Bus won't start...TOTALLY bummed.

[fraser8]

We used a 'wetter water' product when I was with the fire department. It stopped the beading action and run off when fighting a fire. I think the only Gauge used was Johnny Gage from Squad 51 or was it Johnny Gage who used wetter water it was a few years ago

[Barn Owl]

By the way, on a GM it is very easy to access and manually activate the starter by removing the solenoid end cap and using a screwdriver, or rod of some sort, manually push the solenoid. When my solenoid failed last year while I was at the beach, using that technique is how I got mine started.

The first photo shows the cap on and the second with that cap off and a lug wrench about to manually activate the starter.

[Chaz]

As much as I wanted this past weekend to be a good one, it wasn't........ one several levels.
I don't want to cry around on you alls shoulders - it's not my way - , but I thought I would finish out this thread. Readers digest version......
  The engine not starting was the big amphenol (sp?) connector that plugs into the bottom of the electrical box above the motor. I couldn't see where it was laying on the motor to tell what was wrong. I finally did. Thanx Cliff for the words of encouragement.
  Then 20 miles up the road I blow a radiator hose. Dallas was INFINITELY helpful in getting me going again. Thank YOU soooooo much.
  Then the electricity at the camp ground SUCKED!!!!!! Can you believe that?!?! I replaced my plug, then their receptical, then I find out their breaker is JUNK!!!! They had to relocate me to another spot. (hottest freaking day and no AC and no fridge for anything cold to drink)
  Then the storms hit.
  Don't know if you seen the news on Indy this weekend, but I told the people in a pull behind next to me to not be shy and come over if it gets blowing too bad. I didn't have much to offer them, but I am heavier.
  I went to sleep in a campground and woke up in an "eddy". The RV that was two over from me was actually in the brand new river. 
  I had enough about 1:00 that afternoon and had the tractor pull me out and headed for home.
  It happens.

  I did put Downy in the radiator as Dallas suggested so now I have April fresh coolant!    I do love that stuff and now I have another use for buying more!! 
  The motor is running a little hotter than I would like which is probably the reason the old hose blew. Time to look into some better cooling.

  Anyway........... thanx for the help Jerry, Cliff and Dallas. You guys are TOPS!!

   Chaz

[FloridaCliff]

Chaz,

Now "That's" an adventure.

I think the opportunity to get washed away in a flood, pretty much cancels out all the mechanical worries.

Man, glad your back on dry ground

Cliff

[kyle4501]

Chaz, it is this kind of trip that enables you to enjoy your bus even more.

The next time some crap happens, you'll look back to the boondockin in the swamp. . . 

I can hear it now:
Naw, this ain't bad, I've been in capmsites so bad, you needed a big tractor to pul you out just so you could go home. 

This ain't windy, you should'a been there when the guys in the camper trailer came knocking at my door! 

[Dallas]

Chaz,

We are super glad to hear that you made it out. Now maybe you can fabricate some "Mae Wests" for buses!

We were all set to head your way this week, but a couple of things happened... First, we didn't get out of the bus lot until around 9AM and had to deal with Cincinnati traffic, and once we got on I-74W and were approaching the I-275/I-74 Split, the construction narrowed down the lanes. I had a semi beside me and couldn't get over. He couldn't go anywhere to let me over so I ended up on I-275S..... Oh, Well! On to Kentucky!

We stopped at TA in Richwood/Walton, Ky. had breakfast, then went over to Pilot and put some fuel in. ($4.539).

We have been working on our last project a long time, and now that it is at it's new home, we are taking a few days at a State Park to get in some Rest and Relaxation.

Hopefully, we can get up with you in a few weeks, after we get our next project under way.

Again, glad to hear you are home and have fresh smelling, soft coolant!

Dallas

[Chaz]

Thanx Dallas. Hopefully you can make it up this way sometime soon. I'd love to have your expert opinion on my baby. Even take it for a drive as I'm not even sure that it couldn't use some work in that area. It's my first, but I do love driving it. I can offer you a spot next to my studio,water  and 15 amps, but not too sure about other ammenities. But, when you get here, we can see what we can do. There is always the idea of some "rigging"! 
  Have a nice break!
     Chaz

  "Love that April Fresh coolant!"

p.s.  Bad news tho... it seems to still be getting warm.