continued Flowmaster upgrade

jrbiava

New member
Jul 11, 1998
19
0
0
as per FlowMaster Tech. sheet;
Quote!
"
IMPORTANT!!!

Due to the efficienchy of FLOWMASTER muffers, the extreme heat generated
under the hood is GREATLY REDUCED, increasing the service life of many
components (rubber hoses, belts, plastic parts and exhaust manifolds, etc.)

In the process of lowering the underhood temperature the exhaust system may
in some cases be subject to INCREASED heat. The FLOWMASTER system is
capable of handling this but it is important to install the muffler under
the stock heat shield when one was supplied as original equipment.

If not originallyy present, or for added protection, we STRONGLY ADVISE
installation of heat sheilds on all motorhome applications and/or heavy duty
tow vehicles.

Aftermarket heat shields are available at the most muffler shops or all
aluminum heat shields are available form FLOWMASTER."

reduced under the hood heat....

I use this to emphasize my point about the engine running cooler, but also
to point out that even wtih the stock factory muffler system, on a warm day,
hot pavement, running up grade almost everyones GMC starts to sputter and
loose speed.
What's happening is the heat off the exhaust system flows straight back
over/under the fuel tanks and begin heating the tanks up and begin to boil
the gas creating vapor which then is sucked up by the fuel pump system.
The more fuel in the tank the less effect occurs.
With this new FlowMaster system in place I realized increasing vapor
problems as ambient and operating temperatures increased.

Solution;
Electric fuel pump with fuel filter placed forward of the fuel tank
selection valve; capable of 7-8 psi at 20-30 gph. Then below the mechanical
fuel pump install another fuel filter with return line to tank. Not
neccesary to run a line all the way back to the tanks; run the return line
to the overflow line which runs parallel to the fuel supply line; tapping
into that line at the frame where steel line turns into rubber hose line. I
used a 1/4"line to 1/2" tee at over flow line.

Most important portion of this solution is to reduce the effect of the
exhaust heating the fuel tanks. JCWhitney has 4'x24 or 48' lengths of
heatshield insulation...using plywood 20-3/4"x 48" ; wedged in a diagonal
fassion so as to deflect hot air down and away from the tanks, cover it and
the tanks with the heat shield material, fastening it with "heat shield
mastic" and screws. I also used sheet metel for heat deflection around
exhaust and transitions.

I hope this helps those who have experienced the "I hope I can make it over
this hill " experience.

Later JRBIAVA
 
JR

I have been happily running Flowmaster mufflers (big block series) since
Jan 97 and have not experienced any heat related problems with gas, etc.
I installed their heat shields over the mufflers since they were
available, not knowing if they were really needed or not, for safety
reasons.

I've also been repeatedly told and cautioned by the GMCMI Rally seminar
speakers not to use an electric fuel pump that is capable of producing
greater than 5 psi pressure. They've claimed that pressures greater
than that have the potential of flooding and overflowing the carburetor
fuel bowl with fuel since the only cut-off valve is the carburetor
needle and seat.

Have you heard something different?

Paul Bartz

From: JRBIAVA [mailto:JRBIAVA]
Sent: Sunday, August 09, 1998 5:49 PM
Subject: GMC: continued Flowmaster upgrade

as per FlowMaster Tech. sheet;
Quote!
"
IMPORTANT!!!

Due to the efficienchy of FLOWMASTER muffers, the extreme heat generated
under the hood is GREATLY REDUCED, increasing the service life of
many components (rubber hoses, belts, plastic parts and exhaust
manifolds, etc.)
In the process of lowering the underhood temperature the exhaust system
may in some cases be subject to INCREASED heat. The FLOWMASTER system
is capable of handling this but it is important to install the muffler
under the stock heat shield when one was supplied as original equipment.
If not originally present, or for added protection, we STRONGLY ADVISE
installation of heat sheilds on all motorhome applications and/or heavy
duty tow vehicles.
Aftermarket heat shields are available at most muffler shops or all
aluminum heat shields are available form FLOWMASTER."

