1975 GMC Eleganza Barn find

[bc]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the site!

Came across this unit & am seriously thinking about buying it. Seems to be in good shape but hasn't ran in a few years & hasn't really been used much
the last 6 years. Was able to get it started with some fresh gas in the carb - but won't keep running - stinks like turpentine. Any good ideas on
how to get the bad fuel out of the system?

Another question - can you pump the air suspension up without running the compressor/pump?

Thanks,
Would like to post some pics but doesn't seem to be an easy way to do this!

 

[gmc260]

old gas gums up carbs so it sounds like it at least needs a carb rebuild and the tanks could be gummed up with tar that will be a constant problem
unless they are cleaned aswell.

guys have put shrader valves directly on the air bags so they can pump them up with an air hose.

 

[tyler]

Welcome!

Hope it works out to join the GMC world...

The forum is great to search for existing threads, which will be even more helpful if you actually purchase this rig. Go in the top right corner of
the web page, put in some search terms until you get some info that is relevant. Such as "fuel system" or what not for any given issue.

As to getting gas out, there are multiple options. There are two tanks, each has a threaded drain plug. Depending on if they move (don't mess up tank
if they are stuck and definitely NO heat to loosen!) you can see condition of gas coming out. You can also put a small electric pump inline between
the tanks and the engine on a soft hose along the frame rail...or if a PO (previous owner) already plumbed an electric pump in, you can undo the line
up near the front frame rail and use a catch can there. If gas still looks like gas, get it out and keep trouble shooting. If gas look like another
substance, you may be in for a real start up project to replace tanks.

You can also plumb in a outboard style gas tank right to the main engine fuel pump to get the coach somewhere more suitable to work on if needed.

take a look through gmcmhphotos.com to see and learn a whole bunch of stuff, also searchable

Tyler
--
1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
Raleigh, NC

 

[Larry Davick]

For me - the first thing I’d do is check the back frame for rust. If the frame where the bogies mount is badly rusted then the coach is more lawn ornament than moving vehicle.

Then worry about gas, brakes, etc.,

Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Distributor

>
> Hi everyone,
>
> I'm new to the site!
>
> Came across this unit & am seriously thinking about buying it. Seems to be in good shape but hasn't ran in a few years & hasn't really been used much
> the last 6 years. Was able to get it started with some fresh gas in the carb - but won't keep running - stinks like turpentine. Any good ideas on
> how to get the bad fuel out of the system?
>
> Another question - can you pump the air suspension up without running the compressor/pump?
>
> Thanks,
> Would like to post some pics but doesn't seem to be an easy way to do this!
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

 

[Ken B]

I am working on one that sat for 19 years with 1/2 full tanks. Getting it running is my first priority. So I got a boat tank and plumbed it in to
the system just before the mechanical fuel pump mounted on the right front of the engine. It would not start so I disconnected the fuel line at the
carb. Then I fashioned a short 3/8 line stub to thread directly into the carb. Then I gravity filled the carb with one can of pure carb cleaner and
let it sit for 24 hours. Then I changed the fuel line back to normal which is fed by the mechanical fuel pump. I hooked the input side of the fuel
pump directly to the boat tank using a temporary clear piece of 3/8" hose so I could see the fuel and started cranking. It took a minute or so of
cranking to get all of the carb clean out of the carb and after that it immediately started. The thing now starts and runs like a top. I have never
run it off of the coach tanks because that is another project and I have other more pressing ones like getting the brakes going.

Ken B

at the Eastern states work rally.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana

 

[Larry Davick]

"For me - the first thing I’d do is check the back frame for rust. If the frame where the bogies mount is badly rusted then the coach is more lawn ornament than moving vehicle. Then worry about gas, brakes, etc.”

— said the man who bought his coach site-unseen, 1,800 miles away, from eBay…

I forgot about that part.

“Do as I say, not as I do”?

Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Distributor

>
> For me - the first thing I’d do is check the back frame for rust. If the frame where the bogies mount is badly rusted then the coach is more lawn ornament than moving vehicle.
>
> Then worry about gas, brakes, etc.,
>
> Larry Davick
> A Mystery Machine
> 1976(ish) Palm Beach
> Fremont, CA
> Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Distributor
>

>>
>> Hi everyone,
>>
>> I'm new to the site!
>>
>> Came across this unit & am seriously thinking about buying it. Seems to be in good shape but hasn't ran in a few years & hasn't really been used much
>> the last 6 years. Was able to get it started with some fresh gas in the carb - but won't keep running - stinks like turpentine. Any good ideas on
>> how to get the bad fuel out of the system?
>>
>> Another question - can you pump the air suspension up without running the compressor/pump?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Would like to post some pics but doesn't seem to be an easy way to do this!
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

 

[gmc260]

> I am working on one that sat for 19 years with 1/2 full tanks. Getting it running is my first priority. So I got a boat tank and plumbed it in
> to the system just before the mechanical fuel pump mounted on the right front of the engine. It would not start so I disconnected the fuel line at
> the carb. Then I fashioned a short 3/8 line stub to thread directly into the carb. Then I gravity filled the carb with one can of pure carb
> cleaner and let it sit for 24 hours. Then I changed the fuel line back to normal which is fed by the mechanical fuel pump. I hooked the input side
> of the fuel pump directly to the boat tank using a temporary clear piece of 3/8" hose so I could see the fuel and started cranking. It took a
> minute or so of cranking to get all of the carb clean out of the carb and after that it immediately started. The thing now starts and runs like a
> top. I have never run it off of the coach tanks because that is another project and I have other more pressing ones like getting the brakes going.
>
>
> Ken B
>
> at the Eastern states work rally.

good ole chemical rebuild.. not all carb cleaners are all theyre cracked up to be these days though. FWIW Ive found yamalube brand combustion chamber
cleaner is the best stuff for chemical carb rebuilds.

its some really good stuff for dissolving fuel varnish.

 

[bc]

Good stuff guys!

Thanks