Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #100 – February 22, 2018, 10:24:09 am Quote from: meandthedogs - February 22, 2018, 03:20:10 amMechanic 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!I would go to a dedicated radiator specialist. You are most likely going to need a complete cooling system overhaul. This includes not only repairing/replacing the main radiator, but the heater core and all hoses as well. The auxiliary transmission, oil and steering coolers may be fine - I had to replace my steering coolant radiator, and it was only an $80 dollar part.You should purchase the shop repair manual linked above, as well as familiarize yourself with an x-reference to the AC Delco parts listing service here: Auto Parts: Car Parts, Truck Parts, Aftermarket Parts | ACDelco. (It works best with your VIN.) Once you have those two sources, you can cross reference against standard parts companies like Rock Auto, etc.Once the cooling and brake systems are replaced/repaired/re-furbished, you're pretty good to go from an operating base line level. (Assuming a hard mechanical fix like the transmission is resolved.) That is, your RV will be relatively safe to operate without (too) much concern. If you begin to get stressed out about the cost, just note two things: (a) new 20' Class B RVs are running about $125k; used between $75-100k. (b) It's practically impossible to find a small 22-24' LD. There's a **huge** difference in both driving and access between sub-25' and the MB @ 26.5'.For one, state parks alter their rates for 25'+, including a surcharge on annual passes. Many local parks & cities have length limits for parking, usually right around 20-22'. Lastly, many nat'l parks and other camping areas also have campground length limits around 20-22' for van/tent only spots. We have been able to - many, many times - squeeze into small, regular tent camp spots (with host approval).Keep this in mind: while RVs many seem a bit complex, they are in the end *finite*. There are only so many things that can go wrong. Nail down the basics like brakes & cooling, and you're 50% of the way there. All the other, niggling things may be a hassle - or fun projects depending on your orientation - but they aren't deal killers. Fix the foundation, and you can use the RV. 1 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #101 – February 22, 2018, 11:17:06 am "For one, state parks alter their rates for 25'+, including a surcharge on annual passes."----I don't know how many state parks' systems this applies to; as far as I know, it's not a common practice. One might want to check the policies of the state park systems one is interested in; this site offers an interesting overview of each state's system:A Complete Guide to RV Camping in State Parks of the United StatesI like my 'short' rig for a lot of reasons, but I've never been charged less for any site in any facility simply because of its size. YMMV, of course. 2 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #102 – February 22, 2018, 12:56:36 pm Lisa, with all the things going on, take a deep breath, and remember that you are going to have this LD forever and you won't have to do these things for another 100K miles. By you third or fourth trip it will all be behind you. Put Morro Bay 2019 on your calendar
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #103 – February 22, 2018, 03:36:00 pm Day use. Drive into any CA state beach/park, and you'll notice two green lines painted on the entrance road outside the entry booth. They are measured at 25', so if you fall within, you're treated like a regular passenger car. Outside, RV entry rates. If you want an annual pass, a surcharge is applied to vehicles over 25'. Same too if you drive up with a passenger pass and you're outside the green lines: they assess a day use surcharge.As far as campgrounds, there can be differences charged between tent only, RV and RV with hook-ups. If your RV is short enough to be treated as a regular vehicle, then you can possibly use the tent only site.Because of the motor-homeless problem throughout the state (CA), cities, counties, districts & other municipalities are passing all kinds of parking limits, including obvious measures like time restrictions. Add to that list length limitations as well. Huntington Beach has them posted everywhere.There's a reason class B RVs are setting sales records, and why the commensurate prices have risen accordingly. Just because you haven't personally experienced a difference in access/camping prices will perhaps resonate with the OP: absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #104 – February 22, 2018, 04:17:38 pm Quote from: JCT - February 21, 2018, 04:41:42 pmThe 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 | RockAutoHi again,So the mechanic checked that page, and called his regular supplier and called radiators.com. It seems all the ones listed at Rock Auto do NOT have the engine cooler (the one currently installed does have an engine cooler). Radiators.com DOES have one with an engine cooler, but it is about 3x the price (almost $300). The Radiators.com model is an old style all metal, as opposed to aluminum and plastic. My mechanic says the all metal ones, while heavier, tend to hold up better and are easier to service.Where are people buying their radiators with engine coolers??Lisa G
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #105 – February 22, 2018, 04:25:02 pm Plastic radiator tanks have been OEM on most cars for a couple of decades. Metal tanks once were better, not any more. It's the quality of the build that determine which is best.There is no difference in how either type is serviced.High quality radiators can easily exceed $400. An OEM replacement for my E450 was $450.I wouldn't put a cheap radiator in, the stock radiator isn't oversize and engine needs as much cooling as it can get.You want a radiator with a thicker than stock core.Cheaper radiator have thin cores, in the 1-1/4" to 1-13/4" rangeRadiators.com 2-5/8" corewww.radiatorexpress.com/product.asp?part=1991+CHEVROLET+G30++%2D+5%2E7+liter+V8+RADIATOR+COPPER+BRASS+4+ROW%2C+28+X+17%2C+WITH+ENGINE+COOLER&part_id=40329&aaia_id=1048261Here's another radiator I found that should be suitable and lot cheaperNapa 2-3/16" coreRadiator NR 2331 | Buy Online - NAPA Auto PartsDoes your LD have an external transmission cooler?Larry
