Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #75 – February 18, 2018, 10:38:54 am Quote from: meandthedogs - February 18, 2018, 03:49:30 amI was actually looking at Good Sam Club. Any personal experiences with them?I have the rig insured thru them and ERS. Insurance allegedly covers full replacement for first 5 years. Used the ERS twice. First time was in LA just across the TX border - they would have been a couple hours to respond. A local told me there was a Loves a mile up I-10 and I limped up there. Second time was on US 50 near Shingle Springs CA. They showed up in 45 minutes and had me back on the road shortly . First time R inner dually, second time R outer. YMMVPat the dogsjoel
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #76 – February 18, 2018, 10:51:19 am Quote from: meandthedogs - February 18, 2018, 03:49:30 amI was actually looking at Good Sam Club. Any personal experiences with them?Unless they have changed carriers the insurance is through National General Insurance. That's who we have insurance with. You could check prices with them directly or go through Good Sam. Of course, you also have to be a member of Good Sam.Jim
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #77 – February 18, 2018, 03:48:08 pm Quote from: rodneyhelfrich - February 18, 2018, 10:37:58 am,Yes, your rig must have hydro boost brakes.Chevrolet used hydro boost brakes in that time instead of vacuum boost that Ford used. Hydro boost uses the power steering (hydraulic)pump to assist with the brakes. They have a small accumulator to assist one time after the power steering belt breaks. The accumulator refills when the power steering pump operates at pressure in a few seconds.Ah ha! I asked two mechanics and my dad (backyard mechanic) about this because when I told the seller about the brakes (since they worked when he dropped it off right after fan belt came off, but not the next day), he said he was pretty sure the brakes were affected by the lack of fan belt. The two mechanics said they didn't see how the fan belt could be related to the brakes, but my dad actually said he thought the seller might be right. My dad has owned and worked on his own Chevy vans since the 70's, so I'm guessing he has some idea of which he speaks. I hope so!I guess I'll find out this week. Either way, I plan to have to the brakes thoroughly inspected and have whatever work done that is necessary.Thanks!Lisa
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #78 – February 18, 2018, 04:11:34 pm Quote from: meandthedogs - February 18, 2018, 03:48:08 pmAh ha! I asked two mechanics and my dad (backyard mechanic) about this because when I told the seller about the brakes (since they worked when he dropped it off right after fan belt came off, but not the next day), he said he was pretty sure the brakes were affected by the lack of fan belt. The two mechanics said they didn't see how the fan belt could be related to the brakes, but my dad actually said he thought the seller might be rightIf the belt breaks, the power steering pump stops working. The power steering pump powers the hydro-boost. In this situation, you have only one stop available, due to the the hydro-boost's accumulator, which stores a small amount of reserve hydraulic pressure. If this happens, and you are aware of it, push hard on the brake pedal and don't let up until the rig is stopped and parked...you only have one stop available. Use it wisely.This applies to most LDs, with the exception of the E350 models, which use a vacuum brake booster.Once the reserved pressure is used, the brakes will not work until he power steering pump is reactivated.The brakes on such a heavy vehicle need more power than what ordinary vacuum boosted brakes need or can produce. The hydro-boost is several times more powerful than vacuum boosted brakes.Your brake problem may be less severe than want was expected.If your mechanic is baffled by a hydro-boost, consider finding another mechanic, the hydro-boost system has been used for many decades and are very common in mid-size trucks.Larry 2 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #79 – February 18, 2018, 04:27:16 pm Quote from: Larry W - February 18, 2018, 04:11:34 pmThis applies to most LDs, with the exception of the E350 models, which use a vacuum brake booster.it was not the mechanic that is going to work on it. How do I know what type I have? it's a 1991 22M. Chevy 350 engine (G30).And where can I find a manual? I would like to have all this information readily available to me so I can at least have something to refer to when necessary.Thanks!
