GMCforum
For enthusiast of the Classic GMC Motorhome built from 1973 to 1978. A web-based mirror of the GMCnet mailing list.

Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling)
Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #138924] Sat, 13 August 2011 18:34 Go to next message
rvanwin is currently offline  rvanwin   United States
Messages: 325
Registered: April 2007
Location: Battlefield, MO
Karma: 6
Senior Member
After a busy two days of troubleshooting and wrenching we finally got the Possum coach ready for travel (I use that term lightly). The earlier work party had accomplished a lot in the one day they worked by getting the exhaust system installed and cleaning up the fuel tank and lines. However, when we arrived Wed. evening, the coach would start but we could not keep it running. So, Thursday Morning, I started troubleshooting the engine and then the brakes were next. To simplify, the following is a list of what I did:

1. Found crud in the little filter to the carb. I replace with a spare I had brought. Started better and ran a little longer but no go.
2. Decided mechanical pump was not pumping sufficient volume.
3. Hooked electric (marine fuel pump) direct to carb. It flooded the carb so I thought maybe pressure too high - didn't have gauge.
4. Ran hose (gravity feed) from 5 gal can - still flooded carb and I couldn't stop it by tapping, etc.
5. Do I open up the carb (i'm not much of a carb guy) or put the spare carb on that I brought with me. I opted for the latter. Started up and ran like a champ.
6. Decided to get a Carter P4070 to insure good reliable fuel flow.
7. Brakes - no pedal. Started to bleed the brakes. Each time my able assistant (Margie), pushed the pedal all that happened was a geyser out of the MC. Decided that fluid was leaking back past the piston because we couldn't get any flow to speak of out of the bleeder. (needed Hupy's power bleeder Smile
8. Put the spare MC on that I had brought with me.
9. Bled the brakes and had strong pedal.
10. Put the P4070 pump on that came in Fri morning.
11. Ready to get it off of the blocks. Got the rear down but the front needed to be backed down because it was on a ramp. No problem because it runs.
12. Put it in reverse - nothing, drive - nothing, S - nothing, L - nothing, you get the idea, there was nothing.
13. Checked oil - nothing!
14. Off to the auto parts and get two quarts. Ended up putting both in and it moved off the ramps.
15. found why there was no oil. The PO had put a pressure gauge on the line to the radiator cooler. It was a manual gauge with a capillary tube running up to the dash. It is a little tube but sure can spray a lot of oil around if it has a leak. Need a 1/8 pipe plug to replace the tube. Couldn't find one but I did have a schrader valve I had brought just in case the air bags didn't have one. No more transmission leak.
16. Test drive to auto parts for more transmission fluid. Put another quart and a half to finally get it to level.
17. On way back to Dave's it stopped. Back to old habit of starting but would not stay running. Sent wife (she's really a trooper) for the gas can and fuel hose. Tried the gravity feed - nothing. Changed the little filter and back in business.
18. Tied tail pipe, secured dump line that was sagging, put AC shroud back on, duck tape the hole in the roof, removed flopping awning on driver's side, aired up passenger side bag, and probably several more little issues.
19. End of day 2 and ready to leave the following morning.

More to come...


Randy & Margie
'77 Eleganza II '403'
Battlefield, MO
Re: Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #138931 is a reply to message #138924] Sat, 13 August 2011 19:06 Go to previous messageGo to next message
hertfordnc is currently offline  hertfordnc   United States
Messages: 1164
Registered: September 2009
Location: East NC
Karma: 0
Senior Member
You got an amazing amount of stuff done in two days ( i was not much help)

But I'd really like to know how today went.

Where are you ?


Dave & Ellen Silva Hertford, NC 76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021 It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
Re: Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #138932 is a reply to message #138924] Sat, 13 August 2011 19:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
rvanwin is currently offline  rvanwin   United States
Messages: 325
Registered: April 2007
Location: Battlefield, MO
Karma: 6
Senior Member
rvanwin wrote on Sat, 13 August 2011 18:34


19. End of day 2 and ready to leave the following morning.

More to come...


First day rolling. But before we could leave, the alternator belt needed tightening (what a pain, the PO had rounded off the clamping bolt so couldn't get it loose to swing the alternator out to tighten. Ended up taking the alternator off to get the bolt loose, Grrrr.

