C-O-O-O-O-L-D ... That's the best way to describe the temperature for our Eureka Springs. Tech Session and Flea Market We met in a pavilion which was outfitted with side curtains "which roll right down". They barely slowed the 20 - 30 mph winds until Joe Fisher used his skills as "Omar the Tent Maker" to lace the corners and seams. With that and the help of two shop heaters, we avoided frostbite casualties. As usual, the cold did not deter the Classics Tech Session and Flea Market. Thanks, all you "Eskimos" who attended.

GORDON DUNLAP opened the session with a presentation about FUEL INJECTION. He had all the parts mounted on a board to help us understand the interrelationship and functions of the various parts and controls. Gordon says he has installed more than fifty, of these systems and has experienced minimum post installation problems. This is a throttle body injector system which uses all GM parts and sensors. The supplier, started with a system designed for the Chevrolet 454 engine in a I ton truck. The computer chip has been modified to meet the needs of our Olds engines and our coach weight. Gordon said the system definitely improves the performance of our engines but most drivers use the better performance to accelerate faster and otherwise change driving habits so that little fuel economy is realized. However, if owners will continue to drive as they did before, gas mileage will improve. The manufacturer says gas mileage increases 9%: horsepower increases 11.2% and torque increases 11.7% over the same engine equipped with a good carburetor. The distributor must be modified or replaced to accommodate electronic advance instead of vacuum advance. Members suggested that fuel injection better matches our engines to the various new fuel formulas we find on the road and to the many variations in altitude we experience as we travel. It was also noted that if a carburetor is too worn to repair and a new one must be purchased, fuel injection may be a better, more cost effective choice. Cost of the complete kit is $1,495,00. If you can find Gordon at home, and if he has time, he will install it for $300.00. If you want more information, call him. Thanks for the great presentation, Gordon.

JOE FISHER presented drawings and information about the design and use of a permanent bar to install below the radiator for use if/when our coach needs to be towed. The manufacturer's recommendation is to place several large 4' X 4' timbers under the frame. This presents problems: First, such timbers are seldom available when needed. Second, the timbers are very difficult to keep in place while towing. Joe suggests fabricating a bar using 2' heavy wall square tubing and 1/4' X 2' steel plate. If you did not make complete notes from Joe's drawings, he will be happy to go over the facts again. Just call him. Several of those present voiced real agreement with the need for a permanent bar. They invited those interested to come to their sites to inspect their installations. At least one member (he was not at this session) has indicated that he is considering making a few of these bars and selling them at future rallies. Thanks for the info, Joe.

JIM RAYBURN told us about an announced RECALL of ALUMINUM WHEELS !! Jim read from a bulletin lie downloaded from the Internet. "Classic" and "LTS" model wheels manufactured between September 1993 and June. 1996 are recalled. The Part Number and manufacture date are said to be engraved on the inside surface of the wheel and opposite the valve stem. "If the tires on your vehicle are losing air and require refilling in order to maintain pressure, stop using the wheels and have them replaced. IMMEDIATELY." Call Alcoa at I 888 279 3055 for immediate replacement. For more information, call Alcoa and/or go to www.gmcmotorhome.com - Alcoa Recall Information. Thanks for the alert, Jim.

JEAN HENDERSON recently installed a new BACKABLE TOWING SYSTEM. This is a new kind of tow bar which means the car you are towing "can be backed up like a two wheel trailer". Jean said he installed it just before leaving home and did not have time to test it. He found himself in a "must disconnect the car or back it" situation while on the way to the rally. He successfully backed his towed car into a driveway and turned around. HE SAYS IT WORKS! It is manufactured by M&G Engineering, Athens, TX I 800 817 7698 and sells for $499.00

ARNOLD WOLF described an engine fire control system he recently installed in his coach. He drilled a 1-1/2" hole in the firewall, below the step and covered it with a movable metal cover. In case of fire, he swings the cover out of the way and inserts the nozzleof his fire extinguisher. This permits him to effectively fight a fire without opening the floor cover. Note: opening the floor cover with an engine fire can burn you and spread the fire.
JUSTIN HILL told us about a fire control system he has installed. It uses a CO2 bottle and commercial nozzles. There is a pull cable located near the driver. Justin knows it works. He accidentally pulled the "trigger" and created a cloud of dust under the engine compartment. Norm Kasch, Littleton, CO and past president of Western States sells one which is set off by high temperature in the engine compartment.

DALE OPLAND told us of a new HOT GASKET CEMENT which he recently found. It is FLO EX Hot Gasket Cement. Manufactured by Tabers Products, Inc.: P O Box 171:209 Main St.; Henrietta, MO 64036; 816 494 5565. He used it as an external repair on a leaking manifold and drove several hundred miles home ... no leak.

OTHER INFORMATION: Various members offered information which they recently found to be useful.
--PLASTIC TANK REPAIR KIT: SYON Universal Plastic Tank Repair Kit is reported to have kept a leaking fresh water tank repaired for more than two years and 20,000 miles and is still going. It claims to "to repair all types of plastic tanks". It can be purchased at RV supply stores or contact SYON CORPORATION; Ashland, MA 01721
--POWER STEERING FLUID FILTER: AC PF883 Oil Filter (GM part # 25010169) is an in-line filter which is recommended by Chuck Stoddard, owner of Caspro Co., for installation in the return (low pressure) line from the power steering pump. It serves as a replacement and improvement for the screen which is located in the brass nipple just below the windshield wiper motor. --HEADLIGHT CONTROL: Headlights on while driving is the new standard for General Motors vehicles and is required by law in Canada. J C Whitney Co. offers two controls. Part no. 13NL 527R, $24.99, reduces headlight voltage 24% to extend headlight life. Part no. 13NL5226A, $19.99, operates the headlights at full voltage. For long distance driving, the reduced voltage control is recommended.
--OTHER: There were several other suggestions and ideas offered, but you scribe's hands (and mind) were so cold he didn't get them recorded. If you were one of those who offered ideas and they were not recorded here, please call, email or drop a note to Byron Maxwell. He will get them into the next issue.

ABOUT RECOGNIZING THOSE WHO SELL VARIOUS GMC PARTS: The members were asked their views regarding recognition of those who sell parts and services for our coaches. There seemed to be a clear consensus that it was indeed appropriate for members who are selling products or providing services to be identified and or to identify, themselves as sellers. Extreme sales effort might be considered inappropriate, but normal identification with a product or products will create a better informed membership.

NEXT TRADE DAY (FLEA MARKET):
Friday, 9:00 a,m, to 4:00 p.m. We will leave our "stuff' on display during the Tech Sessions. Please do not start selling your
merchandise until 9:00 a.m. This will give everyone a fair chance at buying.

NEXT TECH SESSION(S):
Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m ..... This will be our "regular" tech session. We are looking for 'a few good men' to share what they
know about GMC operation and maintenance. Won't you please volunteer? Call Byron so he can schedule yOU.
Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m .... This will be a new session especially tailored for our newer members. It will be devoted to the very basic information which new members may want and / or need. All members are invited, but let's give our newer members first priority~ in their questions and comments. Newer members: If you have a subject or subjects you would like to hear covered, drop Byron a note. Others. If you have suggestions for subjects and / or would like to present a subject, let Byron know.

LIKE TO CONDUCT A SEMINAR? WE NEED YOU. PLEASE LET BYRON MAXWELL KNOW.

Byron Maxwell, (your scribe) reported this. Address all corrections, additions, complaints, etc. to him.