Search | Statistics | User Listing | Member Roster | Coach DB Forums | Albums
FMC Owner's Forum
Home -> FMC Owner's Forum -> Albums -> View Album

You are logged in as a guest. ( logon | register )

The Dieselfication of Coach 1046
Author: BigRabbitMan (Show all albums)

This album is dedicated to following the process of Coach #1046 being converted from a 1976 Chrysler 440-I with a 4spd Allison AT540 transmission to a 2006 GMC Duramax LBZ turbo diesel with a 6spd Allison 1000 double overdrive transmission. There is a companion discussion thread in the Mechanic's Corner section of the Forum area of this site.
Show Newest Photos First | Show Oldest Photos First379 Photos - Page : [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32]


At long last the engine is slipping into the engine bay!!! This has caused me to recollect a saying that includes the words "... light at the end of the tunnel"!


Another angle.


The original fuel filter (white object at the left) will be moved down and over for better access.


A view from the side reveals that we have enough room to move a foot forward (to the right). Note that "forward" in this discussion is to the rear of the engine as this engine is going into the rear of the motor coach.


The enigne is now within 1" of its final position as to left/right and forward/aft. It may be raised a couple of inches. You will also notice a vertical chain to the left side that goes from a bolt on the engine to the base of the stand. Since the center of gravity of the engine is above and to the right of the crankshaft, this chain prevents the engine block from rotating around the secured crankshaft.


We have adequate clearance between the engine and the firewall. This will be increased by about 1/2 inch. Please be aware that while the engine has been located, this has been done so that mounts can be designed and then built. The engine will need to be removed while things are welded to the chassis and some other things are done to the engine. It will then be reinserted into the coach permanently.


This is the rear crossmember of the coach's frame. It ties the two ends of the frame together and, with the Chrysler 440, also supported the engine with the two arms that point forward. It will be reworded for this application as the right side engine mount will be directly to the right frame member and the left one will be further to the left and lower. Other modifications will also be made, but the strenghth will be maintained/increased.


For those not familiar with FMC's and their independent suspension, because of that the driveshaft can be very short. This is the driveshaft! If the differential is not moving, that is all you need.


(3 Comments)
No, they are not weird lawn darts! This is the tool that will be used to align the differential yoke with the transmission yoke. One will be attached to each yoke and the points will need to be touching to ensure vibration free and long life for the driveshaft.


These are the two engine support brackets that were welded to the frame of the donor. They have been removed from the donor and will be welded into place in the FMC. The engine mounting brackets attach to these brackets with four long bolts that go through the tubes that you can see. Yes, they are side specific: facing the engine, the left one is on the left and the other one on the right. Due to the proximity of the steering column in the donor, they had to be different.


If you look at the left and right side of the picture, you will see the engine support brackets that were in the previous picture. They have been cleaned up and attached to the motor mounts on the engine. They will need to be attached to the frame of the coach.


Here is a closeup of the bracket that was on the driver's side in the donor, but is now on the passenger side. The engine is now where it will be from a left to right perspective. That gap will be filled by a 1/2" plate that will be welded to the frame and then the bracket will be welded to the plate. The engine will be raised about 1" from what you see.
Show Newest Photos First | Show Oldest Photos First379 Photos - Page : [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32]

Return to viewing all photo albums



Go to FMCowners.com HomeRunning MegaBBS ASP Forum Software
© 2002-2024 PD9 Software
(Delete all cookies set by this site)