like Cortez ..

National

11022 EAST DAINES DRIVE. TEMPLE CITY. CALIFORNIA 91780 • (8181444-6030 • [818J 448-9225 [FAX)

Jan & Tony Notn, Editors

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

January 1993

We hope that you had a happy holiday season and look forward to a new and excitlng year of Cortezzing. The month of December brought us many cards and notes and with one from Glenn & Emmyl.ou Dornaus a sarnpic. of leaves being raked from their front yard.

Before We: gel into the details of this issue, we want to let you know that plans and preparations are underway 10 have the 20th National Cortez Rally in Cortez, Colorado. We return to the si te of The National's beginnings, however, this time it will be with Spring-like weather in early June. More information will be forthcoming in the March and May newsletters.

Our thanks to. ali of those who sent in their-dues for 1993 For those who did not, this will be your final issue of the newsletter, The 1993 Canez National Directory will beavailable in early February. Recent new 'flembers 'and those who ordered a new

~tory will be gelling them at [hat time. If it has been some time since you joined The National or you have a directory that is several years old, you may want to purchase a new I 993 Cortez National Directory. We suggest that you . consider doi ng . so every .couple of years so-that you will have it relatively recent copy for ready reference.

In thi s issue of the newsletter you will find a wide variety of information and topics to help you with your Cortezzing.

The aritcle on Winter Camping is from The Guide to Full-Time RVing written by Don Wright and the Editors of Trailer Life. Though it was published in 1982 and the cost of things have changed, its contents still provide usefull and timely information today, From time 10 lime we will provide you with particular excerpts from [he book.

Dana Keech provides us with both a detailed article on the Clark .transaxlc, and opinions for servicing methods, Andrew Spranza is pleased with the Eldorado conversion TO his 'fiX·Cortez and promises to provide us with more information to include in future issues of the newsletter. Those who were at The National Rally in Flagstaff will recall Charlie Hill', interest to improving the torque of the GM 425 transmission; he has

"",made some progress and would now like 10 hear from others interested in same. Pete Hallock has a follow upon the: replacement of his oil pressure switch and its mysterious resolve 10 hot starting problems, and also

passes along related information available in a Chevrolet publication. Glen Forre wondered if there should be any corcern on components now that oxygenated gasoline is here. The article on Oxygenated Fuel will enlighten you as to its makeup and why it's on the market fur FallIWintcrllse. OUf thanks 'to Jim Quila of the State of California Air Resources Board office for providing the report from which much of the information on oxygenated fuels was extracted. Frank Freda built a service pit fot his Cortez and hIS plans have been added to the Cortez Library as hem #109. Several inquiries recently regarding the track for the closets and cabinets, brought to mind a previous article from Larry Lantagne with a supply source.

In addition to the above and listings of coaches for sale, there is always a portion of the classrncd devoted to Cortez items for sale or wanted, You arc encouraged to use either or both. whenever you are looking for snmething. or have a Cortez item that you no longer need and can offer it for sale to' another member. A publication deadlinedate is always listed in the newsletter. Classifieds as well as articles should be recei ved prior to [hat date.

We want IIj thank those who contributed to this issue of the newsletter, as well as those members who provided additional information for the newdirectory, Jan and I wish you the very best of times in 1993 and many happy miles of Correzzing.

DUESNQTICE

The new calendar year for The National has begun. Notice has been made here in (he newsletter (Annual Dues SO LS) and a post card reminder went outback in October. Iris important that we complete and close out the

JNMEMORIAM

Rita Wilson - Saugerties, NY Lilian Sykes, Torrance, CA Judy Hess - Sun City, CA Donal Noonan - Laguna Niguel, CA Ernest Iszley -Seattlc. WA Dale Ellis .» Viila Park,IT.

NATIONAL FAX NUMBER The National has a fax machine which allows the: sending and receiving of documents via standard dial-tone telephone lines. If you have, or have access to a fax machine, you can transmit a letter or document directly to The National, And you may do so at any time of the day or night as the unit is on-line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The fax number for The National is 818-44R~9225.

dues collection process as promptly as possible We want to thank those who sent in their due'S. for 1993 and fOJ those who haven't, this will he your last issue.

NEW 1993 DIRECTORY

The new 1993 Cortez National Directory will be available in early February. It has been completely updated and corrected. All of the cross-reference part numbers. plates of service, new members, directory corrections and add ii i nn s , which have appeared in past new s leu er s since the directory was last published, have been incorporated into the new ·93 edition. The latest listings of Cortez Library hems, the Alphabetical Subject Index of technical articles published in The National newsletter, along with other pertinent information is also "included in the new directory.

The cost of the new 1.993 Cortez National Directory is $12. If you would like a new directory, send a check ill that amount and make it payable lei The Cortez National. Your copy will be mailed to you as soon as we get them back from (he printer.

NATIONAL HOURS

The National hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Pacific Time. When calling, please remember the time difference [rom your particular area, especially in the morning hours. For those times when we are away from home, the answering machine. will intercept your call. Leave a message and a return phone number. If your call i, in regard 10 a need for parts and/or service information, please include a few details as to the nature of the problem wi th your message. This will allow us to do some research and gather an)' necessary information before returning your call.

• THE SHADE TREE MECHANIC

CLAf{K CORTEZ TRANSAXLE

From 1963 thru i!J6!J Jhe factory six cylinder engine Cortez used a 4. speed fully svnchroriized manual transrni ssion. It c~nsists of 20 gears, 12bearin.gs, R bearing races.vl-seals, 3 "0" rings, :3 gaskets, 2 synchronizers and 216 other parts from shims and snap' rings to bolts and washers and many other miscellaneous parts.

Although .a very complicated assembly from a disassemblyand repair or rebuild point of view, irs proper use and owner maintenance should be relatively simple. The most important maintenance is the- gear oil used and the interval betweenchanges.

There-are many different theories 00 what oil should be used. Certainly the early rec;\minendatiOlis by Clark owner's manuals of 50 weight motor oil at 24,000 mile change intervals will most certainly cause an-early demise to the gears and bearings. The only reason r can think this practice was recommended was because Clark Equipment mostly built forklifts and material handling equipment. Because-of their approximately 20 mph TOp speed, heavymotoroil was certainly .acceprable, In a Cortez however, at a-constant 60 mph, thetransaxle is working veryhard moving a 9,000 plus, pound '.'chick -dowrr the toad ...

In 196!\ Cla.rk must have realized (according to the owner's manual)a mistake. in the lubrication ofthe transaxlc, because the interval of changing the oil was reduced from 24,tiOO [0 6.000 miles .In lYii':i some. -onc at Clark must finally have gotten the message that 50,W motor oil wouldnot do the joh no matter how often -it was changed;

The recommended nil is. a multi-v-iscosity SAE 80-90-140 EP gear oil.J like Kendall. 3 Star Gear OiL Some oils use a molybdenum additive in me oil 1<,) reduce metal to metal friction, rnany-Conezzers are using a straighi weight oil of a higher viscosity (SAE 90). J do not recommend ihi s oil becauseafter seeing how {he oilmust 110w through many small.openings in the transaxle - especially through-the pinion shaft through a series ·of very small holes, lam convinced ibis heavier oil is too-thick to flow peoperly.

It you intend 10 use your coach in nrnbient temperatures of 50 degrees or less, consider using a straight 90W gear au to improve flow under these c o lder ternpc rutures. Add 1/2 can- of STP oil treairnent io help the clingabiliiy of ihe 90\y oil. By the way, after a major repair or rebuild of thetransaxlc, usc 90W gear oil only for break-in period then drain and rel'ill with new UI! after 3,000 miles. The Iatest recommended oil change interval was 6,000

miles. I personally believe that gear-oil should last as much as 4 times longer than this. I like. to change the nil between 10;000 and 15,000 miles' .depending on type of driving; (Towing or mountainous driving for example requires more frequent changing.)

All of the. owner's manuals thatT'vc consulted [or this article ref er to om, drain and one fill plug. T'ni s in r orrnuriori j s incorrect. There is only-one fill plug, bui therearetwo drain plugs arid one.other plug that should be cleared.of metal.particles. The first drain plug to be removed is below the right stub shaft (where the drive. shaftbolts on) and will require a 15/16"socket or boxend wrenchfor removal. Pleasedon't use a crescent wrench or open end wrench or you. will-round thecornerson.the drain plug. The second drain plug to be' removed is un the rear of thctransaxle at the very bonom of ihe case. Once again a15/l 0" box-end wrench is . recommended.