reduced under the hood heat....
I use this to emphasize my point about the engine running cooler, but
also to point out that even wtih the stock factory muffler system, on a
warm day, hot pavement, running up grade almost everyones GMC starts to
sputter and loose speed.
What's happening is the heat off the exhaust system flows straight back
over/under the fuel tanks and begin heating the tanks up and begin to
boil the gas creating vapor which then is sucked up by the fuel pump
system. The more fuel in the tank the less effect occurs. With this
new FlowMaster system in place I realized increasing vapor problems as
ambient and operating temperatures increased.
Solution;
Electric fuel pump with fuel filter placed forward of the fuel tank
selection valve; capable of 7-8 psi at 20-30 gph. Then below the
mechanical fuel pump install another fuel filter with return line to
tank. Not neccesary to run a line all the way back to the tanks; run
the return line to the overflow line which runs parallel to the fuel
supply line; tapping into that line at the frame where steel line turns
into rubber hose line. I used a 1/4"line to 1/2" tee at over flow line.
Most important portion of this solution is to reduce the effect of the
exhaust heating the fuel tanks. JCWhitney has 4'x24 or 48' lengths of
heatshield insulation...using plywood 20-3/4"x 48" ; wedged in a
diagonal fashion so as to deflect hot air down and away from the tanks,
cover it and the tanks with the heat shield material, fastening it with
"heat shield mastic" and screws. I also used sheet metel for heat
deflection around exhaust and transitions.
I hope this helps those who have experienced the "I hope I can make it
over this hill " experience.
Later JRBIAVA
 
Yes, having visited with Ed Osborn on the subject; it was he that
recommended I go to a 7.5 psi electric fuel pump, keep the machanical pump
in place and operation, install the bypass fuel filter.
The bypass fuel filter was also my thoughts; so as to be able to seperate
the vapor from liquid and send it back to the tank.
He didn't think that the insulation was required, until I told him that I
pulled over, ran out and put my hand on the center section of the fuel tanks
and could not hold it there....I've run into this problem before in other
but simular circumstances....
My fuel system holds the 7 to 8 psi without problems: with the bypass
shunted, and without the shunt the operating pressure is about 3 to 6 psi.
I have experienced this problem during the summer months since I purchased
my GMC and so did the prior owner...
Try running up a long steep grade, at outside temp. above 90 deg., with the
peddle to the floor the whole way....if your coach doen't loose power
prematurely, sputter, want to quit...your lucky.
- -----Original Message-----
From: Bartz, Paul
To: 'gmcmotorhome'
Date: Monday, August 10, 1998 2:33 PM
Subject: RE: GMC: continued Flowmaster upgrade

