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Greetings [message #102871] Wed, 13 October 2010 20:26 Go to next message
TRG is currently offline  TRG   United States
Messages: 6
Registered: October 2010
Location: Indiana
Karma: 0
Junior Member
Purchased a 1977 GMC about two weeks ago.

The coach handled well on the drive home (about 100 miles)

Unfortunately no manuals provided by the dealer. DVDs are ordered.

I've been checking systems since.

Propane stove and furnace appear good.

Refrigerator (Norcold 838EG3) works well on 110V. It does not hold temp on 12V.

I can't get the refrigerator to light up on propane. The igniter fires and I have a weak blue pilot flame which vanishes when the igniter shuts down (and the check light comes on).

My internet research indicates a recall on this model and based on the descriptions provided it does not appear to have completed.

I'm leary of dissambly without manuals/instructions.

We were hoping to take the coach to the Smokies this weekend, but guess well take the travel trailer instead.

Any suggestions?

(I will schedule the recall completion if possible but it usually takes several weeks to get an appointment).

Thanks,

TRG
Re: Greetings [message #102872 is a reply to message #102871] Wed, 13 October 2010 20:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
roy1 is currently offline  roy1   United States
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
Senior Member
12 volt is only a maintenance mode is not meant to cool like on 120 volt. It sounds like you need to clean the pilot lite orifice.
Gain access to the pilot burner take it out and blow it out with air or clean it in alcohol , do not use a piece of wire.
Roy


Roy Keen Minden,NV 76 X Glenbrook
Re: Greetings [message #102878 is a reply to message #102871] Wed, 13 October 2010 20:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Hardie Johnson is currently offline  Hardie Johnson   United States
Messages: 483
Registered: January 2004
Location: Raleigh NC
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Senior Member
TRG wrote on Wed, 13 October 2010 21:26

Purchased a 1977 GMC about two weeks ago.
<>
I can't get the refrigerator to light up on propane.
<>
We were hoping to take the coach to the Smokies this weekend, but guess well take the travel trailer instead.
Any suggestions?
TRG

Sure, get a cooler and head for the hills! You'll be much more comfortable and excited in the coach.
Where are you; do you have some pictures?


Hardie Johnson "Crashj"
1973 26 foot Glacier, White Thing
Raleigh NC
Re: Greetings [message #102880 is a reply to message #102871] Wed, 13 October 2010 20:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
1977Production#0001 is currently offline  1977Production#0001   United States
Messages: 197
Registered: January 2010
Location: Vallejo, California
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Congrats on the best RV decision you will ever have made! As a fairly new owner myself (less than 1 year) I can attest that these GMC's become an obsession. Get yourself a parts book, research critical maintenance items; look up Gene Fishers website and article compilation..wow I can suggest a million things BUT the most important suggestion is ENJOY IT as we all do! Grab an ice chest and take her to the smokies!

Giovanni(Carlo) 1977 GMC Kingsley 26ft "Carbon Footprint" Rear Twin, Dry Bath, Original Headliner
Re: Greetings [message #102882 is a reply to message #102878] Wed, 13 October 2010 20:40 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
Hardie Johnson wrote on Wed, 13 October 2010 20:36

TRG wrote on Wed, 13 October 2010 21:26

Purchased a 1977 GMC about two weeks ago.
<>
I can't get the refrigerator to light up on propane.
<>
We were hoping to take the coach to the Smokies this weekend, but guess well take the travel trailer instead.
Any suggestions?
TRG

Sure, get a cooler and head for the hills! You'll be much more comfortable and excited in the coach.
Where are you; do you have some pictures?


All his registration says is Indiana.

Where are you in Indiana? One of us might be close and able to help on the refrigerator.




Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: [GMCnet] Greetings [message #102884 is a reply to message #102882] Wed, 13 October 2010 20:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Fin Beven is currently offline  Fin Beven   United States
Messages: 101
Registered: September 2005
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Second to the suggestion on that!

When we bought our '76 Edgemont in 2005, we took delivery near Redding, PA,
and had to bring it home here to Pasadena, CA

Two days out the refer died. We went to a local sporting goods shop and
bought 2 "Igloo" coolers. All we had to do was add new ice every other day.

Worked just fine for the next 8 days, and nearly 2000 miles.

Refer ? We don't need no stinking refer.

We've now got a new Norcold, and it works just fine.



