HELP NEEDED 60 KM SOUTH OF NORTH BAY ONTARIO

M

mike

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Dec 31, 2000
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Hello all, my 1975 GMC Coachman built Royale is stranded at the side of Highway 11, 61 km south of North Bay.

Going up a slight grade and while descending on the other side it stalled, costed to a stop and having a hard time restarting.

Temperature is around 75°, and raining.

The fellow driving it is not mechanically inclined so is there anybody in Northbay that can help?

Definitely sounds like a fuel issue from his description, not able to hold a high rev for any length of time after starting, then it stalls.

New high-pressure fuel pump, lines etc, Fitech fuel injection installed without the command center. Return fuel line installed at the same time.

He's waiting for a towing service to bring him to a shop but just in case anybody is in that area that can provide assistance it will be appreciated.

I currently do not have access to the blacklist on my phone .

Thanks,
Mike
 
Got fuel? At least 1/2 tank in both. Check for fuel spray, check for spark.
Turn on the key and listen to tell if the fuel pumps run. Then, let us
know. They are in the vicinity of Dick Patterson and Glen Gregory. Barrie,
Ontario, and Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or

> Hello all, my 1975 GMC Coachman built Royale is stranded at the side of
> Highway 11, 61 km south of North Bay.
>
> Going up a slight grade and while descending on the other side it
> stalled, costed to a stop and having a hard time restarting.
>
> Temperature is around 75°, and raining.
>
> The fellow driving it is not mechanically inclined so is there anybody in
> Northbay that can help?
>
> Definitely sounds like a fuel issue from his description, not able to
> hold a high rev for any length of time after starting, then it stalls.
>
> New high-pressure fuel pump, lines etc, Fitech fuel injection installed
> without the command center. Return fuel line installed at the same time.
>
> He's waiting for a towing service to bring him to a shop but just in case
> anybody is in that area that can provide assistance it will be appreciated.
>
>
> I currently do not have access to the blacklist on my phone .
>
> Thanks,
> Mike
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Ouch.
He is quite a bit north. About 250 miles north of Niagara, On. I have never been that way but it doesn't look very populated on the map.

I know nothing about FiTech, but the first two things I would look at would be fuel filter and fuel pump.

Good Luck
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
Call MGM GMC Miguel 909-229-7508
He is close by

> Got fuel? At least 1/2 tank in both. Check for fuel spray, check for spark.
> Turn on the key and listen to tell if the fuel pumps run. Then, let us
> know. They are in the vicinity of Dick Patterson and Glen Gregory. Barrie,
> Ontario, and Thunder Bay, Ontario.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or
>

>
> > Hello all, my 1975 GMC Coachman built Royale is stranded at the side of
> > Highway 11, 61 km south of North Bay.
> >
> > Going up a slight grade and while descending on the other side it
> > stalled, costed to a stop and having a hard time restarting.
> >
> > Temperature is around 75°, and raining.
> >
> > The fellow driving it is not mechanically inclined so is there anybody
> in
> > Northbay that can help?
> >
> > Definitely sounds like a fuel issue from his description, not able to
> > hold a high rev for any length of time after starting, then it stalls.
> >
> > New high-pressure fuel pump, lines etc, Fitech fuel injection installed
> > without the command center. Return fuel line installed at the same time.
> >
> > He's waiting for a towing service to bring him to a shop but just in
> case
> > anybody is in that area that can provide assistance it will be
> appreciated.
> >
> >
> > I currently do not have access to the blacklist on my phone .
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Mike
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > 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
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
Thanks fellows, yes a fair bit north of Barrie and 11 hours away from Thunderbay. Definitely has fuel, he filled up approximately I half hour before
this happened. Left Niagara with almost 3/4 of a tank of fuel. I have suggested that he look at fuel related items as you have suggested.

He indicates the fuel pump is audible, although it could be related?

I shall keep checking back, thanks again.
 
UPDATE...

He waited 45 minutes, fired the coach up and off they went. Seems to be running fine?

Does that help with diagnosing a possible issue that might come back?
 
Ontario ,Canada ///

> Call MGM GMC Miguel 909-229-7508
> He is close by
>
>
>

>
>> Got fuel? At least 1/2 tank in both. Check for fuel spray, check for
>> spark.
>> Turn on the key and listen to tell if the fuel pumps run. Then, let us
>> know. They are in the vicinity of Dick Patterson and Glen Gregory. Barrie,
>> Ontario, and Thunder Bay, Ontario.
>> Jim Hupy
>> Salem, Or
>>

