Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Zen, Karma, and my GMC (What to do?)
| Zen, Karma, and my GMC [message #250002] |
Sun, 18 May 2014 07:26  |
LNelson
Messages: 335
Registered: December 2008
Location: Springfield, MO
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I am closing in on my working life and anticipating using my coach A LOT in the upcoming years. This is my second coach and this one has 103,000 miles on it and my previous one had 110,000 when I lost my head and bought my bus. The only trouble I ever had was on the first coach, lost my torque converter at the Crazy Horse monument but still got home to Lower MO. Got a Danny Dunn tranny and all was good.
Anyway, while driving on this last trip, I got to thinking about making a PROACTIVE effort to remove most pucker factor from the operation of my coach so I am reaching out. I read every post on this forum each night while watching Everybody Loves Raymond between my feet. I could probably boil down these questions on my own from past posts, BUT, I thought it might be fun to take on this discussion.
At my age, I fully realize I am driving a coach that is 37 years old, with an engine and tranny with over 100k on them. There is a hilly section of Hwy 63 on the way to Memphis, just south of Mammoth Springs AR all the way to Hardy. Hilly, lots of curves, no shoulders to turn off on. A breakdown there.....not good. Now, on the other hand, I routinely fly me, my family, my dog, etc, in a 1950 Cessna 195 with a Jacobs 330 HP engine designed and built in the late thirties, early 40's. Many new parts on that engine, however, but the "Jacobs Burp" is always an exciting event.
So, to curb my advancing paranoia, while I can still invest a little money in my coach, here goes:
1. Engine (from whom)? Not interested in an experimental task, just a "new" engine. If you don't want to show favorites, please email or PM me.
2. Tranny (from whom)? Same deal.
3. I have looked at the 1 ton, but I am capable and equipped to pull my hubs apart and service my bearings. But still......????
4. Breaking number one down further: headers? FI?
I know there were more issues running thru my mind on this last, troublefree trip, but can't think of any. You can see I am concentrating on "moving parts", but I am surely interested in opinions here. I have recently read of more than one "new" engine going bad, so that is a big deal for me. My engine shows a bit of lead in it's last two Blackstone reports, but "nothing to worry about" at this time. I would get in the coach now and drive it to California, if I wanted to go there, so I have no issues other than my throttle return which I will look into soon (thanks for all the advice on that).
So pretend you are on one of those hot rod "build" TV shows. Money is an issue but pretend it isn't. Thanks.
Larry
Larry Nelson Springfield, MO
Ex GMC'er, then GM Busnut
now '77 Eleganza ARS WB0JOT
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| Re: [GMCnet] Zen, Karma, and my GMC [message #250005 is a reply to message #250002] |
Sun, 18 May 2014 07:57  |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Larry,
Only one question in my mind about the answers to your questions:
1. Dick Paterson engine.
2. Manny Tranny
3. 1-Ton
4. a. Headers
b. This is the question. I have EFI and will continue to use it,
despite the good carb still sitting on my shelf. But, unless you like
tinkering, being able to see exactly what's going on with your ignition and
fuel systems, and enjoying slightly better performance, it's not worth the
cost and effort.
I'd definitely add #5: Manny reaction arm system WITH track guides.
HTH,
Ken H.
On Sun, May 18, 2014 at 8:26 AM, Larry Nelson <
larrynelsonarchitect@mchsi.com> wrote:
> I am closing in on my working life and anticipating using my coach A LOT
> in the upcoming years. This is my second coach and this one has 103,000
> miles
> on it and my previous one had 110,000 when I lost my head and bought my
> bus. The only trouble I ever had was on the first coach, lost my torque
> converter at the Crazy Horse monument but still got home to Lower MO. Got
> a Danny Dunn tranny and all was good.
>
> Anyway, while driving on this last trip, I got to thinking about making a
> PROACTIVE effort to remove most pucker factor from the operation of my
> coach
> so I am reaching out. I read every post on this forum each night while
> watching Everybody Loves Raymond between my feet. I could probably boil down
> these questions on my own from past posts, BUT, I thought it might be fun
> to take on this discussion.
>
> At my age, I fully realize I am driving a coach that is 37 years old, with
> an engine and tranny with over 100k on them. There is a hilly section of
> Hwy 63 on the way to Memphis, just south of Mammoth Springs AR all the
> way to Hardy. Hilly, lots of curves, no shoulders to turn off on. A
> breakdown
> there.....not good. Now, on the other hand, I routinely fly me, my
> family, my dog, etc, in a 1950 Cessna 195 with a Jacobs 330 HP engine
> designed and
> built in the late thirties, early 40's. Many new parts on that engine,
> however, but the "Jacobs Burp" is always an exciting event.
