Roadside fire? Engine failure? C30 RV is full of adventures!

RV life isn’t exciting enough, we have to do it in a vintage C30 RV! Most times, that keeps us on our toes!
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[@patricktobin1388]

I would add my vote to keep the 396. Maybe add on some aftermarket goodies like a Holly fuel injection.

[@sampridgen3122]

No that's a old BBC, you need the 454.

[@DarkHorseCom]

Wonderful video!!! I smell a refresh coming... just to hear a freshly done 396.... oh man! Great content Emily and Aaron, you two are phenomenal. Happy 4th!

[@dennisjanh4831]

This was an awesome episode - loved the watching you two get the RV ready to go on the trip as always but also loved getting to see some of the photo shoot what a great addition to the video - great content Emily & Aaron! We both say please REBUILD the 396!

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

AGREE!!! Rebuild the 396!!!

[@larryjohnson1966]

I've done Civil War Reenactments in downtown Jefferson. It is a very lovely town. I love the people there too. Got too old and the back won't let me fight anymore, but I still have the greatest of memeroeds of this place. Thank YOu for taking me there again.

[@michaelsteward4423]

I vote to rebuild the 396 or at least keep it old school. Thanks for another great episode!

[@petecampion190]

p

[@JonnyHolms]

Me too.

[@MicroSoftner]

​@@JonnyHolmsmee 3

[@jwszewczyk]

Yep, keep it the way it was originally. The engine will fit in the shop and the truck sits outside anyway now. No big deal.

[@JimBronson]

Disagree. 454s are plentiful. A gen 6 454 will give a modern valvetrain and you can still use a carb with it if you want to keep it retro. Btw I doubt this is a 396 despite what it says on the label, it's most likely a 402. Chevy changed it around 69-71 ish. They were marketed as 396s but they had 402 ci.

[@phillipcortel6330]

Emily! If you are going 65+ up hills in that C30 motor home,you are are doing great! Glad you folks found the kool muffler shop.

[@wyattoneable]

This was a great episode. Lots going on from mechanical issues to road trips and seeing a bit of Emily's work. I'm thinking rebuild the 396. It's kind of a package deal at this point.

[@Longtrailside]

👍

[@JohnKenIRB233]

I’d keep the rebuild costs to a minimum. Used RV resale is a problem, folks do not pay for your memories! Save ur money for the custom work. Thx for bringing us along.😊😊😊 John Ken

[@iainmcglynn833]

What a team Ones great with the spanner’s and some say gorgeous The others the same some say 😁 Rebuild the original 😎🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@wyattoneable]

@@Longtrailside Hey buddy!

[@Longtrailside]

@@wyattoneable Heya Wyatt, hope all is well with you and everything is okay while taking care of your dad. Ill see ya when you get back. Take care my friend.

[@roberthardy6390]

Another great video! The C30 needs some love okay a lot of love 😁 I vote for rebuilding the 396.

[@truckcampinglife]

I love this camper. I don't think I have ever heard anyone putting silicon on the exchaust gaskets.

[@mikemiller3007]

Red RTV works great on header and collector gaskets. Been using it for years👍

[@borgonianevolution]

Several tips I learned way back. When starting anything that has a thread, turn it backwards until you feel it fall down into the first thread. Some times you can actually hear it drop in. Do this for every nut bolt or screw and you will never cross threads which is usually what strips threads out. If you struggle with starting bolts on an exhaust header or manifold usually the issue is the weight pulling the lower part towards the block. Grab a pry bar or broom handle and use that to twist the whole thing bottom side towards the wheel to tilt the top where your bolt holes line up better. Second pull one wire off the distributor cap and then move each one one post to the right. After you do that you will be able to rotate the whole distributor clockwise to get it back into time and allow more balanced movement both clockwise and counter clock wise to tune it. No more hitting the intake. If the vacuum is too close to the fire wall do the same thing the other way. That way you can get it to run and have time later to remove and reset the distributor properly. Finally you are not supposed to put any sealer on those aluminum header gaskets. Flat side to the block, dotted puffy side to the header. Good luck and safe travels on your road trip

[@PeterHinkle]

I love your content so much!!!! I say rebuild that 396. Bore and stroke it for torque and put Holley FI on it. It’ll be old and new. The driveability with that setup will be amazing. You could put under dash air in it too.

