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| Newbie [message #159722] |
Thu, 09 February 2012 12:29  |
xplorid
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2012
Location: Boise
Karma: 0
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Hi all - so glad to be here. Just bought my 1st GMC after lurking on these sites for a dozen years.
OK, bought a 23 near Spokane, well cared for but been sitting for nearly 3 years. Starts, drives, and stops perfect, but I need to fly up and drive back to Boise, an 8 hour trip.
So, probably need to find a shop around Spokane, get the rig in, and have a couple things done before driving it away. Suggestions on the critical list? Front bearings, bogie pins greased, hoses and belts, maybe drain the old gas out of the tanks?
This 23 seems so well cared, good chance I could drive away without a problem, but why chance it?
Thanks in advance.
Jeff
1974/94 GMCII by Explorer
Manny 6.5 TD Al radiator
1 ton front 4 bags back
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| Re: Newbie [message #159734 is a reply to message #159722] |
Thu, 09 February 2012 14:22  |
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Hi Jeff, welcome to the group as an official owner! I'd get rid of the gasoline and see how old the tires are. If you can find a GMC'r in Spokane are, the other stuff may be looked at, but I think it'd be OK for a trip to Boise. Did you do the driving test, or rely on the PO?
geo groth '73 260 Sequoia
Carson City Nevada 89703
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| Re: Newbie [message #159738 is a reply to message #159734] |
Thu, 09 February 2012 14:56 |
xplorid
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2012
Location: Boise
Karma: 0
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Thanks for the reply. Had a friend in Spokane check it out, not a GMC guy, but a former trucker and avid rv guy. He had nothing but praise inside and out, and gave me nothing to negotiate with. Oh well, seems like a good 1st coach, there is a blacklister in Spokane so I will try that number, and quite a few folks here in Boise.
1974/94 GMCII by Explorer
Manny 6.5 TD Al radiator
1 ton front 4 bags back
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| Re: Newbie [message #159739 is a reply to message #159738] |
Thu, 09 February 2012 14:59 |
xplorid
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2012
Location: Boise
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Sorry, probably should have said 74,000 original miles, no rebuilds to engine or trans, tires look new but are at least 3 and maybe many more years old. Does have Alcoas though!
1974/94 GMCII by Explorer
Manny 6.5 TD Al radiator
1 ton front 4 bags back
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| Re: Newbie [message #159740 is a reply to message #159722] |
Thu, 09 February 2012 15:18 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Only way to know on the tires is to read the date codes so you know when they were made. Definitely check all fluids and change any that need it. My 2 cents is stay away from Fram filters and use AC PF24 or Wix 51258 for the 455 and 51762 for the Onan. Hoses and belts check for sure and tire pressures a must. Being a 23' perhaps 50-55# rears and 60 fronts? Some 23ers may want to chime in here (Matt). Might want a spare fuel filter on hand and proper flair nut wrenches to expidite changing. Don't forget to check the water level in the House area battery as it will be charging for many hours as you drive, so bring some distilled.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: Newbie [message #159752 is a reply to message #159740] |
Thu, 09 February 2012 16:04 |
xplorid
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2012
Location: Boise
Karma: 0
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Wow, good checklist John, thanks. Onan is dead, owner says it needs a new board, but don't know yet. On the tires, rule of thumb is anything over 5 years is suspect, even in the absence of dry rot?
For the record, this will be my "biggest" project yet. 1967 Firebird convertible and 1976 Ford Bronco, maybe soon to be a toad.
1974/94 GMCII by Explorer
Manny 6.5 TD Al radiator
1 ton front 4 bags back
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| Re: Newbie [message #159753 is a reply to message #159722] |
Thu, 09 February 2012 16:10 |
LARRY L CALHOUN
Messages: 33
Registered: March 2004
Location: COEUR D ALENE ID.
