New Ownership, New member, Long road ahead.

G

GURR

New member
May 17, 2020
16
0
1
Hey folks!

Came across this forum last night looking into things and I went ahead and signed up. I am a fan of joining and updating forum sites for vehicles I
own.

My partner and I just got a 1973 beautiful orange motorhome that was literally on the streets ready to degrade to nothingness. Whether or not it was a
bad idea, you can decide!

118k on the odo. Original 455 engine I believe, and a edelbrock carb with headers. I'll start off by saying it was rough to drive it 4 miles to where
it's currently parked and that I want to go through some basic things before driving it again. I already read a pretty good introductory post by Matt
Colie in this thread: http://gmc.mybirdfeeder.net/GMCforum/index.php?t=msg&goto=352152&rid=0&srch=carb

The bad:
- It backfired like crazy while driving after warming up
- I couldn't find the oil dipstick! Am I crazy? There seems to be an oil fill tube under the passenger-side front access panel. When I was looking in
the online pdf, it sounds like it's under the brake master. I'm going to give another look.
- There's a puddle of oil at your feet in the cab which I found to be coming from the mechanical oil pressure gauge. This one also seems to be a bit
of a miracle one because it's easy to fix but it also allowed me to realize that the oil is heavily saturated with fuel...I hope it hasn't been driven
long like this...ya know...with solvent instead of lubricant.
- It's driven with a hose running to a 5 gal tank in the cab, even though the previous-previous owner said he dropped the tanks and had them done "a
couple of years ago" it probably has to be done again.
- The interior is pretty shot.
- Some things have been butchered.
- generator sliding shorted a cable that runs underneath.
- I thought I would be able to store it a long term storage facility right across the street where I currently have it parked. Unfortunately, they're
booked for a couple of months! Going to have to figure something out here.
- One of the windows is broken (next to the door).
- I'm sure there's more but I don't remember/haven't found it yet.
- some exterior things.

The good:
- Seemingly all original except for the carb and headers. It also has an air ride front seat? Need to look into this more to really understand it.
- We have all the contact info for previous owners going back decades.
- supposedly all "systems" work(e.g. fridge, stove...).
- some exterior things.
- Decent tire tread, although a little old they don't too dry-rotted.
- Air suspension seems good.

Trying to figure out the pictures thing. Will do another time.
--
1973 GMC Motorhome. Obtained from the brink of destruction 05/15/2020 in the middle of the night.

Berkeley, CA
 
The best news is that you are not far from Applied GMC. Maybe 10 miles or so. Jim K at Applied should be on your speed dial! He has all the parts and
knowledge that you will need.
Have fun! Scott.
--
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera
installed MSD Atomic EFI
Houston, Texas
 
Welcome, you came to right place here for asking questions.

On Sun, May 17, 2020 at 12:29 PM Scott Nutter via Gmclist <

> The best news is that you are not far from Applied GMC. Maybe 10 miles or
> so. Jim K at Applied should be on your speed dial! He has all the parts and
> knowledge that you will need.
> Have fun! Scott.
> --
> Scott Nutter
> 1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final
> drive, Quad bags, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera
> installed MSD Atomic EFI
> Houston, Texas
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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
 
Congrats! Sounds like you are pretty mechanical in your diagnostics, which is a good thing. Start to iron out the critical mechanicals like safe fuel
and clean oil and just keep going.

Bdub's site has great stuff, worth looking and browsing when not in a hurry - especially the link to many relevant original manuals if you scroll down
and look on left side
http://www.bdub.net/GMCLinks.html

Welcome
--
1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
Raleigh, NC
 
Look at it this way. Your way is crystal clear. The direction you need to
travel is up. You have associated yourself with some of the most helpful,
supportive, knowledgable people on the planet. No exaggeration at all here.
Kinda a bit of advice to you, is to compartmentalize your problems into
manageable, logical steps. First, what needs to be done. Get that oil
changed before you start that engine again. Find the cause for the
dilution. I would suspect the mechanical fuel pump diaphram. It might still
pump fuel, but leak copious amounts of gas into the crankcase.
Then, prioritize stuff into " absolutely have to do" vs. "need to do"
vs. "would like to do" vs. "nice to have done, someday"
Then do it once, do it right, and move onto the next one.
Truth is, you more than likely will never run out of things to do to
that coach. But, remember, you have help.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Sun, May 17, 2020, 11:33 AM Bruce Hart via Gmclist <