>
> So, to curb my advancing paranoia, while I can still invest a little money
> in my coach, here goes:
>
> 1. Engine (from whom)? Not interested in an experimental task, just a
> "new" engine. If you don't want to show favorites, please email or PM me.
> 2. Tranny (from whom)? Same deal.
> 3. I have looked at the 1 ton, but I am capable and equipped to pull my
> hubs apart and service my bearings. But still......????
> 4. Breaking number one down further: headers? FI?
>
> I know there were more issues running thru my mind on this last,
> troublefree trip, but can't think of any. You can see I am concentrating
> on "moving
> parts", but I am surely interested in opinions here. I have recently read
> of more than one "new" engine going bad, so that is a big deal for me. My
> engine shows a bit of lead in it's last two Blackstone reports, but
> "nothing to worry about" at this time. I would get in the coach now and
> drive it
> to California, if I wanted to go there, so I have no issues other than my
> throttle return which I will look into soon (thanks for all the advice on
> that).
>
> So pretend you are on one of those hot rod "build" TV shows. Money is an issue
> but pretend it isn't. Thanks.
>
> Larry
> --
> Larry Nelson Springfield, MO
> Ex GMC'er, then GM Busnut
> now '77 Eleganza ARS WB0JOT
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: Zen, Karma, and my GMC [message #250011 is a reply to message #250004] |
Sun, 18 May 2014 08:34 |
mickey szilagyi
Messages: 273
Registered: January 2013
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Dan, is that "extra good towing" breakdown towing and, if so, AAA? I know this has been discussed before but I want piece of mind just in case and for now we're going with the AAA RV. Anything better out there? Thanks!
Mickey
1977 Kingsley, 403, Lansing, MI
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| Re: Zen, Karma, and my GMC [message #250013 is a reply to message #250002] |
Sun, 18 May 2014 08:38 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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LNelson wrote on Sun, 18 May 2014 07:26
2. Tranny (from whom)? Same deal.
Sounds like Manny is the man on transmissions, no?
Quote:3. I have looked at the 1 ton, but I am capable and equipped to pull my hubs apart and service my bearings. But still......????
You are retiring, how much longer are you going to enjoy pulling bearings? One of the benefits of the one ton is the availability of talent familiar with it. The downside to "upgrade swapping" components in cars is you have the possibility that some future mechanic is going to try to use what the book shows for the car, rather than what you told him it was. As the GMCs are really not in the book anyway...
Quote:4. Breaking number one down further: headers? FI?
I do not put headers in the preventive maintenance category.
Which TV show?
"Overhaulin" would put headers and a full stainless exhaust, one ton system, quad bag suspension with discs and reaction arms, fuel injection, roller cam engine, wireless air system, Mac dash, Patterson ignition, electric wipers, and Chip Foose would hand tuck the bumpers back into the body, turn the luggage pod into a sub box, and give it a bitchen 2-tone paint job after re-designing an alcoa wheel into a 17" one-off set with his logo. The radio will now only play the "overhaulin'" theme song at full volume.
"Pimp my Ride" would fit you out with an awesome ground kit, lambo the door, 24" chrome rimz with 20 profile tires, 3 70" lcd TVs and 13 7" lcd tvs in every imaginable corner, 30,000 watts of amplifiers, and 62 speakers, by the cheesiest chinese manufacturer currently in the market, put shag carpet on the floor and dash, mirrors on the ceiling, leopard and zebra stripe the upholstery, 5 xboxes, install a fog machine, disco ball and a hot tub, and paint it pimpin lime green with gold and purple accents. The TV's and audio system now only plays Xibit music videos at full volume.
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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| Re: [GMCnet] Zen, Karma, and my GMC [message #250018 is a reply to message #250005] |
Sun, 18 May 2014 08:55 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Do not forget the APC cable
- new axles are not available -- 1 ton
- MSD. Efi
- hard gas lines and elect pumps
Welcome back
Erf
Sent from my iPad
> On May 18, 2014, at 5:57 AM, Ken Henderson wrote:
>
> Larry,
>
> Only one question in my mind about the answers to your questions:
>
> 1. Dick Paterson engine.
> 2. Manny Tranny
> 3. 1-Ton
> 4. a. Headers
> b. This is the question. I have EFI and will continue to use it,
> despite the good carb still sitting on my shelf. But, unless you like
> tinkering, being able to see exactly what's going on with your ignition and
> fuel systems, and enjoying slightly better performance, it's not worth the
> cost and effort.
>
> I'd definitely add #5: Manny reaction arm system WITH track guides.
>
> HTH,
>
> Ken H.
