Thermasan

> When I bought my coach 15 years ago, it had a Thermasan with the injector installed on the driver side Y-pipe about 1 foot from the muffler. One
> day I was heading up a grade on HWY 80 in Utah, and the muffler seam ripped open making a loud racket.
> When I got home and removed the muffler, I could see solid brick-like rocks inside the blown out muffler. You can imagine where they came from.

Bill,

We saw one of those in the lab here. It turned out that the screen on the injector had burned off so there was no longer any particle size control.
As nearly as I know, GMCs where the only one to have the problem because the injector was so close to the manifold. It still was an uncommon issue.

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
 
The pump that I have is a Cole-Parmer Masterflex model 7017 (EW-07017-20).
I bought one on Ebay for $95. This uses L/S 17 tubing 1/4" I.D, 3/8" O.D.
The motor originally was (as far as I can tell, and what I have acquired) a
63-72 Chevy GMC pickup windshield wiper motor. Again I picked one up off
ebay (New Old Stock) for $63.

You have to use L/S 17 tubing within the pump, but not sure about using it
the whole length. I was thinking about using solid internally coated steel
brake line for most of the run. I was thinking this would get rid of the
heat issues relating to the tubing next to the exhaust system. I'm not sure
about the tubing being rigid so not providing any "give" for pressure
issues...

Any thoughts?

Rich

On Fri, Oct 25, 2019 at 12:39 PM Bill Wevers via Gmclist <

> When I bought my coach 15 years ago, it had a Thermasan with the injector
> installed on the driver side Y-pipe about 1 foot from the muffler. One day I
> was heading up a grade on HWY 80 in Utah, and the muffler seam ripped open
> making a loud racket.
> When I got home and removed the muffler, I could see solid brick-like
> rocks inside the blown out muffler. You can imagine where they came from.
> --
> Bill Wevers GMC49ers, GMC Western States
> 1975 Glenbrook - Manny Powerdrive, OneTon
> 455 F Block, G heads
> San Jose
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Todd,
Thank you for some valuable info. This thing is looking more and more doable.

Rick Staples
--
Rick Staples, '75 Eleganza, Johnstown, CO

"Advice is a dangerous gift, even from the Wise to the Wise, and all paths may run ill." -Tolkien
 
> The pump that I have is a Cole-Parmer Masterflex model 7017 (EW-07017-20). I bought one on Ebay for $95. This uses L/S 17 tubing 1/4" I.D, 3/8"
> O.D. The motor originally was (as far as I can tell, and what I have acquired) a 63-72 Chevy GMC pickup windshield wiper motor. Again I picked one
> up off ebay (New Old Stock) for $63.
>
> You have to use L/S 17 tubing within the pump, but not sure about using it the whole length. I was thinking about using solid internally coated
> steel brake line for most of the run. I was thinking this would get rid of the heat issues relating to the tubing next to the exhaust system. I'm
> not sure about the tubing being rigid so not providing any "give" for pressure issues...
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> Rich

Rich, The original RV systems used that wiper motor strapped to run faster than it did in wiper service. There were only two special parts:
1- The bracket to hold the pump on the wiper motor
2- The drive adapter for the motor/pump (A piece of brass, drilled at one end and milled at the other.)

The heat at the injector was managed by: The most of a foot of stainless from the pipe, and then about two feet of high temperature silicon rubber
tubing that connected to the vinyl that went to the pump.

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
 
Thanks Matt. I'm building the mounting bracket now for the motor and pump.
I'm using pictures of original units to get my bracket close to the
original. Do you remember how close (or where) the pump bracket was mounted
to the black water tank?