[@MrPeyregne]

Get it old school guys. Yes, I would love to watch the process! .

[@nathanshufelt6191]

Engine swap would be cool, but I think you would be happy to just do a refresh on the 396. Maybe add a Holley Sniper system. 👍

[@my357mags]

Freshen up the big block. Put a RV cam in it, Air Gap intake & a Holly carb & a set of headers & she'll be a great rig!

[@richardleleux6689]

Rebuild the 396 keep it real. Love watching you two work on everything that you have. Keep up the great content love it. Can't wait to see what's next. God bless!!!

[@jessesager9460]

Glad the ol RV truck got home without the hook! I think rebuilding the 396 would be awesome, but do what y’all feel like you want!

[@ronbelldvm]

Thanks for taking us along on your "adventure". I'd vote for rebuilding the 396.

[@kenbaker1353]

In my experience, with motors the best way to undo the manifold bolts is when it’s hot they break pretty nicely, and that was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen when he said we have a problem with the step and steps right through

[@martinmcdoniel4551]

Hey Ole Derek at VGG does the Italian Tune up right down the yap as he puts it! So, why not? lol. Glad to hear Aaron sounding so much better! Happy Fourth to you both!

[@jeffreyalldredge1739]

Rebuild the 396. It is a great opportunity to showcase Aaron's mechanic skills. People like the intricate rebuild content. At least I do. The Corvette manual transmission rebuild series you guys did was my favorite content you have done. And if the 396 is not rebuildable, 12V Cummins swap it.

[@donaldwatson6342]

Great episode. Love seeing the older RV's on the road. Definitely rebuild the 396. The Edelbrok performer camshaft is a great match for the RV.

[@terrydouglas2777]

Keep it ORIGINAL..... Rebuild the Entire motor including lower end. It is old truck so give it some love and pressure wash the rear end pumpkin and remove cover and check the gears and new gasket with new rear end oil. An while you did that I'd replace all break lines and redo the pistons in breaks, and new shoes all around. The radiator needs clean and fix the leak. You don't want to miss the engines cooling system at all. I miss my old 1965 and 1970 Chevy half tons. Neither one was four wheel drive, and here I am today I drive a car with four wheel drive and it gets almost 30 mpg. Love your videos, new to your channel and keep the cool videos coming. Stay safe and positive. If you think positive you will have positive in your future. We control our own futures so Remember Think Positive.

[@burtonray9259]

Fresh 396 for sure, keep that one original. Hard to find them like that, and Aaron is right, it would have great power and torque with a rebuild. Great content as always, love it!

[@richardharvey8939]

Spent a week at caddo lake about 20 years ago it is neat. Cool state park cabins back then huge fireplaces.

[@jerryking9333]

Great videos. I think if it were me I would go ahead and fix camper motor with what ever it needs. The cost of a newer camper would be expensive and when you two go on a trip you have all you need. Maybe take a break and get that vette out and go enjoy a mini vacation. The main thing is enjoy your lives and do what makes you two happy. Again great videos. We need more people like you.two.This world would be a better place.

[@flyingsparksgarage]

Sure do appreciate you!

[@stevephillips1867]

Love traveling and meeting CAR people. They are always friendly and more than willing to help. Proof is in folks that break down on the power tour. So many others pull over, put their day on hold to offer help. What a way to meet more great people.

[@mrharry8466]

All the best. I'm glad things are going well for you. Thanks for the entertainment and knowledge over the years.

[@richardturk7162]

When you had the mic close up Emily sounded like an all night FM radio DJ from the 80s. You could have backed up to clear the wheel chock left in in gear and shut the engine off. go back and remove the chock then get back in fire it up and head on out.

