New Engine Follies - Final

[johnny]

So it appears to have brakes and the weather finally broke - I'll go test 'e,m out. But, Joe Btfsplk's cloud remains over my head. I topped up the
coolant and pulled the dipstick out, wiped it, and put it back.. it jammed. Out I pulled it, the end has broken off. Well, I don't care for the
convoluted route it takes to the front hatch anyway, so I hied myself down to Year One, "Gimme a tube and dipstick for an Olds 455. He had two, I
opted for the longer one. An afternoon of judicious bending and tapping and the tube is in. Gob of black hi temp grot to seal it up. Removed a
couple inches from the dipstick and with some effort it goes in as well. When next I see one of the coiled ones I'll buy it. Meantime, this one is
marked and fits in nicely. I will be opening the motor hatch to check the oil, and since I check the trans fluid every stop I hafta open it anyway.
Too late now to try it out, all the folks who work in Atlanta are all over the local roads coming home. Maybe tomorrow....

My last three purchases from Freight, Harbor have been worth it. A 9.95 angle grinder with a cutoff wheel fitted. A little bitty bench
grinder/polisher with a flexible shaft a la Dremel - and my Dremel stuff fits. A 30 dollar electric impact wrench - I'm on my second one and it's
still worth it, takes the wheels right off and right back. The 39.95 tool kit on sale in the tent for 19, not so much great tools for me, but perfect
for my daughter's house.

Patterson or bust.

--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

 

[Irish Rogue]

Johnny B.:
I look forward to meeting you in Patterson - have followed your net entries for quite a while.
Have been involved in GMC’s for the past 7 yrs and Corvairs for the past 8 years! But am not a mechanic!
See ya then - I hope!
Mike/The Corvair a holic

Sent from my iPhone

>
> So it appears to have brakes and the weather finally broke - I'll go test 'e,m out. But, Joe Btfsplk's cloud remains over my head. I topped up the
> coolant and pulled the dipstick out, wiped it, and put it back.. it jammed. Out I pulled it, the end has broken off. Well, I don't care for the
> convoluted route it takes to the front hatch anyway, so I hied myself down to Year One, "Gimme a tube and dipstick for an Olds 455. He had two, I
> opted for the longer one. An afternoon of judicious bending and tapping and the tube is in. Gob of black hi temp grot to seal it up. Removed a
> couple inches from the dipstick and with some effort it goes in as well. When next I see one of the coiled ones I'll buy it. Meantime, this one is
> marked and fits in nicely. I will be opening the motor hatch to check the oil, and since I check the trans fluid every stop I hafta open it anyway.
> Too late now to try it out, all the folks who work in Atlanta are all over the local roads coming home. Maybe tomorrow....
>
> My last three purchases from Freight, Harbor have been worth it. A 9.95 angle grinder with a cutoff wheel fitted. A little bitty bench
> grinder/polisher with a flexible shaft a la Dremel - and my Dremel stuff fits. A 30 dollar electric impact wrench - I'm on my second one and it's
> still worth it, takes the wheels right off and right back. The 39.95 tool kit on sale in the tent for 19, not so much great tools for me, but perfect
> for my daughter's house.
>
> Patterson or bust.
>
> --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

 

[BoboBob]

Mike,

You seem to know all about Corvairs. I just found out
they made a Corvair Motorhome. Have you ever seen one
or had the chance to drive one?

Thanks for your time,
Bob Broadwell
--
Bob Broadwell
75 Eleganza II-Rebuilt performance engine, Manny trans, Manny 1-ton front end, 73 23ft with a side bath getting some updates-both living in Las Vegas

 

[Rob]

There was an Ultravan (Covair based) rally that passed through Victoria a couple of years back...

I see Greenbrier camper vans (even MORE Corvair based!) every once in a while when we’re out camping. There is a guy near me with one.

Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath

>
> Mike,
>
> You seem to know all about Corvairs. I just found out
> they made a Corvair Motorhome. Have you ever seen one
> or had the chance to drive one?
>
> Thanks for your time,
> Bob Broadwell
> --
> Bob Broadwell
> 75 Eleganza II-Rebuilt performance engine, Manny trans, Manny 1-ton front end, 73 23ft with a side bath getting some updates-both living in Las Vegas

 

[Jim Hupy]

The Ultravan used Corvair power, and also used Oldsmobile 455 Toronado
engine transaxle with solid hubs mounted in the rear of the vehicle. Don't
know the years, there used to be a contributor on this net that posted
occasionally. But, no mention of the Ultravan for quite a while.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Wed, Feb 12, 2020, 6:26 PM Rob via Gmclist
wrote:

> There was an Ultravan (Covair based) rally that passed through Victoria a
> couple of years back...
>
> I see Greenbrier camper vans (even MORE Corvair based!) every once in a
> while when we’re out camping. There is a guy near me with one.
>
> Rob
> Victoria, BC
> 76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
>
> > On Feb 12, 2020, at 6:09 PM, Robert Edwin Broadwell via Gmclist <

> >
> > Mike,
> >
> > You seem to know all about Corvairs. I just found out
> > they made a Corvair Motorhome. Have you ever seen one
> > or had the chance to drive one?
> >
> > Thanks for your time,
> > Bob Broadwell
> > --
> > Bob Broadwell
> > 75 Eleganza II-Rebuilt performance engine, Manny trans, Manny 1-ton
> front end, 73 23ft with a side bath getting some updates-both living in Las
> Vegas
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

 

[Ron Clark]

Hi, Bob.
It was an Ultravan. I had one for a year or so, then bought a GMC.
the Ultravan was a 22' rear engine coach, with the bed right over the
engine.
Some of them were converted to Chev V-8 using a marine V-drive to get
things turning in the right direction. That's what mine was.

Oops, I had forgotten about the Toro conversion.

Ron Clark

On Wed, 12 Feb 2020 19:09:44 -0700 Robert Edwin Broadwell via Gmclist

> Mike,
>
> You seem to know all about Corvairs. I just found out
> they made a Corvair Motorhome. Have you ever seen one
> or had the chance to drive one?
>
> Thanks for your time,
> Bob Broadwell
> --
> Bob Broadwell
> 75 Eleganza II-Rebuilt performance engine, Manny trans, Manny 1-ton
> front end, 73 23ft with a side bath getting some updates-both living
> in Las Vegas
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

Ron & Linda Clark
North Plains, ORYGUN
1978 Eleganza II

 

[Irish Rogue]

Hi Bob B.:
Yes - I have seen many of them. They are called Ultra Vans. I have not owned or driven one but am pretty sure they would handle well if set up correctly. They are 22’ long and weigh less than 5,000 # - were made in late 60’s by a company in Kansas - I believe. I have inspected/toured many of them.
Not to many around any more. I had an interest in purchasing one but the wife much prefers the GMC MH - made in 73 Thru 78.
Go to a Corvair internet site and check out
“Ultra Van”!
Let me know if I can answer any other Corvair questions for you - I currently own 13 of the little darlings!
Mike/The Corvair a holic
76 Eleganza II 26’ rear bed - road ready.
76 Glenbrook 28’ stretch rear bed - also road ready.
78 Glenbrook 26’ rear bed - a long term project.
Previously owned a 78 23’ Birchaven rear bath - road ready - sold in 2017.
Also previously owned a 77 Palm Beach 26’ rear bed - road ready - sold in 2016.

Sent from my iPhone

>
> Mike,
>
> You seem to know all about Corvairs. I just found out
> they made a Corvair Motorhome. Have you ever seen one
> or had the chance to drive one?
>
> Thanks for your time,
> Bob Broadwell
> --
> Bob Broadwell
> 75 Eleganza II-Rebuilt performance engine, Manny trans, Manny 1-ton front end, 73 23ft with a side bath getting some updates-both living in Las Vegas
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

 

[BoboBob]

My first car before I could drive was a 1961 Corvair Auto.

Had a gas heater that worked really well. Got sold a month or two
after I got my DL.

I always liked the look of the 65-69. Kind of a small version
of the Camaro.

Thanks for the info.

Regards,
Bob
--
Bob Broadwell
75 Eleganza II-Rebuilt performance engine, Manny trans, Manny 1-ton front end, 73 23ft with a side bath getting some updates-both living in Las Vegas

 

[BoboBob]

Johnny,

When I was first in the auto repair industry sometimes we would bench bleed
a brake master cylinder but most of the time we would bolt it on the car, tighten
the brake lines and fill it up with fluid. Then with the cap off one person would
watch the master for bubbles and the other would just toe the top of the brake
pedal nice and easy so as not to make a mess till the bubbles went away. Then
we would put the top on the master pump the brakes up two or three good pumps,
hold down on the pedal while the guy outside would open one line and then the other
line and that would take care of it. Wasted very little fluid and would make
very little mess.

Replaced my master on my 73 last year in a Calif. State Park and this still worked
great.

Regards,
Bob
--
Bob Broadwell
75 Eleganza II-Rebuilt performance engine, Manny trans, Manny 1-ton front end, 73 23ft with a side bath getting some updates-both living in Las Vegas

 

[johnny]

Bob, I picked up a little clamp on vise which holds the master cylinder while I used a rod to push it gently till all the air was out of it and then
one at a time unplugged it and fitted the brake lines. I borrowed a Hupy pressure bleeder from the Dixielander's president, once you get the thing on
and sealed, it's fairly easy to bleed the brakes one handed. I suspect my rears could be adjusted in a bit more and the pedal would come up a bit, a
test drive will tell. It has rained l;ike a tall copw pissin' on a flat rock here for the last few sdays, no way I'm going on a brake test drive in
the wet.

As to Corvairs, Kelley and Bob Dunahugh (who appears here infrequently) are the gurus. I had a '65 for a while and assessed it as the biggest piece
of junk I've ever owned - and I once owned a Fiat 128 Dunahugh even races them. I swapped mine on a new Mustang three weeks before Nader's book
came out, and the local Ford dealer over to home still cusses me - it sat on his lot for a year and change. And, the '65s had decent rear suspension
unlike the earlier body style.

Anyway, dry weather and I'll roll.

--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

 

[jim kanomata1]

Robert,
So many of the coaches have contaminated fluid, that one need to flush it
and replace the distribution valve.
40 years a long time for fluid that gets hot from brakes that need to stop
a heavy coach.
The fluid is hydrophobic, so it collects moisture more than meets the eye.
I like to flush the fluid around 5 years.

On Thu, Feb 13, 2020 at 5:38 AM Johnny Bridges via Gmclist <

> Bob, I picked up a little clamp on vise which holds the master cylinder
> while I used a rod to push it gently till all the air was out of it and then
> one at a time unplugged it and fitted the brake lines. I borrowed a Hupy
> pressure bleeder from the Dixielander's president, once you get the thing on
> and sealed, it's fairly easy to bleed the brakes one handed. I suspect my
> rears could be adjusted in a bit more and the pedal would come up a bit, a
> test drive will tell. It has rained l;ike a tall copw pissin' on a flat
> rock here for the last few sdays, no way I'm going on a brake test drive in
> the wet.
>
> As to Corvairs, Kelley and Bob Dunahugh (who appears here infrequently)
> are the gurus. I had a '65 for a while and assessed it as the biggest piece
> of junk I've ever owned - and I once owned a Fiat 128 Dunahugh even
> races them. I swapped mine on a new Mustang three weeks before Nader's book
> came out, and the local Ford dealer over to home still cusses me - it sat
> on his lot for a year and change. And, the '65s had decent rear suspension
> unlike the earlier body style.
>
> Anyway, dry weather and I'll roll.
>
> --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
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502

 

[johnny]

Hydrophobic - inimical to water - won't mix. Hydrophobia - fear of water.

Hygroscopic - the ability to absorb water or adsorb water from the surroundings like moisture in the air, as in brake fluid which is a hygroscopic
compound.

--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

 

[johnny]

It walks! It talks! It crawls on its belly like a reptile! I ran the coach about fifty miles, freeway and back roads. The brakes still have less
pedal than I want but they're solid - I suspect running the adjusters up in the rear will help. One little glitch.. When I came to a stop at one
point it stalled, and the starter didn't want to turn the new tight engine. Two minute wait and it spun off. I'll be discussing this with MSD along
with a couple of other questions about the injection. I suspect a new filter or two and the spare pump will straighten the glitches out. Ill
schlep the starter down to Dollar and let them rebuild it for me, I don't have a lathe here for armature turning. Next up is clean up the rug or
replace it and proof the interior systems. Then off to Raleigh and Concord for a distance trial run. I got it up to 75 without straining on the
freeway - it will run faster but I won't. 60 - 65 feels nice and easy. It barks the tires on startup from a light. Holds 180 degrees steady on the
freeway, a bit under on back roads. 65 pound oil pressure running, just under 40 idling. Barring any troubles, looks like Mr John built a good
motor.