Much like motor-oil changes in the engine, the gear oil should be drainedwhile theoil iswarm and shortly after shutting off the-coach so the fine metal particles it). the nil don't get the chance to settle on the-bottom ofthe 'transaxle case, When rernoving the . . drain plugs, it isa good idea In watch LI}~ 0;1 as It.drains,

Since the transaxlc is scparatcdtu the middle internally, removing either plug only 'effectively drains one half of the case, Drain the oil from the front halfintoone drain pain and- the rear into another, That way. if any gear chips, bearing pieces or sh;m metalare found,you 1 ll have a better idea which half of the, transaxle.need« attention.

A~sum_ingthere is no metal other than the normalvJleck' appearance caused 1:l), normal wear, clean all tile buildup off the magnets (compressed air andcarbureror cleaner works best) and reinstall them. Replace the washers on the plugs if rheylook deformed, Sirice a manual transaxlc has no filter, the magnets should be cleaned .at every gear oil Change. These. two magneticdrain plugs only pickup metal that settles LO the bottom of the

case,

There is one more magnetic plug which -docs a better job of removing ;"wspended" me ta l. Thi, third magnet has gear o i l. travelling past ireonsrantly while. the coach is moving and the .gears are-turning. None (If the information i have found refers. to thi~ magnet and so I'm' certain most ·are .never cleaned of L Only a quafifi ed Cortez mechanic would. probably clean it, This third "mystery" magnet is located above and slightly to the right on the back ill- the transaxle. Locate the' only large casting on the rear of the transaxlc. This. casting is.

2

where the speedometer-cable connects at approximately II octcck ":'hen vie wing from the rear .looking Corward .. At 3 n'cluck. on this same casting there is a 7/8" wrench si7j~ plug that can be removed. Onthe middle of this plug is a in type magnet huilt into it Clean off this magnet. the same as you did with the twq drain plugs. Note: the gear oil necdnot be removed in order to remove this magnet plug! f you should want io check and clean it in betweengear oil change intervals. H this plug magnel is cleanedregujarly (I recommend at every chassis Iubrication or rto more than 5,000 miles irhc panicles moving through the transaxle suspended in the gear oil will begreatly reduced! Reinstall plug. If gear oil was drained, refill with 5 quarts of .g.e'ar nil .. Check g.car-otl Ieve j periodically, (Should be level with bottom of threads of fill hole), The fill plug by the way is .locatcd on the right or passenger side 'halfway upundappr ox irnate ly halfway between the drive shaft and the back end-of the trans axle. This is one plug that can he removed .. and retightened with. a· crescent wrench or a 12 point socket can be used also,

Proper cnangmg of the gear oil and cleaning _

of the magnets is required for the lorig-;;_m~ ---..

healthy life.of a Corteztransaxlc. . .......--

The way you drive your Cortez C1\n also greatly reduce :(or increase) your transaxles life e x.pectancyTror example: prolonged driving of'xpeeds in excess of 60 miles per hour (approximately 3000 rpm on the engine and-trans-axle) is not recommended because this causes premature wear-on the ring and .pinion aqd 4t~ gear, Equally harmful can be lowing heavy loads constantly. Be mindful that when 'starting from a de adstop or making hard turns in lower gears, your left foci releasing the clutch pedalrs In essence like. the "torque converter" in an automatic transmission .. B¢ ginger when startingnut or making hard 111m;;; Hard accelerating puts a majorstrain on thctransaxlc as well as thc whole drive train.

One last item which can affect transaxle. ",'ear. Proper clutch adjustment is crucial io minimize gear wear while shifting. Even if yourgears don't "grind" while shifting. a inixadjusted cl utch can he removing precious metal from the tops of the gear teeth. Orie hintfor shifting into low or.reverse - shift the transmission into )nd or 3rd before low or rever seto s·iow the .gear ·train' duwn and, avoid "grinding".

Even though our oldest Clark Cortezes

are approaching 30 years old, manyarc~ being sold TO "new" owners who can he unaware or Ilk Cor iez+s idiosyncrasy, especially the all important rransaxle, j hope

th is I nt ormat ron i even thuugh many

seasoned Cortezzers already know most of it) may help someone to enjoy many more trouble free miles.

Dana Keech '66·Cortcz, Aurora, CO 80017

ELDORADO CO~VERSION

1 am happy .10 report that thc Cadillac Eldorado drive unit is in my '68 Cortez and works well. I hope In he able in the-not III distant future give you a complete rundown on the conversion. I can report al this time that only one-half o1'''lhO' step was lost, the engine cover was nOI raised or bumped. The trans rearcovers takes only 3 inches of floor space, bUL that is no bother. I also insLalled a ,et of front disc brake, obra i ned frorn Cortczzcr Charlie Hi.1I in Viall. Oklahoma. The disc brakes are" blessing in as much a .. I almost lost {he unit a few years ago on the Lee Vining xide M Yosemite - brake fade with a race car on the trailer behind.

