Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » And now the fun begins...
And now the fun begins... [message #256541] |
Fri, 25 July 2014 20:12 |
thorndike
Messages: 406 Registered: January 2011 Location: Conifer, Colorado
Karma: 0
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Ok, I was lying, this isn't as much fun as I had hoped.
We are now diving into our GMC reno. Last night we picked up the GMC from the storage lot. I had charged the batteries the other day and started it up, so I had no concerns about getting it the two miles to the house....famous last words.
We weren't 100 yards out of the parking lot when the rv just quit. No hitching, or hesitating, just nothing. I put it in park and was able to get it to run again. We went another 100 or so yards when it died. Again, I put it in park in was able to get it going fairly quickly. We left the state park where the storage lot is and turned onto the road. We were about 50 feet from the first traffic light when it died. This time I couldn't get it started. I waited and tried to start it several times for about 15 minutes before I was able to get it moving again. This time I was able to make it the whole mile and a half to my house without it dying.
My gut feeling is the the PO may never have replaced the fuel filters, so that will be one of the first things I do. Does anyone have suggestions for the best/appropriate filter to install? And anything else I should look at?
When we climbed down, we smelled the unmistakeable smell of burning brakes. I touched all the wheels and found the left rear wheel was extremely hot, so I knew I had a stuck caliper. Not a big deal, just not what I wanted to attack first. So that was going to be the first thing to work on today as I needed to be sure I could return the rv to the lot.
Add a partial brake job to the list.
My wife was cleaning the inside this morning so I knew I couldn't jack it up to work on the wheels, so I thought I would look at the generator until she was finished. I pulled the generator out (6k Onan) and noticed oil dripping from below the filter. Oh no. I had a new battery for the generator, so I began pulling the old one out. As the battery came forward, the cable clamp on the end of the battery cable broke in two leaving the clamp on the battery post and the cable hanging free. There must have been an awful lot of power going through the unbroken portion of the cable clamp as it seemed to be turning over just fine.
Ok, so now I have:
to replace the battery clamp.
fix the oil leak.
tune the Onan (which I have never done.)
Looking for more slack in the positive cable, I reached behind the generator ( has anyone else noticed that there is not a lot of room back there ) and discovered a bundle of wires that had been rubbed through the outer insulation by the generator's drawer slides. The interior wires look fine so far, it is the outer cable that appears to be damaged.
Ok, so I have to repair this cable too.
It turns out these wires go to the control board on the Onan and then out the bottom of the RV. Underneath the RV, the wires in the cable are spliced into individual wires that are cable tied to the frame and run toward the front of the RV. I am assuming that they run toward the control panel by the door. If so, I am not sure why they don't run on the inside of the RV instead of down below. I am assuming it was a very poor repair job. Let me correct that, I KNOW it was a poor repair job.
Ok, so now I need to rerun those wires as well. Any suggestions for an appropriate wire replacement? Where should I expect them to terminate.
After looking at this and trying to see how I am going to work behind the Onan, I began to wonder about replacing it with a Honda or other more current generator. They are probably lighter and more efficient. If I go this route, does anyone have experience doing so? I'd love to hear about it.
Just think, this is only the FIRST day of repairs....What have I gotten into?
I am sure there will be more later!
Bob
Robert Peesel
1976 Royale 26'
Side Dry Bath
Conifer, Colorado
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Re: And now the fun begins... [message #256543 is a reply to message #256541] |
Fri, 25 July 2014 20:42 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260 Registered: January 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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thorndike wrote on Fri, 25 July 2014 19:12Ok, I was lying, this isn't as much fun as I had hoped.
We are now diving into our GMC reno. Last night we picked up the GMC from the storage lot. I had charged the batteries the other day and started it up, so I had no concerns about getting it the two miles to the house....famous last words.
