dropping the tanks- fuel problem persists -

D

dave silva

New member
Oct 2, 2009
1,090
0
0
History, coach had big overhaul done in 2013. It probably included cleaning the tanks. THen it sat for seven years. It probably had full tanks
during that time.

So, i got it running, drained the old fuel and drove it. Went through the first fuel filter after 20 miles or so.

replaced both main filter and carb filter- another test drive and it seems to be clogged again after 15 miles or so.

First, could it be something else?

It starts and runs pretty well. gets up to speed and slowly looses power. If I give it gas it bogs down. If I go slow (like 40) for a few miles then
I can give it gas get up to 55 briefly.

I have not touched the carb. it was new/rebuilt with the 2013 rehab.

So, what do i need to know to drop the tanks and what are my options after that? Is there a treatment for the inside of the tank?

thanks

--
Dave & Ellen Silva
Hertford, NC

76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff

Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021

It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
 
Dave, what fuel pump (s) are you using? Still with the mechanical stock
pump?
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Thu, Dec 31, 2020, 9:03 AM dave silva via Gmclist <

> History, coach had big overhaul done in 2013. It probably included
> cleaning the tanks. THen it sat for seven years. It probably had full tanks
> during that time.
>
> So, i got it running, drained the old fuel and drove it. Went through the
> first fuel filter after 20 miles or so.
>
> replaced both main filter and carb filter- another test drive and it seems
> to be clogged again after 15 miles or so.
>
> First, could it be something else?
>
> It starts and runs pretty well. gets up to speed and slowly looses power.
> If I give it gas it bogs down. If I go slow (like 40) for a few miles then
> I can give it gas get up to 55 briefly.
>
> I have not touched the carb. it was new/rebuilt with the 2013 rehab.
>
> So, what do i need to know to drop the tanks and what are my options after
> that? Is there a treatment for the inside of the tank?
>
> thanks
>
>
>
> --
> Dave & Ellen Silva
> Hertford, NC
>
> 76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff
>
> Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021
>
> It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
> Dave, what fuel pump (s) are you using? Still with the mechanical stock
> pump?
> Jim Hupy

I should probably know that huh? In talking to Jim B, it's probably OEM mechanical with an electric FP on the aux tank.
--
Dave & Ellen Silva
Hertford, NC

76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff

Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021

It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
 
When you turn on the electric pump, does the power loss go away? If no
change, then take a detailed look-see into your ignition system. Like Dick
Paterson and I always say, a whole lot of Carburetor problems are Ignition
related. It kinda sounds to me like your advance weights in the distributor
might be hanging up and not advancing the timing enough at highway speeds.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Thu, Dec 31, 2020, 9:38 AM dave silva via Gmclist <

> > Dave, what fuel pump (s) are you using? Still with the mechanical stock
> > pump?
> > Jim Hupy
>
>
> I should probably know that huh? In talking to Jim B, it's probably OEM
> mechanical with an electric FP on the aux tank.
> --
> Dave & Ellen Silva
> Hertford, NC
>
> 76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff
>
> Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021
>
> It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
> When you turn on the electric pump, does the power loss go away? If no
> change, then take a detailed look-see into your ignition system. Like Dick
> Paterson and I always say, a whole lot of Carburetor problems are Ignition
> related. It kinda sounds to me like your advance weights in the distributor
> might be hanging up and not advancing the timing enough at highway speeds.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Oregon

I think that just means i failed to describe the problem clearly.

With a fresh filter got it up to 65, i set the cruise at 60. After a few minutes the cruise control started adding throttle as the speed dropped.
Then i slowed to 40 and held that for a while, then i got off the slab, and i had plenty of power for short time, got back on the highway to head
home, power continued to drop then returns when load is taken off for a minute.

Another symptom: the secondary's are not opening. When i first got the coach running i could mash the peddle and the get the unmistakable roar. Now
i can't even with a fresh filter.



--
Dave & Ellen Silva
Hertford, NC

76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff

Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021

It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
 
Dave, Call Bob Dunahugh. He will help you. Answer is too lengthy to type.
Three nineteen Five21fourty eight91.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Thu, Dec 31, 2020, 10:49 AM dave silva via Gmclist <