Andrew Spranza '6X.cortez Monterey. CA 93940

OIL PRESSURE SWITCH VS KENT HOT START

Regarding the oil pres sure switch problems. (Cortez National - September, 1992) we've been having intermiuent hotstarr problems, and now these have entirely disappeared, since installing the new oil

.r nressure switch. The problem has not been - ~ck of running battery voltage, because we

---r.ayea 4()-watl solar tell (everyone should

have one) that keeps t he battery at 100 percent. bui somehow, putting in the new switch has made the problem evaporate. Don't ask why!

We are also running Mobil 1 (1O-30W), and are vel}' pleased with the engine. After a flat-out climb (40 miles per hour) southbound on 1-5 over the "Grape Vine", the temperature ditln't hit the first mark above the 180-degree mark on the temperature gauge, and With the engine air' conditioner on and the ambient temperature above 90 degrees.

I recommend a IlCortczzcrs read the article, Propane the Magic Fuel in the December. 1992 issue of Motor Horne magazine. Author Rich Johnsnn says "that propane, or Iiquidfied-petroleum (LP-gas), is a "natural" fuel for motorhomcs, Because of its portahility and resistance to temperature ex trerne s , LP-ga~' h a s been used in rnotorhomes since the early years of RVing. This magical gas supplies both heat and cold to RV appliances. making it an indispensable product for year-round 'travel. Although this flammable gas can be. dangerous when mishandled. haz ardouxsituat ions can be

~l!voided with proper handling and by laking . . simple precautions which are necessary with any fuel."

Rich goes into a good deal of detail on the nature of the fuel and covers safetv procedures, tank filling, checking for leaks,

setting in propane detectors, the guidelines on lank s and cylinders. operation of regulators. and closes off with some troubleshooting procedures and tips.

Pete Hallock/Lucie de Jounge '74 Cortez" Laguna Beach. CA92(,:'il

H()T START PROBLEMS

The fullowing item from Wei, Caughlarr's Coach/Chassis column of the January, 19l)2 issue will be of interest [0 all Kent model owners,

-A reader recounted that he had all ofthe hor starr problems Wc s di sc us xed in an earlier issue of the magazine. The auxiliary batteries always had 10 be used and replacing the starter with a heavy duty unit did not solve the problem The reader was also" interested in obtai ning the OM service bulletins referred to in the article bUI was nut hay ing much SllCCCSS.

Wcs replied that rather than call non-OM sources, contact GM customer rciation,.· All of rhc bulletins mentioned in the column are reproduced in the Chevrolet Motorhomc Chaxsis Service Guide that is available at all Chevrolet dealers. at Chevrolet chassis seminars at moiorhome gatherings (FJ\.iCA conveTIliuns)"and 10 those who request them by mai I for a price. The guide is referred 10 a"s the "Orange Book. which is updated almost ever)' .ycar_ The hot xta rt prob lcrns are discussed in detail. check Appendix listing

7-12. .

Pete Hallock '74 Cortez Laguna Beach, CA 92652

KENT TRANSMISSION UPGRADE

During one of the Mechanic's forums at The National Rally, I brought up the idea of making an improvement Oil the gear ratio of the Kent model's GM 425 transmission. -Several expressed some interest and what I would l ikc, at this tirnc, is to knowhow mauy -wuu ld be interested in su c h an upgrade.

The O'ids 455 engine and GM 425 transmission. as you know, was designed 10 power a 4,000 pound, five and nne-half-toot wide, low-to-the-ground autornobi le. It "s GM425 gear ratio of 3.07 was Ok for the car. but nor the besr for rhe Cortez, A 3:90, 4_0n, or 4_11 would he much better lind provide the kind of torque improvement needed.

Since returning home from the rally in Flagsraffandfinishing up a few more disc brakes sets .and a couple of other chores, I' have had some time 10 look into the project. r have located a place ill Akron, Ohio [0 obtain the 4, II gear with the correct bolt pattern and a blank pinion (for machining).

lam planing to make the modification til my coach. The cost or putting a package together varies a great deal whether one talks about one to twu.. or 15 to 20 sets. For those who were at the rally and expressed an

1

interest, ['d like to hear from you as wen as any other Cortezzcrs interested in this means uf improv ing the gear ratio in the Kent mood.