[@GrumpyGuysGarage]

Quite the adventure there. You have to love those local shops that just get things done and help you get down the road. As for the truck, definitely rebuild the original engine if it's still possible. You can't beat original in a rig like that. Thanks for the info on the mics. I'm trying to start my own channel and have been looking for audio equipment. Keep on enjoying the ride.

[@markwhite1333]

Been watching since the KID was really little. The music interludes were really nice. Good move.

[@richarddeschamps5425]

It's great to hear from you guys all the way up here in Canada 🇨🇦. Excellent episode. Mics are great . Love to see you working and getting along. Have a fun trip, kiddos.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

A factory fresh 396 will make you more than happy in this C30 RV... it'll be sweet.

[@Stahodad]

You two are the best, sticking with it...I know you want to upgrade the manual transmission to something with overdrive..., so an engine rebuild / refresh would be fun to watch too. 👍

[@Stahodad]

Whoa, sorry about all the spelling errors..lol. at least I can edit them, unlike on Instagram... lol. 😉

[@marcjoly3622]

Those Micks are very spot on, as far as there is no wind, but boy they are doing the jobs

[@wolfpack514]

Thanks I really enjoyed this episode. I'd love to see you both go on a weekend trip in it once it's totally totally fixed.

[@ryanelliott1650]

100% Keep the 396 in there It would be un cool to do it any other way

[@michaelsteward4423]

The old "I-tal-ian Tune Up"!!!!!

[@richardcoombes5292]

Straight down the yap

[@richardleighton5009]

Put a new set of heads and carb. on that motor with new gaskets and reset the timing and that 396 should spring back into action. Good luck and stay safe.

[@paulf9653]

I'd defiantly keep it old school with a 396. A fresh rebuild with a Holley Sniper conversion would be sweet!!

[@jasonfalk7696]

I love your video's. They're so down to earth, like we're all just a bunch of friends hanging out, but live in different places. I think the 396 would be cool to rebuild, if you're planning on keeping it on mostly flat ground. If your plans include mountains, a diesel would handle those better. A mechanical Cummins would be a much easier swap, than an Izuzu (Duramax). Either way, keep up the great content!

[@steventalbott903]

An old trick that I use to use is dumping cold water into the hot engine, it would blast the carbon off of the valves.

[@joshlindemeier2434]

I am a huge believer in Sea Foam…there is a process that has you suck it through a vacuum line until the engine stops and then let it soak for a period of time (30-60 minutes) and than restart engine…it will smoke out the neighborhood as it burns of all the loosened up deposits…always a believer when you find and application and it works 😊

[@ronniepapepape1629]

See, God must be on your side. You were blessed enough to get the truck and yourself back home safe. Very cool, thank you Lord. Great times.

[@stevehenry2142]

Looks as though the quadrajunk could use a refresh...I love those things...everyone else can have their Holleys!

[@majobis]

First off that step repair going inside of the RV I would have added a middle bracing so the floor does not sag when getting into it. Second rebuild the 396, then add a different transmission with overdrive on it. Then put a TBI fuel injection swap on it, this would help put a little more power and some mpg to it too. If and when you decide to rebuild the RV part that would be a nice project to see you both tackle. I wish I had that truck and thats probably what I would do to to refresh it up

[@teedee9903]

I worked on my share of these. Been turning wrenches since 19- - lol I will say I had already graduated HS before this truck was made. So my vote is rebuild the 396 . I am a long time gear head and for some reason it never leaves me. Good luck and will stay tuned for more from your channel 😎😎

[@sblsbl7600]

I would rebuild the 396. Build it for efficiency rather than horsepower. Now that I have a straight 6 diesel I will never have a Duramax again. The Duramax costs too much to service. Good episode. Like the truck.

[@MrCptnawsm]

Another vote to rebuild the 396 here. Touch up the ports on the heads, use a small hydraulic roller cam and pistons with modern narrow rings to make some more power and save some fuel by decreasing the rotating loss those bigblocks have in stock form.

