Questions.....Newbie

[Todd Jones]

1978 FC 33' SB
My first Blue Bird and first RV since the mid-eighties.
Purchased first of August this year.
4 trips, ~3,000 miles, including driving it home to Nebraska from Florida.
And happy to say........ no problems ;-)
Simply put......... Love it!

I joined 3 forums a few months ago when I decided to get a Wanderlodge.
FC Wanderlodge (202 members), Wanderlodge (528 members), & WanderlodgeForum (944
members).
When asking general or specific questions regarding my 78FC is there any
specific reason I should post on any other Forum then this one?
With the WanderlodgeForum with 944 members I'm guessing the other 2 Forums with
528 & 202 members........ most are also on this one.
Correct or wrong assumption?
Anyway..... I don't want to be repetitive unless there is a good reason.

I'm getting ready to drain/flush/refill the radiator.
From speaking to people locally I've gotten conflicting reports on anti-freeze
types.
Regular (ex.. Prestone, Peak), Diesel (CAT brand), Extended life.
Any more opinions out there to help confuse me........ ;-)

Also...... what is a good procedure to drain/flush/fill correctly?
Since I haven't dealt with coolant running the length of the vehicle before.

Sometime in the future (probably next year) I want to go....... faster ;-)
Either with a ratio change (currently has the 5.29) or adding an overdrive
unit/box (which I didn't know about till brought up on this list).
Going 50-55 with the 3208 NA is fine for now but in the long run this is an
upgrade I would like to do since I do plan on keeping this BB.
My guess today would be to go with the OD box.
Though I plan on keeping my eye open for a less expensive gear ratio change if I
can find a way to get it done at a reasonable/cheap cost.
Any input in this area would be helpful.
Such as.... what ratio can I go to?........... 4.88, 4.65, 4.63

Sounds like in some ways I got lucky (though I don't know if my purchase price
was cheap, fair, good or over paid, but it doesn't matter now), since I
purchased the first Wanderlodge I actually looked at ..... that was for sale.
It ended up being from people on the Forum (James DeAngelo & David Hollis prior)
and kept in excellent shape...... Thanks!
I plan on every year I have it, for it to be even better!
I have gotten the few things fixed that didn't work.... lights, speedometer etc.
Changed fluids, air & oil filters on engine and generator.
Saving the tranny fluid & filter change for last..... hate that job ;-(
Took off the aluminum drip rail both sides (looked like they've never been off),
took care of small rust underneath, new stainless screws & caulk.
Replaced roof rail bolts with stainless, caulked and minor rust taken care of.

First upgrade will be the 3 roof vents.
I'm looking at the Fan-Tastic brand, are there any others I should consider?

I know this is lengthy and a lot of questions..... but I hope they all can be
answered.
Plus I'm sure I'll have many more questions in the future.

Thanks
Todd Jones
Lincoln, NE.
78 FC 33' SB


.










[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Rob Robinson]

Todd I would recommend you belong to as many Wanderlodge Forums as possible.
Yes many experts belong to all three you mentioned but some do not so
belonging to all and posting a problem to all is to your advantage. Your
questions have come up before and if you can't find anything in the
archieves then I'm sure one of the experts will be along soon to give you
advice on coolant changing and rear end changes. As far as fans go you
cannot go wrong with the Fantastic Vent Company. Their Fantastic Fans are
warranteed for life and their service is second to none. If you have a
problem a simple call will find a solution or a new part sent free of
charge.