Karma: 0
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I'm just out of Coeur d alene we have 20 or so gmc'c in the area and would help any way I can. LCALCHARLY@JUNO.COM 208-512-0378 would like to know who you bought it from as I know there was two or three here for sale. L Calhoun
Larry Calhoun GMC Cascader 76 Glenbrook COEUR D ALENE ID.
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| Re: Newbie [message #159763 is a reply to message #159722] |
Thu, 09 February 2012 16:51 |
chasingsummer
Messages: 434
Registered: May 2011
Location: asheboro, nc
Karma: 0
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the one thing i looked at real close on my 26 when i did a fly out and drive home last summer were the water lines feeding to water heater. they looked ok, but once i grabbed and pulled on them they proved to be rotten. a couple feet of hose and a couple clamps and i bypassed all the hose to water heater. i was gladd i looked at them close, by appearance they looked good but were dry rotted, i assume if they went while i drove 1200 miles home then overheating and an oh crap moment could have happened.
the cheep infared temp sensor i bought also made me feel better, every time i stopped for gas i checked tire, hub, radiator and anything else i could find to point this thing to. i assume a break issue or tire issue may would show itself thru temp. i may be wrong and maybe it was usless, but the piece of mind it gave me was well worth the 25 dollars or so i spent on it.
the one thing i did not have and wished i did was a blanket,
if hei, then ignition module is also recommended.
brian
asheboro, nc
75 eleganza, 74 build
119k miles and counting,
DOG HOUSE
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| Re: Newbie [message #159767 is a reply to message #159752] |
Thu, 09 February 2012 17:14 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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| xplorid wrote on Thu, 09 February 2012 17:04 |
Wow, good checklist John, thanks. Onan is dead, owner says it needs a new board, but don't know yet. On the tires, rule of thumb is anything over 5 years is suspect, even in the absence of dry rot?
For the record, this will be my "biggest" project yet. 1967 Firebird convertible and 1976 Ford Bronco, maybe soon to be a toad.
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Jeff,
Welcome to the family/group/cult/asylum......
There are four things we need to know and one of them actually matters. The year, the floor plan (find at www.gmcmotorhome.com), the build model (like Canyon Lands, Painted Desert .. it will be a less popular national park) and that the vin (TZE... ) is in the registry. You can put some of this in the sigfile so when you ask a question here, everybody knows where you are starting from.
You should be aware that the 73&4 23 footers have some significant differences from the 26 of the same vintage. Be sure you are working from manual X7425 for these things - one of them is the APU.
The Onan control board for both the BF (4Kw) and NH(6Kw) is that same. There is a lot of documentation on how to diagnose problems, but you are just a little too late for the all time Onan Guru... We miss him.
Tires that have been sitting seem to not be as well off as those that have been used. Five years is not real bad, but past that, most of us start to worry a little more every year. Saving full panic for ten year old tires. An old 23 is lighter than most. I run 60 in the front and carry the spare at 60, but I often let the rear down to 55 because it is actually quite light. I could probably let it down from there, but I have no way to wear the tires out before they age out, so I don't sweat it.
Lastly, you say you have been lurking here for some time, so you would have heard my remarks that a GMC will become more than a project or another toy that you own. They become a part of your life as the boat is to a waterman. So, being a waterman, I like to welcome new owners much as a new boat or member of that community would be welcomed;
May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.
Welcome Jeff
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
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| Re: Newbie [message #159776 is a reply to message #159767] |
Thu, 09 February 2012 17:58 |
xplorid
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2012
Location: Boise
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Well, just got out of class and saw your reponses. Thanks. Larry - I bought the 1976 23 in Ritzville from the widow of the owner, who was a chiropractor and passed away suddenly 2+ years ago. Not sure I should mention the name here, but if you think you know the owner or the coach please email me at jeff.sugheir@gmail.com.
Hoses feeding the water heater - meaning the mass of hose that picks up engine heat and sends it to the heater I assume. Thanks.
