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Re: New Ownership, New member, Long road ahead. [message #358611 is a reply to message #354789] Mon, 14 September 2020 10:23 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Gurr is currently offline  Gurr   United States
Messages: 14
Registered: May 2020
Location: Berkeley, CA
Karma:
Junior Member
Glad to say some updates, been doing some work on this one.

Obtained a new radiator and did my best to bend the bracket back into shape. Also performed that bracket mod. Looks great! Thanks for the pics on that.

I'm to the point of trying to start it again and unfortunately, I'm getting a no-start scenario, just cranks. My guesses are in the realm of a few different things that can be causing this:
1) I replaced the spark plug wires and they are not quite the right style. I also just looked up parts for a similar year/engine vehicle (1973 oldsmobile vista cruiser with a 455)
- plugs were the ACDelco R45TS, now they are Autolite AP86 with an 0.040" gap
- plug wires have a different attachment style to the distributor, I think the distributor might not be stock (it has a "delco-remy" coil on the top if that helps, I don't see a part number)

Solution: swapping some of these items back is the easiest, most direct way of testing if this is my issue.

2) I replaced the ignition switch, it took a bit of finagling with some items in the steering column, a component DID fall down in the shaft. On another note, there was also a Red and Black wire that wrapped around the turn signal mechanism. During my removal process, I tried to pry out those spade connectors, the red one broke, and they are a pretty wonky looking spade connector, doubt I can find one to re-crimp on there.
//The Component//
- I thought it may just be the steering locking mechanism, but maybe that was an important component for contact!
- It looks like a nut on one side and a flat end of a clevis pin on the other
- From what I can tell, it was on the left side, as you turn the key a little bar with a latch sticks out towards the driver, I believe the bottom comes out from the other end of the steering column with a hook. This hook is also disconnected from whatever is supposed to be down there.
- it fell down when I attempted to remove the turn signal mechanism.
//The Wire//
- above description kinda has it
- What is the red wire for? It looks like a little spring clipped wiper contact (that goes on the bottom side of the ignition switch) is what contacts these 2 wires.

Solution: I can fish out that component and put it back in the shaft, I can figure out how to make the red wire a complete connection again. This solution is a bit more difficult and time consuming than (1).

3) Another certain individual had ownership of this vehicle for a month. Under the dash was already a bit of a shit show. I have no idea if he may have done something along the lines of attempted hot wiring.

Solution: Go through the wires and find out which ones are necessary for the vehicle to run. These things are pretty simple though, not a lot of things going on, that's why this is last. It might be best to point me to which page in which manual!




Now that the problems are out of the way, I'll go ahead and mention the good things!

Other things done and checked off
- replaced fuel pump (as oil was saturated in gas, I'll probably send in an oil sample next time to see if any damage has occurred)
- removed random external cooler (looked like external for trans)
- compression test (they all hit above 150)
- new compression fitting for external oil pressure gauge (as it was spraying from under the dash when running, "temporary owner" crimped off end of hose)
- condenser supports (pretty much non-existent, threw some on there)
- spark plugs and wires (although the wires ended up being the wrong style. What wires should I get?)
- replaced our big dinette window!
- new radiator (as mentioned before) from Applied GMC
- new ignition (as mentioned before)

I was able to bring a bike pump and pump up the driver side airbag, found it has some leaks and needs to be replaced, but it holds air for a bit and probably doesn't have to be done immediately.

I should figure out the picture situation on this forum. Haven't tried yet and I think it would be beneficial if I were to continue posting!

Best,
Gurr

1973 GMC Motorhome. Obtained from the brink of destruction 05/15/2020 in the middle of the night. Berkeley, CA

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