Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » out of hibernation
| out of hibernation [message #315220] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 06:24  |
kstockwell
Messages: 367
Registered: May 2016
Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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I spent my first summer with the GMC learning the steering, checking the oil, carefully refilling the fuel tank, enjoying the rig and doing a few modifications.
This fall we had a car port roof built to keep her under. I figured out how to block up the rear wheels (I had to use the bottle jack in stages to get the blocks under it). I checked the battery water level once, it was really hard to get to so I didn't do it again all winter. I covered the wheels, set and checked mouse traps, winterized it.
I did not change the oil before winter, I know I should have.... I did not do anything with the fuel, I know I should have...
Despite the forecast for 12+ of snow tomorrow, we're taking it out the following weekend, 2 hours away; and I'm getting anxious about things I need to worry about for this first trip. My plan is to bring it to a mechanic for a full checkup (look at brakes, all fluids, front end, etc).
To do:
change the oil (what other fluids do I need to change before this one trip?)
check water in the batteries
unblock the rear wheels (i lost air pressure but I have shut off valves, do I open the shutoff valves and then re inflate them while it's blocked up? I'm worried of opening the valve and having the coach drop like a rock, the leak is in the lines, not the bags)
clean it up inside
take it out for a little spin around the neighborhood (down and back a few exits on the highway)
make sure the water system is up and running
make sure the propane is up and running
make sure the fridge works for all the beer I'll be putting in it
use it.
what am i forgetting?
My anxiety level is that of the morning after, did I do the right thing? I loved using it last year (well it's a little stressful to drive- it wanders a lot especially on highways with truck divots) but I don't have a mechanic yet who can work on it. I'm not confident yet that I can take it on longer trips although it's a coach that went XC multiple times before I bought it, has 6 new tires, and was worked on 3 years ago by Cinnabar.
As far as the wandering, I think I'd like to try the TruTracks, and maybe the quad bag air system. Frankly the thought of the big bags on it blowing scare the sh#t out of me- and I think with 4 smaller bags there's a lower chance of explosion and if it does happen you have 3 more bags.
thanks for suggestions/encouragement
kelly
putney VT
1978 Kingsley
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
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| Re: out of hibernation [message #315227 is a reply to message #315220] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 08:37  |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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air it up and remove the blocks - at l;east that's what I do. I ran it all the way up when I parked it, blocked, and then let the air out so it settled on the blocks. Then run it up the highway and back and change the oil. Check steering fluid, transmission fluid and tire pressure. If you've got a spare air bag or a piece of threaded rod and a bottle jack you can stand a failure. Or buy any of several replacements. Some like the 4 bag systems, some (like me) are perfectly happy with the singles. The steering shouldn't wander if it's properly aligned and tight. Alex Ferrara is the guru of GMC steering, look for his recommendations. He also has a new 4 bag system which seems to be reasonably priced. If I were going to jack it up and play with the rear suspension, I'd add a set of reaction arms and the tru track only adds about a hundred to the price.
You should be running the genset now and again with a load, to keep it oiled up and happy. (Me and Colie disagree here) Once the snow goes away, put it on the road and go. The Black List, a credit card, and a basic tool set should get you pretty much anywhere. There's gonna be an eclipse in August, and while the campground many of us are usingt is full, there are options in the Dillard GA area.
--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
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| Re: [GMCnet] out of hibernation [message #315228 is a reply to message #315227] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 08:50 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I'm like Johnny,
I drop it on 2 4x4s which is almost all the way down and gets the coach levelish on my driveway.
Before any trip, I do the following:
Check tire air pressure
Tourque the lug nuts all 48 of them
Grease the bogies
check the wiring and tanks underneath for mouse damage
run the generator
check that all cabinet doors are closed and locked
Fire it up and hit the highway!
I change the oil in the spring. I don't change it in the fall cause it just sits in the pan.
I don't run it before changing it I just do it on a warm day and let it drain for a long time.
I have a good battery charger it never causes the batteries to lose water, at least over 8 years it hasn't
________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Johnny Bridges via Gmclist
Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 8:37:49 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Cc: Johnny Bridges
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] out of hibernation
air it up and remove the blocks - at l;east that's what I do. I ran it all the way up when I parked it, blocked, and then let the air out so it
settled on the blocks. Then run it up the highway and back and change the oil. Check steering fluid, transmission fluid and tire pressure. If
you've got a spare air bag or a piece of threaded rod and a bottle jack you can stand a failure. Or buy any of several replacements. Some like the 4
bag systems, some (like me) are perfectly happy with the singles. The steering shouldn't wander if it's properly aligned and tight. Alex Ferrara is
the guru of GMC steering, look for his recommendations. He also has a new 4 bag system which seems to be reasonably priced. If I were going to jack
it up and play with the rear suspension, I'd add a set of reaction arms and the tru track only adds about a hundred to the price.