We said goodbye to Dave and Ellen and off we went. Down Dave's street, turn right to get to the main road and it died. Didn't have the heart to tell Dave we didn't make it. It was some kind of electrical problem so I checked up front and found a wire (maybe a clothes hanger laying across some of the wires near the battery. Got that out of there and it ran fine. So off we went but not without several more stops some planned, some unplanned:

1. Noticed the alternator not charging. Somebody forgot to plug the APC wire back in. duh!!!
2. Made to I-64 and it started surging. Pulled off and put an in-line filter before the carb and removed the little filter in the carb. Seemed to fix that problem.
3. Pulled over to check routes (we needed to decide whether to go south or take I-40). Started then died. The float valve was not shutting flow off. Tapped it and it was OK.
4. Had a couple more times when the float valve wouldn't shut off. Seems to occur when really hot out. On-going problem.
5. Exhaust manifold leak kept getting louder so tighten those bolts (they were loose). Helped but still a manifold leak. Can't hear it when the Harleys pass with their straight pipes. Maybe I can just follow them.

We are stopped in Florence, SC for the night - it has been a long, long, day.

Current issues:

1. Dip stick is broken where it enters the block. I changed oil so know that we started with the oil level at full. Anybody know how to determine if you are low on oil? I can't seem to find the hole down into the sump or could calibrate my own dip stick. I had this problem on my 403 but could find the hole into the block but I'm not having much luck on the 455. Suggestions welcome. My current plan is to put a 1/2 to 3/4 qt in about every 500 miles.

2. Burned out headlight. I forgot my parts interchange book (duh), so if anyone has the part number for the basic headlight replacement. I'm thinking we may want to travel at night some to avoid heat.

3. Runs pretty hot. If the gauge is correct, it is running about 205 going 55. Seems to go up quickly when under load. I have checked the weights on the distributor and they are free. This is the reason I decided on the southern route. I have no confidence that the system can expel all the heat that would be generated making that 5 mile 6% grade near Ashville. This is why I'm considering running really early mornings (before light) - not to mention that there is no AC in the coach!

4. Windshield wipers are rotted out. Have rain-x but didn't fare too well during the downpour today.

All in all, a great time!



Randy & Margie
'77 Eleganza II '403'
Battlefield, MO
Re: Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #138934 is a reply to message #138932] Sat, 13 August 2011 19:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jknezek is currently offline  jknezek   United States
Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 5
Senior Member
Holy Cow. That is going to be one long canon ball run at this point. I don't blame you skipping the rise outside Asheville. I ran that last year pulling my HHR and it seemed to go on forever. Even with a 3.55 final drive I just tucked in behind a truck, dropped into second, and eased my way up. In a coach that is a bit iffy, that would have been a challenge.

If you need a rest near Birmingham let me know. I'm on the Black list, about 20 miles south of I20 about 4 miles off I65, and I can get you plugged in to 15 amps at the top of the drive if the coach will get up to the top. If not, we can leave it on the front lawn for a night. Would have a good guestroom and shower open for you.

Good luck on the run. If you come this way on I20, take the new corridor X from a couple miles north of Birmingham straight up to Memphis. Almost no traffic, very few grades of any kind (though uphill all the way), and someone has already posted directions into a different thread on the easy way to get there from I65 (interchange is still under construction).

Finally, if you hit a snag that can't be dealt with, there is a very good GMC mechanic in Bessemer, about 15 miles west of Birmingham. He's on the "other providers" list and has 2 or 3 of his own coaches and cares for 3 or 4 more in the area, including mine.


Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
Re: Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #138939 is a reply to message #138934] Sat, 13 August 2011 19:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
hal kading is currently offline  hal kading   United States
Messages: 642
Registered: February 2004
Location: Las Cruces NM
Karma: 4
Senior Member
Randy & Margie,

Sounds like you are having a ball. Wish I was there to help. Another adventure to remember for many years. GMC'ers are the best!

