Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Coach in Distress
Coach in Distress [message #338532] |
Thu, 08 November 2018 19:50 |
LNelson
Messages: 335 Registered: December 2008 Location: Springfield, MO
Karma: 0
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We have a fellow GMC'er, Mike Kelley (Corvair-Holic) of Peoria (hope I got all that right), just called me. He got my number from the Black List. I am two hours from him. He is in Cuba, MO, on I-44 and has pulled into a Super 8. They are heading to Texas for 6 months. About 8 miles east of Cuba, his 76' GMC exhibited loss of power and what he described as "missing". After a short time alongside a very busy interstate highway, he was able to restart it and limp into Cuba. Cuba is not a large town, but does have an O'Reilly's that is open until 9p. His mechanic had done a lot of replacement of ignition related parts prior to their leaving Illinois. He called his mechanic and the mechanic said that it could be either the coil or the module, and that one might cause the other to fail. He is towing a vehicle so he can drive to O'reillys, or maybe even Rolla tomorrow pending what he hears from O'Reilly's tonight. He said he has friends that monitor this forum, so if anyone wants to call him with morale support, his number is 309-363-6690. The Super 8 Motel person said their is a shop in Cuba and I told him that to replace these items, if he is able to find them, is not that much of job. (Says the guy that last replaced these things about 20 years ago).....
Possibly someone can lend him some support. I will do all I can.
Larry Nelson
Springfield, MO
417 849 2997
Larry Nelson Springfield, MO
Ex GMC'er, then GM Busnut
now '77 Eleganza ARS WB0JOT
[Updated on: Thu, 08 November 2018 20:51] Report message to a moderator
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Re: [GMCnet] Coach in Distress [message #338535 is a reply to message #338532] |
Thu, 08 November 2018 20:43 |
Mike Kelley
Messages: 467 Registered: February 2017
Karma: -2
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Larry N.:
Re: Coach in Distress:
You have been most helpful and supportive - thanx so very much.
Here is my update: talked to Matt at O’reillys in Cuba at length - who says he has an ign. coil and a distributor cap that should work - not sure that he has the right module for my rig but he can test mine. Maybe another auto shop will have the right one if mine tests bad. He also has recommended a local mechanic that could possibly help - I will call that mechanic 1st thing in am.
Thanx also for checking back - I will update you tomorrow mid morning. Sweet Dreams my new found friend!
Mike/The Corvair a holic
Sent from my iPhone
> On Nov 8, 2018, at 7:50 PM, Larry Nelson wrote:
>
> We have a fellow GMC'er, Mike Kelly of Peoria (hope I got all that right), just called me. He got my number from the Black List. I am two hours from
> him. He is in Cuba, MO, on I-44 and has pulled into a Super 8. They are heading to Texas for 6 months. About 8 miles east of Cuba, his 76' GMC
> exhibited loss of power and what he described as "missing". After a short time alongside a very busy interstate highway, he was able to restart it and
> limp into Cuba. Cuba is not a large town, but does have an O'Reilly's that is open until 9p. His mechanic had done a lot of replacement of ignition
> related parts prior to their leaving Illinois. He called his mechanic and the mechanic said that it could be either the coil or the module, and that
> one might cause the other to fail. He is towing a vehicle so he can drive to O'reillys, or maybe even Rolla tomorrow pending what he hears from
> O'Reilly's tonight. He said he has friends that monitor this forum, so if anyone wants to call him with morale support, his number is 309-363-6690.
> The Super 8 Motel person said their is a shop in Cuba and I told him that to replace these items, if he is able to find them, is not that much of job.
> (Says the guy that last replaced these things about 20 years ago).....
>
>
> Possibly someone can lend him some support. I will do all I can.
>
>
> Larry Nelson
> Springfield, MO
> 417 849 2997
> --
> Larry Nelson Springfield, MO
> Ex GMC'er, then GM Busnut
> now '77 Eleganza ARS WB0JOT
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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Re: [GMCnet] Coach in Distress [message #338538 is a reply to message #338532] |
Thu, 08 November 2018 20:44 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452 Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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I just happened to have some guidance on this that I received from Ken Burton about a year ago (it was still lying on my kitchen table).
The ignition coil for a GMC MH or Toronado is different from the rest of the Oldsmobile V-8 line. There are THREE different pickup coils used and TWO different ignition coils used across the GM product lines. He needs the ignition coil that has RED and YELLOW wires! If you are buying the PICKUP COIL, it must have the YELLOW plastic connector on the end.
Ken said that most parts places will only see the price difference and choose the cheaper item.
The INGNITION coil MUST have the RED and YELLOW wires. If that coil has RED and WHITE wires, it is WRONG !
