Hello,
I own a 2006 GMC Bluebird conversion and am experiencing no start issues after parking for the winter.
Back story: I bought this bus last summer knowing it wasn't in the greatest shape, but it got me around Alberta all summer and even back across Canada to Ontario. Sometimes, the steering sort of seizes up and the entire bus shakes until I completely come to a stop and then when I give it gas again, it's fine. (This has happened 3-4 times over about 8,000km). When starting it after it's been parked for a while (more than 24 hours) it doesn't like to go forward unless it's idled for about 15 minutes, but it will reverse just fine. It starts off very very slow in drive but quickly comes up to highway speeds, unless there's any incline whatsoever. If it's just been overnight, this generally isn't an issue.
The relevant information:
All fluids were topped up before parking, including anti freeze/coolant. Fuel tank was 3/4 full with anti-gel additive for those Canadian winters.
When I opened the hood, there was no coolant in the reservoir whatsoever. I put an entire jug in and its holding steady a week later. No visible leaks. There is however a very small oil drip under the oil pan. What's the likelihood of a head gasket issue?
I replaced the batteries yesterday. I'm getting good voltage and it cranks and wants to turn on but just won't. My grandpa, from our talk over the phone thinks it may have lost it's prime over the winter, causing the no start.
How cooked am I?
If it never runs again, that's okay, we'll tow it to our other property and keep it as a hunt camp, but I'm curious what y'all think. I'm looking at this as a good opportunity to get my hands dirty and do some work myself.
Happy to give another information if needed, as well as photos.
I own a 2006 GMC Bluebird conversion and am experiencing no start issues after parking for the winter.
Back story: I bought this bus last summer knowing it wasn't in the greatest shape, but it got me around Alberta all summer and even back across Canada to Ontario. Sometimes, the steering sort of seizes up and the entire bus shakes until I completely come to a stop and then when I give it gas again, it's fine. (This has happened 3-4 times over about 8,000km). When starting it after it's been parked for a while (more than 24 hours) it doesn't like to go forward unless it's idled for about 15 minutes, but it will reverse just fine. It starts off very very slow in drive but quickly comes up to highway speeds, unless there's any incline whatsoever. If it's just been overnight, this generally isn't an issue.
The relevant information:
All fluids were topped up before parking, including anti freeze/coolant. Fuel tank was 3/4 full with anti-gel additive for those Canadian winters.
When I opened the hood, there was no coolant in the reservoir whatsoever. I put an entire jug in and its holding steady a week later. No visible leaks. There is however a very small oil drip under the oil pan. What's the likelihood of a head gasket issue?
I replaced the batteries yesterday. I'm getting good voltage and it cranks and wants to turn on but just won't. My grandpa, from our talk over the phone thinks it may have lost it's prime over the winter, causing the no start.
How cooked am I?
If it never runs again, that's okay, we'll tow it to our other property and keep it as a hunt camp, but I'm curious what y'all think. I'm looking at this as a good opportunity to get my hands dirty and do some work myself.
Happy to give another information if needed, as well as photos.