Hal Kading 78 Buskirk Las Cruces NM

Re: Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #138940 is a reply to message #138932] Sat, 13 August 2011 19:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
rvanwin wrote on Sat, 13 August 2011 20:07

<snip>
Current issues:

1. Dip stick is broken where it enters the block. I changed oil so know that we started with the oil level at full. Anybody know how to determine if you are low on oil? I can't seem to find the hole down into the sump or could calibrate my own dip stick. I had this problem on my 403 but could find the hole into the block but I'm not having much luck on the 455. Suggestions welcome. My current plan is to put a 1/2 to 3/4 qt in about every 500 miles.

2. Burned out headlight. I forgot my parts interchange book (duh), so if anyone has the part number for the basic headlight replacement. I'm thinking we may want to travel at night some to avoid heat.

3. Runs pretty hot. If the gauge is correct, it is running about 205 going 55. Seems to go up quickly when under load. I have checked the weights on the distributor and they are free. This is the reason I decided on the southern route. I have no confidence that the system can expel all the heat that would be generated making that 5 mile 6% grade near Ashville. This is why I'm considering running really early mornings (before light) - not to mention that there is no AC in the coach!

4. Windshield wipers are rotted out. Have rain-x but didn't fare too well during the downpour today.

All in all, a great time!



Randy,

The dipstick (excuse me - lube oil level indicator) goes through the block just about the pan rail about behind the transmission governor (IIRC). It could be behind the final drive in an assemble unit.... Like the add oil every 500 miles and if you hear lifters clatter, shut down right away.

Check the connector before you buy a bulb. One of mine is terminally loose. The bulb is a standard 6024 "7 round. Do not change it over gravel as there are some little screws you can loose.

205 is not killer, but I like the idea of avoiding the long grade.

Rainex on a GMC only works well over about 35 mph and at that speed it is better than the OE wipers.

Good Luck Folks

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #138944 is a reply to message #138924] Sat, 13 August 2011 20:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jaholland is currently offline  jaholland   United States
Messages: 565
Registered: June 2010
Location: Sweet Home Alebamy
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Randy;

My Suggested Route For You ~

Take I-20 West straight thru Atlanta to Birmingham

Turn North on I-65 In Downtown Birmingham

Go 2 Exits North on I-65 to Daniel Payne Blvd Exit #264 {at Flying J}

Go 1 mile West on Daniel Payne Blvd To Coalburg Road North {at Fed-X}

Go 1 Mile North on Coalburg Road {only 1 mile of 2 lane road}

Turn Left On the New I-22 North

Take I-22 North to US 45 {4 lane} North {at Tupelo Mississippi}

Take US 45 N To US 412 West {at Jackson Tennessee}

Take US 412 W merges with I-155 At Dyersburg Tennessee

Go over the Big Muddy and across the Mo Boot Heel On US 412 West
To US 62/63 {at Walnut Ridge Arkansas}

Take US 63 North To US 60 West {at Cabool Missouri}

Take US 60 West to the North Kansas Expressway {Hwy 13 N}
~ you'll be in your home territory ~

We Always Take This Route In Our Eleganza II To The Branson and KC Area
It has light traffic and real good smooth roads all of the way ~

~ Joe ~

Besides I-40 & I-55 In ArKansas Are The Roughest Roads In The Entire U S of A ~


/_]*[__][] *[__|] ~ * '73 TZE063V101887 "
" O----------OO--]* ~ '78 TZE168V100234 "
" " Joe & Lavelle " "
" 'sweet home alebamy'

[Updated on: Sat, 13 August 2011 20:33]

Report message to a moderator

Re: [GMCnet] Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #138952 is a reply to message #138932] Sat, 13 August 2011 20:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Randy,

I would be very concerned about the float not shutting off fuel flow, IIRC
that's what caused Ken B's coach to catch fire.

Re the current issues:

1) No idea, but will think about it. Your plan makes sense.

2) HEADLIGHTS

Sylvania Silver Star = H6024ST

3) IIRC this coach has been sitting for a LONG time; probably needs to have
the radiator removed, boiled out; and tested. Running some radiator flush
thru it while in transit is risky; the flush may eat away corrosion and
create a leak (s). Are there any traces of green (indicating seepage) on the
face / back that you can see? Is the cap on the radiator marked with the
pressure?

