Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » more newbie questions (planning upcoming trip)
| more newbie questions [message #128221] |
Wed, 01 June 2011 18:09  |
chasingsummer
Messages: 434
Registered: May 2011
Location: asheboro, nc
Karma: 0
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plan is to fly to iowa and drive back to n.c.
i am still collectiong info, because i really need this trip to go uneventful.
this is a 75 eleganza 2, TZE165V100157
how many grease fittings should i find if all is stock, location info is appreciated, and if all were empty, then how much grease should i have on hand. i like pictures, i dont think i am stupid, but as i have gotten older i know i may be a little slower than i used to be.
also, i see so much info on air pressures,
i would like to have in my notes the recommended (owners recommended, not gmc recommended) air pressures for radial and non radial tires, and if it matters then with the 16 and 16.5.
i fly out to iowq on june 11th, and if all is perfect, that saturday will be spent changing oil and fuel filters, toping fluids and etc,and heading east.
then tuesday sometime pulling into driveway in n.c.
coach has 117k miles, and at one time was well loved, but i need to assume that the last couple years it has been mostly ignored. wheel bearings and such i will need to be cooperative til i get home.
I will be relying on prayers a lot, common sence a little, trying to be prepared, and hopefully the black list will not be abused.
total trip is approx 1100 miles, and i have already warned boss that if i need another day off i will call him.
i will be bringing basic tools, and buying fluids, filters and hoses once there.
any input besides the idea that i have lost my wind is appreciated, my wife has already advised me of that a few times.
and for the record, it is not lost, there is a small box in back of closet that i keep it in. since i may not used it, atleast i keep it in a safe place.
boone iowa to asheboro nc, i am hoping approx 200 miles saturday, then 300 or so each day, sunday thru tuesday.
brian
asheboro, nc
75 eleganza, 74 build
119k miles and counting,
DOG HOUSE
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| Re: [GMCnet] more newbie questions [message #128224 is a reply to message #128221] |
Wed, 01 June 2011 18:28  |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Brian,
Far better than us trying to tell you all the peculiarities of the
GMC, you should go to http://www.bdub.net/factory-manuals.html and
download the operator's manual (and service manuals unless they're
with the coach). For example, page 66 has a diagram and text
describing the lubrication points.
Give you something to read on the flight. :-)
Good luck! Stay in touch.
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Wed, Jun 1, 2011 at 7:09 PM, brian <chasingsummer@triad.rr.com> wrote:
>
>
> plan is to fly to iowa and drive back to n.c.
> i am still collectiong info, because i really need this trip to go uneventful.
>
> this is a 75 eleganza 2, TZE165V100157
>
> how many grease fittings should i find if all is stock, location info is appreciated, and if all were empty, then how much grease should i have on hand. i like pictures, i dont think i am stupid, but as i have gotten older i know i may be a little slower than i used to be.
> also, i see so much info on air pressures,
> i would like to have in my notes the recommended (owners recommended, not gmc recommended) air pressures for radial and non radial tires, and if it matters then with the 16 and 16.5.
>
> i fly out to iowq on june 11th, and if all is perfect, that saturday will be spent changing oil and fuel filters, toping fluids and etc,and heading east.
> then tuesday sometime pulling into driveway in n.c.
>
> coach has 117k miles, and at one time was well loved, but i need to assume that the last couple years it has been mostly ignored. wheel bearings and such i will need to be cooperative til i get home.
>
> I will be relying on prayers a lot, common sence a little, trying to be prepared, and hopefully the black list will not be abused.
> total trip is approx 1100 miles, and i have already warned boss that if i need another day off i will call him.
>
> i will be bringing basic tools, and buying fluids, filters and hoses once there.
>
> any input besides the idea that i have lost my wind is appreciated, my wife has already advised me of that a few times.
>
> and for the record, it is not lost, there is a small box in back of closet that i keep it in. since i may not used it, atleast i keep it in a safe place.
>
> boone iowa to asheboro nc, i am hoping approx 200 miles saturday, then 300 or so each day, sunday thru tuesday.
>
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Ken Henderson
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www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] more newbie questions [message #128228 is a reply to message #128224] |
Wed, 01 June 2011 19:03 |
klassic kampers
Messages: 93
Registered: July 2008
Location: greer,s.c./ellijay,ga
Karma: 0
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please take a large fire extinguisher, halon if possible...
you can have a barbeque when you arrive home to celebrate, but not while driving ......... we do not need to lose another gmc to fire............................