I'll get the profile into my sig here soon, but I do not even have the title yet, so don't have the TZE yet. Again, a 1976 with 74K miles, the floorplan is a customized rear bath, likely started as a Birchaven, with private aircraft couch and cockpit seats up front. Somebody put a ton of time and or money into this 20 years ago.
Finally - the project vs lifestyle - yup I have been reading all your posts for many years. Came close to buying when we lived in Ohio, then North Carolina, then again in upstate NY. I am pretty sure I am committing to a lifestyle marked by a never-ending stream of projects - either necessary or desired.
Looking forward to it, not sure my wife is, but that first trip to Ohio next summer will surely get her on board - as long as nothign major breaks on the way!
1974/94 GMCII by Explorer
Manny 6.5 TD Al radiator
1 ton front 4 bags back
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| Re: Newbie [message #159805 is a reply to message #159722] |
Thu, 09 February 2012 20:41 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| xplorid wrote on Thu, 09 February 2012 10:29 |
Hi all - so glad to be here. Just bought my 1st GMC after lurking on these sites for a dozen years. ...
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Jeff,
Welcome aboard!
Sounds like you are getting "lots of advice."
First, The cost of body damage normally caused when a tire blows is more than the price of new tires. That said, The tire age (from the date code) are only one of several things to look at when determining if the tires need replaced.
I would check the tires closely. While sitting still isn't good on tires, _IF_ they are not to old (6 or 7 years) or dried out (cracks in the rubber), I wouldn't worry about them for your trip home. (That part of the country doesn't dry out tires as bad as many areas.) But I would be looking into replacing them relatively soon.
Getting a cheap IR temp sensor would be a good idea. <http://www.harborfreight.com/non-contact-laser-thermometer-96451.html> Stop often at first and check the temps of the bearings (hubs) brakes and tires. Also look over the tread for regularities. Maybe stop at the 50, 100, 150, 200 and 300 mile points. You are looking for unexplained temperature differences and changes.
If it already has Alcoas, it is possible that the wheels are part of a recall. <http://www.gmccoop.com/alcoa_recall.htm> If so, you could end up with brand NEW wheels! You'll need the numbers off the wheels and call Alcoa.
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: Newbie [message #159821 is a reply to message #159722] |
Thu, 09 February 2012 22:36 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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Welcome to the 23ft Club! Bring TOOLS, Bring Tape, Bring Misc little repair type items! Bring Water, a AAA Card, and a blanket in case of the worst!
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: Newbie [message #159829 is a reply to message #159821] |
Thu, 09 February 2012 23:32 |
xplorid
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2012
Location: Boise
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Just got out of another (last) class and saw the last two posts. Again, thanks for welcome and the advice, esp. regarding tires.
Great to be here, look forward to meeting some of you all in person.
Jeff
1974/94 GMCII by Explorer
Manny 6.5 TD Al radiator
1 ton front 4 bags back
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| Re: Newbie [message #159849 is a reply to message #159829] |
Fri, 10 February 2012 05:00 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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You might consider putting in an additional gas filter. Remove or cut the hose on the pickup side of the fuel pump and stick it in line there. I suggest this because the coach has been sitting with an unknown amount of gas and there might be rust in the tank or other build up that could foul up the carb. I would also get and carry with you a filter that goes in the carb and a spare AC Delco brand HEI ignition module. The carb filter is less than $5.00. The ignition module is about $25.00. The filter I'm suggesting adding is around $13.00. I have moved quite a few coaches around the country for people and it is never the same thing that goes wrong on them.
On the rear water heater hoses, it is exactly the stuff as the front heater hoses. If a rear one is rotten so are the fronts. I have never figured out why GMCers pick on the rear heater hoses and never the front ones. On the last coach I moved for someone the front heater hose went within the first 300 miles and I had to fix it in a Walmart parking lot.
My point is to check ALL of the hoses not just the ones that go to the rear. It is no fun sitting by the side of the road trying to repair a broken heater or radiator hose.
