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Well, that didn't last long... [message #204653] Sun, 14 April 2013 14:16 Go to previous message
Joe Weir is currently offline  Joe Weir   United States
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma:
Senior Member
We find new and interesting places to camp...

I was determined not to let AC and generator woes get me down. With the dash blower fixed (bad blower resistor & changed the relay for good measure), I decided to take it for a spin around the beltway last night to make sure we were good before heading to Monroe Sunday to see about picking up some seats from Joe.

I made the mistake of inviting the boss for the ride.

10 miles from home, the engine starts "rattling". I pull over to check it out at a truckstop. There is a some squealing as well. Can't find anything loose - I had been struggling with the alternator belt and had replaced the alternator too, and thought it was wonky again. It was maybe a qt low on oil, so I add some and motor on.

Just past the last exit for the busiest section of I-20 before the Saluda River Bridge (long grade down and then back up to the next exit) with no safe place to pull over the ruckus under the floor changes from an annoying rattle to a symphony of rattling pans. It sounded like we were dragging pots under the engine. I pull over and check it out. I find the bolt to the cruise control bracket backed out. Ah-ha?? Hard to believe it could cause that much racket, but I can find nothing else loose on the outside. Inside would be bad.

It was now dark and we were not in a safe spot, so I got it to the next exit, up a decent grade. The pots turned into a hammer by the time I hit the exit and safe harbor at a well-lit gas station. Pulling that last hill was agony listening to it.

It sounds like a rod. The engine has had two oil changes since January. One when I brought it home, and another to 20w50 when the rattle first started. While changing the oil, I found a loose bolt on the PS bracket which caused the PS assembly to wobble. Ah-Ha. When I started it back up the rattle was gone. Had gotten it up to temp a dozen times (but hadn't driven it) and could not get it to rattle in the driveway. When the rattle started this time, I was sure it was another loose something.

The good news is the coach camps pretty well. The PO had some unconventional ideas about seating, but it works for now. The entertainment center in place of the original refreshment center helped (my handiwork - It still needs staining to match).

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/DarkJethro/Birchaven/photo4.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/DarkJethro/Birchaven/photo4.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/DarkJethro/Birchaven/photo3.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/DarkJethro/Birchaven/photo3.jpg

My daughter models the u-shaped couch/bed while waiting for the tow truck:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/DarkJethro/Birchaven/photo5.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/DarkJethro/Birchaven/photo5.jpg


Thankfully, because the tow truck could not take me home until this morning. The coach is in the driveway - I will not be able to dig into it until next weekend.

My brother, the mechanic, says He can fix it for $150 (he is good, but not particularly familiar with Oldsmobile beyond installing the radiator in the coach). Can I be safe in assuming this will be a short term fix and I need to be lining up a Jim Bounds special?

Considering the noises - belt squealing - etc, what are the chances it is the harmonic balancer? Were these an issue?

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/DarkJethro/Birchaven/photo2.jpg

This thing has more miles on the hook than with me behind the wheel...and yes, that was two "that's what she said" setups in one post.

76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center... Columbia, SC.

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