>>
>> > Hello all, my 1975 GMC Coachman built Royale is stranded at the side of
>> > Highway 11, 61 km south of North Bay.
>> >
>> > Going up a slight grade and while descending on the other side it
>> > stalled, costed to a stop and having a hard time restarting.
>> >
>> > Temperature is around 75°, and raining.
>> >
>> > The fellow driving it is not mechanically inclined so is there anybody
>> in
>> > Northbay that can help?
>> >
>> > Definitely sounds like a fuel issue from his description, not able to
>> > hold a high rev for any length of time after starting, then it stalls.
>> >
>> > New high-pressure fuel pump, lines etc, Fitech fuel injection
>> installed
>> > without the command center. Return fuel line installed at the same time.
>> >
>> > He's waiting for a towing service to bring him to a shop but just in
>> case
>> > anybody is in that area that can provide assistance it will be
>> appreciated.
>> >
>> >
>> > I currently do not have access to the blacklist on my phone .
>> >
>> > Thanks,
>> > Mike
>> >
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > 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
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
Mike,
Don't overlook the coil in the HEI distributor. I spent hundreds of dollars
chasing fuel problems and found out it was the ignition coil that was weak.
Burned a lot of fuel, much of ot hit the oil pan, before I replaced the
coil assembly. Runs good now.

Pete Faxon
"74 Glacier in Camarillo, CA

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> Hello all, my 1975 GMC Coachman built Royale is stranded at the side of
> Highway 11, 61 km south of North Bay.
>
> Going up a slight grade and while descending on the other side it
> stalled, costed to a stop and having a hard time restarting.
>
> Temperature is around 75°, and raining.
>
> The fellow driving it is not mechanically inclined so is there anybody in
> Northbay that can help?
>
> Definitely sounds like a fuel issue from his description, not able to
> hold a high rev for any length of time after starting, then it stalls.
>
> New high-pressure fuel pump, lines etc, Fitech fuel injection installed
> without the command center. Return fuel line installed at the same time.
>
> He's waiting for a towing service to bring him to a shop but just in case
> anybody is in that area that can provide assistance it will be appreciated.
>
>
> I currently do not have access to the blacklist on my phone .
>
> Thanks,
> Mike
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
*Pete*
 
> Mike,
> Don't overlook the coil in the HEI distributor. I spent hundreds of dollars
> chasing fuel problems and found out it was the ignition coil that was weak.
> Burned a lot of fuel, much of ot hit the oil pan, before I replaced the
> coil assembly. Runs good now.
>
> Pete Faxon
> "74 Glacier in Camarillo, CA

I was thinking the same thing.

It would not take much to talk him through changing it if he has a cell phone and a pair of screwdrivers.

--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
Thank you Pete and Ken, although I did replace the coil no guarantee it wasn't faulty or simply damaged. I will pass this along .
Mike
 
The coil is just a guess, but it is too cool for vapor lock, fuel filters do not act like that so the coil or module is next. I had a new coil from
Dick Paterson go bad after a few hundred one time.

I just had another idea. How about a vent to the tanks being plugged. If it happens again have him loosen the gas cap and try to drive it that way.

It is all a guessing game.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
Yes, I did my own. Brother-in-law sent me a used, but tested unit. The moly
white grease under the control unit is important in coolling the chip.
Final testing the auxilery fuel pump and the mechanical motor pump both
tested @ 7 psi and at the inlet at the carb @ 7 psi.
Fuel problem solved.

Faxon

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> > Mike,
> > Don't overlook the coil in the HEI distributor. I spent hundreds of
> dollars
> > chasing fuel problems and found out it was the ignition coil that was
> weak.
> > Burned a lot of fuel, much of ot hit the oil pan, before I replaced the
> > coil assembly. Runs good now.
> >
> > Pete Faxon
> > "74 Glacier in Camarillo, CA
>
> I was thinking the same thing.
>
> It would not take much to talk him through changing it if he has a cell
> phone and a pair of screwdrivers.
>
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
*Pete*
 
I had a similar issue when I first installed my FItech. Suddenly running extremely rich with lots of exhaust smoke. Actually took me to the side of
the road. After sitting for a while, it would restart and run fine for a short while. Finally narrowed it down to happening immediately after a
fill-up with fuel. When it happened, I lifted the air cleaner and found all four barrels frosted with ice. I put my hand on the TB to find it ice cold
(obviously). I then found water dripping from the vacuum line going to the fuel vapor canister. Pulled the vacuum line to find it loaded with raw
fuel. Finally came down to a bad fuel vapor separator. When I filled with fuel, I put to much in instead of stopping when the fuel backed up into the
filler. The separator which was supposed to stop raw fuel from getting to the canister, allowed fuel to fill the canister. Fuel then sucked into the
vacuum line going to the TB. The evaporation (change from liquid to vapor) cooled the fuel so cool that the TB froze up. I disconnected the vacuum
line and the engine ran perfect. Actually, it stumbled around for a while because the FItech was trying to recorrect itself from the rich condition
that the O2 sensor detected. So, maybe check for a TB that is cold, then check the fuel vapor separator. An odd problem that could reoccur.
--
Larry
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
 
I haven't heard back regarding any further issues, but if the same scenario repeats itself I will offer up your suggestion Ken regarding gas cap.

Thanks for your description Larry, I will keep this write-up available and send it to him if I hear back.