On 09/09/06, Todd Jones wrote:
>
> 1978 FC 33' SB
> My first Blue Bird and first RV since the mid-eighties.
> Purchased first of August this year.
> 4 trips, ~3,000 miles, including driving it home to Nebraska from Florida.
> And happy to say........ no problems ;-)
> Simply put......... Love it!
>
> I joined 3 forums a few months ago when I decided to get a Wanderlodge.
> FC Wanderlodge (202 members), Wanderlodge (528 members), &
> WanderlodgeForum (944 members).
> When asking general or specific questions regarding my 78FC is there any
> specific reason I should post on any other Forum then this one?
> With the WanderlodgeForum with 944 members I'm guessing the other 2 Forums
> with 528 & 202 members........ most are also on this one.
> Correct or wrong assumption?
> Anyway..... I don't want to be repetitive unless there is a good reason.
>
> I'm getting ready to drain/flush/refill the radiator.
> From speaking to people locally I've gotten conflicting reports on
> anti-freeze types.
> Regular (ex.. Prestone, Peak), Diesel (CAT brand), Extended life.
> Any more opinions out there to help confuse me........ ;-)
>
> Also...... what is a good procedure to drain/flush/fill correctly?
> Since I haven't dealt with coolant running the length of the vehicle
> before.
>
> Sometime in the future (probably next year) I want to go....... faster ;-)
> Either with a ratio change (currently has the 5.29) or adding an overdrive
> unit/box (which I didn't know about till brought up on this list).
> Going 50-55 with the 3208 NA is fine for now but in the long run this is
> an upgrade I would like to do since I do plan on keeping this BB.
> My guess today would be to go with the OD box.
> Though I plan on keeping my eye open for a less expensive gear ratio
> change if I can find a way to get it done at a reasonable/cheap cost.
> Any input in this area would be helpful.
> Such as.... what ratio can I go to?........... 4.88, 4.65, 4.63
>
> Sounds like in some ways I got lucky (though I don't know if my purchase
> price was cheap, fair, good or over paid, but it doesn't matter now), since
> I purchased the first Wanderlodge I actually looked at ..... that was for
> sale.
> It ended up being from people on the Forum (James DeAngelo & David Hollis
> prior) and kept in excellent shape...... Thanks!
> I plan on every year I have it, for it to be even better!
> I have gotten the few things fixed that didn't work.... lights,
> speedometer etc.
> Changed fluids, air & oil filters on engine and generator.
> Saving the tranny fluid & filter change for last..... hate that job ;-(
> Took off the aluminum drip rail both sides (looked like they've never been
> off), took care of small rust underneath, new stainless screws & caulk.
> Replaced roof rail bolts with stainless, caulked and minor rust taken care
> of.
>
> First upgrade will be the 3 roof vents.
> I'm looking at the Fan-Tastic brand, are there any others I should
> consider?
>
> I know this is lengthy and a lot of questions..... but I hope they all can
> be answered.
> Plus I'm sure I'll have many more questions in the future.
>
> Thanks
> Todd Jones
> Lincoln, NE.
> 78 FC 33' SB
>
> .
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>



--
Rob, Sue & Merlin Robinson
94 WLWB


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Todd Jones]

Thanks for the suggestion to search archives.
A feature I didn't know about.

Thanks
Todd Jones
78 FC 33' SB
Lincoln, NE.
402.525.7343

.

----- Original Message -----
From: Rob Robinson
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, September 09, 2006 12:13 PM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Questions.....Newbie


Todd I would recommend you belong to as many Wanderlodge Forums as possible.
Yes many experts belong to all three you mentioned but some do not so
belonging to all and posting a problem to all is to your advantage. Your
questions have come up before and if you can't find anything in the
archieves then I'm sure one of the experts will be along soon to give you
advice on coolant changing and rear end changes. As far as fans go you
cannot go wrong with the Fantastic Vent Company. Their Fantastic Fans are
warranteed for life and their service is second to none. If you have a
problem a simple call will find a solution or a new part sent free of
charge.