[@michaelpeterson9479]

Just a tip on doing big block exhaust, something I learned working on a 454 in a 4x4 1ton dually, Always, always, always get the stainless steel exhaust donuts, the blue fiber ones are junk and for the manifold gasket, use the aluminum header gasket, it requires some fitting on the head bolts, but since the gasket is so thick, and dent soft material, it will fill gaps if the manifolds are warped any, using the stock gaskets like you showed may not fix the leak, also replace the bolts, the head of the bolts get disfigured over that many years and round off, then is a pain to fix, Love the camper, ain't nothing like old school big block to play.

[@leemorgan9203]

So glad you could smell the burn! I restored a 21 passenger that the muffler did the same thing... but the driver didn't smell anything until the fire burnt through the floor. Later he did admit that there were a few really nice people that were waving at him... why not shoot a 396 rebuild !

[@Takeithome345]

The positive vibes are refreshing !

[@marksnyder2232]

Emily, never apologize for behaving like a professional. That's the ethic more people need to maintain, IMHO. Regarding the engine, I'd just pull it out with the intent to do a refresh. If you find something catastrophically wrong, then look at a swap. It's an RV, not a drag car, and should have plenty of power for what you will use it for. I might consider an overdrive box or replacement transmission to give you a lower top end RPM when cruising on the highway, but I'd keep it as original as possible. Have fun!

[@almonjacob3496]

Emily, that is an old school bigblock, built before gm reduced the nickle content of it's steel. Bolts dont break and holes don't strip like the new motors do. As for the seafoam, your feller you-tuber "pours Berryman's down the Yap". He calls it an italien tune up.

[@jeffdayman8183]

FYI I used to pour ordinary water down the carb of my small block Chevys, to clean the combustion chambers and valves. All kinds of particles and muck came out the tailpipes and the engines ran MUCH better and didn't diesel any more after that treatment. I learned that from my Grandfather , who started as a mechanic in 1917. My Dad used it as a professional mechanic for 50 years too. It's a viable way to clean things out in carburetor engines. I don't use seafoam myself, but I imagine it does much the same thing. (water costs a lot less though! ) 8^)

[@jackreed3445]

Sad the engine went south. Go back with the 396 or do a Cummins. I think the person who got the distributor in wrong had something to do with the engine finally giving up and when you get into it you will have to shake your head and walk away for a while, regroup, and get after it. Have some fun, be safe, jack

[@johnlee8231]

I'd rebuild the 396 Seems like the most cost effective and practical solution

[@brads4667]

Love the camper hope to see more of it

[@jschoneger]

Great video. As a kid, those motorhomes were running around new, and I always thought they were pretty dang cool. Rebuild the 396 and add FI. Worked on a lot of motorhomes on GM chassis in the early 80s. They torture the exhaust manifolds and exhaust systems. Hear a lot about headers in comments. My advice is don't, you will be hating life quickly. The best BB Chev manifolds were from mid to late 80s on 1 ton and larger big blocks from the factory. Stainless with split flanges and a bellows. Won't last forever but are better than anything else we tried back in the day. Good luck!

[@fredcotter9672]

I agree with Aaron to rebuild the 396. You will be amazed by how much power it will have.

[@user-gc1zn5mn4p]

Emily, it would be really cool if you & your man did a "Cars & Guns" episode--drive one of your cars to the gun range & show some fun shooting. ;)

[@clydesdale5512]

I learned on drum brakes is to bleed them into a bottle, let the bubbles percolate into another bottle while pumping.

[@JUNKEdDudek]

Nice! Rebuild the 396 and rebuild the transmission and fix the leaky rear axle. Get the breaks refreshed and cleaned up.

[@reneprovencher8395]

I have to vote for “rebuild the 396”. First drag race at a track in Md. My buddy in the AF let me do a pass in his brand new 67 SS 396. What a rush!!! 😂😀

[@dalesearcy5734]

I use Sea Foam that is made to be shot into the intake to do what you did. I also use Sea Foam as a fuel additive for my truck and my boat. Love the stuff!

[@rudeboy8628]

“Somewhere between 15 minutes and 3 days…”. 😂😂😂😂 I see you have done this before.