> > When you turn on the electric pump, does the power loss go away? If no
> > change, then take a detailed look-see into your ignition system. Like
> Dick
> > Paterson and I always say, a whole lot of Carburetor problems are
> Ignition
> > related. It kinda sounds to me like your advance weights in the
> distributor
> > might be hanging up and not advancing the timing enough at highway
> speeds.
> > Jim Hupy
> > Salem, Oregon
>
>
> I think that just means i failed to describe the problem clearly.
>
> With a fresh filter got it up to 65, i set the cruise at 60. After a few
> minutes the cruise control started adding throttle as the speed dropped.
> Then i slowed to 40 and held that for a while, then i got off the slab,
> and i had plenty of power for short time, got back on the highway to head
> home, power continued to drop then returns when load is taken off for a
> minute.
>
> Another symptom: the secondary's are not opening. When i first got the
> coach running i could mash the peddle and the get the unmistakable roar.
> Now
> i can't even with a fresh filter.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Dave & Ellen Silva
> Hertford, NC
>
> 76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff
>
> Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021
>
> It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Dave - this is a long shot but your fuel pickup in the tank or the in-tank filter might be clogged. When you shut off the engine or idle whatever is clogging it might be dropping off only to be picked up again when you push the pedal.
I had this happen to a toad one time and found a piece of rubber in the tank (lining from a fuel pump hose). As soon as I cleaned that out I had no more problems.

Emery Stora

>

>> When you turn on the electric pump, does the power loss go away? If no
>> change, then take a detailed look-see into your ignition system. Like Dick
>> Paterson and I always say, a whole lot of Carburetor problems are Ignition
>> related. It kinda sounds to me like your advance weights in the distributor
>> might be hanging up and not advancing the timing enough at highway speeds.
>> Jim Hupy
>> Salem, Oregon
>
>
> I think that just means i failed to describe the problem clearly.
>
> With a fresh filter got it up to 65, i set the cruise at 60. After a few minutes the cruise control started adding throttle as the speed dropped.
> Then i slowed to 40 and held that for a while, then i got off the slab, and i had plenty of power for short time, got back on the highway to head
> home, power continued to drop then returns when load is taken off for a minute.
>
> Another symptom: the secondary's are not opening. When i first got the coach running i could mash the peddle and the get the unmistakable roar. Now
> i can't even with a fresh filter.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Dave & Ellen Silva
> Hertford, NC
>
> 76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff
>
> Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021
>
> It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
I worked on a water cooled VW ( rabbit, dasher, etc) that a label from a
gasoline additive floating around in the tank. It would run fine, then
absolutely quit. Owner would call for a ride, leave the car by the side of
the road. When I got there, it would start and run fine. Drive it back to
the shop, and try to get it to do the same thing. No Joy!. Did it to him a
couple of times. Finally took out the tank, dumped it out, out popped the
label. Problem solved. Learned a whole new vocabulary on that one. But
learned sumpthin' along the way. Good trade off.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Thu, Dec 31, 2020, 11:13 AM Emery Stora via Gmclist <

> Dave - this is a long shot but your fuel pickup in the tank or the in-tank
> filter might be clogged. When you shut off the engine or idle whatever is
> clogging it might be dropping off only to be picked up again when you push
> the pedal.
> I had this happen to a toad one time and found a piece of rubber in the
> tank (lining from a fuel pump hose). As soon as I cleaned that out I had
> no more problems.
>
> Emery Stora
>
> > On Dec 31, 2020, at 11:49 AM, dave silva via Gmclist <

> >

> >> When you turn on the electric pump, does the power loss go away? If no
> >> change, then take a detailed look-see into your ignition system. Like
> Dick
> >> Paterson and I always say, a whole lot of Carburetor problems are
> Ignition
> >> related. It kinda sounds to me like your advance weights in the
> distributor
> >> might be hanging up and not advancing the timing enough at highway
> speeds.
> >> Jim Hupy
> >> Salem, Oregon
> >
> >
> > I think that just means i failed to describe the problem clearly.
> >
> > With a fresh filter got it up to 65, i set the cruise at 60. After a
> few minutes the cruise control started adding throttle as the speed
> dropped.
> > Then i slowed to 40 and held that for a while, then i got off the slab,
> and i had plenty of power for short time, got back on the highway to head
> > home, power continued to drop then returns when load is taken off for a
> minute.
> >
> > Another symptom: the secondary's are not opening. When i first got the
> coach running i could mash the peddle and the get the unmistakable roar.
> Now
> > i can't even with a fresh filter.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Dave & Ellen Silva
> > Hertford, NC
> >
> > 76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff
> >
> > Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021
> >
> > It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > 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
>
 
Some years ago, my uncle had a new 1-1/2 ton truck used to haul burial
vaults for funerals. It had that same habit of shutting down at
random times. After numerous such incidents, they dropped the tank and
found a leaf floating in it.

Ken H.