On 09/09/06, Todd Jones wrote:
>
> 1978 FC 33' SB
> My first Blue Bird and first RV since the mid-eighties.
> Purchased first of August this year.
> 4 trips, ~3,000 miles, including driving it home to Nebraska from Florida.
> And happy to say........ no problems ;-)
> Simply put......... Love it!
>
> I joined 3 forums a few months ago when I decided to get a Wanderlodge.
> FC Wanderlodge (202 members), Wanderlodge (528 members), &
> WanderlodgeForum (944 members).
> When asking general or specific questions regarding my 78FC is there any
> specific reason I should post on any other Forum then this one?
> With the WanderlodgeForum with 944 members I'm guessing the other 2 Forums
> with 528 & 202 members........ most are also on this one.
> Correct or wrong assumption?
> Anyway..... I don't want to be repetitive unless there is a good reason.
>
> I'm getting ready to drain/flush/refill the radiator.
> From speaking to people locally I've gotten conflicting reports on
> anti-freeze types.
> Regular (ex.. Prestone, Peak), Diesel (CAT brand), Extended life.
> Any more opinions out there to help confuse me........ ;-)
>
> Also...... what is a good procedure to drain/flush/fill correctly?
> Since I haven't dealt with coolant running the length of the vehicle
> before.
>
> Sometime in the future (probably next year) I want to go....... faster ;-)
> Either with a ratio change (currently has the 5.29) or adding an overdrive
> unit/box (which I didn't know about till brought up on this list).
> Going 50-55 with the 3208 NA is fine for now but in the long run this is
> an upgrade I would like to do since I do plan on keeping this BB.
> My guess today would be to go with the OD box.
> Though I plan on keeping my eye open for a less expensive gear ratio
> change if I can find a way to get it done at a reasonable/cheap cost.
> Any input in this area would be helpful.
> Such as.... what ratio can I go to?........... 4.88, 4.65, 4.63
>
> Sounds like in some ways I got lucky (though I don't know if my purchase
> price was cheap, fair, good or over paid, but it doesn't matter now), since
> I purchased the first Wanderlodge I actually looked at ..... that was for
> sale.
> It ended up being from people on the Forum (James DeAngelo & David Hollis
> prior) and kept in excellent shape...... Thanks!
> I plan on every year I have it, for it to be even better!
> I have gotten the few things fixed that didn't work.... lights,
> speedometer etc.
> Changed fluids, air & oil filters on engine and generator.
> Saving the tranny fluid & filter change for last..... hate that job ;-(
> Took off the aluminum drip rail both sides (looked like they've never been
> off), took care of small rust underneath, new stainless screws & caulk.
> Replaced roof rail bolts with stainless, caulked and minor rust taken care
> of.
>
> First upgrade will be the 3 roof vents.
> I'm looking at the Fan-Tastic brand, are there any others I should
> consider?
>
> I know this is lengthy and a lot of questions..... but I hope they all can
> be answered.
> Plus I'm sure I'll have many more questions in the future.
>
> Thanks
> Todd Jones
> Lincoln, NE.
> 78 FC 33' SB
>
> .
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>

--
Rob, Sue & Merlin Robinson
94 WLWB

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]






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Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.12.2/442 - Release Date: 9/8/2006


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Scott]

Todd, I agree with Rob regarding the forums. The fantastic fan is a
great product. Last fall some guy was in my coach and was playing
with some switches and the plastic fan shattered into tiny bits, what
a mess. One call to Fantastic vent and in a couple of day new parts
arrived. Keep in mind we have an 86FC, 20 yrs old and still under
warranty..wow.