Fin Beven
1976 Ex-Edgemont
Pasadena, CA

and headed to Refugio State Beach this week-end:
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=603




----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Burton" <n9cv@comcast.net>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 6:40 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Greetings


>
>
> Hardie Johnson wrote on Wed, 13 October 2010 20:36
> > TRG wrote on Wed, 13 October 2010 21:26
> > > Purchased a 1977 GMC about two weeks ago.
> > > <>
> > > I can't get the refrigerator to light up on propane.
> > > <>
> > > We were hoping to take the coach to the Smokies this weekend, but
> > > guess well take the travel trailer instead.
> > > Any suggestions?
> > > TRG
> >
> > Sure, get a cooler and head for the hills! You'll be much more
> > comfortable and excited in the coach.
> > Where are you; do you have some pictures?
>
>
> All his registration says is Indiana.
>
> Where are you in Indiana? One of us might be close and able to help on
> the refrigerator.
>
>
>
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Re: Greetings [message #102891 is a reply to message #102871] Wed, 13 October 2010 21:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
TRG is currently offline  TRG   United States
Messages: 6
Registered: October 2010
Location: Indiana
Karma: 0
Junior Member
Thanks for the replies!

I'm located near West Harrison, IN, about 5 miles off I74 and near the Ohio Border.

Off work tomorrow to pack...

I was thinking about traveling up Bainbridge weekend after next to get some insights and ideas.

Best Regards
Re: [GMCnet] Greetings [message #102892 is a reply to message #102882] Wed, 13 October 2010 21:05 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Congrads on you recent acquire.
Best not to rely on 12 volt unless your running down the road as it
will kill your battery.


On Wed, Oct 13, 2010 at 6:40 PM, Ken Burton <n9cv@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>
> Hardie Johnson wrote on Wed, 13 October 2010 20:36
>> TRG wrote on Wed, 13 October 2010 21:26
>> > Purchased a 1977 GMC about two weeks ago.
>> > <>
>> > I can't get the refrigerator to light up on propane.
>> > <>
>> > We were hoping to take the coach to the Smokies this weekend, but guess well take the travel trailer instead.
>> > Any suggestions?
>> > TRG
>>
>> Sure, get a cooler and head for the hills! You'll be much more comfortable and excited in the coach.
>> Where are you; do you have some pictures?
>
>
> All his registration says is Indiana.
>
> Where are you in Indiana?  One of us might be close and able to help on the refrigerator.
>
>
>
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: Greetings [message #102896 is a reply to message #102871] Wed, 13 October 2010 21:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
TRG is currently offline  TRG   United States
Messages: 6
Registered: October 2010
Location: Indiana
Karma: 0
Junior Member
Yes, I was concerned about the current draw with 12V. Data plate shows 225 watts - 16 amps!

For testing the 12V system, I left it on 110V overnight - frig temp was 42F this morning with the setting I used. When I returned after work temp was about 65F. (I was plugged in to shore power for the test.)

Re: [GMCnet] Greetings [message #102897 is a reply to message #102896] Wed, 13 October 2010 21:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
k2gkk is currently offline  k2gkk   United States
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
Senior Member

The Tundra/Vitrifrigo 8 cu. ft. refrigerators
draw 5.8 Amperes running on "12" volt systems.
They use a modern Danfoss compressor that runs
on either 12 or 24 Volt systems.

* * * * * * * * * * * *
* D C "Mac" Macdonald *
* Amateur Radio K2GKK *
* USAF & FAA, Retired *
** Oklahoma City, OK **
* * * "Money Pit" * * *
* * ex-Palm Beach, 76 *
* * * * * * * * * * * *


* "An unarmed man can but flee *
* from evil. Evil can NEVER be *
* overcome by flight FROM it." *









----------------------------------------
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: tgraum@comcast.net
> Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2010 21:22:30 -0500
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Greetings
>
>
>
> Yes, I was concerned about the current draw with 12V. Data plate shows 225 watts - 16 amps!
>
> For testing the 12V system, I left it on 110V overnight - frig temp was 42F this morning with the setting I used. When I returned after work temp was about 65F. (I was plugged in to shore power for the test.)
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Re: [GMCnet] Greetings [message #102899 is a reply to message #102897] Wed, 13 October 2010 21:40 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
Welcome to the group of owners. You should plan a run over to Bainbridge. It will be one of your best trips. Lots of guys to help you figure out stuff. We have a new 3 way. I get it real cold on ac before we leave home then shut it off. When we stop for nite I cool it down with propane then turn off next day for travel. I rarely use the 12 volts unless I plan to travel 10-12 hours. Our's will stay cold for 8 hours as we travel no problem. Take that thing out this weekend and use it. report back to us how it does.
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] Greetings [message #102908 is a reply to message #102899] Wed, 13 October 2010 22:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jaholland is currently offline  jaholland   United States
Messages: 565
Registered: June 2010
Location: Sweet Home Alebamy
Karma: 0
Senior Member
WELKUM

and post photos of your Motorhome `~

I, also, am a new owner
after purchasing a 26 footer in '73
I sold it to buy a new one in '78 ~
~ thus I became a new owner ~

My 4th grade Teacher`made each of her students memorize a poem
The one that she selected for me still rings clear in my mind `

