Hi All......
Just back from my first long run in my newly acquired 77 Palm Beach
(the FrogLifter.) (My wife isn't exactly fond of green.) Departed Orem
Utah, Thursday morning about 10am and arrived St. George vicinity
about 5pm (about 300 miles.) Returned Monday. All went fairly smoothly
with only a few incidents. We had a great time and were pleased with
our GMC.
The Details:
The evening prior to departure I checked the tire pressure (65lbs) in my
5 "D"s and 1 "E" and topped off the radiator with water. Also checked
the oil and transmission fluid.
After driving about 150 miles on a rather warm day, we stopped at a
rest area to stretch our legs. Although the engine temp gage was just
below half way, the radiator coughed up some fluid. (Probably overfilled
it.) After fueling in St. George, we headed for a grocery store for some
items and just before getting there in city traffic, the engine Died! I
coasted
to a stop and tried the starter.....Vroom.....started right up. My guess is
a vapor lock on an almost 100 degree day.
Parked Friday through Monday morning at the home of a relative for a family
reunion as was pleased that all things including the roof air worked.
On monday (another hot day) we returned home. After about 50 miles we
stopped at a historical site and was again greeted by overflow from the
radiator. And again, descending an off ramp the engine died but immediately
restarted. Dumped the holding tank and fueled at a Flying J. and arrived home
in good spirits. Averaged 8 miles per gallon, better that I expected.
What I learned:
After stopping somewhere, let the engine idle and cool before shutting it down.
The Cruise Control gets better gas mileage than my foot.
When the speedometer says I'm going 60 mph I am actually going about 65. and
according to the mile markers, I go a mile in about 55 seconds.
I don't know yet how to prevent the vaporlock if that's what it is.
All in all, a great first run. Looking forward to many more.
Thanks to the GMCnetters for all the help and information and good wishes.
Les & Sharon Watson
Orem, Utah
77 Palm Beach
Just back from my first long run in my newly acquired 77 Palm Beach
(the FrogLifter.) (My wife isn't exactly fond of green.) Departed Orem
Utah, Thursday morning about 10am and arrived St. George vicinity
about 5pm (about 300 miles.) Returned Monday. All went fairly smoothly
with only a few incidents. We had a great time and were pleased with
our GMC.
The Details:
The evening prior to departure I checked the tire pressure (65lbs) in my
5 "D"s and 1 "E" and topped off the radiator with water. Also checked
the oil and transmission fluid.
After driving about 150 miles on a rather warm day, we stopped at a
rest area to stretch our legs. Although the engine temp gage was just
below half way, the radiator coughed up some fluid. (Probably overfilled
it.) After fueling in St. George, we headed for a grocery store for some
items and just before getting there in city traffic, the engine Died! I
coasted
to a stop and tried the starter.....Vroom.....started right up. My guess is
a vapor lock on an almost 100 degree day.
Parked Friday through Monday morning at the home of a relative for a family
reunion as was pleased that all things including the roof air worked.
On monday (another hot day) we returned home. After about 50 miles we
stopped at a historical site and was again greeted by overflow from the
radiator. And again, descending an off ramp the engine died but immediately
restarted. Dumped the holding tank and fueled at a Flying J. and arrived home
in good spirits. Averaged 8 miles per gallon, better that I expected.
What I learned:
After stopping somewhere, let the engine idle and cool before shutting it down.
The Cruise Control gets better gas mileage than my foot.
When the speedometer says I'm going 60 mph I am actually going about 65. and
according to the mile markers, I go a mile in about 55 seconds.
I don't know yet how to prevent the vaporlock if that's what it is.
All in all, a great first run. Looking forward to many more.
Thanks to the GMCnetters for all the help and information and good wishes.
Les & Sharon Watson
Orem, Utah
77 Palm Beach