[@TheSgltrk]

Rebuild/moderinize the 396. Upgrade to a hydraulic roller cam, a dual plane high rise and modern throttle body FI system. Oh yeah, don't forget the long tube headers.

[@dwightwaldvogel2783]

Rebuild that 396 ! Some upgrades like aluminum heads etc would bring that old girl to life !!!

[@chrissiano381]

It is such a great old camper. I would rebuild it and keep it original.

[@chipparks2323]

Em and Eric, Great content. Y'all did great on trip prep and met Steve in Small-town USA (actually...East TEXAS!). Everybody needs a good Muffler Shop where they've been bending pipe for decades. Muffin Mufflers is the Austin, Tx shop for Mufflers. Glad you met Steve...he is probably the best Muffler shop in 100.

[@chipparks2323]

miles. Love your content and personalities. Semper Fi, the Chipster

[@danielrobey1759]

My vote is for a 455 olds! About 25 years ago I put an olds in a 2wd ‘73 suburban. Worked out great, excellent torque and towing but the gas mileage not so much 😂

[@toltec13]

Yes, rebuild the 396! Your truck didn't sound right from the beginning. You should have done a compression test on all 8 cylinders. A freshly rebuilt 396 is a real beast and you will feel a HUGE difference!!! On those engines it was recommended to do the oil change every 3,000 miles. I had a 1971 Chevy Cheyenne from 1980-2014 and did the maintenance myself. I live in the California coast and those trucks don't like the salty air and are notorious for rust!. I regret selling my old truck!

[@sculptor6167]

Yup...Agreed! Rebuild the 396 :)

[@humbledsparrows4687]

Caddo Lake, we live about 90 minutes away, such a beautiful lake on the Texas side with all the cypress trees and paddling trails.

[@pearceburge9478]

I love watching y'alls videos! Seeing the first location Emily showed at Caddo in front of the restaurant, I thought, hey, I've been right there. There's a campground down that road not too far that we stayed at one weekend. That area is so cool and being the only natural lake in Texas it's also pretty special. Been right there in Jefferson too! Antique shopping! It's a neat town too.

[@snakeskinproductions7500]

Yup I'm with the rebuild on the OG motor. A matching number block on a pretty rare camper combo. Possibly do some upgrades, fuel injection being one of those but yes stick with the original rat block.

[@kapekodbob]

Oh Emily, That's the EYE talian tune up that VGG uses ! OH MY GOSH ! YOU HAVE TO DO A DETAILED REBUILD ! I suggest tear into the top end in the truck to see what you are up against. Check the rockers to see if just one cylinder is affected Go from there. You know what to do ! I think that would make good content . If it is that bad then do the swap. Either way, it was fun watching the shoot.

[@TheDocCrvtte]

Love your show! Rebuild that 396 and put Holley Terminator EFI on it! Bolt it back up with some very good exhaust (maybe stainless this time?) Also, whatever you do, don't yank it out and drop in and LS.! Everyone is doing that! Greetings from South of Houston 40 miles.

[@79tazman]

I would run a compression test on the thing when you get time because you may have a burned valve considering the seats on them heads are not hardened and was meant to run on leaded fuel. I had that happen on a big block truck and when I pulled the head the exhaust valve was sunk into the head and the valve had a big piece burned right off the edge of the valve so I had to sent them to the machine shop for harden seats and new valves.

[@jkK-lw9lu]

Love the glamour shots, and respect the work ethic. I was brought up with the work ethic comes first , so to me I appreciate that more. Great job,and thanks for the monies well spent on the mics……I don’t follow to just look, most of the value of your content is your narrative!! Thanks for sharing your adventures!

[@KoolBeans426]

Keep it original, rebuild! Liked the Cummins T early in video, big part of Indiana history. Coming to you from Indianapolis, Home of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

[@richardharvey8939]

We luv Flying Sparks. Feel bad about the breakdown though.

[@alanwayne9317]

Aaron, check that the brake fluid isn't going into the booster. My ute would intermittently loose fluid (with no sign of a leak) and foul a plug, usually the cylinders the booster hose is connected to. Since fitting a new master cylinder it hasn't fouled a plug. It appears brake fluid doesn't burn as well as gas.