Fingers crossed that it was just a fluke issue, however, unlikely that it was not caused by something fuel related.

Thanks again for the feedback.
 
I have a similar issue with my FiTech fuel injection. Trouble restarting when engine is hot .
I use what they call a “hard start” and have had success. Turn engine to on position and wait 4 seconds for fuel to feed throttle body. Turn off and repeat this time starting the engine.
Hope this works next time!

Gary Coaster / Reno, NV
1977 GMC Eleganza ll
GMC RV Day Night Shade Sales
GMCShades
www.GMCMotorhomemarketplace.com/GMC_Shades/

>
> UPDATE...
>
> He waited 45 minutes, fired the coach up and off they went. Seems to be running fine?
>
> Does that help with diagnosing a possible issue that might come back?
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Gary,
Do you have a return line?
Also do you have the intake exaust blocked off?

> I have a similar issue with my FiTech fuel injection. Trouble restarting
> when engine is hot .
> I use what they call a “hard start” and have had success. Turn engine to
> on position and wait 4 seconds for fuel to feed throttle body. Turn off and
> repeat this time starting the engine.
> Hope this works next time!
>
> Gary Coaster / Reno, NV
> 1977 GMC Eleganza ll
> GMC RV Day Night Shade Sales
> GMCShades
> www.GMCMotorhomemarketplace.com/GMC_Shades/
>

> >
> > UPDATE...
> >
> > He waited 45 minutes, fired the coach up and off they went. Seems to be
> running fine?
> >
> > Does that help with diagnosing a possible issue that might come back?
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > 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
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
I have the FCC with a return line.
Not sure about the intake exhaust.
This usually happens when the coach has set for a while after running.
ie eating at a restruarant.

Gary Coaster / Reno, NV
1977 GMC Eleganza ll
GMC RV Day Night Shade Sales
GMCShades
www.GMCMotorhomemarketplace.com/GMC_Shades/

>
> Gary,
> Do you have a return line?
> Also do you have the intake exaust blocked off?
>
>

>>
>> I have a similar issue with my FiTech fuel injection. Trouble restarting
>> when engine is hot .
>> I use what they call a “hard start” and have had success. Turn engine to
>> on position and wait 4 seconds for fuel to feed throttle body. Turn off and
>> repeat this time starting the engine.
>> Hope this works next time!
>>
>> Gary Coaster / Reno, NV
>> 1977 GMC Eleganza ll
>> GMC RV Day Night Shade Sales
>> GMCShades
>> www.GMCMotorhomemarketplace.com/GMC_Shades/
>>

>>>
>>> UPDATE...
>>>
>>> He waited 45 minutes, fired the coach up and off they went. Seems to be
>> running fine?
>>>
>>> Does that help with diagnosing a possible issue that might come back?
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> 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
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
I would recommend hooking up the Fitech control module and check for fault codes. That should tell you if you have a problem with the Fitech system. I
had a similar problem a few years ago and after checking the fault codes I found a whole bunch of codes. I called Fitech and the tech told me that the
only way to set all those codes was an insufficient ground. I ran a dedicated ground to the frame and have had no problems since.
I should mention that mine acted exactly the same as the problem described in the original post. It lost power stalled, waited a little while,
restarted, and drove fine for quite a while. This scenario repeated itself three or four times before I got the problem fixed. I hope this helps.

--
Bob and Pam Schilling
Rapid City, SD
"78 Royale
 
ANOTHER UPDATE ...

Shortly after the (supposed fuel) issue arose the coach fired right up and has been running for approximately 20 hours without issue, from North Bay
Ontario over the northern tip of Lake Superior beyond Thunder Bay closing in on Manitoba.

The latest issue is the generator won't fire up from the inside panel... not a sound, not turning over or anything?

Any ideas what to look for, it was running fine when they stopped for the night (Tuesday), I guess there was no need to start it yesterday but today
nothing?

Thanks,
Mike
 
Mike,
Typically the inside panel is not a point of failure. There is a plug located behind the generator by the frame rail that is the wiring from the panel to the generator. This plug has corrosion issues and will cause the symptoms that you suggest. If the plug is still present I would suggest that you cut the plug out of the lines, ONE WIRE AT A TIME! Use some connectors and or butt splices and then tape to protect the wiring.

J.R. Wright
GMC Great Laker MHC
GMCGL Tech Editor
GMC Eastern States Charter Member
GMCMI
78 GMC Buskirk 30’ Stretch
75 GMC Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan

>
> ANOTHER UPDATE ...
>
> Shortly after the (supposed fuel) issue arose the coach fired right up and has been running for approximately 20 hours without issue, from North Bay
> Ontario over the northern tip of Lake Superior beyond Thunder Bay closing in on Manitoba.
>
> The latest issue is the generator won't fire up from the inside panel... not a sound, not turning over or anything?
>
> Any ideas what to look for, it was running fine when they stopped for the night (Tuesday), I guess there was no need to start it yesterday but today
> nothing?
>
> Thanks,
> Mike
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
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