BCM Community

Hey All,
We are headed to CA.  Made it as far as Indianapolis.  Pulled off for the night and I'm hearing what sounds to be like a bad throw out bearing.  The sound changes when I push in on the clutch, even just sitting in neutral.  Real high pitched squeaky sound.  Anyone know of a place that can take a look in Indianapolis?  DD 671 / Spicer 4 speed
Thanks,
Gordie

Hi Gordie,

Here are some possibilities:

East Side Welding   (317) 823-4065    10148 Pendleton Pike, Indianapolis, IN 46236

Indy Go   34 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46204   Phone:(317) 635-3344

Free Enterprise bus line  Indianapolis, IN   (317) 634-7433 | TollFree: (800) 255-1337

Clark Diesel  240 West Thompson Road Indianapolis, IN 46217 317-783-6651 800-513-9594.

Capital City Transit  8537 Bash St # 2Indianapolis, IN 46250(317) 813-5800

I don't know if any of these can do the repair, but might lead you to a shop that can do the work.

Good Luck

Dick Egler

I think he got needed help after I posted my reply ---- if it did not work let us know... Bob   PS  good to have the busnut support system!!!!

Thanks to Dick, Tim, and Scott.  The bus community support is amazing!

Gordie it's probably your pilot bearing spinning.  Not major but of course you need to pull trans and fix. It will growl and squal upon clutch engagement.  I enjoy your blog on your progress.  Great job.

I sent him some videos from my archive last night of a similar problem and quick cheap fix.  I went and meet him this morning and tried the "Hail Mary" of just greasing all the bearings and fittings on the trans.  Especially the one hidden down on the inside that's really easy to miss.   The sounds disappeared within seconds after lubing it up.  Lets keep our fingers crossed that this "free" on the road repair will get him to and back from his destination.   It was 25 deg and I froze my fingers off...good thing it only took ten min. 

Here is a video of the noise disappearing just after starting, and no noise with clutch movement engaged and disengaged several times. The video also shows that easy to miss fitting location for anyone else with the Spicer.  Sometimes it's got a remote fitting and hose run to it, so it may be on the side of some transmissions.  His did not have the remote fitting, had to remove the guard and go in through the hole.  Special repair tip... If you have an 8 year old or so child or grandchild this is a great time to put them to work, because their size hands are much more suited to getting down in there to grease the fitting.  :)

http://youtu.be/PL9VbpB226Y (http://youtu.be/PL9VbpB226Y)

  Did he get it fixed, I saw what looked like a white 4104 west of the Plainfield exit this afternoon around 3 pm.?
 
  That one westbound didn't have any roof AC's.

  Steve 5B.......

Yes that would have been him at that time.


He made it to St. Louis bus just sent me a text that he was having some chatter when releasing the clutch.  No squeaking when in neutral and clutch is out.  Noise when clutch is in.

We,re at Okaw Valley Kamground in Vandalia, IL  Great owners here.  We're not pulling a toad, so they took us into town to get propane refills and supplies at Walmart.  We also found a shop that will work on the bus on Thursday.  Anybody know how difficult it is to find a throw out bearing?  I called Luke, but they are closed today.  Hoping that's the limit of the problem, but if clutch is in need of rebuild, I guess now's the time to do it.

Hey Scott, not to hijack this thread or open a can of worms but how is your engine trouble shooting / overhauling going.

Don

Doesn't the 4104 have a single plate clutch those chatter after the fingers wear and get a little heat warp, If you have no excess vibration I would keep going on my way you can open your self a can of worms with the old beast on the road with shops I heard of people paying 5 grand for a clutch before travailing and at the mercy of a shop

I would think long and hard before I opened it up a little advice is not all bad though JMO     

I just paid $650, cost price for a new clutch plate and clutch only.  Not installed, man consider what cliff said, it is a bear to get in there and change out on the road if not really needed, can't get any worse can it cliff?  Hate hearing this stuff, holiday week and all, I am so glad to be doing what I am, expensive but hope it gives me many miles of worry free travel.  Good luck Gordie, sure hope things work out for you to your destination.
Gary

OK, so what's the worst that can happen if I let it go?  Can I make it another 4000 miles to CA and back to MI?  Will it reach a point where I can't get it in gear?  If that happens in the middle of nowhere, I've got worse choices than here.  There are enough experts on this board; what is a reasonable ball park estimate for just the bearing.  If they get in there and the clutch is bad, what should a new plate and disc cost.  I see $650 plus the bearing and labor.  I don't think she'll go another 4000 miles without leaving me stranded.  This "can of worms" has to be opened sooner or later.  There must be someone on this forum that can give me a reasonable estimate for this job, so I know ball park what to expect.       

