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[GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline! [message #102391] Sun, 10 October 2010 09:43 Go to next message
greg is currently offline  greg   United States
Messages: 17
Registered: May 2004
Karma: 0
Junior Member
well well, have you ever run out of gas on a steep incline, and had to
spend the night sleeping at an extreme angle?
my spine my never be the same....
the story:
This past week we jacked the Eleganza II way up and dropped the gas
tanks to check for leaks
(found a tiny one and patched it), checked the sending units, replaced
old fuel lines,
and while we were under there, we did the big undercoating with POR15
(thanks everybody for the excellent referral!!)....

So last night around midnight, we finally finished all the work and
cleanup, so it was time to head out to the beach.
I live at the top of an impressive hill, and the GMC has to be backed
down slowly... and in the dark, VERY slowly...
I had put about 5 gallons back into the bone-dry freshly remounted
tanks.
Halfway down the hill (in reverse) we ran out of gas (RV pointing
uphill).
Didn't dare put it in neutral to coast to level ground, 'cause the
hydraulic brakes would've been useless, dangerous,
and my "emergency brake"? wouldn't trust it.
So.... with my car also blocked in by the stranded GMC, i grabbed a 5
gallon gas can and walked a mile to get some gas.
I return at 1:30AM, fill it up, and nope! Nothin...
Since the captain never gives up the ship, i wash up and catch a few
hours of very strange sleep at a 45 degree angle.
So now what?
Is it safe to assume that another 5 gallon trek (15 gallons total)
would put me over the edge, and that she'll start up this time?
** And so my number one question:
When filling gas in such a mostly-empty state, and at such an angle,
which tank will the gas flow into?
which tank should i choose when cranking her over?
** Number 2 question: How many gallons do you think it'll take (at a
45 degree angle) for the gas to reach the pick up lines, and for the
fuel pump to do its work?
Well thank god for battery boost, but don't want to wear out the
starter.
And really hoping we put it all back together again properly, 'cause
there's no way we're jackin it up at such an angle!
What a predicament for an early sunday morning, PST!
Maybe some of you east-coasters have had your coffee already, and
might have some insights :)
Incidently, this morning marks my 12 year anniversary of having bought
my first GMC, yep!
Oct 10 1998, and we've come a long way together!
However, i must say, our little roll around the bed (at the 45 degree
angle) last night was a little too kinky for my tastes.
Always an adventure.... hoping for a quick resolution today... 5
gallons at a time?
If you have any advice, please email me direct at eklektro@gmail.com,
since i'm subscribed as digest otherwise.
Cheers!
Greg
SolarSonic.com / Los Angeles


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Re: [GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline! [message #102393 is a reply to message #102391] Sun, 10 October 2010 10:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
fred v is currently offline  fred v   United States
Messages: 999
Registered: April 2006
Location: pensacola, fl.
Karma: 0
Senior Member
greg wrote on Sun, 10 October 2010 09:43

well well, have you ever run out of gas on a steep incline, and had to
spend the night sleeping at an extreme angle?
my spine my never be the same....
the story:
This past week we jacked the Eleganza II way up and dropped the gas
tanks to check for leaks
(found a tiny one and patched it), checked the sending units, replaced
old fuel lines,
and while we were under there, we did the big undercoating with POR15
(thanks everybody for the excellent referral!!)....

So last night around midnight, we finally finished all the work and
cleanup, so it was time to head out to the beach.
I live at the top of an impressive hill, and the GMC has to be backed
down slowly... and in the dark, VERY slowly...
I had put about 5 gallons back into the bone-dry freshly remounted
tanks.
Halfway down the hill (in reverse) we ran out of gas (RV pointing
uphill).
Didn't dare put it in neutral to coast to level ground, 'cause the
hydraulic brakes would've been useless, dangerous,
and my "emergency brake"? wouldn't trust it.
So.... with my car also blocked in by the stranded GMC, i grabbed a 5
gallon gas can and walked a mile to get some gas.
I return at 1:30AM, fill it up, and nope! Nothin...
Since the captain never gives up the ship, i wash up and catch a few
hours of very strange sleep at a 45 degree angle.
So now what?
Is it safe to assume that another 5 gallon trek (15 gallons total)
would put me over the edge, and that she'll start up this time?
** And so my number one question:
When filling gas in such a mostly-empty state, and at such an angle,
which tank will the gas flow into?
which tank should i choose when cranking her over?
** Number 2 question: How many gallons do you think it'll take (at a
45 degree angle) for the gas to reach the pick up lines, and for the
fuel pump to do its work?
Well thank god for battery boost, but don't want to wear out the
starter.
And really hoping we put it all back together again properly, 'cause
there's no way we're jackin it up at such an angle!
What a predicament for an early sunday morning, PST!
Maybe some of you east-coasters have had your coffee already, and
might have some insights Smile
Incidently, this morning marks my 12 year anniversary of having bought
my first GMC, yep!
Oct 10 1998, and we've come a long way together!
However, i must say, our little roll around the bed (at the 45 degree
angle) last night was a little too kinky for my tastes.
Always an adventure.... hoping for a quick resolution today... 5
gallons at a time?
If you have any advice, please email me direct at eklektro@gmail.com,
since i'm subscribed as digest otherwise.
Cheers!
Greg
SolarSonic.com / Los Angeles


