| MAINTENANCE [message #120930] |
Tue, 05 April 2011 10:37  |
Michael Bozardt
Messages: 367
Registered: January 2007
Location: College Station, Texas
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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The 4kw Onan would not start and in my shop I couldn't open the door to mess with it, so let Channelview Supply RV take a look. They tinkered with it and got it to run. On my first try running it, I started it from the unit rather than from inside the GMC and noticed a fuel leak. The fuel line from the electric pump to the carb had a small crack, so I ordered a new one from Cummins for $12. BTW, they always want to know the model number of the generator rather than 4 or 6kw. So, if you have not run the generator for awhile, check it from next to the unit.
I had replaced the whole top end of the engine-heads, manifold, carb, etc. When I took the coach over for dash A/C work and removed the engine cover, I noticed oil in the manifold recesses and smelled fuel. Using a flashlight, I noticed I had not attached the piece that holds the distributor in place. It was there, just not where it was supposed to be. Having changed the fuel line carb to fuel pump, I checked the line at the carb and found it slightly loose. Corrected these problems and cleaned the manifold and no more leaks.
I replaced the air tank and fittings on the 74 GMC only to have a small air leak that I could not find. Turns out to be the valve that vents the water in the tank. I will now just replace that valve-never used- with a plug. I use Loctite(Red) rather than teflon tape on fittings where air is involved as the tape can get into the air system. If your air compressor runs all the time, there is a leak in the system or fault in the compressor.
I mentioned in another post how the valve stem on one Alcoa wheel broke off releasing all the air in the tire. Fortunately, the GMC was in my shop at the time. I ordered replacements(3 for good measure) at $3.97 each from the Alcoa retail outlet and Discount Tire replaced it for free. These valve stems are made in Austria!! Check them carefully for cracks.
While I always discourage my customers from installing a used furnace, I decided to replace my unit with another of the same model from a parts coach, but in better condition-less corrosion, etc. Always have a used unit bench tested by a good shop before installing. While I did this and it revealed a noisy blower and I changed the blower out with my old one, the unit did not work once I installed it. Turns out the gas valve into the unit was leaking. They could not detect this on the bench they said because the LPG in the coach is more pressurized or something. So, I had them remove the unit and install the valve from my old unit. It worked! I do not sell old furnaces as these type of problems or worse can occur. Had I not had parts that worked, there was no other recourse as parts are no longer made for the Suburban type II units. I also had them check my system for propane leaks. This is a good idea every two or three years or sooner for safety reasons.
In roaming the salvage yards, I noticed a number of burned out coaches-fortunately, not GMCs, but it raises the question of fire protection. One GMC at a rally caught on fire while no one was at home. Turned out, someone had wired something with a house electrical cord which could not handle the load. GMCers broke into the coach to put out the fire. I have a $400 automatic fire extinguisher in my engine compartment and I intend to install one in the generator compartment as well. I also carry a large fire extinguisher inside the coach. With 35 year old wiring in a jarring, moving environment, it just makes sense to be as well protected as possible and don't forget to have your fire extinguishers serviced ever so often, usually annually......Thx, Michael at GEMRECS
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| Re: MAINTENANCE [message #120987 is a reply to message #120930] |
Tue, 05 April 2011 18:54  |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Good point on the fire extinguishers! With the availability of the automatic extimguishers, it's a good idea to have them in the engine compartment, in the generator compartment, and behind the fridge if you have a propane fired refrigerator.
And certainly, have one handy by the door at all times!
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
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