1988 325 New Start

[chriscraw]

Robert..I agree with Jonathan as possible sources of the "high pitched screaming". I caused something similar when I engaged the AC on the 454..the compressor was seized and (after a high pitched scream) proceeded to rip off the drive belt which tore-off the other belt and..dead in the water. The fact that you appear to have dead batteries may suggest an earlier alternator failure (which eventually seized, hence the noise)
I've been servicing my 350LE at the DYI Shop in Round Rock..a bit primitive (and hot as its sort of open air) but very reasonable and you sort of provide "sweat equity" as well as buying the needed parts yourself and getting a greater understanding of that mechanical monster! Let me know if you are interested and we can chat. Chris

[jhenry]

Robert as far as batteries I dropped battery tray bottom and installed 2 six volt batteries what a difference never have I had a problem with power in last 5 years I have been wanting to post my reno pictures will try this week Jonathan

[image360]

Thank Johnathan and Chris.

I don't think it could be the cab A/C compression as like a lots of these that I see, the cab A/C does not work and it was set to off. But the Alternator could be a solution. Both belts appear to be fine.

And my batteries are fine now, I replaced some very old batteries after I purchased it. And even better I found the off switch in the battery compartment to disconnect the cab batteries from the engine battery when it's parked and not being used. But somewhere I do seem to have a battery drain for the engine battery.

But, first I've got to get this thing running again and then a few major things need to be fixed by a pro. But once those are done, the DIY sounds interesting.

Regards,

Robert

[image360]

Originally Posted by jhenry

Send me your address to jhf@firmcanada.com Ill send it to you I'm parting out a 1986 325 thanks Jonathan

Johnathan,

I tried sending you a email, got a response it was not able to deliver, still trying for next 4 days.

Robert

[image360]

Finally got the 325 running again, great local mobile tech that has now become gone from contact, perhaps it's the crazy election, I have no idea.

Anyway, today I drove it about 25 miles, second longest trip to date as it needs a lot of work before any serious road trip. Took it to Southern Tire Mart off of 290 East and Johnny Morris exit in Austin, TX.

Seems like a very good company if you need tire work of any kind. They are installing Centramatic auto wheel balance inserts - thank you Peter - and new front shocks.

Once that's done I expect the 325 to be much more viable to take out and test the rest of it at a RV park, etc. Yea, believe it or not, I've never taken my 325 to a park for full hook up, maybe new week!

And perhaps this is a sign that my 325 finally likes me. The original rear view b/w camera has never really worked in the past like the AS manual says it should. That is that you can have it on all the time, etc. Today for some reason totally unknown to me, it worked. It came on, stayed on and worked. Very nice.

All for now.

[tevake]

Nice seeing progress, isn't it?
On my rear view camera, there is a toggle switch on the lower left corner of the monitor that will turn on/ off the camera at your choice. Plus there is a switch in the shift lever that turns it on when put into reverse, then off when in any other position.

It will be very motivating for you to get a good weekend of camping with your coach.
Keep at it you are about to turn the corner!

Cheers Richard

[image360]

Drove the 325 back from the tire service company today and wow, what a difference the Centramatics and new shocks make. So easy to drive now.

Next up, is trying to find a good source for replacing all the lights, including headlights with LED's and trying to find new exterior mirrors.

Anyone got any good sources for LED lights and perhaps much harder exterior mirrors? My existing mirrors have a black plastic shell and a very wide bottom mirror and a electric controlled main mirror. The driver side one will not stay in position and it's not because of the ball join that attaches it to the AS, it's something to do with the connection inside the mirror housing.

Cheers,

Robert

[image360]

I have just found a link to a PDF that seems to cover the Chevy P30 454 large block V8 platform used I think in the 1980's AS MH's.

http://www.gmcmi.com/wp-content/uplo...sis-Manual.pdf

I'm still looking for the Owners packet with no luck but this new PDF at least appears to provide a lot of info on the engine, drive train, etc side of these silver wonders.

Robert

[Waipio Rim]

Originally Posted by image360

I'm still looking for the Owners packet with no luck but this new PDF at least appears to provide a lot of info on the engine, drive train, etc side of these silver wonders.

Robert

If you are looking for the owner's manual, there is a link at post #49 on this thread: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...ead-95034.html

[Boom Sounds]

Here


http://www.gmcmi.com/wp-content/uplo...sis-Manual.pdf
http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/tech...ice_Manual.pdf
http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/tech...air_Manual.pdf
http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/tech...iveability.pdf
http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/tech...10_30_Only.pdf

Mirrors are probably Ramco or Remco (can't recall)


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[Boom Sounds]

Btw Robert - if you swap out your old mirrors for entirely new ones, would you be amenable to keeping the old ones so that I can repair part of mine? I'd be happy to pay a modest fee. PM me if you decide to go down that route.

Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[image360]

Thanks Boom Sounds,

It looks like the mirrors were Ramco, in contact with them. And yes, will keep yopu in mind if I do replace them, trying to see if I can just replace the shell and attachment.

Thanks,

Robert

[image360]

I'm lucky to have the deluxe hydraulic levelers on my coach. Finally tested them today after I found full instructions on how to operate them and that if by chance the oil and power failed after they are down you can easily baring them back up manually. And they worked!

[jhenry]

Hey Robert how are you? Can you send me a picture of your hydraulic levelers and one of the inside controllers? Hope all is well Jonathan

[image360]

Here's a pic of the back two levelers in the up position, notice the spring for retracting.

Well the picture did not show up, it seems I have no idea how to get pictures to this site, it was a small png image only about 1290 by 960 pixels.

If you really want to see pictures of this, send me a PM with your email.

[jhenry]

Robert my email still same jhf@firmcanada.com thanks Jonathan

[image360]

hey boom sounds, just ordered new mirrors, what parts are you looking for from the old ones?

Robert

[image360]

Getting new mirrors from Ramco, replacing old 1002 models with 1302 models or something like that. New roof fans, gas gauge, stereo, dish to HD antenna, rebuild generator, new gas lines, and many other system test.
Also new contractor Stephen OShoney



going to work on lots of things perhaps.

[Boom Sounds]

Originally Posted by image360

Getting new mirrors from Ramco, replacing old 1002 models with 1302 models or something like that. New roof fans, gas gauge, stereo, dish to HD antenna, rebuild generator, new gas lines, and many other system test.
Also new contractor Stephen OShoney



going to work on lots of things perhaps.

Please don't chuck the old mirrors as I would love to salvage a couple of bits if they are available, especially lower glass on drivers side (mine is smashed) and the tiny Allen screws.

Please PM if possible

All the best
Nick and Helen

All the best
Nick


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[image360]

After a long pause I'm getting things done again. Two new top fans and front seam leak fixed. New mirrors on outside and new power 30 amp plug after issue with over heating this very hot summer in Austin. Also new stereo/GPS/Backupcamera being installed. Long list of things to come. Budget is not unlimited.