4) The GMCMI Parts Interchange lists complete assemblies and blade refills.
Since you probably have no idea as to what brand is this coach here's the
complete assemblies:

WINSHIELD WIPER BLADE ASSEMBLY, COMPLETE

Anco 5/8" wide = 52-20
Napa (WIP) = 60-2065
Trico 1/2" wide (Silver) = 64-200
Trico 1/2" wide (Black) = 64-201
Trico 1/2" wide (Winter) = 66-200
Napa 1/2" wide (Silver) = WIP 60-2070
Napa 1/2" wide (Black) = WIP 60-2071
Napa 1/2" wide (Winter) = WIP 60-2060

Here's a link to the Service Provider list from Bdub's website:

http://www.bdub.net/GMCServiceComments.pdf

Here's the address of the mechanic that Jeremy mentioned:

Alabama RV
521 19th St N
Bessemer, AL, 35020
Tel: 205-425-7900
Owner: Mark Creel
Comments: Mark was a dealer/mechanic for the GMC's back in the 70s. He still
has at least one GMC at all times and takes care of at least 4 or 5 in the
Birmingham area. He does a lot of SOB work to pay the bills, but the GMC is
his passion.
Submitted by: Jeremy Knezek

Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia


-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Randy Van Winkle
Sent: Sunday, 14 August 2011 10:08 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling)



rvanwin wrote on Sat, 13 August 2011 18:34
> 19. End of day 2 and ready to leave the following morning.
>
> More to come...

First day rolling. But before we could leave, the alternator belt needed
tightening (what a pain, the PO had rounded off the clamping bolt so
couldn't get it loose to swing the alternator out to tighten. Ended up
taking the alternator off to get the bolt loose, Grrrr.

We said goodbye to Dave and Ellen and off we went. Down Dave's street, turn
right to get to the main road and it died. Didn't have the heart to tell
Dave we didn't make it. It was some kind of electrical problem so I checked
up front and found a wire (maybe a clothes hanger laying across some of the
wires near the battery. Got that out of there and it ran fine. So off we
went but not without several more stops some planned, some unplanned:

1. Noticed the alternator not charging. Somebody forgot to plug the APC
wire back in. duh!!!
2. Made to I-64 and it started surging. Pulled off and put an in-line
filter before the carb and removed the little filter in the carb. Seemed to
fix that problem.
3. Pulled over to check routes (we needed to decide whether to go south or
take I-40). Started then died. The float valve was not shutting flow off.
Tapped it and it was OK.
4. Had a couple more times when the float valve wouldn't shut off. Seems
to occur when really hot out. On-going problem.
5. Exhaust manifold leak kept getting louder so tighten those bolts (they
were loose). Helped but still a manifold leak. Can't hear it when the
Harleys pass with their straight pipes. Maybe I can just follow them.

We are stopped in Florence, SC for the night - it has been a long, long,
day.

Current issues:

1. Dip stick is broken where it enters the block. I changed oil so know
that we started with the oil level at full. Anybody know how to determine
if you are low on oil? I can't seem to find the hole down into the sump or
could calibrate my own dip stick. I had this problem on my 403 but could
find the hole into the block but I'm not having much luck on the 455.
Suggestions welcome. My current plan is to put a 1/2 to 3/4 qt in about
every 500 miles.

2. Burned out headlight. I forgot my parts interchange book (duh), so if
anyone has the part number for the basic headlight replacement. I'm
thinking we may want to travel at night some to avoid heat.

3. Runs pretty hot. If the gauge is correct, it is running about 205 going
55. Seems to go up quickly when under load. I have checked the weights on
the distributor and they are free. This is the reason I decided on the
southern route. I have no confidence that the system can expel all the heat
that would be generated making that 5 mile 6% grade near Ashville. This is
why I'm considering running really early mornings (before light) - not to
mention that there is no AC in the coach!

4. Windshield wipers are rotted out. Have rain-x but didn't fare too well
during the downpour today.

All in all, a great time!


--
Randy & Margie
'77 Eleganza II '403'
Battlefield, MO
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #138954 is a reply to message #138952] Sat, 13 August 2011 21:01 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
Test or replace the thermostat also. Its on the front of the engine,
under the "domed" cover where the radiator hose meets the engine.