>JR
>
>I have been happily running Flowmaster mufflers (big block series) since
>Jan 97 and have not experienced any heat related problems with gas, etc.
>I installed their heat shields over the mufflers since they were
>available, not knowing if they were really needed or not, for safety
>reasons.
>
>I've also been repeatedly told and cautioned by the GMCMI Rally seminar
>speakers not to use an electric fuel pump that is capable of producing
>greater than 5 psi pressure. They've claimed that pressures greater
>than that have the potential of flooding and overflowing the carburetor
>fuel bowl with fuel since the only cut-off valve is the carburetor
>needle and seat.
>
>Have you heard something different?
>
> Paul Bartz
>
>From: JRBIAVA [mailto:JRBIAVA]
>Sent: Sunday, August 09, 1998 5:49 PM
>Subject: GMC: continued Flowmaster upgrade
>
>as per FlowMaster Tech. sheet;
>Quote!
>"
>IMPORTANT!!!
>
>Due to the efficienchy of FLOWMASTER muffers, the extreme heat generated
>under the hood is GREATLY REDUCED, increasing the service life of
>many components (rubber hoses, belts, plastic parts and exhaust
>manifolds, etc.)
>In the process of lowering the underhood temperature the exhaust system
>may in some cases be subject to INCREASED heat. The FLOWMASTER system
>is capable of handling this but it is important to install the muffler
>under the stock heat shield when one was supplied as original equipment.
>If not originally present, or for added protection, we STRONGLY ADVISE
>installation of heat sheilds on all motorhome applications and/or heavy
>duty tow vehicles.
>Aftermarket heat shields are available at most muffler shops or all
>aluminum heat shields are available form FLOWMASTER."
>
>reduced under the hood heat....
>I use this to emphasize my point about the engine running cooler, but
>also to point out that even wtih the stock factory muffler system, on a
>warm day, hot pavement, running up grade almost everyones GMC starts to
>sputter and loose speed.
>What's happening is the heat off the exhaust system flows straight back
>over/under the fuel tanks and begin heating the tanks up and begin to
>boil the gas creating vapor which then is sucked up by the fuel pump
>system. The more fuel in the tank the less effect occurs. With this
>new FlowMaster system in place I realized increasing vapor problems as
>ambient and operating temperatures increased.
>Solution;
>Electric fuel pump with fuel filter placed forward of the fuel tank
>selection valve; capable of 7-8 psi at 20-30 gph. Then below the
>mechanical fuel pump install another fuel filter with return line to
>tank. Not neccesary to run a line all the way back to the tanks; run
>the return line to the overflow line which runs parallel to the fuel
>supply line; tapping into that line at the frame where steel line turns
>into rubber hose line. I used a 1/4"line to 1/2" tee at over flow line.
>Most important portion of this solution is to reduce the effect of the
>exhaust heating the fuel tanks. JCWhitney has 4'x24 or 48' lengths of
>heatshield insulation...using plywood 20-3/4"x 48" ; wedged in a
>diagonal fashion so as to deflect hot air down and away from the tanks,
>cover it and the tanks with the heat shield material, fastening it with
>"heat shield mastic" and screws. I also used sheet metel for heat
>deflection around exhaust and transitions.
>I hope this helps those who have experienced the "I hope I can make it
>over this hill " experience.
>Later JRBIAVA
 
JR.

Can you the make and part number of the "by pass fuel filter" and the
fuel
pump you used ?

Thanks,

sam
77 Eleganza
 
Napa part no.s ; fuel pump P74019 ; between fuel selection valve and fuel
pump filter Purolator no. F33165; just before mechanical fuel pump which is
to be left in circuit and operational, return to tank fuel filter Napa no.
3040BP. Just for caution sake carbarator fuel filter Napa no. 3048BP....

JRBiava
- -----Original Message-----
From: Eng, Sam G, SITS
To: gmcmotorhome
Date: Wednesday, August 12, 1998 9:47 AM
Subject: RE: GMC: continued Flowmaster upgrade

>JR.
>
>Can you the make and part number of the "by pass fuel filter" and the
>fuel
>pump you used ?
>
>Thanks,
>
>sam
>77 Eleganza
>
 
JR,

Thanks much!

sam

> -----Original Message-----
> From: JRBIAVA [SMTP:JRBIAVA]
> Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 1998 11:03 PM
> To: gmcmotorhome
> Subject: Re: GMC: continued Flowmaster upgrade
>
> Napa part no.s ; fuel pump P74019 ; between fuel selection valve and fuel
> pump filter Purolator no. F33165; just before mechanical fuel pump which
> is
> to be left in circuit and operational, return to tank fuel filter Napa no.
> 3040BP. Just for caution sake carbarator fuel filter Napa no. 3048BP....
>
> JRBiava
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Eng, Sam G, SITS
> To: gmcmotorhome
> Date: Wednesday, August 12, 1998 9:47 AM
> Subject: RE: GMC: continued Flowmaster upgrade
>
>
> >JR.
> >
> >Can you the make and part number of the "by pass fuel filter" and the
> >fuel
> >pump you used ?
> >
> >Thanks,
> >
> >sam
> >77 Eleganza
> >
>
>