D C "Mac" Macdonald
Amateur Radio K2GKK
Since 30 November '53
USAF and FAA, Retired
Member GMCMI & Classics
Oklahoma City, OK
"The Money Pit"
TZE166V101966
'76 ex-Palm Beach
k2gkk + hotmail dot com
________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Larry Nelson
Sent: Thursday, November 8, 2018 19:50
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Coach in Distress
We have a fellow GMC'er, Mike Kelly of Peoria (hope I got all that right), just called me. He got my number from the Black List. I am two hours from
him. He is in Cuba, MO, on I-44 and has pulled into a Super 8. They are heading to Texas for 6 months. About 8 miles east of Cuba, his 76' GMC
exhibited loss of power and what he described as "missing". After a short time alongside a very busy interstate highway, he was able to restart it and
limp into Cuba. Cuba is not a large town, but does have an O'Reilly's that is open until 9p. His mechanic had done a lot of replacement of ignition
related parts prior to their leaving Illinois. He called his mechanic and the mechanic said that it could be either the coil or the module, and that
one might cause the other to fail. He is towing a vehicle so he can drive to O'reillys, or maybe even Rolla tomorrow pending what he hears from
O'Reilly's tonight. He said he has friends that monitor this forum, so if anyone wants to call him with morale support, his number is 309-363-6690.
The Super 8 Motel person said their is a shop in Cuba and I told him that to replace these items, if he is able to find them, is not that much of job.
(Says the guy that last replaced these things about 20 years ago).....
Possibly someone can lend him some support. I will do all I can.
Larry Nelson
Springfield, MO
417 849 2997
--
Larry Nelson Springfield, MO
Ex GMC'er, then GM Busnut
now '77 Eleganza ARS WB0JOT
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Re: [GMCnet] Coach in Distress [message #338551 is a reply to message #338545] |
Thu, 08 November 2018 23:18 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030 Registered: January 2004 Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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My experience has been that a bad coil will sometimes take out the module. So I would replace them both of them at the same time. I did not replace them both one time and about 100 miles down the road I had to replace the module a second time. I also replaced the coil at that time and have never had another problem in 40,000 or 50,000 miles.
Get the ones with red and yellow wires. Also re-gap the plugs to .040" as soon as practical. .040" is much easier on the new coil and module.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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Re: [GMCnet] Coach in Distress [message #338554 is a reply to message #338553] |
Fri, 09 November 2018 07:12 |
Jim Miller
Messages: 501 Registered: March 2008
Karma: 10
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On Nov 9, 2018, at 7:55 AM, Mike Kelley wrote:
> Would a bad fuel filter cause my 455 Olds eng. w/ HEI to backfire at speed? Was driving at 65 mph on Hiway 44 when it backfired about 10 to 12 times then ultimately died. Restarted after about 10 mins of sitting and I limped to nearest exit (Cuba, Mo.)
If it were me I would go immediately after the ignition system as being the culprit. I would begin by replacing the coil (since it is easy to get to and thus low hanging fruit) and if that doesn’t solve the problem then I’d change the HEI module.
—Jim
Jim Miller
1977 Eleganza
1977 Royale
Hamilton, OH
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Jim Miller
1977 Eleganza II
1977 Royale
Hamilton, OH
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Re: [GMCnet] Coach in Distress [message #338557 is a reply to message #338535] |
Fri, 09 November 2018 08:50 |
rjw
Messages: 697 Registered: September 2005
Karma: 4
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Mike Kelley wrote on Thu, 08 November 2018 21:43
.
Here is my update: talked to Matt at O'reillys in Cuba at length - who says he has an ign. coil and a distributor cap that should work - not sure that he has the right module for my rig but he can test mine. Maybe another auto shop will have the right one if mine tests bad. He also has recommended a local mechanic that could possibly help - I will call that mechanic 1st thing in am.
Thanx also for checking back - I will update you tomorrow mid morning. Sweet Dreams my new found friend!
Mike/The Corvair a holic
Another thing to consider is the short wiring harness that goes between the module and the distributor cap. I know because it was the cause of several engine stoppages and a tow from I40 in Arizona to Albuquerque New Mexico last spring. Here's a comment from Dick Patterson on that subject from the fuel injection group.
"most of the 3 wire harnesses that connect from the dist base to the cap are now made off shore, (both the short 5 inch and longer 10 versions) .
They are found on many of the currently available distributors sold from different USA companies; and are also now found in aftermarket boxes, from USA names we have always used .
The brass female spade connectors on the wire ends , vary in quality with the make.
.
All 3 wire harness ends (in the black plastic plug) have spade connectors with a side finger that latches into a notch up inside the plastic connector.
Some of the new off shore harnesses use thicker and more rigid brass and are similar in mfg to quality to oem .
They fit and connect onto the male spade ends in the cap firmly, and stay put.
Others are thinner and made of very soft brass.