ScottB
86FC35 "RUBY" 4 sale
SC

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Rob Robinson"
wrote:
>
> Todd I would recommend you belong to as many Wanderlodge Forums as
possible.
> Yes many experts belong to all three you mentioned but some do not
so
> belonging to all and posting a problem to all is to your advantage.
Your
> questions have come up before and if you can't find anything in the
> archieves then I'm sure one of the experts will be along soon to
give you
> advice on coolant changing and rear end changes. As far as fans go
you
> cannot go wrong with the Fantastic Vent Company. Their Fantastic
Fans are
> warranteed for life and their service is second to none. If you
have a
> problem a simple call will find a solution or a new part sent free
of
> charge.
>
> On 09/09/06, Todd Jones wrote:
> >
> > 1978 FC 33' SB
> > My first Blue Bird and first RV since the mid-eighties.
> > Purchased first of August this year.
> > 4 trips, ~3,000 miles, including driving it home to Nebraska from
Florida.
> > And happy to say........ no problems ;-)
> > Simply put......... Love it!
> >
> > I joined 3 forums a few months ago when I decided to get a
Wanderlodge.
> > FC Wanderlodge (202 members), Wanderlodge (528 members), &
> > WanderlodgeForum (944 members).
> > When asking general or specific questions regarding my 78FC is
there any
> > specific reason I should post on any other Forum then this one?
> > With the WanderlodgeForum with 944 members I'm guessing the other
2 Forums
> > with 528 & 202 members........ most are also on this one.
> > Correct or wrong assumption?
> > Anyway..... I don't want to be repetitive unless there is a good
reason.
> >
> > I'm getting ready to drain/flush/refill the radiator.
> > From speaking to people locally I've gotten conflicting reports on
> > anti-freeze types.
> > Regular (ex.. Prestone, Peak), Diesel (CAT brand), Extended life.
> > Any more opinions out there to help confuse me........ ;-)
> >
> > Also...... what is a good procedure to drain/flush/fill correctly?
> > Since I haven't dealt with coolant running the length of the
vehicle
> > before.
> >
> > Sometime in the future (probably next year) I want to go.......
faster ;-)
> > Either with a ratio change (currently has the 5.29) or adding an
overdrive
> > unit/box (which I didn't know about till brought up on this list).
> > Going 50-55 with the 3208 NA is fine for now but in the long run
this is
> > an upgrade I would like to do since I do plan on keeping this BB.
> > My guess today would be to go with the OD box.
> > Though I plan on keeping my eye open for a less expensive gear
ratio
> > change if I can find a way to get it done at a reasonable/cheap
cost.
> > Any input in this area would be helpful.
> > Such as.... what ratio can I go to?........... 4.88, 4.65, 4.63
> >
> > Sounds like in some ways I got lucky (though I don't know if my
purchase
> > price was cheap, fair, good or over paid, but it doesn't matter
now), since
> > I purchased the first Wanderlodge I actually looked at ..... that
was for
> > sale.
> > It ended up being from people on the Forum (James DeAngelo &
David Hollis
> > prior) and kept in excellent shape...... Thanks!
> > I plan on every year I have it, for it to be even better!
> > I have gotten the few things fixed that didn't work.... lights,
> > speedometer etc.
> > Changed fluids, air & oil filters on engine and generator.
> > Saving the tranny fluid & filter change for last..... hate that
job ;-(
> > Took off the aluminum drip rail both sides (looked like they've
never been
> > off), took care of small rust underneath, new stainless screws &
caulk.
> > Replaced roof rail bolts with stainless, caulked and minor rust
taken care
> > of.
> >
> > First upgrade will be the 3 roof vents.
> > I'm looking at the Fan-Tastic brand, are there any others I should
> > consider?
> >
> > I know this is lengthy and a lot of questions..... but I hope
they all can
> > be answered.
> > Plus I'm sure I'll have many more questions in the future.
> >
> > Thanks
> > Todd Jones
> > Lincoln, NE.
> > 78 FC 33' SB
> >
> > .
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Rob, Sue & Merlin Robinson
> 94 WLWB
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[Todd Jones]

I guess I asked the wrong questions to the wrong group.
No responses or suggestions for best rear end ratio or the
best/proper way to flush the full coolant system.
I realize it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out, I was
just looking for helpful suggestions.
I did look in archives and found a few threads that where helpfull.
Just a little disappointed that a dinette table leg got 10x more
responses.
I'm guessing I've brought up questions that have been brought too
many times before, so I will look further into the archives of all
the groups I have joined.

Proud/Happy owner
78FC33SB
Todd Jones
Lincoln, NE.
402.525.7343

.

