BOOM!

S

steve southworth

New member
Jul 17, 2007
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Loud boom yesterday. It appeared to be a BIG bird hitting the house. Lauralynn went out to find out what it was. Couldn't find anything outside the
house that would have made the boom.

Next morning the GMCMH was full lower on the LH side. Air bag failed. That was our boom. Quite impressive. Glad I didn't have the T skirts on.
Now I need to decide if I want to use one of my spare air bags or go with an updated system.

So it is now between using an old, but unused, OEM bag or the Sullybag system.

Oh well always something with our old gals. I mean the GMC not the CFO.
--
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
 
Had the same thing happen once when I was about 20 ft away. Air bag was about 5 years old. A good reminder to NEVER NEVER EVER get under the coach
with out good blocking or jack stands.
--
John Shutzbaugh, Vacaville, CA, ncserv;
77 Eleganza, bought it new, can't blame PO, and
78 Buskirk stretch, "What were we thinking?"
 
When my GMC is sitting at home, I place wood blocking under the boogies. Relieves the pressure on the air bags. JWID.
Tom, MS II
--
1975 GMC Avion
KA4CSG
 
Like Tom, I block beneath my bogies when long-term parked. I cut 2
sections of 6"x6' to the desired height and added an old drawer pull to
each for easy handling. While pretty tight, my air system will leak down
over a month or two of non-use.

Ken H.

> When my GMC is sitting at home, I place wood blocking under the boogies.
> Relieves the pressure on the air bags. JWID.
> Tom, MS II
> --
> 1975 GMC Avion
> KA4CSG
>
> _______________________________________________
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I have talked to many people that have blown one or more air bags. They always say it was parked when the bag blew and most say the bag was in the
sun. I'm sure someone somewhere has blown while driving but I have not run into anyone who says it happened to them.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
> I have talked to many people that have blown one or more air bags. They always say it was parked when the bag blew and most say the bag was in
> the sun. I'm sure someone somewhere has blown while driving but I have not run into anyone who says it happened to them.

About 25 years ago, my neighbor ('73 23' Canyon Lands) experienced a similar "BOOM" while inside his radiant heated garage. At the time he still had
the plastic cones and the bag was about 20 years old. One cone was shattered as well as the bag.

Richard (currently camped near Waco, TX on my way back from a very hot Austin, TX wedding) W.
--
Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com


Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator, Manny Tranny etc.
 
A bag blew right behind us at the first Dothan rally. We thot it was a gunshot. BIG boom.

Sent from my iPhone

>

>> I have talked to many people that have blown one or more air bags. They always say it was parked when the bag blew and most say the bag was in
>> the sun. I'm sure someone somewhere has blown while driving but I have not run into anyone who says it happened to them.
>
> About 25 years ago, my neighbor ('73 23' Canyon Lands) experienced a similar "BOOM" while inside his radiant heated garage. At the time he still had
> the plastic cones and the bag was about 20 years old. One cone was shattered as well as the bag.
>
> Richard (currently camped near Waco, TX on my way back from a very hot Austin, TX wedding) W.
> --
> Richard
> 76 Palm Beach
> SE Michigan
> www.PalmBeachGMC.com
>
>
> Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator, Manny Tranny etc.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
As I recall the Dothan boom, a little while later the other side airbag
blew as well. Glad no one was near where the booms occurred because that
coach had fender skirts on as I recall...

Sandra Price

> A bag blew right behind us at the first Dothan rally. We thot it was a
> gunshot. BIG boom.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>

> >

> >> I have talked to many people that have blown one or more air bags.
> They always say it was parked when the bag blew and most say the bag was in
> >> the sun. I'm sure someone somewhere has blown while driving but I have
> not run into anyone who says it happened to them.
> >
> > About 25 years ago, my neighbor ('73 23' Canyon Lands) experienced a
> similar "BOOM" while inside his radiant heated garage. At the time he still
> had
> > the plastic cones and the bag was about 20 years old. One cone was
> shattered as well as the bag.
> >
> > Richard (currently camped near Waco, TX on my way back from a very hot
> Austin, TX wedding) W.
> > --
> > Richard
> > 76 Palm Beach
> > SE Michigan
> > www.PalmBeachGMC.com
> >
> >
> > Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator,
> Manny Tranny etc.
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > 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
>
 
With the age of GMC coaches, I'd check the bags constantly for condition,
and if able replace them when it was at home for maintenance. The new bag
systems would, in my opinion, enhance the safety of the coach.