Mike Stewart
1973 GMC 26' Canyonlands /
1973 B.S.A. B50 street tracker-----
Greer,S.C/Ellijay,Ga
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| Re: more newbie questions [message #128229 is a reply to message #128221] |
Wed, 01 June 2011 19:10 |
A Hamilto
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
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Senior Member |
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| chasingsummer wrote on Wed, 01 June 2011 18:09 |
plan is to fly to iowa and drive back to n.c.
i am still collectiong info, because i really need this trip to go uneventful.
this is a 75 eleganza 2, TZE165V100157
how many grease fittings should i find if all is stock, location info is appreciated, and if all were empty, then how much grease should i have on hand. i like pictures, i dont think i am stupid, but as i have gotten older i know i may be a little slower than i used to be.
|
Get the maintenance manual here http://www.bdub.net/manuals/X7425/X7425.pdf and look at page 0-14 but I don't know how much grease you will need.| Quote: |
also, i see so much info on air pressures,
i would like to have in my notes the recommended (owners recommended, not gmc recommended) air pressures for radial and non radial tires, and if it matters then with the 16 and 16.5.
|
Look at the load/inflation table about a third of the way down the page here http://gmcmotorhome.info/tires.html| Quote: |
i fly out to iowq on june 11th, and if all is perfect, that saturday will be spent changing oil and fuel filters, toping fluids and etc,and heading east.
then tuesday sometime pulling into driveway in n.c.
coach has 117k miles, and at one time was well loved, but i need to assume that the last couple years it has been mostly ignored. wheel bearings and such i will need to be cooperative til i get home.
I will be relying on prayers a lot, common sence a little, trying to be prepared, and hopefully the black list will not be abused.
total trip is approx 1100 miles, and i have already warned boss that if i need another day off i will call him.
i will be bringing basic tools, and buying fluids, filters and hoses once there.
any input besides the idea that i have lost my wind is appreciated, my wife has already advised me of that a few times.
and for the record, it is not lost, there is a small box in back of closet that i keep it in. since i may not used it, atleast i keep it in a safe place.
boone iowa to asheboro nc, i am hoping approx 200 miles saturday, then 300 or so each day, sunday thru tuesday.
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| Re: more newbie questions [message #128263 is a reply to message #128221] |
Thu, 02 June 2011 00:24 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| chasingsummer wrote on Wed, 01 June 2011 16:09 |
... i need to assume that the last couple years it has been mostly ignored. wheel bearings and such i will need to be cooperative til i get home. ...
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While not a bad habit to get into, but a necessity with bearings of unknown condition, check the temperatures of the hubs when you stop. The only time they should be hot at all is if you had to really use the brakes just before stopping. But the hubs should never be hotter than the brakes. I used to walk around and touch each hub and tire with the back of my hand. Now I use a IR thermometer and also 'shoot' the brakes.
I do not like hub caps because they get in the way of these checks. With a "new to you" coach with unknown last service on the bearings.... I would leave the caps off. --- but that is me.
Anyway...
All the temperatures should be even... maybe slightly warmer on the sunny side. The advantage to these checks is advance notice of something "not quite right".... before it leaves you stuck in a bad place.
Another thing to consider is a pair of 1/4 inch tank valves. Cheap, small and light. They will come in handy if you have problems with your air suspension system. They can be found at most hardware stores.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: more newbie questions [message #128360 is a reply to message #128221] |
Thu, 02 June 2011 16:25 |
chasingsummer
Messages: 434
Registered: May 2011
Location: asheboro, nc
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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i already have tank valves, that $5 was much cheeper than the aspirins were. not to mention trouble could be. i also have an idea that if the 2 cooling hoses from oil filter dont look brand new, then they may be good piece of mind thing.
i am thinking about the ir temp detector, what kind of temps should i expect to see on tires, hubs, radiator, and any other area you check. thanks
brian
asheboro, nc
75 eleganza, 74 build
119k miles and counting,
DOG HOUSE
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| Re: more newbie questions [message #128364 is a reply to message #128221] |
Thu, 02 June 2011 16:53 |
armandminnie
Messages: 864
Registered: May 2009
Location: Marana, AZ
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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No one has mentioned the tires and it sounds like you don't know anything about them? If you don't then the first thing would be to find out how old they are and, if they are too old, to get them replaced before heading out. Old tires will probably fail before you get home and probably will cause at least some body damage.
You can find out lots about tire pressures by searching for previous threads.
Armand Minnie
Marana, AZ
'76 Eleganza II TZE166V103202
visit my gmc blog
click here to visit gmcws.org
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| Re: [GMCnet] more newbie questions [message #128367 is a reply to message #128363] |
Thu, 02 June 2011 17:07 |
chasingsummer
Messages: 434
Registered: May 2011
Location: asheboro, nc
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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little ambitious, little crazy
yes and yes,
aint scared, maybe a little stupid
anything can happen, but the more prepared i can be the better chance i have of a uneventful trip. and if i need another day or 2, then so be it.
brian
asheboro, nc
75 eleganza, 74 build
119k miles and counting,
DOG HOUSE
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| Re: more newbie questions [message #128369 is a reply to message #128364] |
Thu, 02 June 2011 17:10 |
chasingsummer
Messages: 434
Registered: May 2011
Location: asheboro, nc
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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i do understand issues peopl have with tires, i understand how to read the dates, and that most people replace at 5 years, i understand michelin says 10 years.
once i see and touch them, if my gut says buy new ones, then i will.
otherwise,i dont sweat the small stuff, and everything is small stuff.
brian
asheboro, nc
75 eleganza, 74 build
119k miles and counting,
DOG HOUSE
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| Re: more newbie questions [message #128396 is a reply to message #128221] |
Thu, 02 June 2011 19:45 |
Luvn737s
Messages: 1106
Registered: June 2007
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Do you have anyone near Ashboro that can loan you an airbag? Also check out how to remove the oil filter adapter and get rid of the cooler lines if one breaks, so at least you can get off the side of the road. Couple of chocks and a bottle jack and a jack stand would help too.