~ Don't Worry If Your Job Is Small ~
~ ~ And Your Rewarda Are Few ~ ~
~ Remember That The Majestic And Mighty Oak ~
~ ~ Was Once A NUT Like You ~ ~

Funny how some things stick with you for a lifetime `

Oh Well
W E L K U M

~ Joe ~


/_]*[__][] *[__|] ~ * '73 TZE063V101887 "
" O----------OO--]* ~ '78 TZE168V100234 "
" " Joe & Lavelle " "
" 'sweet home alebamy'
Re: [GMCnet] Greetings [message #102917 is a reply to message #102891] Wed, 13 October 2010 23:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ljdavick is currently offline  ljdavick   United States
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
Senior Member
Tom,

Welcome to the club! You are only about 130 miles from Tom Hampton's Grandview Motorhome in Ohio. I had Tom do a sanity check on my coach before driving it home to California. The coach was sane - no prognosis for me yet...

Post lots of questions. Upload lots of pictures. I'm greedy - I want it all. Even the stuff we've covered 100 times before are sometimes new to me!

Larry Davick
The Mystery Machine

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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
Re: Greetings [message #102923 is a reply to message #102891] Thu, 14 October 2010 01:29 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
TRG wrote on Wed, 13 October 2010 21:09

Thanks for the replies!

I'm located near West Harrison, IN, about 5 miles off I74 and near the Ohio Border.

Off work tomorrow to pack...

I was thinking about traveling up Bainbridge weekend after next to get some insights and ideas.

Best Regards

You are more than welcome to come. Take I-74 to Indy. Take the beltway around Indy (still I-74) and get off on US 36 westbound. I do not know the mileage from there but I'm guessing about 25 to 28 miles to Putnam County 500 East. Go 3/4 mile north on 500 East and you are at Blaine and Diane's. You can not miss it. The airport and their house will be on your right.


Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: Greetings [message #102940 is a reply to message #102871] Thu, 14 October 2010 09:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
Tom,

Welcome to the group/cult/asylum....
It is very pleasant to be welcoming a second new owner in a day.

You will find coach travel very different than dragging the trailer. (BTDT)

Next - Download the forms and join GMCMI (yes, you have to join FMCA too, but together that is less than a fill-up). Mark your calendar for 09~14 October 2011. The International will rally in Goshen and it is something you don't want to miss.

Did you register it with Dave Greenberg??

If you have been reading the group very long (like yesterday)you might know that I come from a background that takes the arrival of a new owner or vessel with some respect, so I always offer this paraphrase of the traditional greeting to the new owner or vessel it the hope that it will catch on.

May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those the set forth within her.

Welcome Tom

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: Greetings [message #102947 is a reply to message #102871] Thu, 14 October 2010 09:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RickOH is currently offline  RickOH   United States
Messages: 29
Registered: December 2006
Location: Coshocton OH
Karma: 0
Junior Member
Welcome to the group Tom - it's true about the obsession -

I've been an owner a little over three years now but I'm just as excited now as I was three years ago.

One thing to remember about the fridge when you get it working -
the coach needs to be pretty level in order for it to work - especially when running on propane - so keep an eye on the monitor lights on the fridge when you know you're not quite level - it'll save some grief.

Rick Little
Coshocton OH
78 Royale
Re: Greetings [message #103633 is a reply to message #102871] Wed, 20 October 2010 21:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
TRG is currently offline  TRG   United States
Messages: 6
Registered: October 2010
Location: Indiana
Karma: 0
Junior Member
Thanks to all for your support and kind words.

My wife wanted the refrigerator working on propane or to leave the GMC home and take the travel trailer. So I called a local dealer who agreed to take a look. They got it working so we packed the motor home and left on Friday with her following me in the pickup packed with all the extra stuff deemed necessary for "camping".

Motorhome ran well with coolant temperatures normal. No significant oil usage. The old style cruise control worked but frustrated my wife with its variable speeds uphill and downhill.

The weather was great! Clear skys all weekend and temperatures in the low 70s.

The city water connection developed a slow drip inside the coach so we switched to using the fresh water tank.

On our return drive the generator light was on at low rpms. Seems to be getting worse now that we are home but made it home ok.

Round trip was about 620 miles. Averaged 9 - 10 mpg.

Re: Greetings [message #103636 is a reply to message #102871] Wed, 20 October 2010 22:10 Go to previous message
1977Production#0001 is currently offline  1977Production#0001   United States
Messages: 197
Registered: January 2010
Location: Vallejo, California
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Great trip report! Glad to hear it was a flawless trip. Post photos when you get a chance.

Giovanni(Carlo) 1977 GMC Kingsley 26ft "Carbon Footprint" Rear Twin, Dry Bath, Original Headliner
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