[Wilhelmus Schreurs]

Todd:
One thing which I have noticed on here, is that sometimes the subject does not
get changed, and different things are being written about.
Mike Hohnstein started a thread about his Unique Bird, and many things were
discussed, one of them was the rear end gear ratios, adding O/D etc.

Mike Bulriss:
How come one cannot delete messages when adding another??

Bill
84FC35SB
Terrace, B.C.

Todd Jones wrote:
I guess I asked the wrong questions to the wrong group.
No responses or suggestions for best rear end ratio or the
best/proper way to flush the full coolant system.
I realize it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out, I was
just looking for helpful suggestions.
I did look in archives and found a few threads that where helpfull.
Just a little disappointed that a dinette table leg got 10x more
responses.
I'm guessing I've brought up questions that have been brought too
many times before, so I will look further into the archives of all
the groups I have joined.

Proud/Happy owner
78FC33SB
Todd Jones
Lincoln, NE.
402.525.7343

.






---------------------------------
Make free worldwide PC-to-PC calls. Try the new Yahoo! Canada Messenger with
Voice

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[mbulriss]

Todd,

Welcome to the forum. You know, sometimes it takes more than 24 hours
for the right guys that know the answer to your specific question to
catch up on forum posts. You posted your FC questions on Saturday
mid-day. Most of the posts over the weekend have been from PT guys.
Lots of folks are real busy on weekends - some enjoying their Birds.

Regarding your rear gearing question, if you had scanned some of the
recent postings, that subject was just mentioned as recently as on
September 4. If you do a archive search, you find references to the
subject in many recent posts. For instance, I did a search on 4:11
and got 36 hits on posts. Here's two of the better ones to go look
at: message 14964 (9/4) and 11799 (5/26).

Having not drained and flushed a front control cooling system, I can't
help there except to again suggest an archive search or to wait until
Jeff Miller, Ralph Fullenwider or one of the other FC gurus get caught
up on their messages. I suspect the hardest part is the pain of
draining and flushing all of the chassis heaters as it is on a PT.

Hang in there. Someone with the right answer will be along soon.

Mike Bulriss
WB40 "Texas Minivan"
SAn Antonio, TX




--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Todd Jones"
wrote:
>
> I guess I asked the wrong questions to the wrong group.
> No responses or suggestions for best rear end ratio or the
> best/proper way to flush the full coolant system.
> I realize it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out, I was
> just looking for helpful suggestions.
> I did look in archives and found a few threads that where helpfull.
> Just a little disappointed that a dinette table leg got 10x more
> responses.
> I'm guessing I've brought up questions that have been brought too
> many times before, so I will look further into the archives of all
> the groups I have joined.
>
> Proud/Happy owner
> 78FC33SB
> Todd Jones
> Lincoln, NE.
> 402.525.7343
>
> .
>

[mbulriss]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Wilhelmus Schreurs
wrote:
> Mike Bulriss:
> How come one cannot delete messages when adding another??

Bill,

Not sure I fully understand the question, but here goes.

If you "reply" to a message while reading them directly from the group
forum, Yahoo automatically includes all the text of the message you
are replying to. While this allows readers to follow the thread, it
adds to the message length. If you want to shorten it, you have to
manually delete or snip some or all of the old text.

If you receive individual emails and reply to one of them, whether or
not the original message gets included is a function of the options
that you have turned on in your email reader (probably in the email
reader "Preferences"). If you notice, Ernie has the option to include
the original text turned off, so you never see the original message on
Ernie's replies. While it makes his email messages shorter, it
sometimes makes it hard to understand what he was responding to.

If you receive the messages in "Digest" format, one should NEVER
"reply" to a digest if you choose the email preference to include
original text, or you will post the entire digest again as part of
your message reply. That makes the next digest huge and usually
upsets people that get email on a dial up connection or through their
cell connection while traveling.

Well did I come close to answering your question?

