Page 22 - 2017-Fall Vintage RVing

Technical Corner MAINTENANCE, PARTS, TIPS, INNOVATIONS AND MOREHands-On Technical Clinics>> Aligning and Adjustingthe GMC’s Steering Column| Alex FerraraOnce again, Alex wasa “hero” to many ownersof GMCs with terrible driveability. Alex says heis always amazed at the problems he often finds. He, however, proceeds to make the needed adjustments, without exception to the owners delight! (169 GMCs so far)>> WindshieldReplacement| Ken BurtonOnce again organized the windshield replacement clinic. There were nine coaches that received windshield replacement(s).>> Weighing of the Coaches| Ken Burton and FriendsThis is always a much-anticipated feature of Conventions, thanks to Ken and those volunteers who help him provide the service. The coaches are weighed at each suspension location, ride height measured and reports provided to the owners.With the report, owners can proceed to make the necessary adjustments to load distribution and ride height(with special consideration toproper torsion bar loading).>> Headlight Alignment | Richard Waters andHubert RowellGMC owners had the opportunity to havetheir headlights aligned.>> Front Ball Joints and Steering | Dave LenziDave described in detail the procedure for removing OEM ball joints and replacingthem with new ones. He cautioned owners on not replacing the OEM joints prematurely, stating that up to 1/8" clearance is permitted before replacement is indicated. He also illustrated proper inspection and, if needed, repair of the lower control arm to accept replacement ball joints.>> Understanding Your Refrigerator and Maintenance/Repair| Leon Herschberger (local vendor – Shipshewana, Indiana)Leon’s was the second-best attended session of the Elkhart Convention, suggesting there was a pent-up demand for information on the care and maintenance of the motorhome refrigerator. Leon opened his session with a description of the thermal cycle used in the refrigerator, with emphasis on the ammonia absorption cycle. He observed that some owners use fans to cool the ammonia coils. He cautioned against doing this as it does not aid cooling and leads to a waste of fuel. He advised against “burping”. He said that may solve the “no cooling” problem for maybe two weeks and then a repeat would be necessary. In response to a question on use of the refrigerator with 12V battery power vs. propane, his counsel is to always use propane due to the better efficiency of doing so.The Weighing of the Coaches with Ken Burton & Friends>> Aligning Your Vintage Headlights | Richard WatersRichard opened his presentation with a look at the prospect of mirror-less cars with cameras/screen displays replacing conventional outside mirrors. The advantage would be about a six percent improvement in fuel economy. Today’s average car burns a tank of fuel every year just to overcome aerodynamic losses due to outside mirrors. He then illustrated the history of headlights for cars, including those with foot-operated dimmer switches. He then moved on to a comparison of current headlight technology, including laser, LED, high intensity discharge (HID) and halogen. He next addressed the upgrade options that can be fitted to the GMC Motorhome. He concluded his presentation with a somewhat detailed “how to” on headlight aiming. Later in the day, Richard and Hubert Rowell conducted a “hands-on” clinic where you could get your headlights aligned.Thank you to all of our tech session presenters!22 GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM