Wayne,
If the choke is set correctly, there is no need to warm up the engine.
By driving it slowly for the first mile or two will heat the engine rapidly
and is easier on the engine wear.
In my book warming up a endine by idleing is a por practise
> Appreciate the comments thus far. It may be worth adding the thought
> process behind this possible switch. Each owner may want different things
> and
> have different expectations.
>
> The concerns or things Im looking to mitigate in no particular order:
> potential for Vapor Lock, Exhaust Smell, reliability overall, warm up
> times.
>
> I currently have a low mile Patterson rebuilt carb and distributor. The
> system works very well, and Dick was nice enough to help adjust the carb and
> give a once over in Elkhart. Im not sure its going to get better than
> where it is currently.
>
> My concerns with the current system are that the coach takes a while to
> warm up and the exhaust is pretty stinky. Having the rebuilt carb tuned
> has
> helped with the exhaust smell a lot, but not all the way. I dont have any
> expectations that the GMC will ever smell like a new car when running, but
> anything helps. Perhaps EFI will help some more.
>
> Warm up times are not an issue when Im home. We mostly camp at normal
> campgrounds, and I try to be a good neighbor and as considerate as possible.
> Warming up the coach for 5 mins or longer on a cold morning, coupled with
> the smell and actual noise of the running engine I think has gotten to some
> of our camping neighbors. (no we are not at a high brow campground, Yes,
> I have two working new mufflers that are not race style and dont leak) No
> its not as loud as the 25 super diesels that are also there camping, but I
> dont want to be "that guy". No I dont expect to leave a campsite in total
> silence either. But if I can start the engine and roll sooner, then
> that's great. Perhaps EFI will help some more. (I also dont expect to
> turn
> they key and floor the gas to tear out of any place).
>
> Ive never experienced vapor lock, but truth be told, when we are underway,
> I rarely shut the engine down until Im there. In reading about the EFI
> experiences of several GMCers. Running a return line, and keeping as much
> fuel line away from anything producing heat seems like its both reasonable
> and effective at better controlling or eliminating this condition.
> Having the fuel lines run behind the engine from the tanks to feed the EFI
> seems
> like a better set up temperature wise, than the OEM steel line running in
> front of everything, then through the mechanical pump, then up to the front
> of the Carb. As I understand it, EFI should help with this condition.
>
> Fuel Pumps. Ive probably read every horror story and success story on
> pumps on this forum. Some pumps seem better, some worse, all will fail at
> some
> point, just be prepared for it. I have a new, proper mechanical carter
> pump installed, and also a new spare in the coach just in case. Im not so
> much worried about one going out, but more that the diaphragm lets go and
> dumps fuel in the crank case. I had that happen on an engine once. Didn't
> do too much damage overall, but properly disposing of 10+ quarts of gassy
> oil was a pain, plus flushing the engine. I cant imagine doing that on the
> side of the road in the GMC. Seems like changing a bad electric fuel pump
> mounted outside the tank would be a bit easier than on the side of a hot
> engine. Perhaps the EFI high pressure pump would be "better" from a
> change out perspective but not necessarily more reliable. At least expect
> for it
> to fail, hope it doesnt, and carry a spare and move on with life.
>
> Also in the reliability area is if something tanks, or gives up. The
> reality is if the carb fouls up, and you cant fix it, it could be some time
> before replacement carbs, someone that knows what they are actually doing,
> or replacement parts can be found and shipped to your location, and again
> if you dont know what your doing, finding someone who does close by. So
> your off the road for a while waiting. If the EFI tanks, and you know its
> not the pump, just assume its the entire unit. Same thing, your off the
> road, however you will find a new replacement unit faster, and in some cases
> shipped to you probably the same day. Unplug the electrical connections,
> and fuel lines, pull, drop new one in, plug in and go. So if I had to
> pick between a carb going south or EFI I may prefer the EFI route for the
> time involved to replace. Im not suggesting that 900 to 1000 bucks is a
> throw away unit, but correctly rebuilt carbs are several hundred as well,
> or more if your current carb cant be used as a core.
>
> I suppose thats where my thinking is. and I know Ive missed other valid
> concerns.
>
> The MPG as has been mentioned is not that big of a deal. Im not
> expecting or looking for any gains. As it stands we do not drive a ton of
> miles to
> really appreciate a few extra gallons of gas here and there. Our time off,
> and time with the family is the most valuable part of every minute in the
> coach. I found driving as if there is an egg covering the gas pedal
> helps, keeping it under 65mph and having empty holding tanks (grey, black,
> and
> fresh) are pretty helpful.
>
> Perhaps there is more discussion on the merits/de merits of this system,
> or maybe I just further talked my self into this, but I appreciate the
> knowledge on this forum.
>
>
>
>
> --
> 77 Royale, Rear Dry Bath. 403, 3.55 Final Drive, Lenzi goodies, Patterson
> carb and dizzy.
> Mid Michigan
>
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
