24 |
thorndike
Messages: 406
Registered: January 2011
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Rick,
Thanks for the information! We don't live on N. Turkey Rd anymore, but we are renting out the house where the GMC sits. I would be very happy to talk to your friend when he is around. I could use as much engine education as I can get!
I have a local club member coming by tomorrow to assist and will keep you posted!
Bob
Robert Peesel
1976 Royale 26'
Side Dry Bath
Conifer, Colorado
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| Re: [GMCnet] Hello from Colorado again.... [message #318117 is a reply to message #318114] |
Sun, 28 May 2017 23:37 |
Bullitthead
Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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If the timing changed while cruising down the road and the distributor was not loose and is not the problem area as others have described, the only procedure to set the ignition timing is going to be by feel and hearing because the chain has slipped a tooth. Or the distributor gear was made from the wrong material and wore out and slipped (unlikely but possible). Take a picture of the distibutor position on the engine (top down) and then loosen it enough to turn it by hand but still a little stiff. Start the engine and carefully move it to advance the timing and see if engine runs smoother. Advancing is turning the body the opposite direction of shaft rotation. If it smooths and your power comes back (some), you might get it the rest of the way home where you can do the static timing check to check the chain.
More likely would be the filter sock in the tank getting full of sediment from the long drive from Va. When you run out of power, will the engine still respond a little to a quick jab on the accelerator? By the time you get stopped the pump may have had enough time to fill the carb, even when the fuel path is mostly blocked and will not allow enough flow when you need power. Then the carb drains down...but there may still be a partial shot in the accelerator pump, so check for that tiny little boost.
Another possibility is the old fuel filter split, ripped, rotted in a spot due to water, or for any reason whatsoever let some dirt pass and now its in the small filter on the carb, or if it was THAT filter that gave up, and the stuff is now in the carb, partially blocking the fuel flow to the metering jets. Probably would have a decent idle with that scenario unless it is a large quantity of contaminants.
Changing a fuel filter as preventive maintenance put me on the side back in high school after a tiny piece of the fuel hose made it through the needle and seat and found its way to the main metering jet in the Falcon six-cylinder.
Terry Kelpien
ASE Master Technician
73 Glacier 260
Smithfield, Va.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Hello from Colorado again.... [message #318125 is a reply to message #318112] |
Mon, 29 May 2017 08:33 |
jessfarr
Messages: 100
Registered: August 2004
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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This may have nothing to do with and/or about anything involving your problem; but, I had exactly the same problem with a '78. The simple solution, once someone suggested it to me was removing the carb inlet filter. All the pressure and volume meant nothing when the fuel stopped at the carb inlet. If you have the about an inch and a quarter long inlet fitting, it has a small filter in it. New fuel and old rubber hose coats it with black rubber. Of course, tank condensation can also paint it with rust.
jesse farr, soddy daisy TN
'74 canyonlands, 26, '76 ??, 26, & '78 Curtis Classic, 28
Original message
From: A.
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org;
Dated: 5/28/2017 8:33:34 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Hello from Colorado again....
thorndike wrote on Sun, 28 May 2017 19:18
> After recovering from a nearly 2 foot snowfall a week ago, I am finally able to get back to the coach to try and get it up the hill to my new
> place. As some of you may recall, my issues started while on the highway, I lost power and was able to limp along at 13 mph until I reached my home
> at the time.
> I have discussed this with several of you and as a result have replaced the fuel filter, and ignition module and coil. It appears I have healthy
> flow of fuel to the carb as I have robust flows of fuel entering the carb when activating the accelerator.
>
> I installed the ignition module and coil today but no luck. It still ran quite rough and had no power going up a small incline. I let it idle
> for a while to burn as much of the old gas off as possible and will take several cans of fresh over tomorrow to try.
>
> Could this be as simple as a timing issue? It has been years since I had to adjust the timing on any vehicle, the last was a '79 Toyota, and I am
> finding it hard to believe that the timing would go out in the middle of the highway. But I am game to try anything now as we really want to use
> the coach.
>
> Is there a simple guide available to adjust the timing? Is this a one person job, or do I have to enlist help? I am at 8400 feet so is there a
> recommended + or - TDC I should be aiming for?
>
> I wish I were more of an 'engine' guy!
Kind of wondering if your timing chain slipped a tooth.
It wouldn't idle for poop with a bad vacuum leak.
You say it is getting plenty of gas.
It fires, so it is getting spark. The distributor wouldn't have slipped if the bolt was tight (is it?). Cracked distributor cap (you could see the
fireworks in the dark)? Bad coil (sorry, I don't know if HEI has a coil or what)? I saw a car act like that with the top of the coil housing cracked.
It was sparking between the spark output connector and ground. But it barely idled.
Unlikely that it spontaneously lost compression (unless it ran out of oil, but I think you would hear a knock before the compression went away).
All I got left is a mismatch between valves opening/closing and piston TDC (timing chain).
--
73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
Upper Alabama
"Every day I become more convinced that I am the only person left on the planet that recognizes nonsense for what it is."
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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jesse farr, soddy tn USA '74 Canyonlands 260
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