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sorry you had so much trouble. the rear is the main tank so put your selector switch to main. 5 gal. may not be enough at that steep angle. this is why many of us install an electric fuel pump.

there is a rubber hose just below the fuel pump on the engine which you can take off and add some length to it and stick the end into a gas can to get the engine started so your brakes work. prop the gas can on the front bumper and back down the hill and then connect the fuel line back up and you should be good to go. there should be enough gas in the carb to run the engine long enough to suck gas from the tank to get it going. i hope a gas station is close by.
good luck,



Fred V
'77 Royale RB 455
P'cola, Fl
Re: [GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline! [message #102404 is a reply to message #102393] Sun, 10 October 2010 11:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
midlf is currently offline  midlf   United States
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
Senior Member
fred v wrote on Sun, 10 October 2010 10:00


sorry you had so much trouble. the rear is the main tank so put your selector switch to main. 5 gal. may not be enough at that steep angle. this is why many of us install an electric fuel pump.

there is a rubber hose just below the fuel pump on the engine which you can take off and add some length to it and stick the end into a gas can to get the engine started so your brakes work. prop the gas can on the front bumper and back down the hill and then connect the fuel line back up and you should be good to go. there should be enough gas in the carb to run the engine long enough to suck gas from the tank to get it going. i hope a gas station is close by.
good luck,




You can't be sure which tank the gas you are adding is going into. Also at that extreme angle you would have to get about 15+ gallons into ONE tank to be sure you have enough gas. I second fred's suggestion on an aux tank. It does work fine.

What I would do: get about 5' of 3/8" fuel line, disconnect the rubber hose on the input to the engine mounted fuel pump and put your 5' hose on the pump. Get a 1 gallon or so can of gas and prop it on the front bumper and secure it to the radiator so it can't fall off. Insert the added hose into the gas can and secure so it can't fall out. I would also use some kind of cap or closure to prevent gas from sloshing out of the can. Add some gas to the carb float bowl if you want to reduce cranking time. I have used this method and it works very well. (I drained and removed the fuel tanks OUTSIDE of the barn and used this trick to drive the GMC into the barn.)


Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
Re: [GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline! [message #102409 is a reply to message #102404] Sun, 10 October 2010 11:48 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
To reinforce the two previous postings. The gas filler for the two tanks is on the side but near the front of both tanks. so I'll bet most of the fuel you have added is going to the front AUX tank, not the rear main tank. So add at least 10 gallons more fuel and then try the AUX tank.

Also that mechanical pump has a very difficult time pumping the fuel all that way from the tanks once air gets in the system. This is where an electric boost pump comes in very handy. If you have an electric fuel pump, turn it on and select the AUX tank. Then crack the fuel line loose at the carb and wait until gas starts to leak out of the slightly loose line. Then tighten the slightly loose line.

If you do not have an electric pump then the 5 gallon can bungee strapped to the front bumper and plumbed to the input side of the mechanical pump is the best idea.

On flat land it would take more than 7 gallons just to assure that some gas is really going to the rear main tank. Being pointed up hill just exacerbates the problem. Also you do not know how low in the tank the pick up really is, so you will loose several gallons more there.

Your current situation points out why people should have electric boost fuel pumps and electric vacuum pumps.

Ken B.


Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana

[Updated on: Sun, 10 October 2010 11:54]

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Re: [GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline! [message #102416 is a reply to message #102409] Sun, 10 October 2010 12:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Sammy Williams is currently offline  Sammy Williams   United States
Messages: 522
Registered: August 2010
Karma: -2
Senior Member
You could also just pour some fuel into the carb and get it going that
way, or spray starter fluid in the carb. Either way should get it
running long enough to get the fuel pump to pull fuel in to keep it
going.

When you have time, install an electric fuel pump and that should take
care of the fuel delivery problem.


S.Williams
GMCless at the moment.
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Re: [GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline! [message #102419 is a reply to message #102391] Sun, 10 October 2010 13:56 Go to previous messageGo to next message
greg is currently offline  greg   United States
Messages: 17
Registered: May 2004
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Junior Member
Thanks everybody for the quick responses, and yes, i was contemplating
the aux gas can as last resort.
But the quick-fix method that saved the day was Jim Bounds' "Ketchup
Bottle method", whereas you insert the squeeze-in
end of the bottle directly into the vent tube above the carb and
presto: mini gas-can! Started right up and got me to the bottom of
the hill,... where thankfully the main tanks kicked in... whew! Cliff-
hanger :)
OK, nice to be back on the level....
So great to have a support group :)
Thanks all!
Greg
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Re: [GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline! [message #102420 is a reply to message #102419] Sun, 10 October 2010 14:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Tim Conway is currently offline  Tim Conway   United States
Messages: 412
Registered: September 2005
Location: Long Island, New York
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Senior Member
On Oct 10, 2010, at 2:56 PM, greg wrote:

> OK, nice to be back on the level....
> So great to have a support group :)
> Thanks all!


That was a very interesting thread. Elements of drama, humor,
suspense, sex and a happy ending. Thought provoking for the
situations we can get into, and a solution to file. Well done.!

Tim Conway
LI NY 78 PB
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Re: [GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline! [message #102422 is a reply to message #102391] Sun, 10 October 2010 14:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
David L Greenberg is currently offline  David L Greenberg   United States
Messages: 899
Registered: January 2004
Location: Port St Lucie, FL
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Senior Member

On Sun, 10 Oct 2010 15:03:13 -0400 Tim Conway <mactac735@mac.com> writes:
> On Oct 10, 2010, at 2:56 PM, greg wrote:
>
> > OK, nice to be back on the level....
> > So great to have a support group :)
> > Thanks all!
>
>
> That was a very interesting thread. Elements of drama, humor,
> suspense, sex and a happy ending. Thought provoking for the
> situations we can get into, and a solution to file. Well done.!
>
> Tim Conway
> LI NY 78 PB
>
I must have missed out on the sex but that seeems to be the trend since I
got the cure for prostate cancer! <VBG>

David Lee Greenberg
Port St Lucie, FL skype: david.lee.greenberg
Dedicated to the Preservation of the Classic GMC Motorhome
http://GMCmhRegistry.com
http://www.picturetrail.com/gmcregistry
____________________________________________________________
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Dave Greenberg
Dedicated to the Preservation of the GMC Clasic
http:GMCmhRegistry.com davegreenberg1@juno.com
Re: [GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline! [message #102425 is a reply to message #102422] Sun, 10 October 2010 16:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Tim Conway is currently offline  Tim Conway   United States
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Registered: September 2005
Location: Long Island, New York
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Senior Member
On Oct 10, 2010, at 3:43 PM, David L Greenberg wrote:

> I must have missed out on the sex but that seeems to be the trend
> since I
> got the cure for prostate cancer! <VBG>

LOL!

"However, i must say, our little roll around the bed (at the 45 degree
angle) last night was a little too kinky for my tastes."

Tim Conway
LI NY 78 PB

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Re: [GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline! [message #102430 is a reply to message #102391] Sun, 10 October 2010 16:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
David L Greenberg is currently offline  David L Greenberg   United States
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Location: Port St Lucie, FL
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On Sun, 10 Oct 2010 17:10:23 -0400 Tim Conway <mactac735@mac.com> writes:
> On Oct 10, 2010, at 3:43 PM, David L Greenberg wrote:
>
> > I must have missed out on the sex but that seeems to be the trend
>
> > since I
> > got the cure for prostate cancer! <VBG>
>
> LOL!
>
> "However, i must say, our little roll around the bed (at the 45
> degree
> angle) last night was a little too kinky for my tastes."
>
> Tim Conway
> LI NY 78 PB
>
Seat belts for the beds might become mandatory!>


David Lee Greenberg
Port St Lucie, FL skype: david.lee.greenberg
Dedicated to the Preservation of the Classic GMC Motorhome
http://GMCmhRegistry.com
http://www.picturetrail.com/gmcregistry
____________________________________________________________
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Grant Funding May Be Available to Those That Qualify.
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Dave Greenberg
Dedicated to the Preservation of the GMC Clasic
http:GMCmhRegistry.com davegreenberg1@juno.com
Re: [GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline! [message #102431 is a reply to message #102391] Sun, 10 October 2010 16:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
KB is currently offline  KB   United States
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Senior Member
I've dropped the tank on both our GMC's. After I got them back together,
I lay under each of them to look for leaks as my better half poured in 5 gallons
at a time.

An interesting thing I discovered as I listened to them fill: in the 23' 1973 coach,
most gas ran to the Aux (front) tank. In the 26' 1975 coach, most ran to the rear tank.

They changed the design of the fill tubes between these years. In the early (73/74)
coaches, there are multiple fittings and different sized fill tubes and elbows.
In the '75, it's a nice manufactured single straight tube with built-in tee.
That's my guess as to why they fill so differently. They were parked in the same
place as we were filling them, so the ground level was the same.

Also, 5 gallons doesn't even register on the (now working) gauges on level ground,
especially on the early coach.

Karen
1973 23' Patience Tester
1975 26' Mildew Machine

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Karen 1975 26' San Jose, CA
Re: [GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline! [message #102434 is a reply to message #102391] Sun, 10 October 2010 17:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Duce Apocalypse is currently offline  Duce Apocalypse   United States
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Registered: May 2009
Location: Los angeles
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Senior Member

Greg, that sucks man, you are gonna need at least 10 gallons. I had run out of gas once before I fixed the senders in the tanks, and it took 6 of us to push the rig into a parking lot! AAAcame and put gas in and I told the guy the 5 gallons he pourd in wasnt gonna be enough, so he gave me a ride to a gas station for a second 5 gallons. that got the rig started, and we promptly drove back to the gas station and put in another $30 by that time I finally got 1/4 tank showing in the main tank.

on my 73 I notice the main tank fills before the aux tank, I also have cinnabar's aftermarket tanks made by transfer flow, whih hold a little more then 26.5g each. I wanna make a tank isolator system to fill each tank individually. I also need to reline the tank breathers to eliminate the burping effect which keeps the tanks from being fully filled.

BTW I see your from LA? you dont own a gunmetal coach with solar pannels on it by any chance do you?

greg wrote on Sun, 10 October 2010 09:43

well well, have you ever run out of gas on a steep incline, and had to
spend the night sleeping at an extreme angle?
my spine my never be the same....
the story:
This past week we jacked the Eleganza II way up and dropped the gas
tanks to check for leaks
(found a tiny one and patched it), checked the sending units, replaced
old fuel lines,
and while we were under there, we did the big undercoating with POR15
(thanks everybody for the excellent referral!!)....

So last night around midnight, we finally finished all the work and
cleanup, so it was time to head out to the beach.
I live at the top of an impressive hill, and the GMC has to be backed
down slowly... and in the dark, VERY slowly...
I had put about 5 gallons back into the bone-dry freshly remounted
tanks.
Halfway down the hill (in reverse) we ran out of gas (RV pointing
uphill).
Didn't dare put it in neutral to coast to level ground, 'cause the
hydraulic brakes would've been useless, dangerous,
and my "emergency brake"? wouldn't trust it.
So.... with my car also blocked in by the stranded GMC, i grabbed a 5
gallon gas can and walked a mile to get some gas.
I return at 1:30AM, fill it up, and nope! Nothin...
Since the captain never gives up the ship, i wash up and catch a few
hours of very strange sleep at a 45 degree angle.
So now what?
Is it safe to assume that another 5 gallon trek (15 gallons total)
would put me over the edge, and that she'll start up this time?
** And so my number one question:
When filling gas in such a mostly-empty state, and at such an angle,
which tank will the gas flow into?
which tank should i choose when cranking her over?
** Number 2 question: How many gallons do you think it'll take (at a
45 degree angle) for the gas to reach the pick up lines, and for the
fuel pump to do its work?
Well thank god for battery boost, but don't want to wear out the
starter.
And really hoping we put it all back together again properly, 'cause
there's no way we're jackin it up at such an angle!
What a predicament for an early sunday morning, PST!
Maybe some of you east-coasters have had your coffee already, and
might have some insights Smile
Incidently, this morning marks my 12 year anniversary of having bought
my first GMC, yep!
Oct 10 1998, and we've come a long way together!
However, i must say, our little roll around the bed (at the 45 degree
angle) last night was a little too kinky for my tastes.
Always an adventure.... hoping for a quick resolution today... 5
gallons at a time?
If you have any advice, please email me direct at eklektro@gmail.com,
since i'm subscribed as digest otherwise.
Cheers!
Greg
SolarSonic.com / Los Angeles


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73 Canyon Lands, (a.k.a. The Yellow Submarine) West Los Angeles CA
Re: [GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline! [message #102472 is a reply to message #102431] Sun, 10 October 2010 21:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
Senior Member



An interesting thing I discovered as I listened to them fill: in the 23' 1973 coach,
most gas ran to the Aux (front) tank. In the 26' 1975 coach, most ran to the rear tank.

They changed the design of the fill tubes between these years. In the early (73/74)
coaches, there are multiple fittings and different sized fill tubes and elbows.
In the '75, it's a nice manufactured single straight tube with built-in tee.
That's my guess as to why they fill so differently. They were parked in the same
place as we were filling them, so the ground level was the same.



Karen
1973 23' Patience Tester
1975 26' Mildew Machine

_______________________________________________
My theory is that the rear tank will get most of the gas if it is being filled from a can (low volume situation) The reason I think this is true is that, as stated above, the fill tube on a later model coach, is nice and straight plus, the tee going to the front tank is a smaller diameter than the main tube. See photo:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=34773&title=gas-tank-clean-up-2ffuel&cat=5520

The main tube is about 1-1/2" in diameter while the tee is about 1-1/8 (???). If fuel is being introduced from a can, it will tend to run down the tube, at a low enough level, that most of it will run past the bottom of the tee, which is above the invert of the main tube. While fueling at a gas pump (high volume situation) this difference in the level of the pipe inverts would be less of a factor.


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
Re: [GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline! [message #102474 is a reply to message #102472] Sun, 10 October 2010 21:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GMCNUSA is currently offline  GMCNUSA   United States
Messages: 283
Registered: August 2006
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Carl S. wrote on Sun, 10 October 2010 22:29



An interesting thing I discovered as I listened to them fill: in the 23' 1973 coach,
most gas ran to the Aux (front) tank. In the 26' 1975 coach, most ran to the rear tank.

They changed the design of the fill tubes between these years. In the early (73/74)
coaches, there are multiple fittings and different sized fill tubes and elbows.
In the '75, it's a nice manufactured single straight tube with built-in tee.
That's my guess as to why they fill so differently. They were parked in the same
place as we were filling them, so the ground level was the same.



Karen
1973 23' Patience Tester
1975 26' Mildew Machine

_______________________________________________
My theory is that the rear tank will get most of the gas if it is being filled from a can (low volume situation) The reason I think this is true is that, as stated above, the fill tube on a later model coach, is nice and straight plus, the tee going to the front tank is a smaller diameter than the main tube. See photo:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=34773&title=gas-tank-clean-up-2ffuel&cat=5520

The main tube is about 1-1/2" in diameter while the tee is about 1-1/8 (???). If fuel is being introduced from a can, it will tend to run down the tube, at a low enough level, that most of it will run past the bottom of the tee, which is above the invert of the main tube. While fueling at a gas pump (high volume situation) this difference in the level of the pipe inverts would be less of a factor.


My TBI dumps into the fill pipe up at front of coach above the left wheel well. When I get low on fuel and use the Aux tank for fuel it goes down quickly and the main tank shows more fuel so it must run down fill pipe to the elbow at rear tank and bypass the front tank.


Larry Dilk
Indianapolis, IN
76 Eleganza II
Patterson 455,Turbo City TBI, Just LOVE It!
Re: [GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline! [message #102532 is a reply to message #102474] Mon, 11 October 2010 09:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
George Beckman is currently offline  George Beckman   United States
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Location: Colfax, CA
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Senior Member
[quote title=GMCNUSA wrote on Sun, 10 October 2010 19:37][quote title=Carl
My TBI dumps into the fill pipe up at front of coach above the left wheel well. When I get low on fuel and use the Aux tank for fuel it goes down quickly and the main tank shows more fuel so it must run down fill pipe to the elbow at rear tank and bypass the front tank.[/quote]

I am thinking the same thing. An object (or fluid) traveling in a straight line keeps going in a straight line. On a hill, any gas poured in is going to be flying past that Tee at the first AUX tank that very little is going to stop to go in. Most went to the main tank, where there is a nice curved piece of hose to help turn the corner.