You should be running the genset now and again with a load, to keep it oiled up and happy. (Me and Colie disagree here) Once the snow goes away, put
it on the road and go. The Black List, a credit card, and a basic tool set should get you pretty much anywhere. There's gonna be an eclipse in
August, and while the campground many of us are usingt is full, there are options in the Dillard GA area.
--johnny
--
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" - ol Andy, paraphrased
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Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: out of hibernation [message #315230 is a reply to message #315220] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 09:56 |
77Royale
Messages: 461
Registered: June 2014
Location: Mid Michigan
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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(i lost air pressure but I have shut off valves, do I open the shutoff valves and then re inflate them while it's blocked up? I'm worried of opening the valve and having the coach drop like a rock, the leak is in the lines, not the bags)
As long as you dont have a massive leak in the bag itself, or a Massive Leak in a line going from the on board compressor check valve to the bag, opening the shutoff valve should not drop the coach. Open the valves slowly always anyway as a good safety measure. I take a spray bottle with some soapy water in it and spray the bags down and all the lines to check for bubbles.
You will need to open the valves if you intend to put air in the bags, Either from the onboard compressor, or via an outside compressor.
The onboard compressor system has a brass one way check valve on it, So if its working properly, as long as you dont have a massive leak in the bags or any of the lines AFTER the Check valve, you should be fine.
77 Royale, Rear Dry Bath. 403, 3.55 Final Drive, Lenzi goodies, Patterson carb and dizzy.
Mid Michigan
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| Re: out of hibernation [message #315232 is a reply to message #315230] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 10:13 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367
Registered: May 2016
Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Thanks all!
greasing the bogies, I kept wanting to do that last year and then feeling intimidated... I have a grease gun, what kind of grease? how does it work (sorry, super ignorant) Just latch on and squeeze till i see goo?
-Tighten the lugs (all 48) and tire pressure, yes!
-run the generator, sheesh, i never use it- i know i need to run it but i forget. i did run it for 10 minutes at the end of last year to show off that it worked
-wiring and tanks underneath for mice, yes- and while still on blocks
-air in the bags while on blocks, it occurred to me after writing that the volume in the air lines is not big and it wouldn't drop like a rock- still better to do on blocks. i have a big chunk of rebar the right length that i assume is for emergencies, one bag drops air over an extended period of time (for now)
-it won't be warm when i change the oil, i was going to let it idle for a bit then shut down and drain the oil and refill.
-i'll figure out where the trans/steering fluid is check and top off, i needed to add a bit of coolant once last year
As far as steering, I know there's a big process for aligning it but it seems overwhelming and I'm not sure if it's something I can do. I did get used to the steering; but I can still find myself going into a sinusoidal pattern and it's never relaxed driving/steering for me. the response time just seems slow and more than i expect. I don't know what's normal, i'm not comfortable with only one hand on the wheel for any length of time. if I let go it doesn't immediatley pull to one side or another- it really feels like it's the response. The first 50 miles was terrifying, I took a break and when I returned I was already better at it. It feels like the ass end is just wandering all over the place and if I'm in truck ruts it's really noticeable.
As always thanks for the advice! We're now expecting more snow tomorrow.... and I live on a dirt road. I have mud and snow tires and hope I don't need to use them
-kelly
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
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| Re: out of hibernation [message #315233 is a reply to message #315232] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 10:30 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367
Registered: May 2016
Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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I looked it up here once, but can't find it
what oil filter do I use? (hoping to not start an oil war thread)
thanks
kelly
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
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| Re: out of hibernation [message #315235 is a reply to message #315232] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 11:53 |
A Hamilto
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
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Senior Member |
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kstockwell wrote on Thu, 30 March 2017 10:13Thanks all!
greasing the bogies, I kept wanting to do that last year and then feeling intimidated... I have a grease gun, what kind of grease? how does it work (sorry, super ignorant) Just latch on and squeeze till i see goo?... Any kind of grease. Don't need good (expensive) axle grease in the bogie pins. A lot of people only carry one grease gun (with high quality axle grease in it) for everything, so their bogies end up with the good stuff in them.
At least three good full pumps per fitting. If you have the older pin size (1-1/4"), there are grease fittings on the back side that need to be greased because the grease cavities inside the pin are not connected. Each pin has two bushings. Each fitting lubes one bushing. Four fittings per bogie. Eight fittings total.
Do not crawl under the GMC without supporting it with jackstands or blocking or life insurance up to date. When under the rear, a bag can blow, when under the front, a torsion bar can break or socket slip. Leaving your survivors with whatever provisions you have made for them.