Rich

On Sat, Oct 26, 2019 at 10:16 AM Matt Colie via Gmclist <

> > The pump that I have is a Cole-Parmer Masterflex model 7017
> (EW-07017-20). I bought one on Ebay for $95. This uses L/S 17 tubing 1/4"
> I.D, 3/8"
> > O.D. The motor originally was (as far as I can tell, and what I have
> acquired) a 63-72 Chevy GMC pickup windshield wiper motor. Again I picked
> one
> > up off ebay (New Old Stock) for $63.
> >
> > You have to use L/S 17 tubing within the pump, but not sure about using
> it the whole length. I was thinking about using solid internally coated
> > steel brake line for most of the run. I was thinking this would get rid
> of the heat issues relating to the tubing next to the exhaust system. I'm
> > not sure about the tubing being rigid so not providing any "give" for
> pressure issues...
> >
> > Any thoughts?
> >
> > Rich
>
> Rich, The original RV systems used that wiper motor strapped to run faster
> than it did in wiper service. There were only two special parts:
> 1- The bracket to hold the pump on the wiper motor
> 2- The drive adapter for the motor/pump (A piece of brass, drilled at one
> end and milled at the other.)
>
> The heat at the injector was managed by: The most of a foot of stainless
> from the pipe, and then about two feet of high temperature silicon rubber
> tubing that connected to the vinyl that went to the pump.
>
> 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
>
 
We used these pumps at the plant to meter coating fluids. Tubing wear/life is/was measured in hours.
Silicon tubing best, tygon worst. Loosen pump head and pull a section through.
--
1977 Eleganza II
Ogden NY
 
I too am looking to restore my coach to have the original Thermasan system. I have the control unit (dangling under the steering wheel...) but decades
ago a complete stainless steel exhaust system was installed. My dad tells me the Thermasan system was probably removed at the same time. I'd have to
doubt the exhaust shop bothered to remove the pump and other equipment though.

Where would I find each Thermasan component on a GMC if they are still there? The repair manual doesn't really detail the Thermasan system at all.

I haven't had time to trace the wire harness. Any help would be appreciated! Hopefully I still have most of the components.
 
> I too am looking to restore my coach to have the original Thermasan system. I have the control unit (dangling under the steering wheel...) but
> decades ago a complete stainless steel exhaust system was installed. My dad tells me the Thermasan system was probably removed at the same time. I'd
> have to doubt the exhaust shop bothered to remove the pump and other equipment though.
>
> Where would I find each Thermasan component on a GMC if they are still there? The repair manual doesn't really detail the Thermasan system at
> all.
>
> I haven't had time to trace the wire harness. Any help would be appreciated! Hopefully I still have most of the components.

Don,

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

Before you do much else, go to and then click on preferences. Find the place to fill in a sigfile. Put in your real
name (we like to know who we helped when we meet), a short bit about the family coach - include major mods because it may matter and a geographic
reference because the half that read this as e-mail won't see the Buffalo. This will make it easier to get the good answers here.

The Therasan system had a number of parts. There should be a speed switch in the speedometer cable run and somewhere a little vacuum switch connected
to the intake manifold. These are part of the control system. There should also be a connection in the black tank and near that will be a potted
thing that has wires out both ends. That is the level sensor so the pump does not run when there is nothing to pump. The pump is a wiper motor with
a plastic peristaltic Cole-Parmer pump on it. With the stainless exhaust, the injector is probably gone. The control head is not much.

You should try to get into the local owners chapters. You could be a Great Laker, but there are others too, and of course, the international GMCMI to
join if just for the information.

You probably have little idea how big a community you just hooked up with, but just wait. This is an amazing and supportive group like few others.
The only other that I know of is that of the watermen of my world. For that reason, I paraphrase the common welcome given there. So,

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

Welcome Don (et al)

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
 
Billy,
You need to add the patent pdf to the site.

