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Topic: Casa Blanca..... the Maiden Voyage is Complete (Read 2 times) previous topic - next topic
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Casa Blanca..... the Maiden Voyage is Complete
Yahoo Message Number: 114772
Well we just returned from a Wonderful Trip to Yosemite with the 85.  For review, the LD is a joint venture between my in-laws and myself as I have a 5th wheel. I had replaced many engine items and checked many systems before the trip. So my father-in-law was behind the wheel of the 85 and it ran like a top the entire time.  He was always on my tail, even up some grades where I thought the LD would lag behind.  In 100 degree weather, not one hint of vapor lock with the electric fuel pump running.
 The only hick-up was an alternator/cooling fan belt that was new an probably stretched a little.  For about 60 miles we could only go 50mph before the belt would start to slip so we took it easy and I tightened it up at our overnight campground.  Also, since the entire cooling system is new, the temp gauge never even got to 1/2 gauge even on the steep climbs of the grapevine or the hills of Yosemite.  According to my father-in-law, the gauge barely moved.

Some lessons learned..
 Don't run the electric fuel pump at high altitude especially when it has been in the low 40's at night and make sure to let the engine warm up completely before trying to move the coach.  We ended up flooding the motor and had a hard time keeping it running.  I had to power brake it while getting out of the camp space to a level spot.  Once I got it there, it idled fine and we let her warm up after that.
 We ended up using about 3/4's of a quart of oil in about 600 miles (we have 68K on the clock).  Once completely loaded and with the generator in and a nearly full tank of water, the coach rides level and does not wander like it did when we first got it.

Next items to work on: - Change out the converter to a better charging unit (more up to date) - Check a rear wheel for small leak (brake or diff oil) - Vent the generator door so we can run w/ the door closed.
- Seal up the roof and windows, rebuild the bunk area.
- Get two 6 volts as the single 12 volt does not cut it but I kind of knew this.
 Anyway, I want to thank everyone again for helping me along the way when I was going through the motor.  I have taken many pictures of my repairs and will post links to them once I get them organized.

Here are a few trip pix..  enjoy.
http://picasaweb.google.com/mrfixit454/Yosemite2010?authkey=Gv1sRgCN6ex_PCxKjhjQE&feat=directlink

Ramon
 P.S.  An 85 or so loaded up pretty good blew by us between Visalia and Bakersfield on highway 99..  though we were cruising at 55.  My in-laws got to see what the stripes are supposed to look like on an 85.
Re: Casa Blanca..... the Maiden Voyage is Complete
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 114775
Ramon, I enjoyed your pictures, especially #11. How did you get that shot? Dale from Downey.

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Re: Casa Blanca..... the Maiden Voyage is Complete
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 114792
Quote
Ramon, I enjoyed your pictures, especially #11. How did you get that shot? Dale from Downey.
Hi Dale, Wish I could say I hung from a tree but Shot 11 was from a bridge over the beginning of the Merced river.  This water was coming down from Nevada and Vernal falls.  The bridge is next to "Happy Isles" and the Nature Center.  This area begins the climb to Half Dome.

Ramon