S. Williams
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Re: Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #138997 is a reply to message #138934] Sun, 14 August 2011 05:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
rvanwin is currently offline  rvanwin   United States
Messages: 325
Registered: April 2007
Location: Battlefield, MO
Karma: 6
Senior Member
jknezek wrote on Sat, 13 August 2011 19:17



If you need a rest near Birmingham let me know. I'm on the Black list, about 20 miles south of I20 about 4 miles off I65, and I can get you plugged in to 15 amps at the top of the drive if the coach will get up to the top. If not, we can leave it on the front lawn for a night.

Jeremy,

Thanks for the invite. Don't have need for a hookup. The house portion of the coach is not operational plus we have no room to stay in the coach. It is pretty well gutted inside and all of the cabinets, wheel wells, etc. are stacked inside taking up all available space.

Not sure what our schedule will be. It will depend upon the coach and how long we can stay at it each day.


Randy & Margie
'77 Eleganza II '403'
Battlefield, MO
Re: Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #138998 is a reply to message #138940] Sun, 14 August 2011 05:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
rvanwin is currently offline  rvanwin   United States
Messages: 325
Registered: April 2007
Location: Battlefield, MO
Karma: 6
Senior Member
mcolie wrote on Sat, 13 August 2011 19:55


The dipstick (excuse me - lube oil level indicator) goes through the block just about the pan rail about behind the transmission governor (IIRC). It could be behind the final drive in an assemble unit.... Like the add oil every 500 miles and if you hear lifters clatter, shut down right away.

Check the connector before you buy a bulb. One of mine is terminally loose. The bulb is a standard 6024 "7 round. Do not change it over gravel as there are some little screws you can loose.

205 is not killer, but I like the idea of avoiding the long grade.

Rainex on a GMC only works well over about 35 mph and at that speed it is better than the OE wipers.

Good Luck Folks

Matt

Matt,

That was what I was thinking on the dipstick but can't seem to locate the actual inlet.

Got a bulb last night so will get that changed today. May need to travel some during darkness to avoid some of the heat.

The PO has done an extensive amount of work to help with the heat. I'm thinking the radiator needs attention and he was putting bandaids on. There are two electric fans mounted in front of the AC condenser. I think they are doing more harm than good by restricting air flow. He has reworked the fan shroud. Still has the fan clutch. It seems to work at start-up but I haven't heard it come on while driving. The gauge may not be reading accurately. The OEM gauge does not work.



Randy & Margie
'77 Eleganza II '403'
Battlefield, MO
Re: Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #138999 is a reply to message #138944] Sun, 14 August 2011 05:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
rvanwin is currently offline  rvanwin   United States
Messages: 325
Registered: April 2007
Location: Battlefield, MO
Karma: 6
Senior Member
jaholland wrote on Sat, 13 August 2011 20:17


Take US 45 N To US 412 West {at Jackson Tennessee}

Take US 412 W merges with I-155 At Dyersburg Tennessee

Go over the Big Muddy and across the Mo Boot Heel On US 412 West
To US 62/63 {at Walnut Ridge Arkansas}

Take US 63 North To US 60 West {at Cabool Missouri}

Take US 60 West to the North Kansas Expressway {Hwy 13 N}
~ you'll be in your home territory ~


Joe,

Thanks for the information. We will study our route. I have taken the same route from Jackson to Springfield several times. However, our son lives in St. Charles, MO so we will probably go that way then over to Kansas City.


Randy & Margie
'77 Eleganza II '403'
Battlefield, MO
Re: [GMCnet] Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #139000 is a reply to message #138954] Sun, 14 August 2011 05:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
rvanwin is currently offline  rvanwin   United States
Messages: 325
Registered: April 2007
Location: Battlefield, MO
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Sammy Williams wrote on Sat, 13 August 2011 21:01

Test or replace the thermostat also. Its on the front of the engine,
under the "domed" cover where the radiator hose meets the engine.



Sammy,

Yes, I have thought about that but it hasn't come to the top of the list yet. As long as the temps don't get any higher, I'm good. So far as the temps get up they do stabilize so I think the thermostat is opening and closing. If the thermostat is full open then a new one won't help anything. But it is on the list so we will see.