JR

>
> In addition to the valuable resources on Billy's site about the Thermasan, here is the patent, which is also a good read.
>
> https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/02/7c/e5/edc613c0a195f5/US3882799.pdf
> --
> Russell Keith,
> 1978 E2 "Harry" 403 (still carbureted), Danny Dunn Tranny, Thorley, Stock Brakes w/Remote Vacuum Brake Booster, Quad Bags, Dakota Digital Dash, 6.5 kW
> Onan, Dunedin, Florida
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Can't for the life of me figure out the attraction of the Thermasan
apparatus. Sounds like a trouble riddled collection of stuff from Willy
Wonka and the "Chocolate" Factory. Why not just install a good mascerator
and dump your tanks like a normal person, instead of spraying crap down the
highway? (Grin)
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Thu, Nov 7, 2019, 7:19 AM John Wright via Gmclist <

> Billy,
> You need to add the patent pdf to the site.
>
> JR
> > On Nov 7, 2019, at 9:45 AM, Russell Keith via Gmclist <

> >
> > In addition to the valuable resources on Billy's site about the
> Thermasan, here is the patent, which is also a good read.
> >
> >
> https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/02/7c/e5/edc613c0a195f5/US3882799.pdf
> > --
> > Russell Keith,
> > 1978 E2 "Harry" 403 (still carbureted), Danny Dunn Tranny, Thorley,
> Stock Brakes w/Remote Vacuum Brake Booster, Quad Bags, Dakota Digital Dash,
> 6.5 kW
> > Onan, Dunedin, Florida
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > 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
>
 
As they say,”poo happens”!

JR Wright
Michigan

>
> Can't for the life of me figure out the attraction of the Thermasan
> apparatus. Sounds like a trouble riddled collection of stuff from Willy
> Wonka and the "Chocolate" Factory. Why not just install a good mascerator
> and dump your tanks like a normal person, instead of spraying crap down the
> highway? (Grin)
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Oregon
>
 
You're right. DONE.

Thanks for sharing, Russel!

bdub

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of John
Wright via Gmclist
Sent: Thursday, November 7, 2019 9:19 AM
To: gmclist
Cc: John Wright
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Thermasan

Billy,
You need to add the patent pdf to the site.

JR
> On Nov 7, 2019, at 9:45 AM, Russell Keith via Gmclist

>
> In addition to the valuable resources on Billy's site about the Thermasan,
here is the patent, which is also a good read.
>
>
https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/02/7c/e5/edc613c0a195f5/US388279
9.pdf
> --
> Russell Keith,
> 1978 E2 "Harry" 403 (still carbureted), Danny Dunn Tranny, Thorley, Stock
Brakes w/Remote Vacuum Brake Booster, Quad Bags, Dakota Digital Dash, 6.5 kW
> Onan, Dunedin, Florida
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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
 
> Can't for the life of me figure out the attraction of the Thermasan apparatus. Sounds like a trouble riddled collection of stuff from Willy Wonka
> and the "Chocolate" Factory. Why not just install a good mascerator and dump your tanks like a normal person, instead of spraying crap down the
> highway? (Grin)
> Jim Hupy

Jim,

In the early 70's, dumps were still few and far between. There was no internet to with multiple sites to help you locate those. People that were
real travelers often ended up in a bind because they could locate potable water, but a legal dump might be a big issue.

Matt - Ex-Thermasan engineer
--
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
 
Matt,

I don't see how you have answered Hupy's question. I cannot imagine
the benefit of installing such a complex system on a coach which takes all
hands on deck just to ensure minimal performance, reliability and utility.
I can only assume that those interested in such a system have not spent
enough time just addressing things which NEED to be addressed. Someone turn
on the light please?

Sully
Bellevue wa

On Thu, Nov 7, 2019 at 4:31 PM Matt Colie via Gmclist <

> > Can't for the life of me figure out the attraction of the Thermasan
> apparatus. Sounds like a trouble riddled collection of stuff from Willy
> Wonka
> > and the "Chocolate" Factory. Why not just install a good mascerator and
> dump your tanks like a normal person, instead of spraying crap down the
> > highway? (Grin)
> > Jim Hupy
>
> Jim,
>
> In the early 70's, dumps were still few and far between. There was no
> internet to with multiple sites to help you locate those. People that were
> real travelers often ended up in a bind because they could locate potable
> water, but a legal dump might be a big issue.
>
> Matt - Ex-Thermasan engineer
> --
> 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
>
 
Cuz it worked when it left the factory, so it should be able to work again. Challenge.
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
 
Several sites I hit get roughly half a dollar a gallon to pump your tank(s). Fortunately, if there's only me in the coach (the dogs go outside) the
black tank lasts four days of dish washing and using the toilet. Had I no dump at home, I'd be interested in a thermosan.