>
> On Sun, May 18, 2014 at 8:26 AM, Larry Nelson larrynelsonarchitect@mchsi.com> wrote:
>
>> I am closing in on my working life and anticipating using my coach A LOT
>> in the upcoming years. This is my second coach and this one has 103,000
>> miles
>> on it and my previous one had 110,000 when I lost my head and bought my
>> bus. The only trouble I ever had was on the first coach, lost my torque
>> converter at the Crazy Horse monument but still got home to Lower MO. Got
>> a Danny Dunn tranny and all was good.
>>
>> Anyway, while driving on this last trip, I got to thinking about making a
>> PROACTIVE effort to remove most pucker factor from the operation of my
>> coach
>> so I am reaching out. I read every post on this forum each night while
>> watching Everybody Loves Raymond between my feet. I could probably boil down
>> these questions on my own from past posts, BUT, I thought it might be fun
>> to take on this discussion.
>>
>> At my age, I fully realize I am driving a coach that is 37 years old, with
>> an engine and tranny with over 100k on them. There is a hilly section of
>> Hwy 63 on the way to Memphis, just south of Mammoth Springs AR all the
>> way to Hardy. Hilly, lots of curves, no shoulders to turn off on. A
>> breakdown
>> there.....not good. Now, on the other hand, I routinely fly me, my
>> family, my dog, etc, in a 1950 Cessna 195 with a Jacobs 330 HP engine
>> designed and
>> built in the late thirties, early 40's. Many new parts on that engine,
>> however, but the "Jacobs Burp" is always an exciting event.
>>
>> So, to curb my advancing paranoia, while I can still invest a little money
>> in my coach, here goes:
>>
>> 1. Engine (from whom)? Not interested in an experimental task, just a
>> "new" engine. If you don't want to show favorites, please email or PM me.
>> 2. Tranny (from whom)? Same deal.
>> 3. I have looked at the 1 ton, but I am capable and equipped to pull my
>> hubs apart and service my bearings. But still......????
>> 4. Breaking number one down further: headers? FI?
>>
>> I know there were more issues running thru my mind on this last,
>> troublefree trip, but can't think of any. You can see I am concentrating
>> on "moving
>> parts", but I am surely interested in opinions here. I have recently read
>> of more than one "new" engine going bad, so that is a big deal for me. My
>> engine shows a bit of lead in it's last two Blackstone reports, but
>> "nothing to worry about" at this time. I would get in the coach now and
>> drive it
>> to California, if I wanted to go there, so I have no issues other than my
>> throttle return which I will look into soon (thanks for all the advice on
>> that).
>>
>> So pretend you are on one of those hot rod "build" TV shows. Money is an issue
>> but pretend it isn't. Thanks.
>>
>> Larry
>> --
>> Larry Nelson Springfield, MO
>> Ex GMC'er, then GM Busnut
>> now '77 Eleganza ARS WB0JOT
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Zen, Karma, and my GMC [message #250025 is a reply to message #250002] |
Sun, 18 May 2014 09:30 |
 |
USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Larry,
1. Engine (from whom)? Not interested in an experimental task, just a "new" engine. If you don't want to show favorites, please
email or PM me.
Response: Dick Paterson
2. Tranny (from whom)? Same deal.
Response: Manny Trovao
3. I have looked at the 1 ton, but I am capable and equipped to pull my hubs apart and service my bearings. But still......????
Response: If your hubs and knuckles are in good condition install a zerk in both and you're done disassembling them.
4. Breaking number one down further: headers?
Response: OEM exhaust manifolds until they crack.
5. FI?
Response: If you feel confident you can maintain it, if not Paterson Q-jet.
Regards,
Rob M.
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Zen, Karma, and my GMC [message #250026 is a reply to message #250018] |
Sun, 18 May 2014 09:44 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Bits and Pieces:
1. All new fuel lines.
2. Brakes, lines, etc.
3. All radiator hoses, including heater and lines to rear of coach. Cut- off valves on heater lines, especially to hot water heater.
4. Replace buzz box.
5. Aged tires?
6. JC4 auxiliary brake vacuum pump.
7. Eletric wipers.
These items will stop you almost as fast as a bad engine or transmission. Except number 7.
I have had numbers 1, 3, and 5 cause me problems. Number 6 has kicked in at least four times.
Life is an adventure, make it stop and go, then enjoy it.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] Zen, Karma, and my GMC [message #250028 is a reply to message #250026] |
Sun, 18 May 2014 09:52 |
LNelson
Messages: 335
Registered: December 2008
Location: Springfield, MO
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Tom, I went half way up your state Wednesday on 231 Dothan to Birmingham....get rid of all those red lights, please. Getting thru Birmingham to get off on 78....not too much fun, even MORE red lights and intersections every 100' (it seemed)  .
I have had this coach two years, now. Your list is great. My tires (we say "tars" in the Ozarks) are new with my Alcoas. All good things and I agree can put you alongside the road.