> Welcome, you came to right place here for asking questions.
>
> On Sun, May 17, 2020 at 12:29 PM Scott Nutter via Gmclist <

>
> > The best news is that you are not far from Applied GMC. Maybe 10 miles or
> > so. Jim K at Applied should be on your speed dial! He has all the parts
> and
> > knowledge that you will need.
> > Have fun! Scott.
> > --
> > Scott Nutter
> > 1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21
> final
> > drive, Quad bags, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera
> > installed MSD Atomic EFI
> > Houston, Texas
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > 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
>
 
Alex G.:
A word of warning on those older tires. Check the date codes ASAP - more than 5 to 6 years old and stored outside long term - replace them immediately. Weather checking is not a good indicator on these 12,000 # coaches! A flat on the front could cost you your life and on the rear when driving can cost a lot more than a new tire. Ask me how I know - $2,800.00 damage to the fiber glas, and I know others who had even more costly repairs due to blow outs!
Just a helpful hint!
Mike/The Corvair a holic

Sent from my iPhone

>
> Hey folks!
>
> Came across this forum last night looking into things and I went ahead and signed up. I am a fan of joining and updating forum sites for vehicles I
> own.
>
> My partner and I just got a 1973 beautiful orange motorhome that was literally on the streets ready to degrade to nothingness. Whether or not it was a
> bad idea, you can decide!
>
> 118k on the odo. Original 455 engine I believe, and a edelbrock carb with headers. I'll start off by saying it was rough to drive it 4 miles to where
> it's currently parked and that I want to go through some basic things before driving it again. I already read a pretty good introductory post by Matt
> Colie in this thread: http://gmc.mybirdfeeder.net/GMCforum/index.php?t=msg&goto=352152&rid=0&srch=carb
>
> The bad:
> - It backfired like crazy while driving after warming up
> - I couldn't find the oil dipstick! Am I crazy? There seems to be an oil fill tube under the passenger-side front access panel. When I was looking in
> the online pdf, it sounds like it's under the brake master. I'm going to give another look.
> - There's a puddle of oil at your feet in the cab which I found to be coming from the mechanical oil pressure gauge. This one also seems to be a bit
> of a miracle one because it's easy to fix but it also allowed me to realize that the oil is heavily saturated with fuel...I hope it hasn't been driven
> long like this...ya know...with solvent instead of lubricant.
> - It's driven with a hose running to a 5 gal tank in the cab, even though the previous-previous owner said he dropped the tanks and had them done "a
> couple of years ago" it probably has to be done again.
> - The interior is pretty shot.
> - Some things have been butchered.
> - generator sliding shorted a cable that runs underneath.
> - I thought I would be able to store it a long term storage facility right across the street where I currently have it parked. Unfortunately, they're
> booked for a couple of months! Going to have to figure something out here.
> - One of the windows is broken (next to the door).
> - I'm sure there's more but I don't remember/haven't found it yet.
> - some exterior things.
>
> The good:
> - Seemingly all original except for the carb and headers. It also has an air ride front seat? Need to look into this more to really understand it.
> - We have all the contact info for previous owners going back decades.
> - supposedly all "systems" work(e.g. fridge, stove...).
> - some exterior things.
> - Decent tire tread, although a little old they don't too dry-rotted.
> - Air suspension seems good.
>
> Trying to figure out the pictures thing. Will do another time.
> --
> 1973 GMC Motorhome. Obtained from the brink of destruction 05/15/2020 in the middle of the night.
>
> Berkeley, CA
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Jim H.:
Gr8 advice Jim - to him and to all of us!
Mike/The Corvair a holic

Sent from my iPhone

>
> Look at it this way. Your way is crystal clear. The direction you need to
> travel is up. You have associated yourself with some of the most helpful,
> supportive, knowledgable people on the planet. No exaggeration at all here.
> Kinda a bit of advice to you, is to compartmentalize your problems into
> manageable, logical steps. First, what needs to be done. Get that oil
> changed before you start that engine again. Find the cause for the
> dilution. I would suspect the mechanical fuel pump diaphram. It might still
> pump fuel, but leak copious amounts of gas into the crankcase.
> Then, prioritize stuff into " absolutely have to do" vs. "need to do"
> vs. "would like to do" vs. "nice to have done, someday"
> Then do it once, do it right, and move onto the next one.
> Truth is, you more than likely will never run out of things to do to
> that coach. But, remember, you have help.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Oregon
>
> On Sun, May 17, 2020, 11:33 AM Bruce Hart via Gmclist <

>
>> Welcome, you came to right place here for asking questions.
>>
>> On Sun, May 17, 2020 at 12:29 PM Scott Nutter via Gmclist <

>>
>>> The best news is that you are not far from Applied GMC. Maybe 10 miles or
>>> so. Jim K at Applied should be on your speed dial! He has all the parts
>> and
>>> knowledge that you will need.
>>> Have fun! Scott.
>>> --
>>> Scott Nutter
>>> 1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21
>> final
>>> drive, Quad bags, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera
>>> installed MSD Atomic EFI
>>> Houston, Texas
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> 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
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
What Jim said about the diluted oil needs to be addressed first. The mechanical fuel pump is easy to change. I got a Carter from Amazon that has
worked well for me.

Next, change all the fluids, belts, hoses, etc. That way you have a baseline. Then start to go through all the systems with safety your primary
concern, then reliability. You can worry about comfort and aesthetics after that.

This group has a LOT of experience and is THE best place to get all the help you need. The local GMC club will be invaluable as an asset to you as
well. Jim K at Applied GMC not only has all the parts you will ever need to repair and upgrade, but will spend all the time you need on the phone
helping.
--
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
 
We one to one of the best adventures and challenges there is, owning and operating a 45 plus year old GMC Motor coach! This is the one of the best places to learn about these fascinating machines and everything about them. Consider it a continual exchange of knowledge and advice being handed down through the decades. I have been reminded of much I knew from years past and much I should have also learned in years past on automotive/aircraft/mechanical subjects. A great place to just learn and fellowship.

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
Electric Brake Vacuum System

>
> Alex G.:
> A word of warning on those older tires. Check the date codes ASAP - more than 5 to 6 years old and stored outside long term - replace them immediately. Weather checking is not a good indicator on these 12,000 # coaches! A flat on the front could cost you your life and on the rear when driving can cost a lot more than a new tire. Ask me how I know - $2,800.00 damage to the fiber glas, and I know others who had even more costly repairs due to blow outs!
> Just a helpful hint!
> Mike/The Corvair a holic
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>

>>
>> Hey folks!
>>
>> Came across this forum last night looking into things and I went ahead and signed up. I am a fan of joining and updating forum sites for vehicles I
>> own.
>>
>> My partner and I just got a 1973 beautiful orange motorhome that was literally on the streets ready to degrade to nothingness. Whether or not it was a
>> bad idea, you can decide!
>>
>> 118k on the odo. Original 455 engine I believe, and a edelbrock carb with headers. I'll start off by saying it was rough to drive it 4 miles to where
>> it's currently parked and that I want to go through some basic things before driving it again. I already read a pretty good introductory post by Matt
>> Colie in this thread: http://gmc.mybirdfeeder.net/GMCforum/index.php?t=msg&goto=352152&rid=0&srch=carb
>>
>> The bad:
>> - It backfired like crazy while driving after warming up
>> - I couldn't find the oil dipstick! Am I crazy? There seems to be an oil fill tube under the passenger-side front access panel. When I was looking in
>> the online pdf, it sounds like it's under the brake master. I'm going to give another look.
>> - There's a puddle of oil at your feet in the cab which I found to be coming from the mechanical oil pressure gauge. This one also seems to be a bit
>> of a miracle one because it's easy to fix but it also allowed me to realize that the oil is heavily saturated with fuel...I hope it hasn't been driven
>> long like this...ya know...with solvent instead of lubricant.
>> - It's driven with a hose running to a 5 gal tank in the cab, even though the previous-previous owner said he dropped the tanks and had them done "a
>> couple of years ago" it probably has to be done again.
>> - The interior is pretty shot.
>> - Some things have been butchered.
>> - generator sliding shorted a cable that runs underneath.
>> - I thought I would be able to store it a long term storage facility right across the street where I currently have it parked. Unfortunately, they're
>> booked for a couple of months! Going to have to figure something out here.
>> - One of the windows is broken (next to the door).
>> - I'm sure there's more but I don't remember/haven't found it yet.
>> - some exterior things.
>>
>> The good:
>> - Seemingly all original except for the carb and headers. It also has an air ride front seat? Need to look into this more to really understand it.
>> - We have all the contact info for previous owners going back decades.
>> - supposedly all "systems" work(e.g. fridge, stove...).
>> - some exterior things.
>> - Decent tire tread, although a little old they don't too dry-rotted.
>> - Air suspension seems good.
>>
>> Trying to figure out the pictures thing. Will do another time.
>> --
>> 1973 GMC Motorhome. Obtained from the brink of destruction 05/15/2020 in the middle of the night.
>>
>> Berkeley, CA
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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
 
Gurr,

Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum.....

You found your way here and that is good and will serve you very well.

What matters about what you have is that it is a '73 26'. It is probably a Canyon Lands, but that really does not matter as that is just a color
scheme.
The dipstick should be out under the right (driver side) hood. Look next to the radiator. Full will be a 6qt fill and that is more than it should
be, but run it that way until you know her better. Oil is cheap, engines are not.

The headers are probably because the right manifold cracked and there are no NOS available. The Edelbrock carburetor was probably because someone
convinced the owner that the Quadrajet was inferior. The problem there is that our guy (Dick Paterson) has never managed to get anything but a right
number Rochester to work well in the coach application.

PO had the tanks down? If he did not replace all (and I mean all) of the rubber under there, you will have to have them down again. (Ask how I know.)

Big advice for today, Start Five lists:
Needed Now - What has to happen for her to be safe and dependable
Winter Jobs - I live in the north and so there is a per-determined time of no activity I use this for special projects
Waiting - Things you want to do but are waiting for money, parts or time
Abandon - Things you had in the list above but have put aside
Deferred - Things you though you wanted but are now not so sure - you just have not given them up
Done - This is the Best Part of the list - move completed things here and put in a date and it will be valuable record.
This last one matters a lot because your GMC life will be a complete blur in the very near future.
Yes there are six headings, but that last one fills itself - and that is rewarding.

Now, you will very soon discover that the coach is more than just a big new toy. It will be your connection to this community. This community is a
very helping and supportive community. That is why you need to redo your sigfile. With your real name, because we like to know who we are helping and
when you meet other owners (and you will) they will know who you are, and short about the coach so you don't have to keep telling us it is a 73 and
finally a geographic reference because half of those reading get this as e-mail and don't see the Berkeley in the header.

You will be hard pressed to come across an issue that someone here has not addressed. You may get several answers, but if you get that advice here,
it is probably about as good an answer as you can get. So please ask, we can save you a lot of grief.

Finally, as I said, this a helping and supportive community like few others. The only one I actually know of is that of the watermen that are my
world. For this reason, I have taken to welcoming new owners here with a paraphrase of the welcome used there. So,

May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.

Welcome Alex

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
Alex,

Most things have been covered pretty well for you at this stage. But one
concern you mentioned may be easy to solve (AFTER you fix that engine oil
situation): The backfiring may well be due to the centrifugal fly weights
in the distributor being rusted in place. With the distributor right at
the rear of the engine, the easiest thing on the engine to reach, that's an
easy problem to fix -- pull the distributor cap and rotor, then check the
visible kidney-shaped fly weights for free rotation. If they're frozen up,
a little penetrating oil, twisting, and lubricating oil will get them free
and PERHAPS fix your backfiring.

Welcome aboard; we'll look forward to following your adventure(s). :-)

Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, Troy-Bilt APU, etc., etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com