Randy & Margie
'77 Eleganza II '403'
Battlefield, MO
Re: Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #139026 is a reply to message #138999] Sun, 14 August 2011 09:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jaholland is currently offline  jaholland   United States
Messages: 565
Registered: June 2010
Location: Sweet Home Alebamy
Karma: 0
Senior Member
[quote}
Joe,

Thanks for the information. We will study our route. I have taken the same route from Jackson to Springfield several times. However, our son lives in St. Charles, MO so we will probably go that way then over to Kansas City.[/quote]


Randy;

I-22 to Tupelo Mississippi,
US 45 N to Jackson Tennessee,
US 412 W To Dyersburg Tennessee,
Cross The Big Muddy and go North on I-55
to the St Louie/St Charlie Area
and still miss the long pulls ~

~ Joe ~


/_]*[__][] *[__|] ~ * '73 TZE063V101887 "
" O----------OO--]* ~ '78 TZE168V100234 "
" " Joe & Lavelle " "
" 'sweet home alebamy'
Re: Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #139131 is a reply to message #138924] Sun, 14 August 2011 17:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
Update -

Got a Call from Randy ~~ 3P today, from the Pilot station in Madison, Ga. Coach spit the alternator belt off. It appears to have an oversize pulley on, and it had an 11 wide on it. I headed up to the local AutoZone, which has a reasonably knowledgable counterman who will look by size instead of blindly looking in his computer for a nonexistant vehicle. Just as he pulled one off the shelf, Randy called and said the local O'Reilley's had one, once they let him go look for it. He was going to install it and press on, in hopes of getting past Atlanta tonight before stopping. A wise idea, this saves an hour of lousy traffic tomorrow monring.
Since it's 6:30 and I haven't heard back, I assume the new belt fit and the possum is on the move again.

--johnny


Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
Re: Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #139166 is a reply to message #139131] Sun, 14 August 2011 20:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
rvanwin is currently offline  rvanwin   United States
Messages: 325
Registered: April 2007
Location: Battlefield, MO
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Johnny Bridges wrote on Sun, 14 August 2011 17:29


Since it's 6:30 and I haven't heard back, I assume the new belt fit and the possum is on the move again.

--johnny

We only had two unplanned stops today. With Johnny as a sounding board, I was able to get the correct alternator belt and finally got it installed. The PO had made a custom shroud that fit so tightly around the fan I couldn't get the belt slipped in around it. I think I now know why he had narrow belts. He could get those around the fan. That was our longest stop.

The other stop occurred a couple of hours earlier. The exhaust leak I mentioned kept getting louder even though I had tighten the exhaust manifold bolts several times. I looked under and the exhaust pipe going into the muffler had come loose. The clamp had lost it's nuts and I couldn't find any that fit. Found a clamp on the tailpipe that was not doing much of anything and took that and clamped the exhaust pipe back to the muffler. Also, the donut on the passenger side was leaking. One bolt had stripped out. I did find a nut that fit that bolt and put a nut on the back side and tighten it up.

We have stopped for the night about half way between Atlanta and Birmingham. Will get an early start in the morning. Will have to work on the exhaust again as my repair has slipped loose again. I really hate exhaust systems.

We have decided to go back through Springfield. Someone had suggested that route. That way we can spend at least one night at home then on up to Marsha's.

Making progress...


Randy & Margie
'77 Eleganza II '403'
Battlefield, MO
Re: Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #139184 is a reply to message #139166] Sun, 14 August 2011 20:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dennis S is currently offline  Dennis S   United States
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
Senior Member
Randy,

Thanks for the update -- a lot of us are thinking about you and hoping for the best.

Your story should be a great contender among the "GMC rescue" legends.

Dennis

[quote
We only had two unplanned stops today. With Johnny as a sounding board, I was able to get the correct alternator belt and finally got it installed. The PO had made a custom shroud that fit so tightly around the fan I couldn't get the belt slipped in around it. I think I now know why he had narrow belts. He could get those around the fan. That was our longest stop.

