Daniel,
It may sound like a wild idea, but I advise you to check the top CV joint
in the steering column. If that's not properly lubricated, it will create
problems like I understand yours to be. The fix is to disassemble and
clean it thoroughly, then lubricate it with Valvoline Synpower with
Molybdenum Disulfide -- ONLY. That's worked for me for many years -- and
for many others I've gotten to try it.
No guarantees, but it's an easy fix that frequently works. Be SURE to mark
the body of the CV before disassembling it to be SURE it goes back together
in the only correct one of six possible arrangements.
HTH,
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 Tue, Apr 9, 2019 at 11:06 PM Daniel Jacobs via Gmclist <
> Monday, April 1
>
> From Vicksburg, MI to Bossier City, LA are only 98 miles so we took it
> slow. Weather was still chilly and windy. A visit at the Bossier Mall was
> nice
> but on a Monday, there aren't many people visiting. A lunch at Denny's
> and of we went to the Diamond Jacks Casino RV Resort.
>
> For 33$ incl tax, it is a little but nice campground next to the hotel,
> casino and town. Including nice bathrooms, (2) laundry and free WiFi.
>
> We are near Shreveport. This afternoon is Landry time. In between we went
> for a short time to the casino ... some fun time.
>
> BTW got a picture from Bud deGroot, who visited, Don Virta Garage in Cedar
> Park ... my engine and trans are almost back in place ....
>
> Tuesday, April 2
>
> We left Bossier City, near Shreveport this morning and drove to Tyler, TX.
> On our way we visited theTexas Welcome Visitor Center and got some good
> information.
> No rush today so after lunch we decided to stop for the rest of the day at
> the nice Staway .... Stayforawhile RV Park ... along this State Hwy 31E, in
> Murchison, TX .... R&R for the rest of this day ... the weather is
> beautiful today, getting warmer ....
>
> Wednesday, April 3
>
> From that campground, we drove this morning in the direction of Waco, TX.
> Our goal was Homestead, Craft Village, North of Waco.
> Free entrance! And how nice, several old buildings, barns and such a
> interesting place, old crafts, really nice and original handcrafted things
> for
> sale ... a really treasure, we found.
>
> Not to forget the excellent restaurant and the so friendly people. All
> food all natural and at a reasonable price. We enjoyed it!
> From there we only drove a little to the south west of Waco to the Army
> Corps of Engineers Campground, Midway.
> Got a nice spot with water and electric, on the Lakeside, only 26$ and a
> simple but sufficient restroom facility.
>
>
>
http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/waco/Recreation/Camping/Devareas.asp
>
> And BTW .... as Marjon went for a walk .... she spotted our friends, Billy
> and Debbie .... !!
> What a coincidence, well some things has to be the way they are ... nice
> people are all over the world, but here in Texas especially
> So nice to meet them again and we will have a nice coffee or something
> else later on .... for sure.
>
> Tomorrow we drive at the end of the morning those 95 miles south, to Cedar
> Park, where our Flying Dutchman, is waiting for us !!
> We are really anxious to see him again and curious how all worked out on
> the repairs and rebuild ....
>
> Thursday , April 4
>
> We stayed at a simple RV park tonight, at Round Rock near Austin.... and
> went for a visit to the first US IKEA we ever visited
.... and got
> me a Family Card also ... why not !?
>
> Well they have a decent breakfast too. Even a little better then the
> European IKEA's have. Coffee, although drip coffee was good.
>
> We found some useful additions for the GMC and went in the afternoon to
> Cedar Park, where Don Virta already was test running the engine. Later on we
> made a successful first test drive !
>
> Steering good, check, hands off no problem straight! But it altered and
> became bad !
>
> Engine running nice smooth and powerful, check!
>
> Shifting good, direct and with no hesitation. Check!
>
> Brakes, front is all redone, discs flattened, new brake calipers and pads.
> Check!
>
> Tomorrow work on rears, installing the true track, AC and heather work
> .... and some little stuff.
>
> Oh and a new little higher space between FiTech throttle body and
> manifold. Better gas-air mixture flow as with that smaller spacer ..
>
> Still No succes on that stiff throttle pedal ... Grrrr ... Pfffff !
>
> Transmission failure was vacuum related, governor was good no problem
> there, no wearing or clutch pack probs ...
> Engine a lot probs, but basically it could be saved.
>
> Crankshaft lots of visual wear and rough spots, thrust bearing, very loose
> single timing chain, several valves were heavily carbonated (? .... is that
> the right way to address it?)
> Lifters were replaced, heavy duty oil pump installed, new water pump etc
> .... etc.... for more details see my later reports ...
>
> For now I am "Kaput".... this walking around, talking, putting stuff back
> from the rental to the GMC etc, etc ... wears me a little down ....
>
>
> Tomorrow we have to bring the rental MH to San Antonio to Cruise America
> ... Marjon drives that nice BIG Lincoln Pickup Truck, Don gave us to use ...
>
>
> Sunday, April 7
>
> The problem with AC and heater ... It was in the actual vacuum switch,
> luckily Don had a used but good replacement unit ...
> AC vacuumed, cleaned and refilled.
> Working now. High vent also. As for heater the leveler only goes to 3/4
> but it works !
>
> The second more heavy test drive uphill downhill breaking acceleration
> etc, went very well. Nice vacuum, strong engine, temp excellent (he put in a
> 160 Thermostat)
> Engine reached max 195 and went quickly back to 175 at idle.
>
> With the FiTech it runs smooth and strong. But .... that stiff pedal ....
> moving spring didn't bring a solution either....
>
> Steering seems good. But no Highway nor side winds testing so, we will
> see. both front wheel wells are insulated now.
> He is doing final items and checks now ...
>
>
> Monday, April 8
>
> Left in the afternoon did some last adjustments and alterations....
>
> On the road again ....
>
> Tuesday, April 9
>
> ...... Back in Cedar,Park, TX .... !!
>
> Why ... well steering was really bad and as we drove of the campground I
> barely could turn the steering wheel... dangerously!
> So we decided to try and drive e back to Cedar Park... on the road I drove
> e slow and noticed a sloppy driving, was it the steering box, steering
> pump.... tyres pressure I checked. No weird things on tyres...
>
> After 2 hours we arrived back. And during that time I had to really fully
> concentrate on driving.
> Don tried at first exchanging the steering box with one he had on one of
> his "spare GMC's"
>
> I gave some improvement but still at turns and slow manoeuvring it was
> like trying to wrestle an elephant around the corner, man as if no power
> steer
> was present!
>
> For sure the coach drove much better before!
> Don told me as he had to work on the engine he noticed there was no cap on
> that power steering either!
> Well there should have been ... that protects and keep the fluid clean ..
> hmmmmmm...
>
> At 5 pm we drove to O'Reilly and got the steering pump, luckily they could
> get one by then for us .. so Don is now working on exchanging that too.
> Hopefully we can leave in the morning ...
>
> Always a walk in the park ...
>
> Well let's go to the Panda Express. Eat and bring Don also some food,
> since he is working late for us ....
> --
> Daniel Jacobs, NL-USA 1977 GMC Eleganza II, 455 newer Tranny+3.55 FD.
> FiTech and FCC, new Hoses, Selector Valve and Electric Pump, insulated
> Tanks,
> APC, McDash, Dash AC to Enviro Safe. Schräder V+extern Fills, Ceramic Film
> TPMS FlexSteel Seats
>
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... some lattice and a glass of White Zinfandel !
this Wednesday ....
ride, visited nice