I can give you estimate from the book  I was just trying to tell you it is going to be around 3 grand or better they are going to pull the transmission, the fly will need machining, then the rear seal will need to be replace then the input shaft on the transmission will have slack the bearing will need to be replaced they never stop

I was going to suggest you limp it to Needles Ca on your trip then I could help you replace it for free since I have the shop and all the tools and probably had a throw out bearing and clutch some GM person left here but do it your way expect $2500 to $3000 +

good luck

You can probably drive it quite a few miles yet. You should take Clifford's offer and go to his place. Anyway, sooner or later, the engine and transmission have to come off. Then everything necessary can be done at once: release  bearing, clutch, pilot bearing, resurface flywheel, seals, whatever needs doing. Not really hard to do in a well equipped shop. It is the labor that is going to be the most expensive. I would count on 1 day to remove the engine, 1/2 a day to do the clutch, bearings, seals, etc. You might want to take the flywheel to a specialty shop for resurfacing. There is another day or two. Plus another day to put the engine back in. So all told, count on about a week. That's what I would estimate if you came to my place, but I am slow. Clifford's offer is great. Maybe he is super fast and efficient, and you'll be out of there in 3 days. Merry Christmas.

JC

Well you guys are the experts and I respect that.  I'm going to give another shot at greasing it and head west.  I shift without the clutch so the only issue is starting from total stop.  Interstates all the way.  Clifford, I was not trying to be bullheaded or anything, just trying to get a grip on the situation.  I'm all for pushing on and not getting ripped off.  If you're still willing to look at it, I'd be grateful.  We were supposed to be in San Mateo by the 28th to see the grandkids.  Do you think I can make it that far and catch you on the return if your offer is still on the table?

Probably no one more qualified than luvrbus to do that work.

Don it's going great.  The liners are like new, with tons of crosss hatching and the rings look great with wear grooves that look like new too.  Nearly every valve was leaking but it was just from crud falling In between them.  Most of the valves had leaking guide seals and that provided plenty of crud and goo up top to be available to fall into the valves.  but the head surfaces are amazing, they just needed some light cleaning.  I ground all the valves and replaced the seals.  The blower seals were shot so i rebuilt the blower.   The engine wear wise looks to have very few hours on it, but the sitting didn't do it any favors.   The project is being documented very good on the other site if you would like to join and follow it.  The blower was a nasty surprise.  Heads will go back on as soon as I get back from Arcadia.   

Gordie,
Hopefully your flywheel is machinable, mine was not and also had to be replaced, the cheapest price I was quoted for flywheel only is from $500 -$2000 depending upon the engine serial number I was told by dd dealer here???  Stupid but the cheapest was the $500 for just flywheel.  No labor included. The rear seal is $108, need new flywheel bolts, new camshaft bolts, all case hardened and special, no idea how much the Throw out bearing cost yet, maybe $50 but just a guess.  This is just parts!!  Plus mark up for repair shop of 100%.  

If you do as Clifford says and help him do the labor part I am sure he will get you out maybe in a week, I am sure he will do all he can to accommodate you and you doing your part of cleaning and helping every bit you can will sure speed up the process.  You have a hell of a decision I am sure but saving  the big money and getting the job done right is probably worth the thought & decision process, drive slow,(55mph) shift as few times as you can and you will have someone on the end of this awful repair journey just waiting to do his best to help you.  Keep us all informed of your decisions and your progress getting there, we all hope the best for you I am sure. It is almost Christmas Day in a few minutes, Merry Christmas as well Gordy and family.  good luck.
Gary

Gordie,
I'd take Clifford up on his offer. He'll not only give you expert advice but he'll teach you the proper way to do the repair and many other things along the way. (he said he'd help ya, not do it for ya!)
And I can guarantee you that he'll only have you replacing what needs replaced and no extras to line his pocket.
And on that note he said he's sure there are parts left over some GM nut left laying around. And I can assure you that any parts needed that aren't laying around his shop, he'll know someone who does have them laying around.