The other stop occurred a couple of hours earlier. The exhaust leak I mentioned kept getting louder even though I had tighten the exhaust manifold bolts several times. I looked under and the exhaust pipe going into the muffler had come loose. The clamp had lost it's nuts and I couldn't find any that fit. Found a clamp on the tailpipe that was not doing much of anything and took that and clamped the exhaust pipe back to the muffler. Also, the donut on the passenger side was leaking. One bolt had stripped out. I did find a nut that fit that bolt and put a nut on the back side and tighten it up.

We have stopped for the night about half way between Atlanta and Birmingham. Will get an early start in the morning. Will have to work on the exhaust again as my repair has slipped loose again. I really hate exhaust systems.

We have decided to go back through Springfield. Someone had suggested that route. That way we can spend at least one night at home then on up to Marsha's.

Making progress...[/quote]


Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
Re: Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #139189 is a reply to message #139166] Sun, 14 August 2011 21:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jaholland is currently offline  jaholland   United States
Messages: 565
Registered: June 2010
Location: Sweet Home Alebamy
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Randy;


Turn North on I-65 In Downtown Birmingham

Go 2 Exits North on I-65 to Daniel Payne Blvd Exit #264
after exiting, go past Flying J on your right ~
This Flying J is a reasonable fuel stop
and the last decent place to stop til you get to Fulton Mississippi

Go 1 mile West on Daniel Payne Blvd
Turn right on Coalburg Road North
{after turning the Fed-X Dist. Center will be on your left}

Go 1 Mile on Coalburg Road
{only 1 mile on the 2 lane road}
Turn Left Onto The New I-22 Xway North

After crossing into Mississippi on I-22,
stop at the Fulton Mississippe Walmart {on your left}
for the lowest price Gas in Mississippi

Take I-22 North from Fulton Mississippe to US 45 North
{at Tupelo Mississippi}
Good Smooth 4 Lane Road all of the way to Jackson Tennessee

Lf you like good Catfish. just as you enter Jackson, Catfish Cabin is on the right `

Take US 45 N To US 412 West {at Jackson Tennessee}
{US 412 W Is a good smooth 4 lane road to the Missouri Bootheel}

Take US 412 W merges with I-155 At Dyersburg Tennessee

Go over the Big Muddy and across the Mo Boot Heel
On US 412 West To US 62/63 {at Walnut Ridge Arkansas}

Take US 63 North To US 60 West {at Cabool Missouri}
~ you'll be in your home territory ~

Take US 60 West to the North Kansas Expressway {Hwy 13 N}

~ Happy Trails To Yoouse Guys ~

~ Joe ~


/_]*[__][] *[__|] ~ * '73 TZE063V101887 "
" O----------OO--]* ~ '78 TZE168V100234 "
" " Joe & Lavelle " "
" 'sweet home alebamy'

[Updated on: Sun, 14 August 2011 21:23]

Report message to a moderator

Re: Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #139190 is a reply to message #139184] Sun, 14 August 2011 21:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Keith V is currently offline  Keith V   United States
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
Senior Member
This GMC group/family/cult is amazing.
From the Suppliers like Jim and of course Jim, to even the silent suppliers to the community.

I was talking to a fellow camper this weekend who had a 40' 5th wheel and when he mentioned getting part/service for the ol girl I told him a few stories for woe and rescue in GMC land.
The poor guys jaw is going to hurt for a week it hit the ground so hard.

Keith, Waiting for my turn to contribute!


Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
Re: Possum on the Move (Marsha's Coach is Rolling) [message #139223 is a reply to message #139190] Mon, 15 August 2011 06:33 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
hertfordnc is currently offline  hertfordnc   United States
Messages: 1164
Registered: September 2009
Location: East NC
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Darn, what idiot put that exhaust together?

Oh, that was me. Sorry Randy. Probably should have gone back with bigger better clamps.


This is turning into a fantasic story. Maybe Stick can cobble it all together and find a publisher.




Dave & Ellen Silva Hertford, NC 76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021 It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.

[Updated on: Mon, 15 August 2011 06:33]

Report message to a moderator

Previous Topic: Goshen Online Registration???
Next Topic: [GMCnet] LP Detector
Goto Forum:
  


Current Time: Sat Oct 12 09:28:11 CDT 2024

Total time taken to generate the page: 1.72763 seconds