We weren't 100 yards out of the parking lot when the rv just quit. No hitching, or hesitating, just nothing. I put it in park and was able to get it to run again. We went another 100 or so yards when it died. Again, I put it in park in was able to get it going fairly quickly. We left the state park where the storage lot is and turned onto the road. We were about 50 feet from the first traffic light when it died. This time I couldn't get it started. I waited and tried to start it several times for about 15 minutes before I was able to get it moving again. This time I was able to make it the whole mile and a half to my house without it dying.
My gut feeling is the the PO may never have replaced the fuel filters, so that will be one of the first things I do. Does anyone have suggestions for the best/appropriate filter to install? And anything else I should look at?
When we climbed down, we smelled the unmistakeable smell of burning brakes. I touched all the wheels and found the left rear wheel was extremely hot, so I knew I had a stuck caliper. Not a big deal, just not what I wanted to attack first. So that was going to be the first thing to work on today as I needed to be sure I could return the rv to the lot.
Add a partial brake job to the list.
My wife was cleaning the inside this morning so I knew I couldn't jack it up to work on the wheels, so I thought I would look at the generator until she was finished. I pulled the generator out (6k Onan) and noticed oil dripping from below the filter. Oh no. I had a new battery for the generator, so I began pulling the old one out. As the battery came forward, the cable clamp on the end of the battery cable broke in two leaving the clamp on the battery post and the cable hanging free. There must have been an awful lot of power going through the unbroken portion of the cable clamp as it seemed to be turning over just fine.
Ok, so now I have:
to replace the battery clamp.
fix the oil leak.
tune the Onan (which I have never done.)
Looking for more slack in the positive cable, I reached behind the generator ( has anyone else noticed that there is not a lot of room back there ) and discovered a bundle of wires that had been rubbed through the outer insulation by the generator's drawer slides. The interior wires look fine so far, it is the outer cable that appears to be damaged.
Ok, so I have to repair this cable too.
It turns out these wires go to the control board on the Onan and then out the bottom of the RV. Underneath the RV, the wires in the cable are spliced into individual wires that are cable tied to the frame and run toward the front of the RV. I am assuming that they run toward the control panel by the door. If so, I am not sure why they don't run on the inside of the RV instead of down below. I am assuming it was a very poor repair job. Let me correct that, I KNOW it was a poor repair job.
Ok, so now I need to rerun those wires as well. Any suggestions for an appropriate wire replacement? Where should I expect them to terminate.
After looking at this and trying to see how I am going to work behind the Onan, I began to wonder about replacing it with a Honda or other more current generator. They are probably lighter and more efficient. If I go this route, does anyone have experience doing so? I'd love to hear about it.
Just think, this is only the FIRST day of repairs....What have I gotten into?
I am sure there will be more later!
Bob
Well almost all of those are common things we deal with. I wouldn't get too depressed about it and just chunk away at them one by one.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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Re: And now the fun begins... [message #256545 is a reply to message #256541] |
Fri, 25 July 2014 21:01 |
midlf
Messages: 2212 Registered: July 2007 Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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thorndike wrote on Fri, 25 July 2014 20:12
Just think, this is only the FIRST day of repairs....What have I gotten into?
I am sure there will be more later!
Bob
Well I don't want to rain on your parade but when I started on ours it was to replace the power brake unit and the rubber fuel lines. Now 7 years later EVERYTHING, and I mean EVERYTHING, below the floors has been replaced, rebuilt, refurbished, reinforced, reworked upgraded or whatever. Converted the fuel system to in tank electric pumps with a surge tank. Above the floor all the fresh water plumbing, vent fams, and AC's has been replaced. Also converted most of the light fixtures to LED.
It really got away from me. First item was someone here suggested I check the brake lines under the clips for rust. Yep. And on from there. I did a lot of suggested changes, and "might as well do that while I'm in here" stuff.
You can go in deep or be more reasonable. Your choice. Go for safe, then reliable.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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Re: And now the fun begins... [message #256546 is a reply to message #256541] |
Fri, 25 July 2014 21:36 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565 Registered: July 2012 Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Bob, your post reminds me of one of my favorite sayings:
The difference in work and play is that you don't HAVE to play. Mark Twain
The last major project I was sitting on the driveway, absolutely filthy, soaking wet with sweat, and gasping for breath when my long suffering wife asked: "Why are you doing this?"