The "el cheapo" soft ones do not engage the male connectors some can be different in their internal width. As you push the black plastic connector up into the cap, the poor fit resists engaging the male spade ; then pushes the female end connector out, easily bending the soft latch finger backwards. The result is no electrical connection . To verify the connection, look at the under side of the connector you should not see any brass sticking out.
Many racers and resto folks buy the el cheapo distributors now available-- I do a lot of rework on them (longer story) .
One of the first mods, where needed, is to cut the brass female ends off the 3 wires and replace them with OEM "Packard" real ends.
In a " no start scenario" look at the bottom of the black plug end you should not see any brass protruding out of the plastic plug."
I ended up replacing a new cable with a used one from a 1980's distributor that I had in the coach and that has apparently fixed the problem for me.
Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com
Roller Cam 455, TBI+EBL, 3.42 FD, 4 Bag, Macerator, Lenzi (brakes, vacuum system, front end stuff), Manny Tranny, vacuum step, Tankless + OEM water heaters.
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Re: [GMCnet] Coach in Distress [message #338559 is a reply to message #338554] |
Fri, 09 November 2018 09:23 |
Mike Kelley
Messages: 467 Registered: February 2017
Karma: -2
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Senior Member |
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OK - morning update 9:20 am:
Got it started this am - moved close to Super 8 bldg to plug in - so now have heat in coach.
Snowed last night (about 1/4” on toad and coach), so am Greatful for being now plugged in - 17 degrees expected here tonite. Local mechanic is on his way - I am suspicious of ign. coil and module so intend on having both changed - possibly whole distributor!
More later - we are safe, comfortable, and thankful.
Mike/The Corvair a holic
Sent from my iPhone
> On Nov 9, 2018, at 7:12 AM, Jim Miller wrote:
>
>> On Nov 9, 2018, at 7:55 AM, Mike Kelley wrote:
>>
>> Would a bad fuel filter cause my 455 Olds eng. w/ HEI to backfire at speed? Was driving at 65 mph on Hiway 44 when it backfired about 10 to 12 times then ultimately died. Restarted after about 10 mins of sitting and I limped to nearest exit (Cuba, Mo.)
>
> If it were me I would go immediately after the ignition system as being the culprit. I would begin by replacing the coil (since it is easy to get to and thus low hanging fruit) and if that doesn’t solve the problem then I’d change the HEI module.
>
> —Jim
>
>
> Jim Miller
> 1977 Eleganza
> 1977 Royale
> Hamilton, OH
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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Re: [GMCnet] Coach in Distress [message #338562 is a reply to message #338557] |
Fri, 09 November 2018 10:37 |
Mike Kelley
Messages: 467 Registered: February 2017
Karma: -2
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Senior Member |
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10:30 am
Woke up early this am to 1/4” of snow on toad and coach - Brrr.
Got new distributor cap, ign coil, pick up coil from local O’Reilly’s - module tested good but bought one to keep as a spare.
Mechanic installing now - more in a while.
Keep fingers crossed and prayers coming.
Very Thankful for the suggestions, concern, prayers, etc.
Mike/The Corvair a holic
Sent from my iPhone
> On Nov 9, 2018, at 8:50 AM, RJW wrote:
>
> Mike Kelley wrote on Thu, 08 November 2018 21:43
>> .
>> Here is my update: talked to Matt at O'reillys in Cuba at length - who says he has an ign. coil and a distributor cap that should work - not
>> sure that he has the right module for my rig but he can test mine. Maybe another auto shop will have the right one if mine tests bad. He also has
>> recommended a local mechanic that could possibly help - I will call that mechanic 1st thing in am.
>> Thanx also for checking back - I will update you tomorrow mid morning. Sweet Dreams my new found friend!
>> Mike/The Corvair a holic
>
> Another thing to consider is the short wiring harness that goes between the module and the distributor cap. I know because it was the cause of
> several engine stoppages and a tow from I40 in Arizona to Albuquerque New Mexico last spring. Here's a comment from Dick Patterson on that subject
> from the fuel injection group.
>
> "most of the 3 wire harnesses that connect from the dist base to the cap are now made off shore, (both the short 5 inch and longer 10 versions)
> .
> They are found on many of the currently available distributors sold from different USA companies; and are also now found in aftermarket boxes,
> from USA names we have always used .
>
> The brass female spade connectors on the wire ends , vary in quality with the make.
> .
> All 3 wire harness ends (in the black plastic plug) have spade connectors with a side finger that latches into a notch up inside the plastic
> connector.
> Some of the new off shore harnesses use thicker and more rigid brass and are similar in mfg to quality to oem .
> They fit and connect onto the male spade ends in the cap firmly, and stay put.
>
> Others are thinner and made of very soft brass.
