1977 Birchaven -Engine Smell in Cab

[matthew]

Hey all,

I was looking at purchasing a 1977 Birchaven, but when I was driving it on a test drive the motorhome smelled a bit like engine fumes. It wasn't
overwhelming, but noticeable. Is this type of experience typical in GMC Motorhomes because of the technology and engine location directly in the cab?
Is there any chance to make the home smell free or will there always be a slight odor when the engine is running?

Thanks!

Matthew

 

[Jim Hupy]

There is supposed to be a tight seal on the hatch cover. Sometimes the
rocker covers leak oil onto the exhaust manifolds. The fix is to straighten
out the covers and install new gaskets. I prefer the neoprene/steel
sandwich style instead of cork. Also, check the transmission cooler lines
and engine oil cooler lines. Fix all visible leaks.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

Hey all,

I was looking at purchasing a 1977 Birchaven, but when I was driving it on
a test drive the motorhome smelled a bit like engine fumes. It wasn't
overwhelming, but noticeable. Is this type of experience typical in GMC
Motorhomes because of the technology and engine location directly in the
cab?
Is there any chance to make the home smell free or will there always be a
slight odor when the engine is running?

Thanks!

Matthew

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[a.]

> Hey all,
> I was looking at purchasing a 1977 Birchaven, but when I was driving it on a test drive the motorhome smelled a bit like engine fumes. It wasn't
> overwhelming, but noticeable. Is this type of experience typical in GMC Motorhomes because of the technology and engine location directly in the
> cab? Is there any chance to make the home smell free or will there always be a slight odor when the engine is running?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Matthew
It's not supposed to smell. Could be something as simple as a hatch seal that needs to be replaced and a valve cover gasket seeping onto the exhaust
manifold.
--
73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
Upper Alabama
"Highest price does not guarantee highest quality."

 

[tyler]

If you buy it, always run a carbon monoxide detector, as it does not smell and can be deadly (from main engine and generator).

The fuel system and it's hoses run the full length of the coach. Leaks and malfunctions along the filler, emissions and venting routes can often push
smells into the cab area.
--
1975 Glenbrook
Raleigh, NC

 

[john r. lebetski]

A single drop of fuel or oil on a hot engine produces a lot of vapor odor. So all that needs to be good. You should also maintain positive air
pressure in the MH. Opening the toll window produces negative pressure inside sucking make up air from any voids and drawing in fumes. There was a
well written article on this in the now defunct Cinnabar news letter. Running the dash fan on fresh and mid to high settings will keep positive
pressure inside and also minimize holding tank odors. You should not smell fuel or oil. The good thing is once all sorted, you will be able to
recognize fuel or oil odors if they do happen and take action.
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
Source America First

 

[Matt Colie]

> Hey all,
>
> I was looking at purchasing a 1977 Birchaven, but when I was driving it on a test drive the motorhome smelled a bit like engine fumes. It wasn't
> overwhelming, but noticeable. Is this type of experience typical in GMC Motorhomes because of the technology and engine location directly in the
> cab? Is there any chance to make the home smell free or will there always be a slight odor when the engine is running?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Matthew

Matthew (I like the name),

Our 73-23 has no such issue. In actual fact, I will more likely pick up that someone in front of us has a lube or fuel leak. Our engine hatch has no
rubber seal.

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit

 

[Jim Hupy]

On the later coaches with the "improved" ?? Constant run heating/cooling
fan motor, it is possible to intake odors from traffic ahead of you. Verify
that this is not the case before you spend any time trying to fix a problem
that is not yours.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

> > Hey all,
> >
> > I was looking at purchasing a 1977 Birchaven, but when I was driving it
> on a test drive the motorhome smelled a bit like engine fumes. It wasn't
> > overwhelming, but noticeable. Is this type of experience typical in GMC
> Motorhomes because of the technology and engine location directly in the
> > cab? Is there any chance to make the home smell free or will there
> always be a slight odor when the engine is running?
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > Matthew
>
> Matthew (I like the name),
>
> Our 73-23 has no such issue. In actual fact, I will more likely pick up
> that someone in front of us has a lube or fuel leak. Our engine hatch has
> no
> rubber seal.
>
> Matt
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
> Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
>
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