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #107 – February 22, 2018, 04:51:31 pm Hi Lisa. The radiator IS an engine cooler. Maybe you are referring to the transmission cooler that is often built in to the bottom tank of the radiator. That usually small cooler for transmission oil can also be a separate item. That gives the engine a little more cooling, since it doesn't have to cover the transmission heat also. The separate transmission oil cooler can also be bigger, and can cool the transmission on its own. On my old Dodge MH I ran the oil through a separate cooler and then into the water cooler so the oil wouldn't get too cold, and in worst cases the oil could help cool the water down. RonB
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #108 – February 22, 2018, 05:04:40 pm Quote from: RonB - February 22, 2018, 04:51:31 pmHi Lisa. The radiator IS an engine cooler. Maybe you are referring to the transmission cooler that is often built in to the bottom tank of the radiator. That usually small cooler for transmission oil can also be a separate item. That gives the engine a little more cooling, since it doesn't have to cover the transmission heat also. The separate transmission oil cooler can also be bigger, and can cool the transmission on its own. On my old Dodge MH I ran the oil through a separate cooler and then into the water cooler so the oil wouldn't get too cold, and in worst cases the oil could help cool the water down. RonBHi,No, mine has a transmission cooler and the radiator also has an engine cooler. So I'm told, anyway. If you look at the link provided 1991 CHEVROLET G30 5.7L V8 Radiator | RockAuto you'll see that those listed under "standard replacement" specify "w/o engine cooler."I'm going to call my dad. I speak English, Spanish and legalese- all this mechanical stuff is as foreign to me as insurance terminology.Lisa
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #109 – February 22, 2018, 05:14:33 pm I just called the place myself. $450!!!It's an APDI all metal radiator, 3 row, 2" thickness, with engine oil cooler and transmission oil cooler. I have been doing research on radiators, and this one sounds heavy duty. Also $$!Still, I think I'd like to find someone that specializes in this work around here and can work on an RV. Ugh. More looking.
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #110 – February 22, 2018, 05:40:18 pm Hi Lisa. I'll wait for Larry to weigh in on this. My preference would be the aluminum radiator, with a separate engine oil cooler, separate transmission oil cooler, and some chassis's even have a power steering oil cooler. RonB
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #111 – February 22, 2018, 05:48:29 pm Quote from: meandthedogs - February 22, 2018, 04:31:42 pmHi Larry, was there a reply?It disappeared somehow, it's back now.Larry
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #112 – February 22, 2018, 06:00:10 pm Quote from: RonB - February 22, 2018, 04:51:31 pmHi Lisa. The radiator IS an engine cooler. Maybe you are referring to the transmission cooler that is often built in to the bottom tank of the radiator oil could help cool the water down. RonLook at photos of the radiator from Napa.https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NRS2331Zoom in and you will see cooler ports on both sides of the radiator, each tank has a separate cooler inlet and outlet.It's unusual, I don't remember seeing this before in a G-30. Most of my G-30 experience was with early and mid 80s LDs.Larry
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #113 – February 28, 2018, 10:11:54 pm Hi all!Got it back from mechanic today. Drove it home myself. It was the longest, slowest, scariest 8 mile drive I've ever done. It def needs an alignment and it does pull a bit to the left if I brake too hard. I didn't realize JUST how big it was until I pulled up next to a city bus and saw I was about at the same height. And I'm pretty sure I was taking up 1.5 lanes because few people wanted to drive next to me. Next priority is figuring out how to turn on the rear camera, as I already had an unfortunate meet and greet with the resident phone pole. It didn't sound good, but I didn't see anything when I got out. Though it's dark outside...I also want to find a shop to do alignment, check brakes and do cooling system. There are so many auto repair places here but, being a city, most don't have the space to work on RV. I don't have time to call them all, so If anyone here lives/knows of a good shop in/near Oakland, CA, please let me know. I'm not too keen on the place in Pleasant Hill listed in the repair forum, as i'm pretty sure it's the place i took my Corolla when transmission light came on shortly after I left town on a road trip. Their estimate was REALLY high and the warranty was not that great.Looking forward to a break from work some time in the next decade so I can start learning how to use stuff in this behemoth! 2 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #114 – February 28, 2018, 10:16:42 pm Oh yeah, first drive- my other dog is hiding under the table...Is there any way to lower the steering wheel? Or do I have to find some old phone books or a booster seat so I can see out the window without my view being obstructed by the steering wheel?Clearly this vehicle was NOT made with smaller people in mind.