Visually check the tires closely. If they are over 10 years old, replace them. If they are over 5 years look for serious cracking and serious dry rot. Look closely along the bead for cracking on both sides of the tire.
I would not carry a lot of stuff other than some hand tools. What ever you bring it will not be the item that went bad. I do carry a spare ignition module and cap/coil combination because I have had those fail and I have given my spare to one other GMC I found stranded along the highway. Almost anything else you can find at a local auto parts store.
For a 8 hour drive the odds are nothing bad will happen.
Have a good trip.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie [message #159867 is a reply to message #159740] |
Fri, 10 February 2012 08:50 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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I run my 23' at 65 front and 60 back on Firestones (16.5) and it rides nice.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
________________________________
From: John R. Lebetski <gransport@aol.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, February 9, 2012 4:18 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Newbie
Only way to know on the tires is to read the date codes so you know when they were made. Definitely check all fluids and change any that need it. My 2 cents is stay away from Fram filters and use AC PF24 or Wix 51258 for the 455 and 51762 for the Onan. Hoses and belts check for sure and tire pressures a must. Being a 23' perhaps 50-55# rears and 60 fronts? Some 23ers may want to chime in here (Matt). Might want a spare fuel filter on hand and proper flair nut wrenches to expidite changing. Don't forget to check the water level in the House area battery as it will be charging for many hours as you drive, so bring some distilled.
--
John Lebetski
Chicago, IL
77 Eleganza II
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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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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie [message #159943 is a reply to message #159867] |
Fri, 10 February 2012 19:27 |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1501
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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If you are going to drive from Spokane to Idaho, be sure to take some duck
tape for the front registers, and some kind of auxiliary heater for the
cockpit area, these coaches are notorious for air leakage around the feet
as well as a sub par heating system! Like it was mentioned take a blanket
or two!!! Both coaches that I bought did not have a cabin heater that
worked so we could not turn on the coach heater as we drove. The air
leakage around the feet is the worst, your feet will get cold when the
temperature outside is below freezing.
On Fri, Feb 10, 2012 at 7:50 AM, Johnny Bridges <jhbridges@ymail.com> wrote:
> I run my 23' at 65 front and 60 back on Firestones (16.5) and it rides
> nice.
>
> --johnny
>
> '76 23' transmode norris
> '76 palm beach
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: John R. Lebetski <gransport@aol.com>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Thursday, February 9, 2012 4:18 PM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Newbie
>
>
>
> Only way to know on the tires is to read the date codes so you know when
> they were made. Definitely check all fluids and change any that need it.
> My 2 cents is stay away from Fram filters and use AC PF24 or Wix 51258 for
> the 455 and 51762 for the Onan. Hoses and belts check for sure and tire
> pressures a must. Being a 23' perhaps 50-55# rears and 60 fronts? Some
> 23ers may want to chime in here (Matt). Might want a spare fuel filter on
> hand and proper flair nut wrenches to expidite changing. Don't forget to
> check the water level in the House area battery as it will be charging for
> many hours as you drive, so bring some distilled.
> --
> John Lebetski
> Chicago, IL
> 77 Eleganza II
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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--
Bruce Hart
GMC Wannabe
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Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
1977 28' Kingsley
La Grange, Wyoming
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newbie [message #159948 is a reply to message #159943] |
Fri, 10 February 2012 20:49 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| Bruce Hart wrote on Fri, 10 February 2012 17:27 |
If you are going to drive from Spokane to Idaho, be sure to take some duck
tape for the front registers, and some kind of auxiliary heater for the
cockpit area, these coaches are notorious for air leakage around the feet
as well as a sub par heating system! ...
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I found sealant fails in the area on the ends of the firewall where it meets the body.
I used "great stuff" foam in a can to temporally seal the area on my '73. When I bought my '78, the PO had used the same stuff!.
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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