> The "el cheapo" soft ones do not engage the male connectors some can be different in their internal width. As you push the black plastic
> connector up into the cap, the poor fit resists engaging the male spade ; then pushes the female end connector out, easily bending the soft
> latch finger backwards. The result is no electrical connection . To verify the connection, look at the under side of the connector you should not
> see any brass sticking out.
>
> Many racers and resto folks buy the el cheapo distributors now available-- I do a lot of rework on them (longer story) .
> One of the first mods, where needed, is to cut the brass female ends off the 3 wires and replace them with OEM "Packard" real ends.
> In a " no start scenario" look at the bottom of the black plug end you should not see any brass protruding out of the plastic plug."
>
> I ended up replacing a new cable with a used one from a 1980's distributor that I had in the coach and that has apparently fixed the problem for me.
> --
> Richard
> 76 Palm Beach
> SE Michigan
> www.PalmBeachGMC.com
>
>
> Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator, Manny Tranny etc.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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Re: [GMCnet] Coach in Distress [message #338616 is a reply to message #338557] |
Sat, 10 November 2018 18:23 |
Mike Kelley
Messages: 467 Registered: February 2017
Karma: -2
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Senior Member |
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No longer in Distress
Travel info:
Coach is running Gr8 after Dist’r repairs by Larry local mechanic in Cuba, Mo., Larry also found 02 sensor blown out of exhaust line near eng. (I thought the loud noise was a blown donut gasket at the exhaust conn. to the engine), reinstallation of 02 sensor in exhaust line & exhaust repairs by Carl at Muffler Mart in Rolla, Mo. Repairs done!
We spent last nite at KOA in Joplin, Mo. w/ low of 16 degrees outside and low of 40 degrees inside w/ 2 ceramic heaters going full blast.
Spending to nite in KOA in Durant, Ok. - hopefully warmer than last nite (but we sure enjoyed the cuddle time).
A quick stop in Weatherford, Tx. tomorrow to see a retired GMC 6 Wheeler and then on to Kingsland, Tx (home by tomorrow nite)!
It has been eventful, but we met some Gr8 people (new found friends) - GOD is Good - All The Time!!!
Mike/The Corvair a holic and Nonna Billie - his Shady Lady (as in Sun Glasses)
Sent from my iPhone
> On Nov 9, 2018, at 8:50 AM, RJW wrote:
>
> Mike Kelley wrote on Thu, 08 November 2018 21:43
>> .
>> Here is my update: talked to Matt at O'reillys in Cuba at length - who says he has an ign. coil and a distributor cap that should work - not
>> sure that he has the right module for my rig but he can test mine. Maybe another auto shop will have the right one if mine tests bad. He also has
>> recommended a local mechanic that could possibly help - I will call that mechanic 1st thing in am.
>> Thanx also for checking back - I will update you tomorrow mid morning. Sweet Dreams my new found friend!
>> Mike/The Corvair a holic
>
> Another thing to consider is the short wiring harness that goes between the module and the distributor cap. I know because it was the cause of
> several engine stoppages and a tow from I40 in Arizona to Albuquerque New Mexico last spring. Here's a comment from Dick Patterson on that subject
> from the fuel injection group.
>
> "most of the 3 wire harnesses that connect from the dist base to the cap are now made off shore, (both the short 5 inch and longer 10 versions)
> .
> They are found on many of the currently available distributors sold from different USA companies; and are also now found in aftermarket boxes,
> from USA names we have always used .
>
> The brass female spade connectors on the wire ends , vary in quality with the make.
> .
> All 3 wire harness ends (in the black plastic plug) have spade connectors with a side finger that latches into a notch up inside the plastic
> connector.
> Some of the new off shore harnesses use thicker and more rigid brass and are similar in mfg to quality to oem .
> They fit and connect onto the male spade ends in the cap firmly, and stay put.
>
> Others are thinner and made of very soft brass.
> The "el cheapo" soft ones do not engage the male connectors some can be different in their internal width. As you push the black plastic
> connector up into the cap, the poor fit resists engaging the male spade ; then pushes the female end connector out, easily bending the soft
> latch finger backwards. The result is no electrical connection . To verify the connection, look at the under side of the connector you should not
> see any brass sticking out.
>
> Many racers and resto folks buy the el cheapo distributors now available-- I do a lot of rework on them (longer story) .
> One of the first mods, where needed, is to cut the brass female ends off the 3 wires and replace them with OEM "Packard" real ends.
> In a " no start scenario" look at the bottom of the black plug end you should not see any brass protruding out of the plastic plug."
>
> I ended up replacing a new cable with a used one from a 1980's distributor that I had in the coach and that has apparently fixed the problem for me.
> --
> Richard
> 76 Palm Beach
> SE Michigan
> www.PalmBeachGMC.com
>
>
> Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator, Manny Tranny etc.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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