1987 345 w\454

[bkahler]

Bummer

There are likely one or two fuel filters along the passenger side frame rail that could be plugged as well. If you decide to replace them get filters for 3/8"hose.

Good luck!

Brad

[Hans 34.5]

Is your rear electric fuel pump working it is right in front of the tank and should have one filter in line next to the pump.

[Keyair]

Hans is correct, plus there is normally another small inline filter on the inner chassis rail about where the entrance step is, and another in the carb inlet... and sometimes one between fuel pipe and carb in the intake manifold.

[Keyair]

Your pic is awesome... enjoy the moment, even tho it was not all positive!

here was me driving mine home, stopped at an outpost of the Painted Desert in NM, looking for a water leak!
Turned out to be a water heater pipe loose.

[Kreimer]

Grrr. So here we are. Still north of Phoenix. I decided insist want to tackle the mountains in the dark... We drove around checking everywhere we could think of to find fuel filters. Finally found an advance auto that was open till eleven. I got the old filter by the fuel tank off (along with an unleaded bath) and replaced with new. The fuel pump is very noisy. The old filter rattles when shook. I got on the 101 briefly and no sputtering! The true test will be trying to tackle the mountains tomorrow. Wish me luck! Almost forgot. We found an extra stay that is letting us park for the night on their land. Huzzah!!!

[Keyair]

Good job!
Grab a couple of those filters and some fuel hose shutoff clamps. Clamp the fuel line either side of the filter Those will minimise your bath! I noticed my rear fuel pump is noisier when its struggling against a load. Having just rebuilt my fuel system from tank to carb, I know it well!

[gunner]

Just because the electric fuel pump sounds as it is working it may not be. I found this out when I purchased and picked up my motorhome in Florida; it would loose power going up hills, backfiring etc.. I even took the carburetor apart at midnight on the way home thinking that was the problem. When I got home I took off the fuel line from the electric pump going to the mechanical pump and turned on the ignition, found that the pump did not pump any fuel even though it sounding as if it was running properly. Replaced it and solved all of my fuel starvation problems.

[tevake]

Exciting to be under way Kreimer!
Did you have the tank drained and flushed?
After hibernating like that and then starting to rumble along
Any sediment in the bottom of the tank can become a problem.
Good tips above, get extra filters, those clips to block the hoses will come in handy.
Oil burning smell right after service is not unusual. Hopefully will stop shortly.
Keep an eye on the oil level as you go.

I'm still trying to figure out what all of the switches are for :-)

Finding all the disconnected vac hoses does not bode well for the quality of work done by the shop guys unfortunately, do the brakes feel ok? Are your leveling jacks working? If so you may be able to get the front wheel off the ground to see if the brakes are working there, same can be done for the tag axel.

I have not seen my drive wheels off the ground on the levelers.

Perhaps if you still have power issues after trying to sort the fuel issues, it would be a good idea to drive the toad up big climbs. Give the coach a little less to be hauling.

The first trip is an exciting adventure and bonding experience. Keep in mind the the reawakening may take some extra effort on your part but it will be so worth it.

Looking forward to your ongoing trip reports.

Cheers Richard

[Paul and Tam]

Looking forward to the next installment on your big adventure - trip home. Every time we take our 345 out there is a potential for an adventure. It is just the nature of having a 27 year old vehicle.

Brakes - Ours have required a lot of effort to stop the rig since we bought it 10 years ago. I turned the front rotors, repacked the front wheel berrings, and add installed new pads a couple of years ago. Last time out in 2015 I noticed it wanted to pull left a bit when I first hit the brakes, then no pull if I released and pressed again (pumped). I suspect some air in the system someplace, so a full brake bleed is in order. Probably best done before a brake line rusts through from the inside. Please let us know what you find when you tear into your brake system. I'm hoping to improve the brakes on our 345 to the point where my will will drive it one day.

Steering - Our 345 wanders a bit. Not too bad, you just have to pay attention to make sure you are not drifting too close to the lines. I'm considering a set of SuperSteer bell cranks for spring maintenance. Tightening the steering box is also something to consider. Not too tight - the GM steering system does not want to return to center when adjusted too tight.

Burning Oil - Every time our 345 sits too long there is some oil that need to be burned off. It leaks... like an old Chevy. I know I have one or more engine oil and transmission fluid leaks, but it does not leak much so I keep it topped off. If the transmission won't go into lock-up (running about 200-300 rpm too high at 60mph) you may be a pint low on transmission fluid. When towing a car I would think it is even more important that the transmission is full of clean fluid.