Good Sam Roadside assistance is nice if you've got a good cell signal, but Murphy always insures that breakdowns and good cell bars are not co-located.
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
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| Re: more newbie questions [message #128492 is a reply to message #128396] |
Fri, 03 June 2011 14:59 |
chasingsummer
Messages: 434
Registered: May 2011
Location: asheboro, nc
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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i might could borrow an airbag from someone in lexington, he is not too far away. but i only met him once, and i did pas on the coach he was trying to sell. i assumed if i lost an airbag i would try to insert a 2by inside the blown one to keep it up, i assume i may need advise from the man in lexington in future, i would not want to over due my welcome.
on the oil lines, my intentions are if they dont look really really good, then i will replace before leaving, they will be inspected good looking for any excuse to replace.
but i greatly appreiate all input, i assume the more i am prepared, the better the trip shall be.
brian
asheboro, nc
75 eleganza, 74 build
119k miles and counting,
DOG HOUSE
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| Re: [GMCnet] more newbie questions [message #128526 is a reply to message #128503] |
Fri, 03 June 2011 19:54 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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John,
The first 200 miles in my GMC were white-knuckle. I know exactly how exhausted you were! Even though I had two buddies with me, the reassurance of Tom Hampton's good work, and 7 new tires it was still a few hours of all-out adrenaline.
Larry Davick
Fremont, California
The Mystery Machine
'76 (ish) Palm Beach
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Gann" <John@Castle-Chaos.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Friday, June 3, 2011 2:36:11 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] more newbie questions
We bought a 1976 Eleganza on April Fool's Day (fitting) and I picked it up the next weekend, just a 60 mile trip. I went loaded for bear (chase car full of tools) and it was fairly uneventful. I had a fuel problem when I went to fill it up for the trip home, apparently there was a filler leak somewhere but it stopped when I stopped the pump so I took a chance and began the trip.
I was most worried about the tires/ air bags since it had sat around for several years and my route home was very hilly with steep shoulder drop offs down to the lakes below.(way way below) Turns out tire pressure on these is very critical to the handling. After 25 miles I found a place to pull off to do a walk around, and calm my nerves (stopped at 5 miles too) and took some air out of the fronts. This made a HUGE difference and the rest of the trip home was quite easy and very enjoyable.
I'm not kidding when I say that little trip kicked my butt. A strange vehicle with unknown issues on a road like that was completely draining. I got home and took a nap. I did not know of this forum when I picked mine up, your doing the smart thing by asking questions BEFORE you go. I'm sure you will have a great trip. Take care.
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: [GMCnet] more newbie questions [message #128529 is a reply to message #128526] |
Fri, 03 June 2011 20:02 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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The ride back from Sarasota was uneventful save having forgot about the fan noise. And my chase car driver ranking me at every stop "You don't know how wide that thing is, you're staying over the fog line!
--johnny
--- On Sat, 6/4/11, Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net> wrote:
From: Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] more newbie questions
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Saturday, June 4, 2011, 12:54 AM
John,
The first 200 miles in my GMC were white-knuckle. I know exactly how exhausted you were! Even though I had two buddies with me, the reassurance of Tom Hampton's good work, and 7 new tires it was still a few hours of all-out adrenaline.
Larry Davick
Fremont, California
The Mystery Machine
'76 (ish) Palm Beach
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Gann" <John@Castle-Chaos.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Friday, June 3, 2011 2:36:11 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] more newbie questions
We bought a 1976 Eleganza on April Fool's Day (fitting) and I picked it up the next weekend, just a 60 mile trip. I went loaded for bear (chase car full of tools) and it was fairly uneventful. I had a fuel problem when I went to fill it up for the trip home, apparently there was a filler leak somewhere but it stopped when I stopped the pump so I took a chance and began the trip.
I was most worried about the tires/ air bags since it had sat around for several years and my route home was very hilly with steep shoulder drop offs down to the lakes below.(way way below) Turns out tire pressure on these is very critical to the handling. After 25 miles I found a place to pull off to do a walk around, and calm my nerves (stopped at 5 miles too) and took some air out of the fronts. This made a HUGE difference and the rest of the trip home was quite easy and very enjoyable.
I'm not kidding when I say that little trip kicked my butt. A strange vehicle with unknown issues on a road like that was completely draining. I got home and took a nap. I did not know of this forum when I picked mine up, your doing the smart thing by asking questions BEFORE you go. I'm sure you will have a great trip. Take care.
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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
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