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #80 – February 18, 2018, 04:36:13 pm Quote from: meandthedogs - February 18, 2018, 04:27:16 pmit was not the mechanic that is going to work on it. How do I know what type I have? it's a 1991 22M. Chevy 350 engine (G30).And where can I find a manual? I would like to have all this information readily available to me so I can at least have something to refer to when necessary.Your G-30 has a hydro-boost, as do most LDs.An LD Owner's Manual is not going to be of any use when it come to problems with the drive train or brakes, it deals mostly with the operation of the coach. The Chevy owner's manual may mention the brakes but it isn't a service manual.This may be what you want.1991 Chevy G Van Factory Shop Service Manual - G10 G20 G30 Beauville...Even if one does none of their own work, a shop manual is a good thing to have and will be of use to any mechanic working on it.Larry
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #81 – February 18, 2018, 04:36:59 pm I'm going to be honest. The main reason I got this RV is because it has a real toilet. I can't deal with those weird porta potty style ones. Plus this came with a manual, which is important. People should know how to use their fine china toilet. 1 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #82 – February 18, 2018, 04:44:52 pm @Larry W - thank you! The repair manual is what I meant.I have all the original owner's manuals- the LD one (looks like they typed it up themselves), the dometic, the AC, generator, even the original brochure. Also all the stuff for the new stereo, back camera, etc. But I want that repair manual. I'll pick it up.Thanks.
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #83 – February 18, 2018, 04:50:03 pm "E-350" is a Ford chassis designation; yours is a Chevy G-30. This is all the information on your year/model from the "Changes by Year" link on the home page of the message board:"22' model, Chevrolet G30 chassis, GVWR: 10,500 lb., 350 c.i.d./5.7 liter V8 engine or 454 c.i.d./7.5 liter V8 engine, electronic fuel injection, * 4L80E 4-speed auto transmission"You could do a search on the chassis and year to find out more specifics, but this link to the relevant pages on Rock Auto will give you some idea of the parts you might need; click on your engine size and start scrolling! 1991 CHEVROLET G30 Parts | RockAuto
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #84 – February 18, 2018, 05:13:15 pm Lisa said, “Plus this came with a manual, which is important. People should know how to use their fine china toilet.”Indeed. When contemplating the the universe and all things cosmic, “Fine China” is a must. 😺Kent 2 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #85 – February 20, 2018, 04:43:14 pm Well, I got the diagnosis today:1) alternator and serpentine belt need replacement (already knew that) Parts & labor ~ $4202) Transmission is shot. Mechanic said it's quite possible seller would not have known it was going out. Particularly since it was still going in reverse, etc. the night before (which I witnessed). Parts & labor - $3200.3) Radiator rusted and looks like it needs replacement. Mechanic could not locate part with his regular place and doesn't know cost, but estimates parts & labor at ~$450.4) Brake master cylinder very rusty. He does not know if it is affecting brakes, but will know more once alternator and belt replaced.Mechanic confirms that the brakes are probably "out" due to busted alternator, which affects the power steering and, in turn, the brake assist. He expects the brakes to come back once the alternator replaced. Seller has reiterated his offer of $3500 in addition to the $500 he already gave me, to cover transmission, etc. In other words, he's offering $4k total to compensate for some of this work. That would effectively mean I got the RV for $8500 and lots of work to be done, or I paid $12,500 for an RV with a new transmission and alternator.I was already planning on spending money on a brake job, and the radiator doesn't add THAT much (and would mostly be covered by the $4k.)My question to you all- are the prices being quoted by mechanic in line with what you all have experienced? Taking into consideration where i live, (San Francisco Bay Area), where everything costs at least 1/3 more than most of the rest of the country? And what should I realistically expect to pay for an entire overhaul of the brake system, including master cylinder?Thank you all again for your advice and help. (Oh, and I forwarded to the mechanic that checklist of things to inspect/repair that was provided above!)Lisa
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #86 – February 21, 2018, 12:25:10 am Sounds fair, question on the rebuilt transmission does he give you a guarantee? Cost of brake job depends on what parts are going to get replaced.