--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

 

[Randy Hecht]

Shake down cruise sounds successful.

Chaplain Randy Hecht
Roswell, GA
Chaplains are ready to Listen when you're ready to talk.

1974 Canyon Lakes GMC the Unicorn Express
80mm Front Disc and a work in progress

>
> It walks! It talks! It crawls on its belly like a reptile! I ran the coach about fifty miles, freeway and back roads. The brakes still have less
> pedal than I want but they're solid - I suspect running the adjusters up in the rear will help. One little glitch.. When I came to a stop at one
> point it stalled, and the starter didn't want to turn the new tight engine. Two minute wait and it spun off. I'll be discussing this with MSD along
> with a couple of other questions about the injection. I suspect a new filter or two and the spare pump will straighten the glitches out. Ill
> schlep the starter down to Dollar and let them rebuild it for me, I don't have a lathe here for armature turning. Next up is clean up the rug or
> replace it and proof the interior systems. Then off to Raleigh and Concord for a distance trial run. I got it up to 75 without straining on the
> freeway - it will run faster but I won't. 60 - 65 feels nice and easy. It barks the tires on startup from a light. Holds 180 degrees steady on the
> freeway, a bit under on back roads. 65 pound oil pressure running, just under 40 idling. Barring any troubles, looks like Mr John built a good
> motor.
>
> --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

 

[Jim Hupy]

Johnny, you talking about "Little Egypt"? Or your motorhome engine? I'm so
confused. But it is very Early here in Silver Lake Cove R.V. park. and I
haven't had my morning coffee yet.
The GMC CASCADERS are having a Valentine's Day rally here in
Washington State. Little brisk here. 34°, drizzle all day predicted. But,
we are here with nearly 50 of our GMC friends. French toast ,etc soon to be
on the grill. Life is good. Have a great weekend, yourself.
Illigitimi non-carbundum.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Sat, Feb 15, 2020, 7:26 AM Randy Hecht via Gmclist <

> Shake down cruise sounds successful.
>
> Chaplain Randy Hecht
> Roswell, GA
> Chaplains are ready to Listen when you're ready to talk.
>
> 1974 Canyon Lakes GMC the Unicorn Express
> 80mm Front Disc and a work in progress
>
>
> > On Feb 15, 2020, at 08:44, Johnny Bridges via Gmclist <

> >
> > It walks! It talks! It crawls on its belly like a reptile! I ran the
> coach about fifty miles, freeway and back roads. The brakes still have less
> > pedal than I want but they're solid - I suspect running the adjusters up
> in the rear will help. One little glitch.. When I came to a stop at one
> > point it stalled, and the starter didn't want to turn the new tight
> engine. Two minute wait and it spun off. I'll be discussing this with MSD
> along
> > with a couple of other questions about the injection. I suspect a new
> filter or two and the spare pump will straighten the glitches out. Ill
> > schlep the starter down to Dollar and let them rebuild it for me, I
> don't have a lathe here for armature turning. Next up is clean up the rug
> or
> > replace it and proof the interior systems. Then off to Raleigh and
> Concord for a distance trial run. I got it up to 75 without straining on
> the
> > freeway - it will run faster but I won't. 60 - 65 feels nice and easy.
> It barks the tires on startup from a light. Holds 180 degrees steady on the
> > freeway, a bit under on back roads. 65 pound oil pressure running, just
> under 40 idling. Barring any troubles, looks like Mr John built a good
> > motor.
> >
> > --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
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

 

[jim kanomata1]

John,
It is not a tight engine that gave you starting problem.
Check all your cables , pos and neg as it Is common issue as even new
connections can be a problem. Also all grounding straps should be on.
Sounds like bs, but we run into it often.