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #115 – February 28, 2018, 10:29:51 pm Hi me and the dogs.I've used (and like) Bruce's Tire in San Jose to work on the tires, brakes and engine of my 27 2002 MB. I suggest calling the Oakland shop (510) 567-8473 to find out if they will work on your rig. If not, they may have a suggestion of an alternative repair shop. DavidQuoteGot it back from mechanic today. Drove it home myself. It was the longest, slowest, scariest 8 mile drive I've ever done. It def needs an alignment and it does pull a bit to the left if I brake too hard. I didn't realize JUST how big it was until I pulled up next to a city bus and saw I was about at the same height. And I'm pretty sure I was taking up 1.5 lanes because few people wanted to drive next to me. Next priority is figuring out how to turn on the rear camera, as I already had an unfortunate meet and greet with the resident phone pole. It didn't sound good, but I didn't see anything when I got out. Though it's dark outside...I also want to find a shop to do alignment, check brakes and do cooling system. There are so many auto repair places here but, being a city, most don't have the space to work on RV. I don't have time to call them all, so If anyone here lives/knows of a good shop in/near Oakland, CA, please let me know. I'm not too keen on the place in Pleasant Hill listed in the repair forum, as i'm pretty sure it's the place i took my Corolla when transmission light came on shortly after I left town on a road trip. Their estimate was REALLY high and the warranty was not that great. Looking forward to a break from work some time in the next decade so I can start learning how to use stuff in this behemoth! This message has 1 images/files associated with it. To see them please follow this link: http://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=31376.msg184765#msg184765 1991 22' LD Multi-Plan --davehrrs@gmail.com (408) 206-8800This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. AVG 2018 | FREE Antivirus & TuneUp for PC, Mac, Android
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #116 – February 28, 2018, 10:44:40 pm Quote from: David Harris - February 28, 2018, 10:29:51 pmHi me and the dogs.I've used (and like) Bruce's Tire in San Jose to work on the tires, brakes and engine of my 27 2002 MB. I suggest calling the Oakland shop (510) 567-8473 to find out if they will work on your rig. If not, they may have a suggestion of an alternative repair shop. DavidThanks! I recall seeing a place noted on the repair page that had a location in SJ and Oakland, but someone had posted they'd closed the Oakland location. I'll look into it.Lisa G.
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #117 – February 28, 2018, 10:55:12 pm The one dog has supreme confidence in mom. On ours, the backup camera comes on automagically when in reverse, and the left (I think) button wakes it up going forward. If you backed into the pole, open the spare tire hatch and see if the interior is cracked. I did that on ours the first time I backed it into the driveway and the garage wall (the backup camera was working - no excuse ). Since then it has lived with a paint stirrer duct taped on the inside. From the pic, I surmise the one dog will not be lap-sitting while you are driving. 1 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #118 – March 01, 2018, 01:40:41 am "Oh yeah, first drive- my other dog is hiding under the table..."Is this a Disney commercial for "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride"?(I didn't make that up; the son of a friend said it about his mother!)Congrats, Lisa! We're all rooting for you!!! You've got a lot of guts. I've driven our Lazy Daze only once, and that was for only about half an hour on a straightaway. It really scares me - such a wuss! Virtual hugs, Judie < -- needs to toughen up 1 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #119 – March 01, 2018, 09:07:08 am Don't worry, the terror will subside the more you drive it. Enjoy! 1 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #120 – March 01, 2018, 09:43:24 am You will get used to driving your Lazy Daze and even enjoy it!Google Image Result for https://farm6.static.flickr.com/5616/15609252001_c8c4... 1 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #121 – March 01, 2018, 05:25:42 pm ARGH!!!I went out to look at my LD and found that someone had opened a back window. It was pouring rain all night and the back sofa is soaked, as is the wood underneath.I have removed all the cushions and put inside my house with a fan on them, and dried the underlying wood base (plywood) as much as possible. What an f'n drag. I have locked the window, but found that the lock on the bathroom window is broken. SO more to worry about until I can get this thing into my driveway.
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #122 – March 01, 2018, 05:37:14 pm Ouch. If you can run an extension cord out to it, maybe a small heater to help dry the wood?Maybe the dog in the photo can do a sleep over in the LD for a while?When does the gate move get done? joelMaybe you can add a small yappy dog to the mix in the sleepover and have three many dogs
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #123 – March 01, 2018, 05:53:42 pm "I have locked the window, but found that the lock on the bathroom window is broken."A temporary fix is to use a wooden dowel cut to fit the window track, preventing the window from being opened until you can replace the normal latches, which are available from the factory. 3 Likes
Re: 1991 LD with 90k miles Reply #124 – March 01, 2018, 06:31:28 pm Someone opened the back window, as in someone was snooping around? If so, they may be back later to see what they can steal. Putting a large dog inside the rig is probably a good idea! 1 Likes
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