We just had a similar, close to disaster, experience. Going home from Du Quoin we picked up a U-Haul trailer and went to the AZ house. (Last load after Father died.) The drive is dirt and steep and was rutted from rains. Broke loose about 20 feet from the top. As long as we kept moving I stayed with it. We could smell rubber burning. I let up a bit and we cleared the crest inching a long. I had a half tank. Had I run out of gas I would have been in a real mess. No brakes. Short 9 foot trailer making backing (without brakes) impossible. Trying to unhook without the trailer flying down the hill into a house across the street. We were fortunate people.

Going to get serious about installing the vacuum pump.


'74 Eleganza, SE, Howell + EBL
Best Wishes,
George
Re: [GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline! [message #102552 is a reply to message #102434] Mon, 11 October 2010 11:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
bukzin is currently offline  bukzin   United States
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Registered: April 2004
Location: North California
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Senior Member
Yup, that is his coach.


Met him at Burning Man.

Nice guy and a unique GMC.


Bukzin
1977 Palm Beach
mini aux fuel tank [message #102555 is a reply to message #102419] Mon, 11 October 2010 11:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
bukzin is currently offline  bukzin   United States
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Registered: April 2004
Location: North California
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[quote title=greg wrote on Sun, 10 October 2010 11:56]Thanks everybody for the quick responses, and yes, i was contemplating
the aux gas can as last resort.
But the quick-fix method that saved the day was Jim Bounds' "Ketchup
Bottle method", whereas you insert the squeeze-in
end of the bottle directly into the vent tube above the carb and
presto: mini gas-can! Started right up and got me to the bottom of
the hill,... where thankfully the main tanks kicked in... whew! Cliff-
hanger Smile



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Greg,

Now that the drama is over could you give us more detail
on the ketchup bottle deal?

Got any photos by chance?



Bukzin
1977 Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline! [message #102563 is a reply to message #102391] Mon, 11 October 2010 11:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Luvn737s is currently offline  Luvn737s   United States
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Registered: June 2007
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Senior Member
What will we do when they stop making ketchup bottles? What's the date code on the ketchup bottle? Does Jim B keep them in stock?
The PO left behind a salad dressing bottle, Hidden Valley Ranch I think, - geesh!

I spend most my life trying play ketchup. I never knew I needed to hang onto the bottle!

OK, enough with the mocking, it was a really good idea.


Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ

[Updated on: Mon, 11 October 2010 11:48]

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Re: [GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline! [message #102602 is a reply to message #102391] Mon, 11 October 2010 15:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mike O'Connell is currently offline  Mike O'Connell   United States
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Registered: November 2008
Location: Deerfield MA
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You might want to re-think anything involving starting fluid.
Bent rods and crushed piston ring lands can result.
If it doesn't start with a little gas, you have other problems.


Mike O'Connell Deerfield, MA '75 Eleganza
Re: [GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline! [message #102618 is a reply to message #102602] Mon, 11 October 2010 16:57 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
ejuk8em is currently offline  ejuk8em   United States
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I keep a piston out of our '66 Olds Toronado 425 on the shelf in my garage as a "gentle reminder" about  what happens when you get spray happy with starting fluid...
 
Nothing beats the pain of having to do a rebuild due to self inflicted wounds on an engine with only 42K miles..
 
Learned the hard way,
Lyle 

Lyle A. Rigdon, Retired Superintendent
'73 Pineapple Yellow Sequoia
Pawnee, IL  62558
Pawnee Pride - Live It!

--- On Mon, 10/11/10, Mike O'Connell <moconnell2000@yahoo.com> wrote:


From: Mike O'Connell <moconnell2000@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] stranded, out of gas, on a steep incline!
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Monday, October 11, 2010, 3:42 PM




You might want to re-think anything involving starting fluid.
Bent rods and crushed piston ring lands can result.
If it doesn't start with a little gas, you have other problems.
--
Mike O'Connell
Deerfield, MA
'75 Eleganza
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