I'd say load up roll out and worst case scenario is it lets go between here and there. Gives you 1 of 3 options.
#1. Have it towed directly to Clifford's and help him (If it goes before ya make it to San Mateo  it on ahead & catch up w/it and then help him w/it)
#2. Bite the BULLET and pay to have it fixed there where it breaks.
#3. Find a busnut near where ya break down to help ya find parts and fix it there.

Now all that said first thing I'd do is make sure you have "Coachnet" "GoodSam" or other towing insurance paid up and in force before it breaks and then even if it does go chances are you'll be able to get the biggest part of the tow bill paid even taking it to Clifford's. (one angle in your favor here is many shops don't know how or want to work on old buses and you can tell them he's the only one you've found willing to work on it that you KNOW has a good reputation for knowing what he's doing!)
;D  BK  ;D

   Clifford will then be reinforced with the knowledge of the benefit of owning a GMC coach when it needs a clutch, compared to the OTHER brands......  Our 4104 had a replaceable wear surface on it's flywheel. Don't know if a new one is still available.

We're heading to CA.  Hoping Clifford's offer is still good.  I think even if it breaks down, I'd be better off spending the money to get it hauled to Cliffords.  Hauling may be costly, but I know what's at the end. 

B_K,
We've got Good Sam's Premium plan.  Coachnet said they weren't covering anything older than '76.

 The throwout bearing is  prelubed and sealed, when it go's away it will start squeeling until it freezes up and then the release fingers will be ruined. Catch it before then and you may not have to replace the pressure plate or any other parts, you will not know until you pull the transmission and look. Removing and replacing  the trans is the time consuming part.>>>Dan  ( You will also need a pilot shaft the reinstall the trans)

   They're not that bad to r and r. A good adjustable trans jack, keep it parallel to housing, place trans into gear and try to slightly rotate output shaft back and forth till it engages the splines. The pilot end will enter pilot bearing if you make sure the gap top and bottom and side to side between trans bell housing and engine housing is nearly exactly the same.  Too many just eye ball it and have problems. Also center clutch disc exactly on flywheel before fully  tightening pressure plate bolts. I always snugged them just enough to keep disc from moving under its own weight and lightly bumped the disc it till the gap or space was exactly the same the whole way around as I rotated the flywheel by hand. If you use a dummy shaft, remember the slight up and down slop and set the disc location midpoint between up and down play. I always found the r and r of the drive shaft connection was the biggest pain with 8 fine thread flange bolts and wire or self locking nuts. some have to be loosened with a manual wrench instead of air tools. While you are at this, check the u joints closely for wear or bad bearings. They are surprisingly inexpensive for their size

Gordie, when you land PM me your number

good luck

Gordie -

Just a couple hours NE from San Mateo is Ted Campbell's place in Williams, CA, along I-5.

Ted's probably forgotten more about GMC buses than Clifford's learned (JK, Cliff!!), he's the West Coast equivalent to Luke.

Works from 4-5 pm until the wee hours of the morning. www.coachmaintenance.com (http://www.coachmaintenance.com) is his website w/ contact info.  Best to email or fax first.

Most likely, like Luke, will have all the parts necessary in stock.

JC -

Since Gordie's coach is a GMC, it's a V-drive, and the transmission can be easily pulled w/o pulling the engine - unlike the MCI's you're familiar with.

FWIW & HTH. . .

;)

 Also, unlike the MCI, a trans jack is nearly useless with a GM. You need a cherry picker to hang the trans from the top with straps or chain, the trans mainshaft must clear the clutch fingers about the same time as the "V" part exits the hole in the firewall. A tricky twist is needed to clear everything and a jack from the bottom will not allow this.>>>Dan

   A heavy duty trans jack works fine if you make a simple bracket to attach to the rear(output end) since the bottom isn't flat.