On Thu, Dec 31, 2020 at 2:27 PM James Hupy via Gmclist <

> I worked on a water cooled VW ( rabbit, dasher, etc) that a label from a
> gasoline additive floating around in the tank. It would run fine, then
> absolutely quit. Owner would call for a ride, leave the car by the side of
> the road. When I got there, it would start and run fine. Drive it back to
> the shop, and try to get it to do the same thing. No Joy!. Did it to him a
> couple of times. Finally took out the tank, dumped it out, out popped the
> label. Problem solved. Learned a whole new vocabulary on that one. But
> learned sumpthin' along the way. Good trade off.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Oregon
>
> On Thu, Dec 31, 2020, 11:13 AM Emery Stora via Gmclist <

>
> > Dave - this is a long shot but your fuel pickup in the tank or the
> in-tank
> > filter might be clogged. When you shut off the engine or idle whatever
> is
> > clogging it might be dropping off only to be picked up again when you
> push
> > the pedal.
> > I had this happen to a toad one time and found a piece of rubber in the
> > tank (lining from a fuel pump hose). As soon as I cleaned that out I had
> > no more problems.
> >
> > Emery Stora
> >
> > > On Dec 31, 2020, at 11:49 AM, dave silva via Gmclist <

> > >

> > >> When you turn on the electric pump, does the power loss go away? If no
> > >> change, then take a detailed look-see into your ignition system. Like
> > Dick
> > >> Paterson and I always say, a whole lot of Carburetor problems are
> > Ignition
> > >> related. It kinda sounds to me like your advance weights in the
> > distributor
> > >> might be hanging up and not advancing the timing enough at highway
> > speeds.
> > >> Jim Hupy
> > >> Salem, Oregon
> > >
> > >
> > > I think that just means i failed to describe the problem clearly.
> > >
> > > With a fresh filter got it up to 65, i set the cruise at 60. After a
> > few minutes the cruise control started adding throttle as the speed
> > dropped.
> > > Then i slowed to 40 and held that for a while, then i got off the slab,
> > and i had plenty of power for short time, got back on the highway to head
> > > home, power continued to drop then returns when load is taken off for a
> > minute.
> > >
> > > Another symptom: the secondary's are not opening. When i first got the
> > coach running i could mash the peddle and the get the unmistakable roar.
> > Now
> > > i can't even with a fresh filter.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Dave & Ellen Silva
> > > Hertford, NC
> > >
> > > 76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff
> > >
> > > Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021
> > >
> > > It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > 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
>
 
I am confused that we are looking at all these other possibilities.

Am i not describing a clogged fuel filter?

seven years sitting, rust in the tank, clogs filters right ?

Funny thing, i've owned and maintained over 50 cars but i have only experienced a bad fuel filter one time.

When this problem first came up a few weeks ago that was the consensus. My hope was that i could swap a few filters and clear it out but I'm thinking
i need to drop the tank.

--
Dave & Ellen Silva
Hertford, NC

76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff

Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021

It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
 
Dave,
Try replacing the fuel filter with a Napa 3003. It is clear plastic and
you can see the discoloration if the tanks are rusty.

Also try with low air pressure to back feed thru the gas line to clear the
pick-up tubes in the gas tanks.

On Thu, Dec 31, 2020 at 12:51 PM dave silva via Gmclist <

> I am confused that we are looking at all these other possibilities.
>
> Am i not describing a clogged fuel filter?
>
> seven years sitting, rust in the tank, clogs filters right ?
>
> Funny thing, i've owned and maintained over 50 cars but i have only
> experienced a bad fuel filter one time.
>
> When this problem first came up a few weeks ago that was the consensus.
> My hope was that i could swap a few filters and clear it out but I'm
> thinking
> i need to drop the tank.
>
>
> --
> Dave & Ellen Silva
> Hertford, NC
>
> 76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff
>
> Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021
>
> It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
 
> Dave,
> Try replacing the fuel filter with a Napa 3003. It is clear plastic and
> you can see the discoloration if the tanks are rusty.
>
> Also try with low air pressure to back feed thru the gas line to clear the
> pick-up tubes in the gas tanks.

I have a WIX glass bottom filter housing. Not sure what normal looks like

--
Dave & Ellen Silva
Hertford, NC

76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff

Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021

It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
 
Are you seeing a reddish brown residue in the bottom of the filter housing?
I had rusty tanks myself and my paper filters filled up with a dark reddish
color.