Larry Nelson Springfield, MO
Ex GMC'er, then GM Busnut
now '77 Eleganza ARS WB0JOT
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| Re: Zen, Karma, and my GMC [message #250030 is a reply to message #250011] |
Sun, 18 May 2014 10:02 |
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WD0AFQ
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
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Senior Member |
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mickey szilagyi wrote on Sun, 18 May 2014 08:34Dan, is that "extra good towing" breakdown towing and, if so, AAA? I know this has been discussed before but I want piece of mind just in case and for now we're going with the AAA RV. Anything better out there? Thanks!
Mickey, I now have Coachnet. I called them first. They paid initial bill. Then I called Progressive, they picked up remaining bill, 400 bux.
First time, I had Good Sam. Called them first. They paid initial bill. Then I called Progressive, they paid remaining 1100 bux.
Hope I don't have to call any of them again, just pay the premiums.
Good luck Larry,
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
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| Re: [GMCnet] Zen, Karma, and my GMC [message #250041 is a reply to message #250005] |
Sun, 18 May 2014 11:33 |
Larry
Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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Ken Henderson wrote on Sun, 18 May 2014 07:57Larry,
Only one question in my mind about the answers to your questions:
1. Dick Paterson engine.
2. Manny Tranny
3. 1-Ton
4. a. Headers
b. This is the question. I have EFI and will continue to use it,
despite the good carb still sitting on my shelf. But, unless you like
tinkering, being able to see exactly what's going on with your ignition and
fuel systems, and enjoying slightly better performance, it's not worth the
cost and effort.
I'd definitely add #5: Manny reaction arm system WITH track guides.
HTH,
Ken H.
Here's MHO,
1. Dick Paterson engines are more expensive than rebuild shop motors, BUT WELL WORTH IT.
2. RE Transmission, If you are looking for someone closer to save on shipping there is a fella by the name of Steve Turnquist, of Transformation Performance, 763-755-1134. from Minneapolis area that has done a few for people around here. You could take the trans out and bring with you to the fall GMCMI convention at Chippewa Falls WI, drop it off on the way, and pick it up after.
3. If most of your front end is in good condition, you could buy a set of knuckles with the zirks from Dave Lenzi, and never have to worry about taking them apart again. Just hit the zirk with some grease every 15-20k...No disassembly required.
4. Personally I'd use the stock manifolds until they crack or do not seal to the heads anymore before going to headers.
4a. FI is nice but a lot of messing around and money for the little gain over a well tuned Patterson carb. I still like my FI but knowing what I know now, don't know if I'd do it again.
5. Weather you use the Manny system, or any of the compatible systems that Jim K offers, Don't leave home without good brakes. I do not have personal experience with them yet, data indicates that they really work in an emergency situation. For normal braking (non emergency) I doubt that they add much. Sure nice to have however when the 16yr old that is texting pulls out in front of you.
JMHO
Larry 
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
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| Re: Zen, Karma, and my GMC [message #250073 is a reply to message #250002] |
Sun, 18 May 2014 19:27 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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I'd agree with what Ken H said although I'm very happy with my John Beavers motor. Having driven Paul Doane's coach with the Patterson Stage II, I am IMPRESSED. DAMN what power! Basically the same weight and final drive as my coach but half again the perceived power.
The only minor disagreement with what Ken suggested is the headers. IMO, headers on a 4000 rpm engine is a waste of money IF YOUR MANIFOLDS are good. If not, go headers but you can't easily pull the governor gear without pulling the left header.
I'd definitely go with the Manny Tranny because we all know he will make it right wherever you are. I'd also go with either Manny's power drive and a 3:21 (3:66 effective ratio)or a 3:70 from JimK. I'd also STRONGLY STRONGLY suggest going with Dave Lenzi's new super dooper brake booster and his adjustable drag link. Might proactively go with the aluminum radiator too. No reason to fight a overheating problem out in the boonies with a 40 year old radiator.
I did the Manny one ton and love it. VERY noticeable improvement in driveability and braking. Also very happy with my Manny Brake system on the rear.
I've basically been doing what you are proposing. So far, I have a new Beaver 403 (not because I was proactive, it went bad), Patterson Carb and distributor, wires, all new engine accessories, Manny Tranny with power drive and a 3:21. Manny One Ton, Manny brakes (4 wheel disks with reaction arms) and his version of true tracks. Separate electric fan driven oil cooler.
Still need to drop the fuel tanks and replace the vent lines, new body pads, go to two electric fuel pumps and dump the mechanical pump. Then I need to do some work in the dash area and fix some hacked up wires by beloved POs. Still have some minor window leaks but after that, the rest is cosmetics.
BTW, If I was going to do EVERYTHING in the drivetrain, I'd pull the subframe and do it the easy way instead of fighting with doing everything while on the coach.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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