  Well Gordie is going to find out isn't he??>>>D

Just west of Oklahoma City.  Greased the bearing this morning. I don't think any more will help. I'm gradually loosing clutch release. I assume from wear on the fingers. I took all the slack out of the rear control rod plus about two inches by putting a 3/8 deep socket over the threaded end and against the nut at the bottom of the threads. I can now disengage the clutch but there's an awful shudder for a dead stop which I am avoiding at all costs. I'm hoping the fingers will hold out the last 900 miles to Needles. If not I'll have to get it hauled the rest of the way. All it takes is money!!

Make to it Albuquerque I have a friend there I will contact and get you some help he owns a 4104 and has a lot of spare parts and plenty of tools shut down on the east side of town there is plenty of parking at Smith's Grocery the first off ramp in Albuquerque go south about 1 block off I 40 

I'm pretty sure I can make it to Albuquerque. You can text me info. Did you get my phone # in a PM?  Thanks so much for all your help.

Gordie,you have help Larry will be calling you 

good luck

Good Luck Gordie, we are all holding our breath for you and watching, We all hate this is happening to you, keep us updated when you can.  I am sure those recommended to help you will do so at the most minimal cost possible to help you out, this is always a bothersome burden to the mind of those in trouble. I can't tell you how helpful Cliff has just been to me as example.  Try not to worry, just take and help all you can, when told though stay out of the way but be there the entire time to assist, be patient and trust those helping. You will be back on the road again before you know it and made new friends for life.
Gary

Gordie,
How are you doing man, worried about you guys, hope all is well, hate to know a busnut is in trouble on the road alone trying to get to help.  Clue us in when you can.
Gary

The engine shut down 4 hrs from Albuquerque.  Thought it was a bad filter - no spare - lesson learned.  We had it towed to Hidden Valley Campground by Tavenner's Towing.  Mike did a great job.  Good Sam paid the first 100 miles.  Stupid over site - my "disabled" emergency shutdown enabled itself and I didn't catch it.  Engine is fine.  Clifford hooked me up with Larry in Albuquerque.  They are both awesome people!  We pulled the tranny, throwout bearing was toast, need a new clutch, fork, bearing, and plate.  Hoping to get parts overnighted.  With the holiday, it's hard to say for sure when they'll be here.  Meanwhile crawling under the bus I discovered the right rear inner seal is leaking.  Larry thinks we should fix that too.  I guess our 1500 mile shakedown cruise to North Carolina didn't prove to be enough.  We went to dinner last night with Larry and Judy and had a great time.  Great couple.  So, Larry has all we need to fix almost anything.  We hope to be back on the road by the weekend.  If not, we're cozy at the campground and decompressing.  There is so much about this bus I don't know - I wonder if I'm in over my head.  But Larry keeps reassuring me that I'll get it all - eventually.  I thought the learning curve was steep before this.  It just went vertical!  It's been a real stressful week and I caught myself wondering if I was too naïve to think I could actually do a conversion.  But then we would have never met Mike the master tow truck driver; or Larry and Judy, and we have yet to make it to Clifford's who linked us up with Larry and is shepherding our journey.  We'll be stopping by to say thanks in person - hopefully soon.  I'll post as the saga continues.
Gordie

I'm sure this seems over whelming at the moment.  I know it would for me.  After the dust settles it won't seem as bad as it does now.  The good thing is you'll probably never have to worry about this repair again. 

so sorry to hear all this is happening, it should never happen again though but that will not be any consultation right now I am sure.  This is the things I been working on alone for weeks now. How was your fly wheel?  Mine was cracked all over the lot, not just stress cracks but cracked!  Not knowing how to do all this stuff sucks, so glad you have someone there who is first hand at this work, has the tools and I know will do all to make it hurt as little as possible.  Good luck Gordie, take photos of progress and those that helped.  We are all watching.
Gary

Hardship + Time = Humor
Waiting

What don't kill you only makes you stronger - FWIW

That bunch of 4 Eagle owners in Albuquerque are all great people they all ways willing to help others and help each other daily,when Sean,Don and Bob broke down they were the first inline trying to help they really don't care about the make of bus just the people the drive the things 

I am proud to call the bunch my friends,tell Larry happy birthday and I am glad the weather is better for you guys now


good luck

Gordie we all have had those thoughts you were talking about. Heck I still have them and wonder how we got into this and ask myself What I was thinking. I still haven't come up with an answer, LOL ;D

Went to town with Larry in his '28 Ford Cabriolet.  Then reworked an alternator bracket.  Having dinner at their place tonight - smoked beef brisket off the grill.  I'm wondering if this breakdown thing is really all that bad.  Biggest issue now is how do you say thanks for such treatment?