I looked at her and smiled. "Because it's fun."
My suggestion: Make a list, make a plan, work the plan. Add new items as they arise, revise the plan, work the plan. Loop.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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Re: And now the fun begins... [message #256549 is a reply to message #256541] |
Fri, 25 July 2014 21:49 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690 Registered: January 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Welcome to the Nuthouse...
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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Re: And now the fun begins... [message #256554 is a reply to message #256548] |
Fri, 25 July 2014 22:06 |
thorndike
Messages: 406 Registered: January 2011 Location: Conifer, Colorado
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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A Hamilton,
Thanks for the information.. I will be reading it tomorrow.
About the brakes, I have the 6 wheel disc set up, so it is a caliper. But you had no way of knowing!
Thanks for taking the time to answer.
Bob
Robert Peesel
1976 Royale 26'
Side Dry Bath
Conifer, Colorado
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Re: And now the fun begins... [message #256558 is a reply to message #256546] |
Fri, 25 July 2014 23:08 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769 Registered: February 2013 Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Kerry Pinkerton wrote on Fri, 25 July 2014 21:36Bob, your post reminds me of one of my favorite sayings:
The difference in work and play is that you don't HAVE to play. Mark Twain
The last major project I was sitting on the driveway, absolutely filthy, soaking wet with sweat, and gasping for breath when my long suffering wife asked: "Why are you doing this?"
I looked at her and smiled. "Because it's fun."
LOL ! So true. My posts may be construed as that I am suffering, but I am enjoying every minute. Thats what I keep telling myself...
Quote: My suggestion: Make a list, make a plan, work the plan. Add new items as they arise, revise the plan, work the plan. Loop.
This. Don't get ahead of yourself. We will be here for moral support.
LOL,
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.
[Updated on: Fri, 25 July 2014 23:08] Report message to a moderator
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Re: And now the fun begins... [message #256567 is a reply to message #256559] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 05:38 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005 Registered: August 2004 Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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There are quite a few Honda ev6010 transplants into 26'. Everyone who has done this is happy with the results. Only minor downside is the higher RPM of the Honda, 3600 vs 1800.
Install is easy and fairly straight forward. Exhaust can be interesting, many different paths have been taken.
I love mine.
Tom, MS II
P.S. I still have a rebuilt available.
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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Re: And now the fun begins... [message #256583 is a reply to message #256541] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 10:01 |
cbryan
Messages: 451 Registered: May 2012 Location: Ennis, Texas
Karma: 3
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Bob,
Don't know why I can't stop smiling after reading your post! It's time for one of my favorite jokes. I apologize for being so metaphorically on-topic.
Old boy was seen sitting on his garage floor hitting himself on the head with a hammer. Other old guy comes up to him and says, "Hey, why are you hitting yourself on your head with that 'Big Monday'?"
"Because it feels so good when I quit!"
Welcome to the muttering underworld!
Carey
Carey from Ennis, Texas
78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.
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Re: And now the fun begins... [message #256584 is a reply to message #256541] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 10:16 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896 Registered: May 2012 Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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Those all sound like pretty straightforward issues, and shouldn't take all that long to correct. Well, other than replacing the generator. My beloved PO took care of that for me, installing an Onan Emerald Plus 6500 watt generator that had a whopping 50 hours on it when I bought the coach. Fits well, runs quiet and weighs a lot less than the green brick it replaced.
I wouldn't get too twisted about wiring run under the coach vs. inside the coach - there are a whole lot of wires that are down there anyway, and barring driving through dense brush, there's really no reason that the wires will suffer any ill effects, provided they're at least tied up where they won't flop around or snag something.
Anyway, count on finding a host of little issues that will have to be dealt with eventually. But don't sweat the ones that don't make driving or using the coach dangerous... have some fun with it between work parties, and try to look at the work you do on the coach as part of the fun. To me, my GMC is just a big hot rod, and is laughably easy to work on compared to some of my other less user-friendly vehicles.
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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