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Newbie! '77 GMC Moterhome

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Old Nov 24, 2024 | 01:57 PM
  #1  
JRonGuitar's Avatar
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Newbie! '77 GMC Moterhome

Hello everybody!

I've got a '77 GMC Motorhome fitted with the Olds 455 and a three-speed automatic Turbo-Hydramatic 425 (THM425)

Planning on removing everything off the block, while still on the vehicle, to replace old worn out parts and hoses. Replace all the seals and gaskets that I can. Instal new timing chain. Paint block and brackets. Also, going to remove intake and block off middle exhaust ports. Make it look pretty for a clean environment for future repairs and diagnostics.

At the moment it runs fairly good. It's all stock from what I can tell but covered in years of grease and grime.

Looking forward to talking with you and gaining much appreciated knowledge.

JR


Old Nov 24, 2024 | 02:17 PM
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Be aware that while replacing the timing set is a smart thing to do, it won't be easy. In addition to the usual problem with reinstalling the front cover on an Olds motor with the oil pan in place, the MH uses the Toro front motor mount bracket that bolts over the front cover. That means you'll have to support the drivetrain so you can remove that bracket and cover. Not impossible, but just be aware of the issue.
Old Nov 24, 2024 | 02:53 PM
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Do a compression test before disassembly.
Old Nov 25, 2024 | 08:07 AM
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67OAI's Avatar
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Welcome aboard! Good looking traveler!
Old Nov 25, 2024 | 10:41 AM
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Very cool, welcome.
Old Nov 25, 2024 | 11:30 AM
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Welcome to the site, cool project.
Old Nov 25, 2024 | 01:50 PM
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Very cool, I see that it already has LT headers on. Did the 455 really live on beyond '76 in the GM motorhomes?
Old Nov 26, 2024 | 07:03 PM
  #8  
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Hey Joe. Yea, that's the biggest issue. I've owned it for 5 yrs and all the while been on the sites dedicated to this beast. Lots of folks have well documented doing this. I bit tricky, but not impossible.
Old Nov 26, 2024 | 07:09 PM
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Originally Posted by JohnnyBs68S
Very cool, I see that it already has LT headers on. Did the 455 really live on beyond '76 in the GM motorhomes?
Hey Johnny B. Somewhere in its life, a PO put the headers on. Lucky me.. In early '77, GMC switched to the 403. Took me a while to find this gem.
Old Nov 26, 2024 | 07:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Sugar Bear
Do a compression test before disassembly.
Hey Sugar Bear. Ive owned this rig for about 5 yrs. Tired of the oil leaks. Compression good and consistent. Strong runner.
Old Nov 26, 2024 | 08:49 PM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by JRonGuitar
Hey Sugar Bear. Ive owned this rig for about 5 yrs. Tired of the oil leaks. Compression good and consistent. Strong runner.
That's a win! Curious what letter heads are on it?
Old Nov 28, 2024 | 02:35 PM
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JRonGuitar's Avatar
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Originally Posted by Sugar Bear
That's a win! Curious what letter heads are on it?
Has a "J" stamped at the top back of the head.

What does that tell us?
Old Nov 28, 2024 | 03:16 PM
  #13  
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J Oldsmobile heads are smog heads. My dad @Oldsguy had a 76 98 with a 455 with J heads. It was one of the best cars I've ever driven.

Last edited by Olds64; Nov 28, 2024 at 03:34 PM.
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