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #87 – February 21, 2018, 12:34:18 am I believe the warranty is 2 years or 25k miles. That was what I got on my Corolla.Right now i'm pissed because the mechanic did not call me this afternoon as promised. Now I'm worried that something has happened. Like the engine blew up or they knocked the top off the RV. :
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #88 – February 21, 2018, 03:27:29 am Quote from: meandthedogs - February 20, 2018, 04:43:14 pm4) Brake master cylinder very rusty. He does not know if it is affecting brakes, but will know more once alternator and belt replaced.Mechanic confirms that the brakes are probably "out" due to busted alternator, which affects the power steering and, in turn, the brake assist. He expects the brakes to come back once the alternator replaced. Lisa Once the alternator serpentine belt is replaced, the power steering pump will be powered and the hydro boost brakes should work again.External rust on the master cylinder is not an indication of its condition. It's cast iron and, in my memory, all G-30s master cylinders have a coating of rust, once they are a few years old.Here is a photo what our 1983 LD's MC looked like the week it was sold. It's brakes were in good shape.10 | lw5315us | FlickrA full brake job, where the pads, calipers and rotors are replaced, can run up upward of $2000. Larry
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #89 – February 21, 2018, 10:02:42 am Changing out the brake fluid would not be out of line. Inexpensive compared to the scope of the rest of the repairs, and likely never done in light of other deferred maintenance issues.
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #90 – February 21, 2018, 11:13:27 am A couple of points:- We had no problem insuring our '93 (which is identical to your rig) under our existing policy with our other cars, as well as having AAA cover it (towing, etc) under our existing club membership. We have friends who have a '89, and they went through a similar process of needing to wait the 48 hours for AAA road side service to kick in.- I originally posted that I thought the price was around $5k too high. Since the owner has promised to cover the major repair costs, you are actually exactly where you would be if you had bought it for $7.5k.That is, to get your rig up and running properly, it will probably take around $10k. So, you're total investment will ultimately end up @ approximately $17.5k. In the grand scheme of things, not really such a bad deal to have a nice, fully functional small 22' RV.So, doing the math, the owner is covering the $5k you would have had to put into anyway. IOW, you're now @ $12.5k (ie your purchase price) with a bunch of new parts, with maybe another $5k to go. The next $5k will come in the form of:- new heater core (if radiator is rusted, so is heater core)- new A/C - old pump, probably leaking, maybe empty- new brakes, including rotors, calipers, maybe some lines- new tires- maybe some tune up issues- perhaps new catalyticThose are the vehicle repairs. Your coach AC may or may not be working. Ours is OK, but we never ever use it. The reefer should work, along with the hot water heater. If they have hiccups, check the electronic controller boards first. Water pump is an easy fix - it's located under closet. Just a few screw to access. The rollers work great if you replace the anchor points; it's a $1 dollar part from the Mother Ship. Order a dozen to have them handy when the rollers gets stuck up/down. (Whatever you do, don't replace the rollers - one of the key advantages you have right now is your rig is "stock". This actually adds value for older vehicles.)As long as you know the total end cost is around $15-17k, then you should be (mentally) OK. It's the ones who think they are getting a deal with no further work/cost requirements who end up having issues.Just to repeat, think about it this way: someone buying a $20-30k RV is most likely **still** going to have to put a bunch of money into it. This is just the nature of the biz. Starting (relatively) low and spending money to bring it up to standard isn't that big of deal if it's not a major financial hit. If it is super dear, then owning an RV (or boat, etc) may not be the best idea in the first place. 