On Sat, Feb 15, 2020 at 7:43 AM James Hupy via Gmclist <

> Johnny, you talking about "Little Egypt"? Or your motorhome engine? I'm so
> confused. But it is very Early here in Silver Lake Cove R.V. park. and I
> haven't had my morning coffee yet.
> The GMC CASCADERS are having a Valentine's Day rally here in
> Washington State. Little brisk here. 34°, drizzle all day predicted. But,
> we are here with nearly 50 of our GMC friends. French toast ,etc soon to be
> on the grill. Life is good. Have a great weekend, yourself.
> Illigitimi non-carbundum.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Oregon
>
> On Sat, Feb 15, 2020, 7:26 AM Randy Hecht via Gmclist <

>
> > Shake down cruise sounds successful.
> >
> > Chaplain Randy Hecht
> > Roswell, GA
> > Chaplains are ready to Listen when you're ready to talk.
> >
> > 1974 Canyon Lakes GMC the Unicorn Express
> > 80mm Front Disc and a work in progress
> >
> >
> > > On Feb 15, 2020, at 08:44, Johnny Bridges via Gmclist <

> > >
> > > It walks! It talks! It crawls on its belly like a reptile! I ran
> the
> > coach about fifty miles, freeway and back roads. The brakes still have
> less
> > > pedal than I want but they're solid - I suspect running the adjusters
> up
> > in the rear will help. One little glitch.. When I came to a stop at one
> > > point it stalled, and the starter didn't want to turn the new tight
> > engine. Two minute wait and it spun off. I'll be discussing this with
> MSD
> > along
> > > with a couple of other questions about the injection. I suspect a new
> > filter or two and the spare pump will straighten the glitches out. Ill
> > > schlep the starter down to Dollar and let them rebuild it for me, I
> > don't have a lathe here for armature turning. Next up is clean up the
> rug
> > or
> > > replace it and proof the interior systems. Then off to Raleigh and
> > Concord for a distance trial run. I got it up to 75 without straining on
> > the
> > > freeway - it will run faster but I won't. 60 - 65 feels nice and easy.
> > It barks the tires on startup from a light. Holds 180 degrees steady on
> the
> > > freeway, a bit under on back roads. 65 pound oil pressure running,
> just
> > under 40 idling. Barring any troubles, looks like Mr John built a good
> > > motor.
> > >
> > > --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
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > 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.appliedgmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502

 

[johnny]

Jim, I ran through all that two transmission ago Actually, I suspect the starter bushing and p'raps the solenoid disk are up for refurb, this
looks to be the original starter fitted in 1976. Chassis battery ground is directly to the block. There's a strap back there someplace but given
the ground setup it won't make a great difference in starter operation. It is, however quite possible the connections have grown grot while it's been
sitting for several months. I'll polish them again.
The injection is running leaner than I like at highway speeds, although at lower it's showing 14.5 - 14.7. At speed it crept up to nearly 16:1 which
I think is too lean to be running. It does drop back when the throttle is opened more.
I need to address the nitshit stuff now, everything needs to be ty-wrapped or braced where there aren't dangling wires and plumbing. The lower
dashboard wiring is an abortion, I have to clean it up. The water fill has a leak someplace, I'll simply replace the inlet to tank hose completely
and kill that. The pressure inlet is blanked off on both side of the one way valve which froze and split. I may put another valve in and restore it.
The water pump is fairly new but it got left on for several days, it may be toast. I've a spare if it is. I need the over the dinette cabinet, or
to repair the one I have, the spit board has fallen apart. I can replace it with plywood The nearest one I've found so far is in Utah, the shipping
would be more than having one scratch built I suspect. The carpet is stained and oily, I have some gee whiz cleaner to try but I suspect the answer
is going to be new floor of some description. I'm half a mind to simply fit some A-C quarter inch plywood with trim strips across the joints and
quarter round along the edges and put marine deck varnish on it. Then some loose carpet runners to walk on. One day the headliner ought to be
renewed, it's the original mouse fur. Stained where the front vent leaked in the past. The bunks and dinette are redone nicely, I need to do
something with the front chairs. The upholstery guy says new ones would be cheaper than redoing the existing ones. I may just hit pick n pay and see
what can be scrounged.

--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