| 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:
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Senior Member |
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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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