The story of the Airstream 310 Jacket

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by Punch

Well done.... I have failed at that job before, so will be interested to see your method, especially how your sleeve works.

Are you doing anything to stop the new stud from breaking? Is it the rearmost on the right side?

2nd from rear was the one broken flush with cylinder head, 3rd from rear was also broken, but flush with manifold. I am using grade 8 bolts instead of using studs. 20lbs of torque is not very much and I believe anyone could easily over-torque those.
First I carefully checked if the bolt was centered with the manifold hole. Then my good friend Mercurycharlie made me a perfectly fitting sleeve for the manifold hole to keep the drill on center. He told me that it most cases the left handed drill bits will extract the broken thread.
check out Charlies website to see the cool stuff he does
The Home of Mercury Charlie

[PeterH-350LE]

broken stud, sleeve and left hand drill bit

[Punch]

That sleeve is a simple idea that never occurred to me. Useful information that I hope I won't have to use again.

This seems to be a 454-only and motorhome-only problem, doesn't it? I have had motorhomes with other engines and 454's in other vehicles and never seen it in either.

[cwf]

We always put brass washer under the rear two. Then we supported the exhaust manifold close to engine.. Next, we used "flex" exhaust piping and had good support of exhaust. That kept the extra weight off the rear of the manifold. Also no more gasket blowouts.

[PeterH-350LE]

Today, I used my 15 year old ramps again, Martin .
We both could fit under there

[PeterH-350LE]

Close up of the GM Motor label. It is 030 over, main and rods 010

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

Today, I used my 15 year old ramps again, Martin .
We both could fit under there

Peter, the design looks good

I'll be making some of those for my Argosy once it's in the shop.

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

Today, I used my 15 year old ramps again, Martin .
We both could fit under there

I have taken notes, and tried to scale some dimensions from the photo, seems like a job for this weekend!

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

Today, I used my 15 year old ramps again, Martin .
We both could fit under there

Peter, I just noticed that you have two air vents above the front wheels instead of the typical one. Did you do that or did the PO do it?

I wonder how much it really helps. I managed to find identical vents in cream color that I will be using on my Argosy.

Brad

[Punch]

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

Today, I used my 15 year old ramps again, Martin .
We both could fit under there

Those certainly beat $75 plastic ramps into a cocked hat! I like the beaver tail, to stop the ramps slipping out. I would worry about driving off the front, and I think I'd add a wedge or block to bump up against.

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by bkahler

Peter, I just noticed that you have two air vents above the front wheels instead of the typical one. Did you do that or did the PO do it?

I wonder how much it really helps. I managed to find identical vents in cream color that I will be using on my Argosy.

Brad

Any hints on where you found them Brad?

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by martin300662

Any hints on where you found them Brad?

I bought these Tan 17" louvers and they look identical to the silver louvers I removed from the 345 except for color.

Price was reasonable and quality seems to be just fine.

Brad

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by bkahler

I bought these Tan 17" louvers and they look identical to the silver louvers I removed from the 345 except for color.

Price was reasonable and quality seems to be just fine.

Brad

Thanks, I just ordered a pair.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by martin300662

Thanks, I just ordered a pair.

Somewhere I have the dimensions written down for the opening cutout. Let me know if you need them.

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by bkahler

Peter, I just noticed that you have two air vents above the front wheels instead of the typical one. Did you do that or did the PO do it?

I wonder how much it really helps. I managed to find identical vents in cream color that I will be using on my Argosy.

Brad

The 345 I owned a few years had both vents missing, the PO "misplaced" them along with all the Airstream emblems. I had a real hard (and expensive!) time trying to find the original size louvres and emblems.
You may remember me scratching at your door and begging, when you dismantled the 345.
Figures that this 310 has 2 on each side, which appears to have been installed many years ago.
If you ask me, the more chrome/aluminum the better

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by bkahler

I bought these Tan 17" louvers and they look identical to the silver louvers I removed from the 345 except for color.

Price was reasonable and quality seems to be just fine.

Brad

But they are Plastic
Here are chrome ones @15 7/8"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHROME-BOAT-...3c83bb&vxp=mtr

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by Punch

Those certainly beat $75 plastic ramps into a cocked hat! I like the beaver tail, to stop the ramps slipping out. I would worry about driving off the front, and I think I'd add a wedge or block to bump up against.

The other side has a wedge to stop me from ruining my day.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

But they are Plastic
Here are chrome ones @15 7/8"
Chrome Boat Vent Louver Carlson Bayliner Four Winns New Two for $61 95 Save | eBay

I never looked for chrome louvers as I wanted to match the color of my Argosy. The chromed ones are slightly different but not enough to notice. Probably the major difference is mounting hole location.

Martin, if you decide you want chrome louvers I'll buy the ones you just bought and keep them as spares.

Brad

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

...You may remember me scratching at your door and begging, when you dismantled the 345.

I hope you realize I didn't have a say in about those louvers

[PeterH-350LE]

quick dimensions for safe wood ramps:
48" long, 11 1/2" wide

Materials needed for 2 ramps
2x 8' 12"x1 1/2 treated lumber (or get 10' boards to have the option to raise the deck another 1 1/2 ")
2x 8' 6"x4" treated lumber for the deck support
some 3" deck screws