On Thu, Dec 31, 2020 at 2:21 PM dave silva via Gmclist <

> > Dave,
> > Try replacing the fuel filter with a Napa 3003. It is clear plastic and
> > you can see the discoloration if the tanks are rusty.
> >
> > Also try with low air pressure to back feed thru the gas line to clear
> the
> > pick-up tubes in the gas tanks.
>
>
>
> I have a WIX glass bottom filter housing. Not sure what normal looks like
>
> --
> Dave & Ellen Silva
> Hertford, NC
>
> 76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff
>
> Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021
>
> It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
 
That glass bowel filter has way toolittle media soit will get overloaded
with particulates.
Also loosen the fill cap as sometimes the vent system is not working when a
hose gets pinched when a tank is put up.
I believe that the tank cannot be 100% cleaned, so a large capacity filter
is a must.
Sometimes T it so you have two side by side in Parallel and you'll get more
miles.
Also use a major brand and large unit.
It is cheaper to replace filters for few tankfull, than dropping the tank.

On Thu, Dec 31, 2020 at 1:30 PM Bruce Hart via Gmclist <

> Are you seeing a reddish brown residue in the bottom of the filter housing?
> I had rusty tanks myself and my paper filters filled up with a dark reddish
> color.
>
> On Thu, Dec 31, 2020 at 2:21 PM dave silva via Gmclist <

>

> > > Dave,
> > > Try replacing the fuel filter with a Napa 3003. It is clear plastic
> and
> > > you can see the discoloration if the tanks are rusty.
> > >
> > > Also try with low air pressure to back feed thru the gas line to clear
> > the
> > > pick-up tubes in the gas tanks.
> >
> >
> >
> > I have a WIX glass bottom filter housing. Not sure what normal looks like
> >
> > --
> > Dave & Ellen Silva
> > Hertford, NC
> >
> > 76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff
> >
> > Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021
> >
> > It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
>
>
> --
> Bruce Hart
> 1976 Palm Beach
> Milliken, Co
> GMC=Got More Class
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
 
> That glass bowel filter has way toolittle media soit will get overloaded
> with particulates.
> Also loosen the fill cap as sometimes the vent system is not working when a
> hose gets pinched when a tank is put up.

Really? This is a WIX filter setup the paper cartridge is the size of a 16 oz beer can.

I'll try all the other suggestions along with running a boat tank directly to it.

--
Dave & Ellen Silva
Hertford, NC

76 Birchaven, 1-ton and other stuff

Currently planning the Great american Road Trip Summer 2021

It's gonna take a lot of Adderall to get this thing right.
 
Sir, I drove our Crestmont around for a month fixing and tuning and tinkering before our first trip to Florida. Went down with no problems. We got
gas at a small station on the beach and had to be half sand. We did a inline filter in the frame rail at every rest area on I-75. I did blow air
from the onboard tank with a hose I carried for low Tires each time back into the main tank to clear the pick up socks. The girls timed us the last
few times at right at 3 minutes.

> > That glass bowel filter has way toolittle media soit will get overloaded
> > with particulates.
> > Also loosen the fill cap as sometimes the vent system is not working when a
> > hose gets pinched when a tank is put up.
>
> Really? This is a WIX filter setup the paper cartridge is the size of a 16 oz beer can.
>
> I'll try all the other suggestions along with running a boat tank directly to it.

--
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
 
Do the quick and dirty first. Take both the carb and the inline filter apart and see if they are getting plugged. Remember the carb filter media
will have anything it's trapped on the i nside of the media, not the outside, due to the way it flows. Qucik n dirty on the carb secondaries - check
the linkage from the foot feed. Often the arm the pedal is on gets bent and doesn't pull the cable all the way. Be sure the choke opens completely
so the secondary block moves out of the way - or do a Lenzi and simple remove it.

--johnny

--
Foolish Carriage, 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
 
Had a discussion with daddy Bill B. and he was talking about an adjustment
on the W.O.T. butterfly of maybe a 3/4 to 1 screw turn that puts just the
right amount of tension on the butterfly.
Does Anyone know the exact procedure on this?

On Fri, Jan 1, 2021 at 2:38 PM Johnny Bridges via Gmclist <

> Do the quick and dirty first. Take both the carb and the inline filter
> apart and see if they are getting plugged. Remember the carb filter media
> will have anything it's trapped on the i nside of the media, not the
> outside, due to the way it flows. Qucik n dirty on the carb secondaries -
> check
> the linkage from the foot feed. Often the arm the pedal is on gets bent
> and doesn't pull the cable all the way. Be sure the choke opens completely
> so the secondary block moves out of the way - or do a Lenzi and simple
> remove it.
>
> --johnny
>
> --
> Foolish Carriage, 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
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Get your shine on at www.cruzingear.co
GMCMI Spring 2026 Rally

Share this page

Share this page
Top Bottom
Back