Dave5Cs - Thanks for the encouragement.  My wife is amazed at the number of crazy people like me that are out there!
Gordie

Gordie, he does a pretty damn good stuff burger too, while there at his place just take the turbo 6-71 from his 4104 he won't miss it for awhile lol enjoy the company they are good folks 

Tell her to call my wife she is crazy too!... :o Glad you guys are having a little new years fun.

Dave

Sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself.  It's currently 14 degrees with a wind chill of 0 back home.  Grilling outside now is just a distant memory.  Keep us posted on your adventure.

Thanks everyone for all the moral support.  We knew there would be breakdowns, just not psychologically prepared I guess.  Clifford is right, Larry and Judy are wonderful people that we may have never met had we not broken down.  They took us on a tour of Old Town Albuquerque today and had a great dinner out.  We've enjoyed their company and conversation.  Other than the cost (which we were prepared for - it's almost as old as me!) this has turned out to be a positive.  Once back together, I'll know I've got a reliable drive train.  I also discovered rear inner seal leak while crawling under the bus.  Going to fix that too.  Will keep you all updated as the adventure continues.  No risks, no rewards.
Gordie

Dennis, we need to get together when we get back.  You live less than 20 miles from me.

Luke at US Coach sent out parts yesterday via UPS (overnight).  Nothing showed up today.  UPS's main hub in Louisville, KY is socked in by bad weather.  Wouldn't ya know.  Larry welded up the fork fingers and filed smooth as they were worn down about 1/8".  Now we're just waiting for parts.  Hopefully Monday.  Sunny and 54 in Tijeras, NM.  It was well below zero back in MI last night.

Bummer but you are in good hands Jones will keep you entertained,I don't if you been there but the diner I believe on Central the food is out of this world.

What do you think of Larry's Stanley Steamer the guy has car museum lol

Keep the updates coming Gordie, glad to hear you are being taken good care of, there must be a reason all this is happening and I am sure this will be one adventure you will probably enjoy reliving for many years down the road many times.  I went on a journey a few years ago with people I never met before, (Mark & Dee Woodward-Aka Elvis-aka Jumpsuitman) to Austin Texas to pick up a Eagle bus they just purchased. we were gone 10 days.  We broke down of coarse, the trip was so darn much fun, My new friends were a blast to get to know and we are all best friends still today. In all it was an adventure I love to relive over and over at rallies and just alone with my wife at times.  You just never know what moments will stand out in your life one day. I even got to go to a museum of one of my country music hero's, (Hank Williams sr.) on this trip which was a real high for me.  It doesn't take much to float my boat as you can see, so reap in the rewards of new friends, keep relaxed and keep us all updated.  Why I even got to see (4 Elvis performers perform at one time at another new friends house and that was a kicker to see) you just never know what will happen in a adventure of events not planned, so take any photos you can and share only what you would want to see someone else go through with us.  
Good Luck,
Gary

Clifford, and All
Yes Larry is quite a guy.  Love all his rides, the Stanley, two Fords, Chevy and the IH panel.  He does have a good start on a museum, and that doesn't even count all the 50's heavy trucks.  Went to the Sat. morning "guy" breakfast at at 7:00.  This guy lives every minute.  They loaned us the Jeep, so we could go to town and get groceries.  Then asked us out to a movie.  Teri (wife) is fighting a cold, so we had to pass on that.  Best bad luck I think I've ever had.  I brought parts to assemble my batteries monitor; might do that tomorrow as we've done all we can to prep for the clutch install.  Or, I might see if Larry needs a hand getting his bus ready for their trip.

Picking parts up tomorrow at UPS.  Hoping to have it back together by end of the day, and on the road Friday am.

Good luck Gordie ..BTDT  be back on the road and luck to you.

