| Mufflers and Heat Shields [message #160068] |
Sun, 12 February 2012 11:02  |
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WD0AFQ
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
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I saw Ken mentioned our mishap on Cajon Pass in another thread. Ask me all you want about mufflers with no shields but not in front of Teri. It is a sore subject. The 73-74 coaches have wooden floors and no shields between the mufflers and floor. If you own one of these year models, and drive it, go buy some shielding for the floor. Kelvin used two large pizza pans. My friend's coach burned last year with no heat shield.
I was passing everyone in sight climbing that monster hill. Teri kept smelling something. It was a clear day but I told her it was LA smog. Just as we crested the pass I looked back and my dog was at the door. There was a 12 inch flame shooting through the floor, where she normally rode. I made a fast exit and put the fire out in the truckstop drive at top of the pass. It was a bad, smelly, day after that. We drove straight to Jim K's and had the front mufflers removed and replaced with the 3 inch stainless and rear muffler, with heat shield. I like the noise being removed from the cabin but now I have no excuse not to hear Teri when she talks.
That is just one of our experiences. We have many. I would not drive with the propane on in a 73-74 either unless you have re-routed the lines. GM learned a few good things as they progressed building our coaches.
Not to scare anyone but we have kept the coach from burning at least once, maybe twice, with the glass engine cover. If you are concerned, put an automatic fire suppression system under the hatch that Jim Bounds sells. Don't forget the rear of the refer. I have one on the Onan too because we do run it sometimes going down the road so we have the roof air.
Most of all, make sure you can exit that coach. Maybe I am a little more "spooked" by fire than most. When I was 9 years old I nearly lost my life to fire.
Travel safe and life is good.
Dan
3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers
One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm
355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng.
Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System
Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows
Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
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| Re: Mufflers and Heat Shields [message #160122 is a reply to message #160068] |
Sun, 12 February 2012 18:53  |
bryant374
Messages: 563
Registered: May 2004
Location: Pleasant Valley, NY 12569
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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I have a late 1976 that has the floor insulation and aluminum sheet. I wanted additional heat shielding and bought a sheet of corrigated/galvanized roofing from Lowes, had enough for both mufflers with some left over, cheap and durable.
I also covered all the exposed plywood over the engine in the cab area (engine side)with galvanized sheel tin. That plywood has been baked for many years and it wouldn't take much to set it off.
Bill Bryant
PO 1976~PB (owned 34 years)
1914 Ford (owned 70 years)
1965 Corvette (owned 39 years)
GMC Motorhome History
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| Re: Mufflers and Heat Shields [message #160164 is a reply to message #160122] |
Mon, 13 February 2012 01:46 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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The rear mounted Flowmaster has a shield that goes over the muffler and it is held in place to the muffler with big radiator hose clamps.
I do not care what you use front or rear there needs to be a heat shield between it and the coach.
There was another one that burned to the ground after a Bean Station rally. He had a new muffler installed (not at Bean Station) and the coach caught fire above the muffler on his way home. I forget who it was.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: Mufflers and Heat Shields [message #160327 is a reply to message #160164] |
Tue, 14 February 2012 14:38 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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| Ken Burton wrote on Mon, 13 February 2012 01:46 |
The rear mounted Flowmaster has a shield that goes over the muffler and it is held in place to the muffler with big radiator hose clamps.
I do not care what you use front or rear there needs to be a heat shield between it and the coach.
There was another one that burned to the ground after a Bean Station rally. He had a new muffler installed (not at Bean Station) and the coach caught fire above the muffler on his way home. I forget who it was.
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Agree - on my transmode there is a hole burned through the aluminum sheet, the insulation and the 3/4" plywood floor above a joint in the exhaust pipe right next to the door. When I reinstall the exhaust in the '74 it will have a layer of galv steel and hi-temp insulation between any exhaust components and wood.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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