 |
|
02-19-2017, 08:07 PM
|
#1
|
2 Rivet Member 
Kelseyville
, California
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 45
|
'81 Excella Newbie
New member here from Northern California. I had been searching an Airstream trailer for a few years, just couldn't find one in my budget. Last Sunday I discovered a 1981 Airstream Excella 28' Motorhome with a 6cyl Diesel w/58k miles at an estate sale. 3 days and $6,000 later it followed me home. It had been parked for 15years so it needs a little tlc. Look forward to posting progress pics of the coch as I get her roadworthy for the Spring/Summer.
EP
|
|
|
|
02-20-2017, 04:26 AM
|
#2
|
Rivet Master 
Currently Looking...
1995 36' Classic 36
Ludington
, Michigan
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,662
|
Looks like you got quite a deal on that one!
|
|
|
|
|
02-20-2017, 04:37 AM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
1982 31' Airstream 310
champaign
, Illinois
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,072
|
That's one heck of a find. Looks in very good condition. Let us know how she runs.
Mike
|
|
|
|
|
02-20-2017, 04:47 AM
|
#4
|
Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Mantua
, Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,062
|
Is that the Isuzu engine? Looks great. Good luck, enjoy.
|
|
|
|
|
02-20-2017, 06:56 AM
|
#5
|
|
Dazed and Confused
Currently Looking...
1983 31' Airstream310
Hillsburgh
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,805
|
Hey MexCella!
Nice to see you made it to the Classic club and met some of the "experts" in our group. Kota has a couple mid 90's Cummins turbo diesel pushers and knows his stuff; Mayco has the only Allison (I'm secretly jealous) Isuzu powered 310 in existence and can tell you what the part numbers for whatever you need for your engine. (He's already met Dan (Smartstream) and myself in a members thread http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368...al-162925.html). I'm sure others like Steve (Keyair) will chime in soon.
It would be helpful to find someone close to you for assistance.
Whatever questions you have, someone has an answer. Whatever suggestion you need, everyone will have an opinion; but know this, it's ultimately your coach.
Cheers
Tony
__________________
Per Mare, Per Terram and may all your campaigns be successful.
“It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose your own.” "Harry S Truman"
|
|
|
|
|
02-20-2017, 05:03 PM
|
#6
|
Rivet Master 
2005 34' Classic S/O
2006 39' Land Yacht 396 XL
north blenheim
, New York
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,847
|
Nice find, Regards, Bob
|
|
|
|
|
02-20-2017, 11:27 PM
|
#7
|
2 Rivet Member
Kelseyville
, California
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 45
|
Update 2-20-17
Hi Guys,
Yes she has the 6cyl. Turbo Isuzu, and runs great and shifts smoothly. Cleaned out a dump trailers worth of garbage clothes and bedding today. Found a few cool things, sorry no guns. We put her on the lift today where we will pressure steam clean the undercarriage and: inspect brakes, change oil, tranny fluid, brake fluid, coolant, belts, bushings, and replace all 6 tires while the wheels are off. I did find out I have two leaks, one from the rear AC unit and one from the front windshield. I also know there is an air leak near the air ride compressor, hydraulic leveling system isn't working, and the vacuumatic step does not retract. All opportunities for an adventure  Here is a few pics on the lift.
|
|
|
|
|
02-21-2017, 12:17 AM
|
#8
|
Rivet Master
1982 28' Airstream 280
Port Angeles
, Washington
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,943
|
The coach looks better in every picture. Your vacuum pump is on the back of the alternator so only works with the engine running. There is a switch in the door jamb that operates a solenoid valve behind the step. The vacuum chamber is a 68 to 82 Corvette headlight actuator.
The air compressor should be behind the left rear wheel and only supplies the rear air bags. If I remember correctly you have two leveling valves in the rear. The front bags are manually inflated bags inside the front coil springs and should run at 55 psi.
If your leveling jacks are HWH they have great info on their web site but you have to look hard. Look for an inline fuse and make sure you have power to the system. You can run a jumper to the pump and if it runs the problem is in the control system. There are couple of relays on top of the pump.
The water leaks are always fun but should be addressed immediately. Water leaks lead to rotten sub floors. Check all windows especially the side cockpit windows and around the door.
I have the service manuals for your coach on pdf. if you need them.
__________________
Cheers, Dan
________________________________________
"Socialist governments traditionally do make a financial mess. They always run out of other people's money. It's quite a characteristic of them."
~ Margaret Thatcher ~
|
|
|
|
|
02-21-2017, 11:42 AM
|
#9
|
2 Rivet Member
Kelseyville
, California
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 45
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smartstream
The coach looks better in every picture. Your vacuum pump is on the back of the alternator so only works with the engine running. There is a switch in the door jamb that operates a solenoid valve behind the step. The vacuum chamber is a 68 to 82 Corvette headlight actuator.
The air compressor should be behind the left rear wheel and only supplies the rear air bags. If I remember correctly you have two leveling valves in the rear. The front bags are manually inflated bags inside the front coil springs and should run at 55 psi.
If your leveling jacks are HWH they have great info on their web site but you have to look hard. Look for an inline fuse and make sure you have power to the system. You can run a jumper to the pump and if it runs the problem is in the control system. There are couple of relays on top of the pump.
The water leaks are always fun but should be addressed immediately. Water leaks lead to rotten sub floors. Check all windows especially the side cockpit windows and around the door.