On Sun, May 17, 2020 at 5:37 PM Matt Colie via Gmclist <

> Gurr,
>
> Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum.....
>
> You found your way here and that is good and will serve you very well.
>
> What matters about what you have is that it is a '73 26'. It is probably
> a Canyon Lands, but that really does not matter as that is just a color
> scheme.
> The dipstick should be out under the right (driver side) hood. Look next
> to the radiator. Full will be a 6qt fill and that is more than it should
> be, but run it that way until you know her better. Oil is cheap, engines
> are not.
>
> The headers are probably because the right manifold cracked and there are
> no NOS available. The Edelbrock carburetor was probably because someone
> convinced the owner that the Quadrajet was inferior. The problem there is
> that our guy (Dick Paterson) has never managed to get anything but a right
> number Rochester to work well in the coach application.
>
> PO had the tanks down? If he did not replace all (and I mean all) of the
> rubber under there, you will have to have them down again. (Ask how I know.)
>
>
> Big advice for today, Start Five lists:
> Needed Now - What has to happen for her to be safe and dependable
> Winter Jobs - I live in the north and so there is a per-determined time of
> no activity I use this for special projects
> Waiting - Things you want to do but are waiting for money, parts or time
> Abandon - Things you had in the list above but have put aside
> Deferred - Things you though you wanted but are now not so sure - you just
> have not given them up
> Done - This is the Best Part of the list - move completed things here and
> put in a date and it will be valuable record.
> This last one matters a lot because your GMC life will be a complete blur
> in the very near future.
> Yes there are six headings, but that last one fills itself - and that is
> rewarding.
>
> Now, you will very soon discover that the coach is more than just a big
> new toy. It will be your connection to this community. This community is a
> very helping and supportive community. That is why you need to redo your
> sigfile. With your real name, because we like to know who we are helping and
> when you meet other owners (and you will) they will know who you are, and
> short about the coach so you don't have to keep telling us it is a 73 and
> finally a geographic reference because half of those reading get this as
> e-mail and don't see the Berkeley in the header.
>
> You will be hard pressed to come across an issue that someone here has not
> addressed. You may get several answers, but if you get that advice here,
> it is probably about as good an answer as you can get. So please ask, we
> can save you a lot of grief.
>
> Finally, as I said, this a helping and supportive community like few
> others. The only one I actually know of is that of the watermen that are my
> world. For this reason, I have taken to welcoming new owners here with a
> paraphrase of the welcome used there. So,
>
> May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within
> her.
>
> Welcome Alex
>
> Matt
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
> Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
> OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Welcome to the fold Sir....you wont find a nicer, more dedicated group anywere....these guys really know the GMC's.
--
Rich Mondor,

Brockville, ON

77 Hughes 2600
 
Do you know where this coach has been located in it's forty plus years. If
mid west and east coast check for rusted out frame at the boggies.
This could be a deal breaker if you need a new frame.

On Sun, May 17, 2020 at 6:39 PM 6cuda6--- via Gmclist <

> Welcome to the fold Sir....you wont find a nicer, more dedicated group
> anywere....these guys really know the GMC's.
> --
> Rich Mondor,
>
> Brockville, ON
>
> 77 Hughes 2600
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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
 
Looks like I have a bit more reading to do here. Thanks for the replies. I enjoy seeing such an active forum space.

Bruce: It seems to have been in the bay area all it's life. Been across the country a few times, been to baja...that's all I really know.

As far as the tanks being dropped previously, it sounded like it was quite a job at a respectable place in San Rafael area, but who knows what that
means.

Ken: I did pull off the distributor cap yesterday and it all looked fine under there. That thing spun freely with a seemingly healthy spring-back if
that makes sense. Nothing seemed jammed up. I will most definitely check the timing next time I run it.

Jim: I think the previous-previous owner also mentioned that he swapped out the mechanical fuel pump for an electrical. That should also be
confirmed...I thought I saw a block mounted thing that looked like a mechanical fuel pump to me. Sure would be cool if that was my problem!

Mike: Good warning on the tires. I use to work at a tireshop and I've seen some shit. I don't intend on causing a big scene on the road that would
result in the end of this one.

I probably didn't answer everyone's questions/suggestions (which I greatly appreciate). I'll look over it again in a bit. Once again, thanks for the
further links and welcoming.
--
1973 GMC Motorhome. Obtained from the brink of destruction 05/15/2020 in the middle of the night.

Berkeley, CA
 
Alex,

If a PO did install an electric fuel pump, the chances are better than
50/50 he did it in the most common way: in series with the mechanical
pump. If that's true, then your fuel problem is even more urgent: That
electric pump, when running, stresses the mechanical pump's diaphragm and
can, literally, fill the crankcase with gasoline if that leaks.

Ken H.