Mike Bulriss
1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX


> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Wilhelmus Schreurs
wrote:
>
> Todd:
> One thing which I have noticed on here, is that sometimes the
subject does not get changed, and different things are being written
about.
> Mike Hohnstein started a thread about his Unique Bird, and many
things were discussed, one of them was the rear end gear ratios,
adding O/D etc.
>
> remainder of message snipped off

[Mike Hohnstein]

Sorry about that. Your bird was produced when the speed limit was 55 and diesel
fuel was cheap. I would change the rear gear to a 4.6 and make sure the valves
are adjusted. There has been information posted about the value of enhancing
the inlet air volume to the engine. It is unadvisable to try to wring more
power or engine speed out of the 210 NA, it's will wind too tight as it is. It
is best to keep the speed parameters between 1900 and 2800 rpm, as you won't be
happy if you drop a valve. With that thought in mind, new valve springs might
not be a bad idea. Upgrading to a 250 or 300 Cat would be major league in cost
and effort.
Flushing the cooling system is not any different than any other vehicle, just
more capacity. When refilling it's best to have the nose of the vehicle up hill
so the air will find the radiator opening easier. You do want to get all the
air out and keep an eye on the PH of the coolant. Napa has some expensive stuff
(coolant treatment) to dump in the radiator you should buy. Usually the belts
are the thing that screws you, so keep a close eye on them and don't let them
get out of adjustment. Use belt dressing regularly. I share your amazement at
the amount of interest in furniture issues.
MH
----- Original Message -----
From: Todd Jones
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2006 11:39 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Questions.....Newbie


I guess I asked the wrong questions to the wrong group.
No responses or suggestions for best rear end ratio or the
best/proper way to flush the full coolant system.
I realize it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out, I was
just looking for helpful suggestions.
I did look in archives and found a few threads that where helpfull.
Just a little disappointed that a dinette table leg got 10x more
responses.
I'm guessing I've brought up questions that have been brought too
many times before, so I will look further into the archives of all
the groups I have joined.

Proud/Happy owner
78FC33SB
Todd Jones
Lincoln, NE.
402.525.7343

.





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Wilhelmus Schreurs]

Mike:
In the 78's did the cooling system run throughtout the coach as well, with a
summer/winter switch setup, if so, then you have to make sure you are in the
winter position so all of the coolant throughtout the coach is drained.

Bill
84FC35SB
Terrace, B.C.

Mike Hohnstein <MHOHNSTEIN@...> wrote:
Sorry about that. Your bird was produced when the speed limit was 55
and diesel fuel was cheap. I would change the rear gear to a 4.6 and make sure
the valves are adjusted. There has been information posted about the value of
enhancing the inlet air volume to the engine. It is unadvisable to try to wring
more power or engine speed out of the 210 NA, it's will wind too tight as it is.
It is best to keep the speed parameters between 1900 and 2800 rpm, as you won't
be happy if you drop a valve. With that thought in mind, new valve springs might
not be a bad idea. Upgrading to a 250 or 300 Cat would be major league in cost
and effort.
Flushing the cooling system is not any different than any other vehicle, just
more capacity. When refilling it's best to have the nose of the vehicle up hill
so the air will find the radiator opening easier. You do want to get all the air
out and keep an eye on the PH of the coolant. Napa has some expensive stuff
(coolant treatment) to dump in the radiator you should buy. Usually the belts
are the thing that screws you, so keep a close eye on them and don't let them
get out of adjustment. Use belt dressing regularly. I share your amazement at
the amount of interest in furniture issues.
MH
----- Original Message -----
From: Todd Jones
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2006 11:39 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Questions.....Newbie

I guess I asked the wrong questions to the wrong group.
No responses or suggestions for best rear end ratio or the
best/proper way to flush the full coolant system.
I realize it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out, I was
just looking for helpful suggestions.
I did look in archives and found a few threads that where helpfull.
Just a little disappointed that a dinette table leg got 10x more
responses.
I'm guessing I've brought up questions that have been brought too
many times before, so I will look further into the archives of all
the groups I have joined.

Proud/Happy owner
78FC33SB
Todd Jones
Lincoln, NE.
402.525.7343

.

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