Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Lost engine power, brakes, steering. (Ran out of damn gas DUH)
| Lost engine power, brakes, steering. [message #370188] |
Sun, 24 July 2022 23:45  |
boybach
Messages: 566
Registered: December 2020
Location: Vancouver Island
Karma: 4
|
Senior Member |
|
|
On the way home from my camping trip (dry camp 5 days) thought I'd be OK to fill up near home and as the gas gauge still showed 1/4 tank ..BUT ...nope!! The engine sputtered and died just as I was accelerating into 3rd gear.
Luckily, and for sure it was lucky that it happened when I was on a reasonably flat section of the highway. Stopping 12,000 pounds of dead weight with no power assist, well thank god I wasn't on a hill - even on the flat standing on the brake pedal it took quite a distance to get her to stop.
When I switched to the AUX tank, the gauge went from 1/4 to E so I wasn't sure what was going on. From what I'd read, I knew that the genset was supposed to quit before the coach ran out of gas but the genset fired up and ran normally. 
Anyway I got the folding bike out and pedalled a couple of miles back to a gas station where they were sold out of gas cans but loaned me a 1 gallon one. After I put the gallon in, still no start. A local farmer stopped to give me a hand and went back to his farm returning with about another 3 gallons. Put that in and still no start til I switched to aux tank. I was on a divided hwy so no turnaround possible - he followed behind to make sure I could get back to the gas station OK. I got back, but when I came out of the coach to thank him/replenish his gas, he'd disappeared. Just made sure I made it then went home. What a guy. There are still some folks out there like that I guess. Next time I'm in that area I'm going to go look for his farm.
Not an adventure I'd planned on and not one I'm planning on repeating. When she shows 1/2, time to fill up.
Larry
Larry - Victoria BC -
1977 ex-Palm Beach "Ol' Leaky" 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. Atwood helium fridge, water heater & furnace. SS exhaust system, Onan, Iota Converter, R134A, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
|
|
|
|
| Re: Lost engine power, brakes, steering. [message #370189 is a reply to message #370188] |
Mon, 25 July 2022 05:31  |
 |
RF_Burns
Messages: 2276
Registered: June 2008
Location: S. Ontario, Canada
Karma: 3
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Larry,
General consensus is to fill-up, drive 200 miles or until gas gauge reads about 1/2, then start looking for a station and fill-up again. With our large shallow tanks the gas can slosh around quite a bit once it gets below 1/2 tank. Also it doesn't take much of an angle of the coach to expose the pickup. I follow this 200 mile rule myself. I know some guys get all wound up about not using the "Bottom half", but the cost of some of the solutions is much more than the $100 worth of gas left in the tank.
This is required reading for all GMC owners:
http://www.bdub.net/GMCMotorhome.info/tank.html
Studying the diagrams you can see that in hilly areas, more gas can end up in the Aux (front) tank, draining the rear (main) tank. From my experience I can attest to this being true.
Also, it is a very good idea to add a backup vacuum pump to the power brake system. This pump will provide vacuum in case of an engine failure and provide you with power brakes.
Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.
1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that
|
|
|
|
| Re: Lost engine power, brakes, steering. [message #370191 is a reply to message #370189] |
Mon, 25 July 2022 09:34 |
boybach
Messages: 566
Registered: December 2020
Location: Vancouver Island
Karma: 4
|
Senior Member |
|
|
RF_Burns wrote on Mon, 25 July 2022 03:31
Also, it is a very good idea to add a backup vacuum pump to the power brake system. This pump will provide vacuum in case of an engine failure and provide you with power brakes.
So great idea, I'm all for it - any tips on where what and how-to? I'll have a look in the archive in the meantime lol
Thanks
Larry
Larry - Victoria BC -
1977 ex-Palm Beach "Ol' Leaky" 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. Atwood helium fridge, water heater & furnace. SS exhaust system, Onan, Iota Converter, R134A, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
|
|
|
|
| Re: Lost engine power, brakes, steering. [message #370193 is a reply to message #370188] |
Mon, 25 July 2022 13:22 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
|
Senior Member |
|
|
If that ever happens or starts to happen, downshift to 1st. That should spin the engine (and trans pump) and give you gobs of vacuum and power steering. Will also slow you down.
Something is PO plumbed in your fuel system it seems. I recommend back to stock the only exception being all fuel hose to be Barricade type for carbed engines (not expensive high pressure EFI type).
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
|
|
|
|
| Re: Lost engine power, brakes, steering. [message #370196 is a reply to message #370188] |
Mon, 25 July 2022 18:01 |
 |
Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Larry,
We do go hilly places, but we live in the flatlands. I will suggest that there are a lot of things that can be wrong with the fuel system that can all be remedied. First, I suggest that you run the tanks down to 1/2 and then stop somewhere that is close to flat (I know about Vancouver Is.) and while shut down, flip the switch and compare the tank levels. If they are not the same, that can be corrected, but it is not easy or fun.
Once you know that you can come back here and we (I) can suggest what you can do about it.
I fixed mine, but I do not recommend what I did as it was very high effort and required great ingenuity. But, I can run long enough to take on over 50 gallons (US) of fuel and was not sputtering when we stopped.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
|
|
|
|
| Re: Lost engine power, brakes, steering. [message #370197 is a reply to message #370196] |
Mon, 25 July 2022 18:29 |
rjw
Messages: 697
Registered: September 2005
Karma: 4
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Matt Colie wrote on Mon, 25 July 2022 19:01
But, I can run long enough to take on over 50 gallons (US) of fuel and was not sputtering when we stopped.
Matt
Matt,
"You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din". To fill up 50 gallons is amazing since as you know the tanks supposedly hold ~50. I usually get fuel at about the 25 gallon mark (1/2 reading) and hope the gauge sender the one I trust (as the other one works but is out of calibration) is reasonably accurate.
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: Lost engine power, brakes, steering. [message #370201 is a reply to message #370188] |
Tue, 26 July 2022 07:26 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
|
Senior Member |
|
|
After my 23' quit on the side of the mountain south of Sylva NC and damn near rolled off the edge before I could get both feet on the brake and stomp, I added a vacuum reservoir. 4" PVC pipe capped on each end plumbed into the brake vacuum line. Good for a couple of full stops with the engine not running. I also fixed the cooling system so it no longer got hot and vapor locked on hills. When finished it walked over to Sylva and over Monteagle with the ratrod Ranger in tow and held a solid 180 degrees. The current coach has a pump out of a diesel pickup, I'm adding a reservoir as well.
--johnny
' PVC
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
|
|
|
|
| Re: Lost engine power, brakes, steering. [message #370203 is a reply to message #370201] |
Tue, 26 July 2022 08:18 |
boybach
Messages: 566
Registered: December 2020
Location: Vancouver Island
Karma: 4
|
Senior Member |
|
|
jhbridges wrote on Tue, 26 July 2022 05:26I added a vacuum reservoir. 4" PVC pipe capped on each end plumbed into the brake vacuum line. Good for a couple of full stops with the engine not running.
--johnny
Ok, please elaborate on how that works - I am a dumbass and need to know the theory and why that would be effective without an additional pump because this sounds like more my style of fixxy-uppy.
TIA
Larry
Larry - Victoria BC -
1977 ex-Palm Beach "Ol' Leaky" 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. Atwood helium fridge, water heater & furnace. SS exhaust system, Onan, Iota Converter, R134A, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
|
|
|
|
| Re: Lost engine power, brakes, steering. [message #370204 is a reply to message #370203] |
Tue, 26 July 2022 10:10 |
blur911
Messages: 166
Registered: December 2020
Location: Kingston, Ontario
Karma: 4
|
Senior Member |
|
|
boybach wrote on Tue, 26 July 2022 08:18jhbridges wrote on Tue, 26 July 2022 05:26I added a vacuum reservoir. 4" PVC pipe capped on each end plumbed into the brake vacuum line. Good for a couple of full stops with the engine not running.
--johnny
Ok, please elaborate on how that works - I am a dumbass and need to know the theory and why that would be effective without an additional pump because this sounds like more my style of fixxy-uppy.
TIA
Larry
This might work for an easy experiment. https:// www.vwpartsca.com/oem-parts/volkswagen-vacuum-reservoir-443131541?origin=pla&gclid=Cj0KCQjwof6WBhD4ARIsAOi65aiiv8V1_YIIhCfiRQVjQWI6qkx3ZHFr7JJCVWO 4Fe_o7qUtA0n4MQAaAo5wEALw_wcB
It's just like having a pressure tank on a compressor, except in the Mirror Universe.
Burl Vibert
Kingston, Ontario
1976 GMC 26 foot, Sheridan reno, don't know original model but we call her Roxie
|
|
|
|
| Re: Lost engine power, brakes, steering. [message #370205 is a reply to message #370188] |
Tue, 26 July 2022 11:47 |
Tom Katzenberger
Messages: 399
Registered: June 2019
Location: Kingsville, MD
Karma: 4
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I used a summit vacuum pump and just plumbed in a tank between the pump and the Booster with the one way valve at the booster. I ordered a Summit vacuum Pump and a spun aluminum tank, but there are so many tanks you can use.
From the booster it goes in this order: (Booster, Valve, line, tank, line, backup vacuum pump). If you don't have a booster with 2 holes, a tee fitting at the original vacuum line is involved. I hope this helps, Please anyone correct me if you see an error as brakes are nothing to mess up.
Take care,
Tom K.
Tom & Oki Katzenberger,
Kingsville, Maryland,
1977 23' Birchaven, 455 C.I.D., Micro Level, Howell EBL-EFI Spark Control, Macerator, York Air Compressor, 6 Wheel Disc, Quadra Bag, Onan W/Bovee Ignition
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: Lost engine power, brakes, steering. [message #370268 is a reply to message #370257] |
Wed, 03 August 2022 22:00 |
boybach
Messages: 566
Registered: December 2020
Location: Vancouver Island
Karma: 4
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Tilerpep wrote on Wed, 03 August 2022 11:52I second the 4 inch pipe idea- just tested mine last week before a trip. Run engine in driveway. Turn off. Can pump brake by hand (I was down messing with carb already) four times before any change, five and six not so much. Enough to get to side of road (assuming I can steer with no power!).
Here is a pic as starter
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/miscellaneous-gmc-stuff/p3868.html
Nice! In the pic you have other lines at the top of the tube, vacuum pump? A/C Reservoir? Don't understand sorry!
Larry
Larry - Victoria BC -
1977 ex-Palm Beach "Ol' Leaky" 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. Atwood helium fridge, water heater & furnace. SS exhaust system, Onan, Iota Converter, R134A, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
|
|
|
|
| Re: Lost engine power, brakes, steering. [message #370271 is a reply to message #370188] |
Thu, 04 August 2022 07:40 |
Tilerpep
Messages: 404
Registered: June 2013
Location: Raleigh, NC
Karma: 7
|
Senior Member |
|
|
The pic is not mine...just on the gmc photo site. Mine only has a brake booster size hose in, and one out. put a one way valve of the same type that is on the brake booster body on the inlet to the pipe. So, engine manifold, hose with check valve to new reservoir pipe, pipe to check valve on booster. I had to experiment with what sealer would bind to PVC pipe and check valve and threaded brass barbed nipples that allow hooking rubber hose to pvc pipe. Then of course you have to mount it somewhere, best is not obstruct airflow to radiator but easiest is right there in front along frame crossmember
1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
Raleigh, NC
|
|
|
|
| Re: Lost engine power, brakes, steering. [message #370289 is a reply to message #370271] |
Thu, 04 August 2022 20:42 |
boybach
Messages: 566
Registered: December 2020
Location: Vancouver Island
Karma: 4
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Tilerpep wrote on Thu, 04 August 2022 05:40The pic is not mine...just on the gmc photo site. Mine only has a brake booster size hose in, and one out. put a one way valve of the same type that is on the brake booster body on the inlet to the pipe. So, engine manifold, hose with check valve to new reservoir pipe, pipe to check valve on booster. I had to experiment with what sealer would bind to PVC pipe and check valve and threaded brass barbed nipples that allow hooking rubber hose to pvc pipe. Then of course you have to mount it somewhere, best is not obstruct airflow to radiator but easiest is right there in front along frame crossmember
Thanks Mate, clear now!
cheers
Larry
Larry - Victoria BC -
1977 ex-Palm Beach "Ol' Leaky" 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. Atwood helium fridge, water heater & furnace. SS exhaust system, Onan, Iota Converter, R134A, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
|
|
|
|
| Re: Lost engine power, brakes, steering. [message #370609 is a reply to message #370289] |
Sun, 02 October 2022 13:48 |
ktcnyc
Messages: 25
Registered: September 2020
Karma: -1
|
Junior Member |
|
|
Having run out of gas on my second trip (I believed a dubious fuel gauge.) I use the 200-250 mile rule to next fill up. You can't go wrong.
Having stalled a few times in hot weather coming off the freeway, I installed a Summit Racing vacuum pump inline from the engine to the booster with a check valve (mounted on a 10X12 steel plate off the radiator support.)
Summit supplied a faulty check valve so on my test drive the pump did all the work stopping. Got a heavier duty check valve on line and system works well. I have it manually switched -in the event of a stall I flip the switch.
How much better would having a vacuum reserve tank be?
Kevin Cloutier -'77 Eleganza II-455, 6 disk brakes, Edelbrock carb, headers, , resident of NYC and Dingmans Ferry, Pa.
'72 MGB-GT & '73 MGB convertible
Member GMCMI since 8/20
|
|
|
|
| Re: Lost engine power, brakes, steering. [message #370610 is a reply to message #370289] |
Sun, 02 October 2022 13:58 |
ktcnyc
Messages: 25
Registered: September 2020
Karma: -1
|
Junior Member |
|
|
Having run out of gas on my second trip (I believed a dubious fuel gauge.) I use the 200-250 mile rule to next fill up. You can't go wrong.
Having stalled a few times in hot weather coming off the freeway, I installed a Summit Racing vacuum pump inline from the engine to the booster with a check valve (mounted on a 10X12 steel plate off the radiator support.)
Summit supplied a faulty check valve so on my test drive the pump did all the work stopping. Got a heavier duty check valve on line and system works well. I have it manually switched -in the event of a stall I flip the switch.
How much better would having a vacuum reserve tank be?
Kevin Cloutier -'77 Eleganza II-455, 6 disk brakes, Edelbrock carb, headers, , resident of NYC and Dingmans Ferry, Pa.
'72 MGB-GT & '73 MGB convertible
Member GMCMI since 8/20
|
|
|
|
| Re: Lost engine power, brakes, steering. [message #370621 is a reply to message #370188] |
Tue, 04 October 2022 07:40 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Belt and suspenders - keep the pump and add the reservoir.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
|
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Mon May 06 12:49:56 CDT 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.01443 seconds
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