On a GMC (when I get one) I'll do the 1 ton front end and a quad bag rear
as well as other items. The "Jims" will be busy for a while. :)

Sammy

On Wed, Jun 14, 2017 at 11:54 AM, Sandra Price
wrote:

> As I recall the Dothan boom, a little while later the other side airbag
> blew as well. Glad no one was near where the booms occurred because that
> coach had fender skirts on as I recall...
>
> Sandra Price
>

>
> > A bag blew right behind us at the first Dothan rally. We thot it was a
> > gunshot. BIG boom.
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
> >

> > >

> > >> I have talked to many people that have blown one or more air bags.
> > They always say it was parked when the bag blew and most say the bag was
> in
> > >> the sun. I'm sure someone somewhere has blown while driving but I
> have
> > not run into anyone who says it happened to them.
> > >
> > > About 25 years ago, my neighbor ('73 23' Canyon Lands) experienced a
> > similar "BOOM" while inside his radiant heated garage. At the time he
> still
> > had
> > > the plastic cones and the bag was about 20 years old. One cone was
> > shattered as well as the bag.
> > >
> > > Richard (currently camped near Waco, TX on my way back from a very hot
> > Austin, TX wedding) W.
> > > --
> > > Richard
> > > 76 Palm Beach
> > > SE Michigan
> > > www.PalmBeachGMC.com
> > >
> > >
> > > Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator,
> > Manny Tranny etc.
> > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > 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
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
That double failure, odds of reoccurring, is extremely unlikely. Even a
single failure is rare. I personally, in over 10 years of almost daily
working on these coaches, have never seen nor heard one let go suddenly. I
have experienced several that leaked down slowly. And have replaced a
number of them for concerned owners. I think that the perception of sudden
catastrophic failure is more common than the actual failures themselves.
But, it also could be a latitude induced phenomenon, with more occurrences
east of the Rockies than west. Only explanation I've got.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

As I recall the Dothan boom, a little while later the other side airbag
blew as well. Glad no one was near where the booms occurred because that
coach had fender skirts on as I recall...

Sandra Price

> A bag blew right behind us at the first Dothan rally. We thot it was a
> gunshot. BIG boom.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>

> >

> >> I have talked to many people that have blown one or more air bags.
> They always say it was parked when the bag blew and most say the bag was
in
> >> the sun. I'm sure someone somewhere has blown while driving but I have
> not run into anyone who says it happened to them.
> >
> > About 25 years ago, my neighbor ('73 23' Canyon Lands) experienced a
> similar "BOOM" while inside his radiant heated garage. At the time he
still
> had
> > the plastic cones and the bag was about 20 years old. One cone was
> shattered as well as the bag.
> >
> > Richard (currently camped near Waco, TX on my way back from a very hot
> Austin, TX wedding) W.
> > --
> > Richard
> > 76 Palm Beach
> > SE Michigan
> > www.PalmBeachGMC.com
> >
> >
> > Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator,
> Manny Tranny etc.
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > 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:
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>
_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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I own two Lincoln Town cars and have never had a bag let go in either one.
Usually its one leaking system. On the Lincoln its the san=me as the GMC.
Check the bag for the condition, check for cracks or leaks. If concerned
about age, replace the bag(s) on the GMC, the entire set on the town car.

What does the Town car have to do with the GMC? Why both have rear air bag
suspensions, that's why. What is good for maintenance on the Town Car also
works for the GMC (air bag wise that is)

Sammy

> That double failure, odds of reoccurring, is extremely unlikely. Even a
> single failure is rare. I personally, in over 10 years of almost daily
> working on these coaches, have never seen nor heard one let go suddenly. I
> have experienced several that leaked down slowly. And have replaced a
> number of them for concerned owners. I think that the perception of sudden
> catastrophic failure is more common than the actual failures themselves.
> But, it also could be a latitude induced phenomenon, with more occurrences
> east of the Rockies than west. Only explanation I've got.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or
> 78 GMC ROYALE 403
>

>
> As I recall the Dothan boom, a little while later the other side airbag
> blew as well. Glad no one was near where the booms occurred because that
> coach had fender skirts on as I recall...
>
> Sandra Price
>

>
> > A bag blew right behind us at the first Dothan rally. We thot it was a
> > gunshot. BIG boom.
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
> >