Well Gordie and Teri are back on the road with a new clutch, throw up bearing and bus attached. I'll let Gordie tell the story as this is his thread. But all is well that ends well. Thought that folks would like an update. Good folks and I hope that they come back when the weather is warmer.
I think they are headed towards Cliffords

Larry

Thanks Larry for the update, yes we are all waiting to hear how relieved I know they must be but it has to be all because of you guys helping them as you did.  Thanks to you and who ever else was involved, including wives too, I am sure something like this that was draining to them at first mentally turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of their bus adventure and will always be remembered for making your friendship.  can't wait for Gordie to give us a play by play shout.  Thanks again for helping out these great people.
Gary

Larry call Gordie for me I lost his phone number and this dumb laptop deleted his pm ???

Clifford
I just talked to Gordie and they are in a RV park in Williams AZ.
They are planning on going on to California and maybe swinging into see you on the flip side.
He pulled out of Zuzax here yesterday and got two exits West and the bus filled up with smoke.
He called 911 and the fire department showed up but the smoke had cleared by that time. I called to check to see if they were on the road when he told me what had happened. I came and put an eyeball on it but could not locate the source of the smoke.
We talked about things and he was pretty discouraged.
We unhooked his house batteries by pulling the main fuse.
He had all the chassis electrical so we suspected the house system.
I followed him several miles and waved him off as I exited to go check on the folks.
He looks real good going down nthe road. The bus tracks straight and the ride height is good. Engine sounds sweet and the only smoke is inside the bus. (couldn't resist) LOL

He said today that he has isolated the source to the refrigerator power cord. That is what smoked. He has an electrical 120V problem that as I understand from what he describes as a main breaker failure.

See you in a few  weeks  if I can get all the business stuff put to bed.

Larry

LATEST in "The Road to San Mateo"
I'm actually writing a story with that title for my blog.
Got up this morning still feeling pretty anxious - like what's going to happen next.
Talked to Larry about the electrical as noted above.  Decided to fix the electrical when we get to San Mateo.  I'll have good weather and time to get parts, etc.  Drove to Bakersfield (waved at Clifford on the way by Needles) and we're staying at the Orange Grove RV Park tonight.  We're using two 110 extension cords for power for lighting.  I don't think it will be cold enough to require heat tonight.  Got through the mountains without any trouble.  Engine and drive train feel solid.  We're both pretty wiped out.  I'm trying to talk Teri into staying in San Mateo longer than we had planned.  I think getting to Larry's was a one in a million.  We had to salvage the bearing bracket which was so chewed up that there was about 1/16" slop.  Larry brazed it up and turned it on his lathe to about .003 oversized, then heated the bearing and tapped it on.  Nowhere else could I have gotten that kind of help.  Can't say enough  about how great both Larry and Judy are.  I have a lot to pay forward.

My electrical issue is weird.  I have 120v on the feed side of the main breaker, but only 60v on the load side - on both sides of the panel.  I think the refrigerator fried because it was trying to run on 60v.  I have a 15 amp breaker for the frig, and it didn't trip.  Burned the cord up it's entire length.  Once we saw the smoke, first thing I did was throw the main, which stopped the burning, but lots of fumes kept pouring out and the firemen couldn't find the source either.  It wasn't until that night, when we started looking things over that Teri found the toasted frig cord.  At the time the frig was running off the house batteries through a Victron inverter - true sine wave.  I've had the electrical running off my home shoreline and the house batteries for over 6 months, including heating the bus to 62 degrees with the mini splits for at least three months.  Did the trip to North Carolina with no issues.  I'm going to replace the main breaker first.  If that doesn't fix it, I'll have to start a new thread to get all your heads together.  This board is priceless.
Gordie

If you're using the same ground to test both sides, that does sound like a  bad breaker.

May luck be on your side for rest of your trip. Look at all the great stories you have to tell on your Blog!... Its about the journey not so much the destination!...... ;D

Since you've made it to Bakersfield you should shout out to "The Don" Fairchild.
He is a whiz when it comes to making old 2 strokes make power and run CA Clean!
His company is;\
Clean Cam Technology Systems   http://www.cctskit.com/ (http://www.cctskit.com/)
;D  BK  ;D

Small Tip here about Don's website. Don't log on while wearing a set of Bose Headphone Speakers. UNplug them first and let the sweet sound go straight to some desktop speakers. I had visited the site before but forgot it came up with an 8V running as background music. Ouch! Almost like what it sounds when your head is inside the engine bay of a running 8V - priceless!