1 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #91 – February 21, 2018, 01:09:31 pm Had mine done last summer at Les Schawb in Auburn..full service, and it was $1300..new everythingAt 12:27 AM 2/21/2018, you wrote:Quote QuoteOn: Tue Feb 20, 2018 meandthedogs Wrote: 4) Brake master cylinder very rusty. He does not know if it isaffecting brakes, but will know Quotemore once alternator and belt replaced. Mechanic confirms that the brakes are probably "out" due to busted alternator, which affects the Quotepower steering and, in turn, the brake assist. He expects the brakes to come back once the Quotealternator replaced. LisaOnce the alternator serpentine belt is replaced, the power steering pump will be powered and thehydro boost brakes should work again. External rust on the master cylinder is not an indication of its condition. It's cast iron and, in my memory, all G-30s master cylinders have a coating of rust, once they are a few years old.Here is a photo what our 1983 LD's MC looked like the week it was sold. It's brakes were in goodshape. >10 | lw5315us | FlickrA full brake job, where the pads, calipers and rotors are replaced, can run up upward of $2000. Larry Larry2003 23.5" Front Lounge. 2001 Jeep Cherokee toad Photo Collection: Lazy DazeYou can reply to this email and have it posted as a topic reply. LDO Links:index.php?action=notifyboard;board=3.0 Regards, The Lazy Daze Owners Team~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire "CHERRYOTTE" our litte red home on wheels "Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #92 – February 21, 2018, 04:30:53 pm HELP! What kind of radiator do I need? Mechanic having hard time finding it. There is one for a 1991 G30 chevy, but mechanic and radiator people aren't sure if it needs regular radiator 1991 chevy G30 van with 5.7 L motor and 4 sp automatice transmission, or something special.
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #93 – February 21, 2018, 04:41:42 pm The radiator should be one listed on this page. If the mechanic isn't sure, he/she might want to call Rock Auto and get their advice.1991 CHEVROLET G30 5.7L V8 Radiator | RockAuto
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #94 – February 21, 2018, 04:53:37 pm Are there any radiator shops in your area that could help you out by either refurbishing yours or sell you a new one or help you locate one. JODY
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #95 – February 21, 2018, 05:30:52 pm Well thank you all again. For the record- the seller has already given me the money! He deposited the money into my account- cash! I'm amazed. 2 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #96 – February 21, 2018, 06:47:57 pm And I had a boatload of lawyer jokes just ready to go, too. That will certainly help get you on the road more quickly. Getting lots done at once will let you focus on getting comfortable with driving it, instead of worrying about system failures.On the radiator, you'll probably want the most capable one that will fit. Tow package, transmission cooler, engine oil cooler, air, maybe even the 'ambulance' version if there's one out there. (Even if you don't have an oil cooler or trans cooler, they can be added later.) Still have to make sure the hoses will go to the right place, and the holes line up, and it fits in front of the fan. If you have high temperatures, mountain passes, and possible desert use in your future, you'll want all the cooling you can get. 1 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #97 – February 21, 2018, 06:59:57 pm Quote from: Chip Chester - February 21, 2018, 10:02:42 amChanging out the brake fluid would not be out of line. Inexpensive compared to the scope of the rest of the repairs, and likely never done in light of other deferred maintenance issues.That is normally done with a full brake replacement,It's a best practice to fully flush the brake fluid every three or four years. Brake fluid is hydroscopic, it absorbs moisture from the air and will lead to rust in the brake system, if not changed periodically. While the E450 owner's manual doesn't require it, the Ford F53 Class A's do call for a three year fluid change.Larry
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #98 – February 22, 2018, 03:20:10 am Quote from: Chip Chester - February 21, 2018, 06:47:57 pm (Even if you don't have an oil cooler or trans cooler, they can be added laterMechanic is going through the checklist provided earlier in this thread. He said there is a transmission cooler and it appears to be functional. He is going to add thermostat, which he says appears to be missing. Still not sure on those radiators. He's looking at the ones listed at the link above. He even said that since his primary biz is transmissions, he has no issue with me ordering it myself to save money (the shop marks them up, obviously). But I don't know which one to order!Lisa
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Radiator work Reply #99 – February 22, 2018, 10:10:10 am I always try to go direct to a mechanic/shop that does only radiator work/replacement whenever possible. I hate paying folks to learn on the job, I would have allot more confidence doing it that way, even if it costs a little more.