On Mon, May 18, 2020 at 3:39 AM Alex Gurr via Gmclist <

> Looks like I have a bit more reading to do here. Thanks for the replies. I
> enjoy seeing such an active forum space.
>
> Bruce: It seems to have been in the bay area all it's life. Been across
> the country a few times, been to baja...that's all I really know.
>
> As far as the tanks being dropped previously, it sounded like it was quite
> a job at a respectable place in San Rafael area, but who knows what that
> means.
>
> Ken: I did pull off the distributor cap yesterday and it all looked fine
> under there. That thing spun freely with a seemingly healthy spring-back if
> that makes sense. Nothing seemed jammed up. I will most definitely check
> the timing next time I run it.
>
> Jim: I think the previous-previous owner also mentioned that he swapped
> out the mechanical fuel pump for an electrical. That should also be
> confirmed...I thought I saw a block mounted thing that looked like a
> mechanical fuel pump to me. Sure would be cool if that was my problem!
>
> Mike: Good warning on the tires. I use to work at a tireshop and I've seen
> some shit. I don't intend on causing a big scene on the road that would
> result in the end of this one.
>
> I probably didn't answer everyone's questions/suggestions (which I greatly
> appreciate). I'll look over it again in a bit. Once again, thanks for the
> further links and welcoming.
> --
> 1973 GMC Motorhome. Obtained from the brink of destruction 05/15/2020 in
> the middle of the night.
>
> Berkeley, CA
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
I like many others here suggest you figure out the fuel in the oil issue. DO not waste your money on expensive synthetic oil at this point because
you will be changing it again soon because you can get all of the gasoline in the oil out in one oil change. There is one quart trapped in the front
of the oil pan pluse some in the oil cooler that will not drain.

1. If there is no electric fuel pump installed then replace the mechanical fuel pump. The are cheap. Get one for a 75 OLDS Toronado WITHOUT AIR
CONDITIONING. The difference here is you need a pump that has only two ports. (In and out) The pump used on the AC equipped Toronodo has a 3rd port
that was attached to a return line to the tanks that you do not have. Before you leave the store look closely at the pump for 2 ports, not 3.

If the mechanical pump has been removed and replaced with an electric one the we need to figure what electric pump was used. The pump you want is a 4
to 6 PSI pump. If they put a higher pressure pump on it, then the pump will over pressure the needle and seat valve in the carb and the excess gas
can cause all kinds of running rich problems plus some of the excess fuel can and will end up in the oil.

So change the oil and filter immediately and figure out you fuel system. The mechanical pump (if it is still installed) is located on the lower
passenger side of the engine. The lower radiator hose is run in front of it. So find the lower radiator hose and follow it to the engine. If the
pump has been removed, then there will be a block off plate held in place with two bolts over the hole where the pump use to be.

There are lots of very knowledgeable GMC people here and all of us are available to help. Most of us are in the USA or Canadian, but we also have a
few from other countries like Australia and Europe. I would list them but it is pretty much every one on this forum that will help.

So do not be afraid to ask away.

Welcome

Ken B.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
Congrats on your "new" GMC!

For the purpose of locating and keeping track of all Classic GMC Motorhomes.
There are currently over 8400 GMCs accounted for.
Please fill out and submit the online form at www.gmcmhregistry.com

* Note about the Build Date of your GMC: From the decal on the inside of
the glove box door - look for a number on the top line just left of center,
similar to "032174". The example indicates the build date as March 21st,
1974. *

Thank you
Billy Massey
The GMC Motorhome Registry

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist On Behalf Of Alex Gurr via Gmclist
Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2020 1:02 PM

Hey folks!

Came across this forum last night looking into things and I went ahead and
signed up. I am a fan of joining and updating forum sites for vehicles I
own.

My partner and I just got a 1973 beautiful orange motorhome that was
literally on the streets ready to degrade to nothingness. Whether or not it
was a
bad idea, you can decide!
... snip ...
 
New update:

STOLEN. LOOK OUT FOR AN ORANGE MOTORHOME IN THE BAY AREA
--
1973 GMC Motorhome. Obtained from the brink of destruction 05/15/2020 in the middle of the night.

Berkeley, CA
 
Alex G.:
So sorry to hear it’s gone - sure hope you get it back soon!
Praying!
Mike/The Corvair a holic

Sent from my iPhone

>
> New update:
>
> STOLEN. LOOK OUT FOR AN ORANGE MOTORHOME IN THE BAY AREA
> --
> 1973 GMC Motorhome. Obtained from the brink of destruction 05/15/2020 in the middle of the night.
>
> Berkeley, CA
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Applied GMC
GMCMI Fall 2026 Rally

Share this page

Share this page
Top Bottom
Back