Should have stopped by Gordie I would have bought you and Teri one of our burritos the valley is famous for,Larry loves them he can eat a whole one, the things weigh over a pound

Clifford,
Thanks for the offer, we just wanted to get as far as we could yesterday.  You live in a pretty remote region dude.  Will give you a shout on the return trip.
Gordie

Gordie, cross over the river from Needles we are not really that remote it is a big area with Laughlin and Bullhead we have about everything here to go with the 10 months of great weather we have plenty to do around here

Quote from: Gordie Allen on January 12, 2014, 09:50:01 AMClifford,...  You live in a pretty remote region dude. 

    Clifford!   Wheh yew at????   I swear, if I'm anywhere near you out west there (bus or 4-wheeler), I'll come see you even if I have to crawl the last 30 miles!   Thanks for helping so many people (including me).

Gordie,
Glad that you are putting on some miles towards your destination. I was thinking that you can put a message in the destination board that says "I know I can"
Talk Teri into a longer stay because I have to have one of those burritos that Clifford is talking about. I just drooled on my keyboard thinking about it.

We are heading out in the neighborhood on the 15th or 16th.
The Flxible rally we are attending starts on the 22nd at Joshua Tree National Park
Everyone is meeting at Q prior to that is my understanding.

Someday I'll tell you about the guy that was climbing the Grapevine and missed his shift because the clutch went out.
When he did get it into gear, the old detroit stalled and he got rolling backwards into oncoming traffic
No engine, no air
No spring brakes and the drive line brake just made smoke
Well the guardrail did stop the bus and everyone somehow missed him and the old bus stayed all wheels down
Highway patrol showed up and called a wrecker
What did the bus driver do?
Talked the wrecker driver into pulling him to the top of the hill and cutting him loose on the other side.

You have had some unscheduled maintenance with out all the excitement

Drive on brother and hope to see you soon.

Larry

Cllifford,

I will be on my way to California in the all this year and I will buy the burritos for all of us if you will point me in the right direction. I love a good burrito and some of the best have been in the Phoenix area. I am always game to try another.

DKO

We are settled in at Candlestick Park RV, about 15 min. from the kids.  Still trying to figure out the electrical issues, although I have rigged a system to give us the essentials.  I'm going to bypass the main in the main panel.  I've got breakers ahead and behind that one, so I think its safe to do temporarily.  I'd have to go outside to shut line side down.  Does anybody have an opinion on why my 15 amp breaker to the frig didn't trip? 

Definitely want to hook up for a burrito fest/feast.  We're staying here at least two weeks, although the rates are astronomical.  I bought a month as it was cheaper than the day rate for two weeks.  $1100.  Nothing in San Francisco area is cheap and the choices are meager.  Two places denied access cause the bus was older than 10 years.  This one almost did, but they're less than have full and think they could use the money.  We are right behind Candlestick Park Stadium.  Last game played a couple weeks ago.  They're going to demolish it with explosives.  May want to return to see that.  I may have some questions for the Technomads regarding the Victron as I dig deeper into the problem.  Just haven't spent much time troubleshooting that as yet, with the grandkids and all.

RJ - will contact you regarding the dash.

Gordie you might check on Napa or Sonoma fair grounds . Might be a little cheaper and safer. Be careful around the stadium at night. State campgrounds on the coast on 101 just out north of SF. Fun stuff up the coast Russion old settlement museum, Inverness light house furthest out tip of California north also of 101.

Dave5Cs from Galaxy S III

Gordie, the most likely answer to your breaker question is it didn't trip because it wasn't pulling more than the 15 amps.  Remember, breakers are sized to protect the wiring, not what's running on it.

Dave, Yes  Candlestick is expensive, but it's only 20 min from our kids and the security seems pretty tight..  It's gated with security guard on duty all night.  Also, I'm stuck to a shoreline until I get this inverter figured out.
Lucky,
Apparently there was enough resistance there to melt the insulation on the cord, but it didn't get far enough to short it out.

Gordie--Know nothing about hoe you have it wired--Fwiw  had a common fair once(wire came loose) resulted in voltage being rerouted in my system on remaining wire (should have been 120) step up to 220  and ground thru bus--- fried several  Airconditioners  and other pieces..  All came down to a loose common wire,, Long shot I know..  Had burned wires also..