> > >

> > >> I have talked to many people that have blown one or more air bags.
> > They always say it was parked when the bag blew and most say the bag was
> in
> > >> the sun. I'm sure someone somewhere has blown while driving but I
> have
> > not run into anyone who says it happened to them.
> > >
> > > About 25 years ago, my neighbor ('73 23' Canyon Lands) experienced a
> > similar "BOOM" while inside his radiant heated garage. At the time he
> still
> > had
> > > the plastic cones and the bag was about 20 years old. One cone was
> > shattered as well as the bag.
> > >
> > > Richard (currently camped near Waco, TX on my way back from a very hot
> > Austin, TX wedding) W.
> > > --
> > > Richard
> > > 76 Palm Beach
> > > SE Michigan
> > > www.PalmBeachGMC.com
> > >
> > >
> > > Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator,
> > Manny Tranny etc.
> > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > 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
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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> _______________________________________________
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>
 
> I have talked to many people that have blown one or more air bags. They always say it was parked when the bag blew and most say the bag was in
> the sun. I'm sure someone somewhere has blown while driving but I have not run into anyone who says it happened to them.

Yep it was on the sunny side of a very hot day. It was aired up in the morning as it was drooping. I suspect The leak was the start of the boom as
that bag did not normally droop that soon.

Looked at the blown bag. Bassed on what I can see it appears the broblem started at the cone.
--
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
 
And a look at the clearance between the frame rail and the ground on the side with the blown bad will show why one should >NEVER< get under a coach
which isn't soulndly cribbed.

--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
 
I was putting jack stands under the frame (back near the rollers that the PO installed). I have stopped doing that because I realized that when the
air bags eventually leaked down, the weight distribution was shifted dramatically forward (since the rear balance point was moved 6' or so rearward),
putting extra stress and strain on the front suspension. Now I just let 'er air down naturally when I park it, and don't really worry about it. If a
bag does let go, I have a spare, and a comfortable place to change it out. ;)
--
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
 
I carry a piece of pipe and a 3/4" threaded rod with nuts and washers. I once drove 450 miles with it
If you need the dimensions let me know.

Others have used a piece of 4x4 lumber with a couple of lag bolts.

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO

>
> what are the best practices for getting down the road a piece after a bag fails on an OEM system?
> is the air bag rod the best way to go? > http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/1727
> is there a diy solution?
> or??
>
> thanks,
> dave
> --
> David del Rio - 75 Avion - Raymond, CA
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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The best solution, obviously, is to remove your spare original air bag from
the storage pod, remove the old bag, and replace it with the good one.
What's that you say, "I don't carry a spare?" Well, then, there is always
the threaded rod and washers and nuts solution, or other material like
chunks of wood. Or, call AAA roadside service for a tow to the nearest GMC
repair facility.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

> I carry a piece of pipe and a 3/4" threaded rod with nuts and washers. I
> once drove 450 miles with it
> If you need the dimensions let me know.
>
> Others have used a piece of 4x4 lumber with a couple of lag bolts.
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Frederick, CO
>
> > On Jun 15, 2017, at 9:08 AM, David Horowitz

> >
> > what are the best practices for getting down the road a piece after a
> bag fails on an OEM system?
> > is the air bag rod the best way to go? > http://www.appliedgmc.com/
> prod.itml/icOid/1727
> > is there a diy solution?
> > or??
> >
> > thanks,
> > dave
> > --
> > David del Rio - 75 Avion - Raymond, CA
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> _______________________________________________
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>
 
i have physical limitations and am not always able to do things such as change an airbag roadside. that said, i do carry a spare and it seems i need
to learn how to change one so that a minimum i could supervise!

additionally, i will use Emery's design so that I will have the correct nuts on my rod for when her bag blows!

cheers!
dave
--
David del Rio - 75 Avion - Raymond, CA
 
The best thing you can do for yourself BEFORE a bag blows is to loosen the holding nuts and coat the threads on the bag with anti-seize. The worse
thing about changing a blown bag or installing a temporary rod is getting the old nuts loose if they are rusted.

I have had two different bags on other peoples coaches that I could not get loose. I had to resort to a flame wrench and burn them off. I'm sure
everyone carries an acetylene torch with them just in case they need to change a bag. So instead of a torch just anti-seize them once ahead of time
and you will never have that problem.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
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