[@YellowJacketGarage]

We took a group of Corvettes out there a couple years ago, really cool place. Jefferson has a Corvette show every year that's a great event. I'd rebuild the 396 if it were me.

[@jefferymorin9883]

VGG, right down the yap! with that stuff! Goes in the tank too!

[@marcjoly3622]

The new speakers are working so fine, congratulations on finding a good new mike...

[@stephenfhauk]

396 all the way, A fresh rebuild and you'll feel that power.

[@kevincosta9228]

The truck is such a cool survivor that I wouldn't even think about swapping out the original engine, especially since the original engine is a 396. The feel and sound of the classic big block matches the character of the truck.

[@scootermichelli9885]

Emily needs to watch some more vice grip garage 😂😂 Derek uses B-1 which is even more aggressive to dump down the ol'fuel makin happener

[@wagonmaster1974]

I'm going to take the fence. Used to do the "down the throat of the carburetor" with transmission fluid. Same result. For sticky valves, used to use "Motor Honey." Not sure that is even made any more. The transmission fluid cleaned the upper cylinder area and helped the valve seats. Love the camper truck. C/30. Lots of character. Love that Emily preps for a photo shoot by working on the C/30. Props for knowing the paper/exhaust check. That is from my era - according to my daughter, I am two days older than dirt. LOL! Please rebuild the 396. You will enjoy it when it is rehabbed.

[@380.motorsports]

Hey, not only did those mics work, your voices sound really natural which is impressive for such a small plug into your phone system. If you remember in the future let us know if they last for the test of time in use.

[@tonymorse7178]

Big block info. You're in the Tuff years to diagnose, but closed chamber heads(pre-smog) take long threaded plugs, smog style later heads (open chamber) takes your typical "mini's"

[@robmcnally6216]

the Italian tune up works again Derek would be proud of you Aaron

[@CodycoWeb]

Freshen up the 396 and do a disc brake upgrade to the front. Keep engine somewhat stock and use mild headers, maybe an intake and put EFI kit on it. HEI ignition is fine for it. Fix rear brakes and drive hell out of it.

[@txvet8474]

Yes, rebuild that 396 and see what it was like new. If you loved Jefferson you should go at Christmas and see all the lights and ice rink.

[@quagmiredavis4117]

I have 2 with the 396 ... one I recently did valve job Cloyes timing chain and gears rv cam and left rest alone 88 k on clock dual exhaust fixed manifold marvel mystery oil in fuel helps .. delo 10 /30 oil winter. Delo 30 use A/c delco and wix oil filters keep the 396 /403. Same for transmission just rv shift kit ... all 3 rubber Brake hoses need to be replaced evey 6 years. Flush system for brakes every 2 years great video thanks for posting

[@ppags1]

Hey Guys, I had the same motor; very cool motor but notorious for eating cam lobes. Apparently, there was a machining flaw from the factory on the 396/402 and the rear lobes did not get enough oil too them. I went to my local machine shop and had them make me an external lube pipe. Basically I had them tap into a rear oil journal in the valley pan, then machine a tube that ran down the center of the cam shaft in the valley pan with pre-drilled holes for each lifter and lobe. Worked awesome and he said it was pretty easy to do. This was back in 1983 but hopefully you guys know a good machinist that can do it. If so, rebuild that puppy and drive it like ya stole it!

[@jamesboone2829]

These are the kind of vehicles that get my attention and keep it! Keep the engine and refresh it! Maybe holley EFI it for better mileage and efficiency?

[@jamesboone2829]

This way you know what the engine is doing always and maybe upgrade the brakes for the safety?

[@ksokie63]

Hey Emily and Aaron 👋, Thanks for the video. Keep the 396. Have a great 4th of July 👋

[@mrwest5552]

you folk are always wrenchin' - Please stay safe.

[@walterhubicki5207]

Rebuild the 396!!!!! Awesome vid. Thanks!