I hope that helps. Compared to many on this forum I am a rank novice at maintaining these vehicles. We camp 4-5 times a year and travel around 700 miles a year (mostly in state). All things considered our 345 has been very trouble free over our 10 year ownership.

[Kreimer]

So. Got up this morning. Filled up with fuel. Leak underneath. I take it to an RV dealer to just get it fixed and it has turned into an all day affair. Another night stuck in Phoenix. Now they are gonna replace electric fuel pump all filters, and get the propane and furnaces working so we have heat tonight. Last night was cold. And I got bit by a dog... evil bastard... Poodle. Big one... Couldn't find any ointment so I used hand sanitizer. THAT **** BURNS!!!

It is taking longer than I like to get home but at least stuff is getting fixed...

[bkahler]

Shoulda shot the dog, or maybe more realistically the owner of the dog for letting him do that.

Heat is a wonderful thing in the winter!

Brad

[Keyair]

WTH!
As my father says, "It never rains until it pours!".
Oh, add a dog bite to the fun!
Poodles are notorious for biting..
I got bit by a 100lb Bernese Mountain Dog3 weeks ago... My dog went for it(2 males and a ball saga), and as I broke it up, it bit me, instead of my dog! Still bruised!

Take your time and laugh at adversity... its a skill set you will need!

[streamquest]

Kreimer,

WTH is right!

The dog bite has driven you straight up to first place on the list of "Crazy Maiden Voyage" adventures. Within just a few days of piloting a Classic, you have become a Legend. Please elaborate. I know we're all dying to hear the grizzly details. You will forever be in demand as a guest speaker at every rally and campsite gathering that you will ever attend. Although it's not really funny at the moment, I know you will be laughing about this journey for the rest of your life!

Make sure you get that looked at; and if you plan on stopping in any parks….
grab some bear repellant!

Battle on!!!

[Kreimer]

We are taking the inconvenient delays as a chance to really clean this beast. I think we may have the refrigerator smell conquered. It has been powerwashed, lysoled, odor ban'd, and wiped thoroughly. Now a baking soda thingy in there. Have tried it on propane yet but plugged in it works really well. The clock is hideous. Also had a weird plexi knife holder mounted to the wall. Can't wait to rip out this awful carpet... And the upholstered wall panels... Dusky rose is just not my color... Especially when splotchy with sun damage...

Cleaning mini blinds is a pain... I rather get bit... Cross y'all's fingers we get on the road with smooth sailing tomorrow morning.

[mayco]

You need this right now. Turn your volume up. (Adult language so if kids are on board take caution)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJfr35gXEoc

[tevake]

And the mofo deer woke up and bit me on the neck. Omg Mike that is so funny and fitting. Cracked me up.

It looks , Kreimer that you have tapped into the classic motorhome spirit and are now truly living it.

The rest of you trip will be fun to follow along with. Hope you can enjoy it too!

You don't care for the dusty rose? They sure did chose some interesting colors and patterns in the day.

Mike has the basketball dash color to die for. In his diesel beauty.

I spent part of yesterday trying to winterize for the first time, in already freezing conditions. Heater under the coach blowing on frozen valves , long hot shower to use up tank water and help thaw the pluming. The fixes we get ourselves into. (-;

Cheers Richard

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by tevake

...
It looks , Kreimer that you have tapped into the classic motorhome spirit and are now truly living it.

The rest of you trip will be fun to follow along with. Hope you can enjoy it too!

.....Cheers Richard

See Richard, your Stage Coach stops routes is a brilliant idea.
I am one of those stops in Austin, Texas

[tevake]

Yep Peter, the old Moho route is not hard to follow it's lined with small parts and excess rivets and screws raddled off in passing . And, Yes yours is a nicely placed station along the well worn path.

Happy Holidays
Richard

[Kreimer]

On the road again!!!!!! Three fuel filters, ten foot of oddly sized fuel line, and a new electric fuel pump later. Also got the lp system functional and safe. One furnace works and fridge works. The filter in the carb was apparently full of sand. arm is healing nicely!

[Keyair]

Full of sand... imagine that! LOL.

On mine, all of the fuel feed line was 3/8" and the return is 5/16.