Search found 103 matches

by Bret Schmerker
Wed Jan 24, 2024 6:20 pm
Forum: TRANSMISSION
Topic: no forward gears
Replies: 3
Views: 788

Re: no forward gears

Loose shifter bolts on the 4L60-E could be a thing in the no-forward-gears predicament — they escape a lot o' shade-tree mechanics. I's battling this problem in 2021, shifted some sump bolts to pin the cable bracket.
by Bret Schmerker
Wed Jan 24, 2024 5:54 pm
Forum: G Van - General
Topic: High Idle Nightmare - '95 Chevy G20 - Code 35
Replies: 6
Views: 531

Re: High Idle Nightmare - '95 Chevy G20 - Code 35

Could be an air leak bypassing the throttle body and idle air control. Check for cracked air pipes.
by Bret Schmerker
Wed Dec 20, 2023 6:14 pm
Forum: G Van - General
Topic: Shifting issue automatic tranny
Replies: 2
Views: 1143

Re: Shifting issue automatic tranny

The THM400 and its replacement the 4L80-E can clog the valve body if neglected. I'd had converter-clutch slip in my now-down-until-further-notice GMC M11006, traced it to normal wear and tear in a stock 4L60-E that should've had an overhaul at 200,000 miles.
by Bret Schmerker
Wed Dec 20, 2023 6:02 pm
Forum: Express & Savana - General
Topic: Hi Guys newbie here needs help
Replies: 3
Views: 4149

Re: Hi Guys newbie here needs help

I's on the market for a new minivan six years ago, got a GMC M11006 (Safari SLE) passenger wagon rather than a cargo vision van. (The only ones on the used market were cargo panel vans.) Wanted a cargo vision van due to a solid rather than pop-out window on the sidegate (a known weakness with passen...
by Bret Schmerker
Wed Dec 20, 2023 5:59 pm
Forum: Express & Savana - General
Topic: Anyone ever seen a body like this? Even the rear doors go up to the top
Replies: 4
Views: 3770

Re: Anyone ever seen a body like this? Even the rear doors go up to the top

Gotta be an upfit on a G-Series chassis-cab. (Chevrolet Express, that is.) Don't come stock with cargo vans or passenger wagons.
by Bret Schmerker
Mon Dec 26, 2022 9:05 pm
Forum: TRANSMISSION
Topic: 4l80e swap out
Replies: 3
Views: 598

Re: 4l80e swap out

:poke: Are ye attempting a 4L80-E retrofit, which I've longlisted as a fallback in case the physical brake layout contraindicates a clutch retrofit? The M-body midvan came with the 4L60-E stock from 1996-2001, the 4L65-E from 2002 to end of production. (The Allison 1000 five-speed is too large for t...
by Bret Schmerker
Wed Dec 14, 2022 1:34 pm
Forum: Engine
Topic: Heads need rebuilt! Any tips?
Replies: 9
Views: 1583

Re: Heads need rebuilt! Any tips?

:-k Sorry to revive an old Thread, but King's Auto Repair (Oakley, CA, USA) identified the cause for (a) PCM-perceived miss at idle and (b) high NOx indicating lean-out at 15 and 25 MPH per CARB dyno test: Leaky valve(s), #5 cylinder. King's no longer has the resources to fix the leak(s). The Vortec...
by Bret Schmerker
Thu Oct 27, 2022 9:34 pm
Forum: Astro & Safari - General
Topic: CB Radio mounting location
Replies: 30
Views: 14274

Re: CB Radio mounting location

MountainManJoe wrote: Mon Oct 10, 2022 7:56 pm
Bret Schmerker wrote: Mon Oct 10, 2022 4:12 pm First time I sent photos to this Website.
It's very easy. Click the attachments tab then hit 'Add files'

Your links are broken by the way (Not that Google allows hot-linking anyway.)
Second attempt:
by Bret Schmerker
Mon Oct 10, 2022 4:12 pm
Forum: Astro & Safari - General
Topic: CB Radio mounting location
Replies: 30
Views: 14274

Re: CB Radio mounting location

First time I sent photos to this Website. Not behaving per expectations, but Hyperlinks available:

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipM ... cNOCffwI8t

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipP ... dBKd0B5DE1
by Bret Schmerker
Thu Sep 15, 2022 2:19 pm
Forum: Express & Savana - General
Topic: How do I fix random misfire
Replies: 5
Views: 3125

Re: 05 GM Savana 2500 4.8

On my M11006, I've narrowed the residual miss down to the ignition module (DTC: semi-consistent P0305) after replacing the spark plugs, secondary wires, HVS cap and rotor, even the ignition coil to systematically rule out possible causes - I had the HVS break on the road, traced the root failure to...
by Bret Schmerker
Thu Sep 15, 2022 2:00 pm
Forum: Astro & Safari - General
Topic: CB Radio mounting location
Replies: 30
Views: 14274

Re: CB Radio mounting location

For my M11006, I've wishlisted a Cobra® 75 WX ST due to compactness of the remote transceiver and an integrated NOAA weather receiver in the remote unit. Already set up a hanger for the control unit on the starboard of the center console. Wiring is straightforward; the auxiliary "hot at all ti...
by Bret Schmerker
Thu Aug 25, 2022 7:17 pm
Forum: Climate Control
Topic: AC blowing warm air
Replies: 2
Views: 661

Re: AC blowing warm air

:-k I've an M11006 with an otherwise fully-functioning climate control system, notwithstanding a breached refrigerant line (thus the pulled compressor fuse) and a compromised fan-speed switch. Is your climate control system holding refrigerant (not the case for me)? If so, check for a blown compress...
by Bret Schmerker
Wed Aug 03, 2022 9:58 pm
Forum: REAR AXLE / DRIVE SHAFT
Topic: Differential gear ratios
Replies: 13
Views: 36006

Re: Differential gear ratios

... FAA: 7.5", 2.56 open (1985-1986 Astro) FAF: 7.5", 2.73 open (1988 Astro) FAG: 7.5", 3.08 open (1988-1989 Astro) FAH: 7.5", 3.42 open (1988-1989 Astro) FAJ: 7.5", 2.73 posi (1988 Astro) FAK: 7.5", 3.08 posi (1988-1989 Astro) FAL: 7.5", 3.42 posi (1988-1989 Astr...
by Bret Schmerker
Wed Aug 03, 2022 9:29 pm
Forum: Astro & Safari - General
Topic: Tips on Changing Spark Plugs & Wires
Replies: 96
Views: 75230

Re: Tips on Changing Spark Plugs & Wires

Six straight boots at the plug end would be ideal — minimum risk of frying on the exhaust headers. I've taken a Taylor Spiro-Pro V8 wire set under advisement, as 8.0mm OD is the fattest the High-Voltage Switch cap can take.
by Bret Schmerker
Wed Aug 03, 2022 9:15 pm
Forum: Towing
Topic: Trailers you have towed with your Astro or Safari
Replies: 29
Views: 21526

Re: Trailers you have towed with your Astro or Safari

I pull a 3,800 pound camper with my 2002 AWD Astro that has timbren supports and transmission cooler and standard axles. We get about 10-11 mpg at 57 mph. Could use a little more horsepower when climbing hills but otherwise it pulls ok. Last camping trip was over 1,700 miles round trip. Was not abl...