--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
 
Sully,

When the systems were still being installed, places to dump were much
less available.  FHU campsites were rare, and many campgrounds had pit
toilets and no dump facilities.
Do you NEED one these days?  Not likely.  With portable internet access,
I can always locate a cheap/free dump at least every fifth day.
And,
When properly installed, the systems were largely trouble free.  Most
owners just left the switch on and watched for the blinking light to
tell them it was working. The regular maintenance requirement was
changing out the hose in the pump.  In a GMC, this was an issue because
it is not easy to get under it, but in anything else it was not.  The
job was not much either if you had the new hose in hand.  Disconnect the
old hose and connect the new one, then undo the four wing nuts and open
the pump and swap hoses.
And,
This is really immaterial as the product has not been available for
about 30 years.  So, if someone chooses to re-install one, maybe he
wants hydraulic wipers, a galley fan that is louder the a jet plane
climbing out and converter that will destroy batteries if given a chance.

Matt Colie

> Matt,
>
> I don't see how you have answered  Hupy's question. I cannot imagine
> the benefit of installing such a complex system on a coach which takes
> all hands on deck just to ensure minimal performance, reliability  and
> utility. I can only assume that those interested in such a system have
> not spent enough time just addressing things which NEED to be
> addressed. Someone turn on the light please?
>
> Sully
> Bellevue wa
>
> On Thu, Nov 7, 2019 at 4:31 PM Matt Colie via Gmclist

>

> > Can't for the life of me figure out the attraction of the
> Thermasan apparatus. Sounds like a trouble riddled collection of
> stuff from Willy Wonka
> > and the "Chocolate" Factory. Why not just install a good
> mascerator and dump your tanks like a normal person, instead of
> spraying crap down the
> > highway? (Grin)
> > Jim Hupy
>
> Jim,
>
> In the early 70's, dumps were still few and far between. There was
> no internet to with multiple sites to help you locate those. 
> People that were
> real travelers often ended up in a bind because they could locate
> potable water, but a legal dump might be a big issue.
>
> Matt - Ex-Thermasan engineer
> --
> 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
>

--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
https://www.avg.com
 
Matt Colie wrote: " So, if someone chooses to re-install one, maybe he
wants hydraulic wipers, a galley fan that is louder the a jet plane
climbing out and converter that will destroy batteries if given a chance."

How did you know? I still remember reading of Lincoln adopting hydraulic wipers run off the power steering pump way back in the 60s. I thought what
a great idea! More powerful than electric, no electrical drain. I still like mine today. Infinitely variable speed is almost as good as
intermittent wipers.

My old buzz box still works well. (Had to replace some capacitors, but no touchy unrepairable electronic controls to worry about.) I added an on-off
rocker switch so I can easily turn it off if the battery voltage gets too high. Works for me.

We rarely use the propane stove or oven, so rarely need the kitchen vent fan. I did replace the bedroom fan with a Fantastic Fan if that's what you
meant.

So, yes, I hope someday to have a Thermasan system, to avoid paying the minimum $10 a dump fee hereabouts, or driving 10-15 miles each way to dump, or
carrying buckets in to the toilet (Yeccch!).

Oh, and I think my rear drum brakes are more than adequate. Might consider reaction rods some day.

To each his own. ;)
Rick Staples
--
Rick Staples, '75 Eleganza, Johnstown, CO

"Advice is a dangerous gift, even from the Wise to the Wise, and all paths may run ill." -Tolkien
 
...to each his own.

I've never used the dump on my coach. Tom Hampton installed a macerator before I picked up the coach and have only used that. A garden hose to my
sewer pipe does the trick.

--
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
 
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