I have the service manuals for your coach on pdf. if you need them.
|
Thanks for all the info Smartstream! This gives me a start as to where to look first, rather than going in blind. I have the original owners manual, is the service manual different? If so, those would help! The leaving system is a Level Best, going to search the web see what I can find.
|
|
|
|
|
02-21-2017, 11:49 AM
|
#10
|
Rivet Master
1982 28' Airstream 280
Port Angeles
, Washington
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,943
|
I know nothing bout your Level Best system, are they hydraulic or electric screw type jacks?
Send me a PM with your email and I'll send the manuals.
__________________
Cheers, Dan
________________________________________
"Socialist governments traditionally do make a financial mess. They always run out of other people's money. It's quite a characteristic of them."
~ Margaret Thatcher ~
|
|
|
|
|
02-22-2017, 08:02 AM
|
#11
|
2 Rivet Member
Kelseyville
, California
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 45
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smartstream
I know nothing bout your Level Best system, are they hydraulic or electric screw type jacks?
Send me a PM with your email and I'll send the manuals.
|
Sent you a PM.
|
|
|
|
|
02-22-2017, 08:07 AM
|
#12
|
3 Rivet Member 
1991 35' Airstream 350
Beachburg
, Ontario
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 153
|
All the best, almost a miracle find I would say!!
__________________
Howard and Ann Schutt
|
|
|
|
|
02-26-2017, 10:31 PM
|
#13
|
2 Rivet Member
Kelseyville
, California
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 45
|
2-26-17 Progress
So far drained all fluids this weekend. Coolant, Motor Oil, Tranny Fluid, Gear Oil, and Old Diesel. Removed all wheels for inspection and new tires soon. Oh! I almost forgot, before draining the fluids I spent four hours in a rain suit and googles steam pressure washing the entire under carriage. I'll be replacing u-joints and brake pads and rubber lines. I also found all air bags need replacing, does any one have a part number or a direction to point me in?
|
|
|
|
|
02-26-2017, 11:27 PM
|
#14
|
Rivet Master
1982 28' Airstream 280
Port Angeles
, Washington
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,943
|
Thee are your front bags. http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/air-li...otorhome-63-99
This will show you how to identify your rear bags. http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/identi...ir-ride-spring
I have these numbers for a '82 but they might be different for an '81 as the system is a different set up. W01-358-5311 Bellows 8AY1T14 (W01-358-5412)
Nice to have a rack to work on.
__________________
Cheers, Dan
________________________________________
"Socialist governments traditionally do make a financial mess. They always run out of other people's money. It's quite a characteristic of them."
~ Margaret Thatcher ~
|
|
|
|
|
02-26-2017, 11:59 PM
|
#15
|
2 Rivet Member
Kelseyville
, California
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 45
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smartstream
|
Thanks for the links Smartstream. I'm lucky to have a buddy with a shop with a rack big enough for the coach.
|
|
|
|
|
03-04-2017, 08:12 AM
|
#16
|
2 Rivet Member
Kelseyville
, California
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 45
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smartstream
|
I was able to find this number on the bellow AAY1T14, is that the same as 8AY1T14?
__________________
"Electra"
1981 Airstream Excella 28' Turbo Diesel
Northern California
|
|
|
|
|
03-04-2017, 09:02 AM
|
#17
|
2 Rivet Member
Kelseyville
, California
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 45
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by 81 MexCella
I was able to find this number on the bellow AAY1T14, is that the same as 8AY1T14?
|
I see the bellow style number is 1T14F-2 which would make it W01-358-5311. Mystery solved, thanks for the links and resources! Now the "easy" part Remove & Replace.
__________________
"Electra"
1981 Airstream Excella 28' Turbo Diesel
Northern California
|
|
|
|
|
03-04-2017, 12:58 PM
|
#18
|
Rivet Master
1991 25' Airstream 250
Oxford
, Oxfordshire
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,253
|
I twisted the bags and then secured with plastic ties and lubricated them loads of washing up liquid to get them through the slot. Each time I got the bag further through the slot, I cut each plastic tie from top to bottom. There are a few excellent threads on this fix and how people have approached it. Straightforward, just fiddly and time consuming.
Kiss your knuckles before you start because you won't be seeing them in such good shape for quite a while.
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
|
|
|
|
|
03-07-2017, 04:29 PM
|
#19
|
2 Rivet Member
Kelseyville
, California
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 45
|
Front Wheel Hub
I'm tacking the brake system right now and replacing lines rotors and pads. The rear roters I might get away with just turning. I do however need to replace both front wheel hubs but can't find a part number. Not In service manuals anywhere. I tried searching Summit and RockAuto under Chevy P30 and nothing looks like what I need. Can anyone shoot over some help?
EP
__________________
"Electra"
1981 Airstream Excella 28' Turbo Diesel
Northern California
|
|
|
|
|
03-07-2017, 06:32 PM
|
#20
|
|
Dazed and Confused
Currently Looking...
1983 31' Airstream310
Hillsburgh
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,805
|
The rotor is bolted onto the front section of the hub with the eight bolts just behind the wheel studs. No one seems to have them though.
http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....065&cc=1504864
If you do eventually find them, let us know where and how much.
OEM is AC Delco No 1#18027874
Cheers
Tony
__________________
Per Mare, Per Terram and may all your campaigns be successful.
“It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose your own.” "Harry S Truman"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Linear Mode
