Diesel swap update [message #299897] |
Fri, 29 April 2016 19:28 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971 Registered: March 2013 Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Senior Member |
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I guess I just can't leave things well enough alone. There really weren't any real concerns but it's fun to try to improve things.
I built a small (5.5 gal) surge tank for the fuel supply to guard against the possible risk of pulling air instead of fuel in certain circumstances such as hills, hard turns or low fuel. I hadn't run into a problem but figured with the extra tank I should be able to access all 75 gallons of fuel on board if needed. I also installed a pair of Revcon 1 3/8" torsion bars to replace the 1.26" Huber bars. With about 4900 lbs on the front with a full load of fuel, the Huber bars were about maxed out. The later Revcon bars are the same length and hex size but are indexed differently than our GMC bars were. The right side lower control arm TB socket was over sized and possibly close to failing so I rebuilt the sockets and moved them slightly lower on the arms to provide more CV boot clearance.They weren't rubbing but were too close for my liking. While I had the lower arms out I moved the ball joint forward about 3/8" to add a little more caster adjustment. I could only get about 2 degrees before so this should provide about another 2 degrees. I also added a fan and thermostatically controlled switch on the oil cooler and replaced the fan clutch with a lower engagement temperature unit. I ran across a dual oil filter that was available on military H1's ($30 surplus with two filters) so the oil capacity is up to 9 qts.
Anyway, it's all fun.
Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
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Re: Diesel swap update [message #299905 is a reply to message #299897] |
Fri, 29 April 2016 21:35 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186 Registered: January 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Nice work Hal. If you're anything it's thorough! It will be interesting to hear how these changes will affect the overall performance of your masterpiece. I think the surge tank, while maybe not strictly necessary, is a great idea. I have had my coach die on a turn when the fuel was low, and I imagine it would be much worse on a diesel.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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