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| Re: out of hibernation [message #315237 is a reply to message #315233] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 11:58 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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kstockwell wrote on Thu, 30 March 2017 08:30I looked it up here once, but can't find it
what oil filter do I use? (hoping to not start an oil war thread)
thanks
kelly
Wix 51258 - oil
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
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| Re: out of hibernation [message #315239 is a reply to message #315237] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 12:39 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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It's always a good idea to check your brake fluid along with all the others (transmission, PS, coolant, etc)
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
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| Re: out of hibernation [message #315240 is a reply to message #315237] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 12:42 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Carl S. wrote on Thu, 30 March 2017 09:58kstockwell wrote on Thu, 30 March 2017 08:30I looked it up here once, but can't find it
what oil filter do I use? (hoping to not start an oil war thread)
thanks
kelly
Wix 51258 - oil
It's just been pointed out to me that you have a '78 Kingsley (I wasn't paying attention) so the filter is a Wix 51045 for a 403 engine. Presumably that's what you have rather than a 455, which the other filter is for.
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
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| Re: out of hibernation [message #315244 is a reply to message #315235] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 14:07 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367
Registered: May 2016
Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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And, i'll do the greasing while still on blocks.
I have no idea what grease is in our gun... it was used for a walk behind Dr Brushogger. Probably OK?
I read to do that every 1000 miles; so a few times a year at least.
Cheers
kelly
1978 Kingsley
putney vt
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
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| Re: out of hibernation [message #315245 is a reply to message #315220] |
Thu, 30 March 2017 15:58 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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In your owners manual there should be a diagram with all the grease fittings. Buy Valvoline Synpower at NAPA and never look back. You will spend a couple bux more and save thousands in the long run.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: out of hibernation [message #315337 is a reply to message #315245] |
Sun, 02 April 2017 07:13 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367
Registered: May 2016
Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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What should I do about the half a tank of untreated gas? top it off and drive it? add dry gas in the yard?
it looks like I'll have Monday afternoon, tuesday and wednesday- i can do this. Snowfall was 5" of cement like stuff, hoping it melts Monday and Wednesday mid 50's and sun. Tuesday 1" of rain- boo
kelly
1978 Kingsley
putney vt
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
[Updated on: Sun, 02 April 2017 07:15] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: out of hibernation [message #315346 is a reply to message #315337] |
Sun, 02 April 2017 11:29 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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kstockwell wrote on Sun, 02 April 2017 08:13What should I do about the half a tank of untreated gas? top it off and drive it? add dry gas in the yard?
it looks like I'll have Monday afternoon, tuesday and wednesday- i can do this. Snowfall was 5" of cement like stuff, hoping it melts Monday and Wednesday mid 50's and sun. Tuesday 1" of rain- boo
kelly
1978 Kingsley
putney vt
Kelly,
With the introduction of 10% alcohol, dry gas is a waste of money. Your six month old gas is probably just fine - give the storage temperatures Vermont has provided. Topping it with fresh would not be stupid, but the rate that these old girls go through fuel, it will all get replaced soon enough.
Matt - two days from his barn and inbound.
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
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| Re: out of hibernation [message #315353 is a reply to message #315346] |
Sun, 02 April 2017 16:48 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367
Registered: May 2016
Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Thanks Matt,
I feel like there's a lot to worry about...
One more question, my chassis battery has terminals on the sides only, I was going to hook up a charger but there are no posts to hook on. There's no reason I can't hook onto the round battery switch next to it, right? the switch I'm talking about has a mechanical lever where I can shut off the battery, it's not easy to turn. Is there another purpose of this? Should I take a photo or does everyone have this?
-kelly
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
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| Re: [GMCnet] out of hibernation [message #315354 is a reply to message #315353] |
Sun, 02 April 2017 17:13 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Kelly,
The terminals on the side of your battery should have circumferential
grooves to accept the jaws of a battery charger. If not, of course, you
can hook to any "hot" and "ground" points you can access more easily.
No, the round switch is a modification by a PO, so if you want more
information from this crowd, you'll need to post a photo.
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, etc., etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Sun, Apr 2, 2017 at 5:48 PM, kelly stockwell wrote:
> Thanks Matt,
>
> I feel like there's a lot to worry about...
>
> One more question, my chassis battery has terminals on the sides only, I
> was going to hook up a charger but there are no posts to hook on. There's
> no
> reason I can't hook onto the round battery switch next to it, right? the
> switch I'm talking about has a mechanical lever where I can shut off the
> battery, it's not easy to turn. Is there another purpose of this? Should
> I take a photo or does everyone have this?
>
> -kelly
>
> --
> 1978 Kingsley
> Putney VT
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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