Cnruact: Charlie HilL HCR 6X. Box 1125. Viano Ok 74962,918-489-5752.

OXYGENATED FUELS

Many of you have heard about Oxygenated-Fuel. a new blend of gasoline that is beginning 10. appear on the market, and most will havein their areas. if they don'[ already.

Glenn Fotrc of We~1 Linn, Oregon has a 'oX Cortez wi th a Toronado engine and \HiICS, "Gasotine dealer s here have been selling gasoline laced with up to 10 percent ethanol 10 combat smog. I know that. the lise, of alcohol will cause some gaskets. seals, and hoses to swell and leak. Has anyone with a .oldsmobile powered Cortez.had any reported experiences with this fuclv.and if ';0 what did they find."

After receiving Glcnn'x letter, The National made some inquiries and came up with some information. We would like to hear from others with their comments,

I am not up-to-date with other states, but as of November I, I 'N2, California service stations began operating under a s t at emandated oxygenated fuels program. Instituted 10 improve air quality. this winter season program affects a 11 grades of gasoline . It will Ulllti= through early lli93,and in subsequent winters.

Oxygenated ga sol ines arc standard gasolines blended with additives that increase the level of oxygen in the fuel to produce more complete combustion and decreased carbon monoxide crnisxions. Carbon monoxide. a by-pruduct or incompl e te combustion, poses a major health risk and contributes to the formation of ozone, a major component of smog_

According to a pamphlet distributed bv Unocal (Union 76).. aurnmohil~ m anuf'ac turer s have not reported any perfnrmance or fuel economy problems with oxygenated fuels containingeither MTBE or ethanol. However, individual motorists may experience some variances because vehicles and driving habits vary. While MTBEoxygenated gasoline will have a different odor, oxygenated gasoline anti its fumes are no more dangerous or toxic than gasoline that is not oxygenated. The same precautions should be used that always apply to handling gasoline. The gas pump ts labeled to indicate the fuel is oxygenated and there should be no problems in switchingfrom one oxygenated fuel to another:

Some price -increase can be expected since the production or purchase "Of the additive and blending of the fuels involve additional costs. Prices may vary throughout the marketplace and. as is always the case, will be- determined hy competitive conditions.

. _ . continued /)/1 page 4

Oxyge1Ulied Fuels

. continuedfrom page 3

Currently must western stares have winter oxygenated gasoline programs and on a recent trip to Arizona, the pump was marked as having up to a '·5 percent content of MTBE during the period of September to April.

From a report from the California Air Resources Board we learned that the primary oxygenates being used in todays gasolines are MTBE (methyl t-butyl ether) and ethanol. MTBE is used primarily as an octane enhancer. Ethanol also has good octane qualities, however. it increases the vapor pressure of the gasoline blend, thus increasing evapor.ati vc emissions hom ve.hi c lc s . Use. of ethanol is largely motivated by economics; namely the motor vehicle fuel tax exemption and income tax credit that is ava i lahle to gasoline produccrs andbl ende rs. MTBE is the primary oxygenate used in California. Only 5 percent of the gasoline consumed in California contains 10 percent ethanol (3.5 percent oxygen) and is commonly named gasohol.

Tbe Staff recommendation of the California Air Resources Board was for gasoline to have a minimum oxygen content of 1.8 percent by weight and a maximum oxyg.en content of 2.2 percent. The limit to. be the same regardless of the type of oxygenate used.

The regulation for wintertime oxygenates gasoline program contains a sunset clause which ends the program on December j 1, I \145. However. portions of the wintertime oxygenates program have been incorporated into the proposed regulati on for Phase 2 g asot i DC specifications which beginonJanuary 1. 1996. Specifically, the minimum oxygen content of 1.8 percent and the maximum content of 2.2 percent tor the wintertime regulatory control periods an: part of the proposed Phase 2 wintertime specifications. In addition to this. the proposed Phase 2 regulation for oxygenates wid apply year-round and on a statewide basis. The proposed regulation also allows alternative gasoline formulations that comply with ~xygen<lte limits between 1.8 percent and 2':7 percent.

BATTERIES AND CHARGING

Winter time can play havoc with the battery chargingsystem. Cold temperatures can easily cut down a battery's efficiency just whenwiperv, defrosters. and cold engines are in need of more current. Add that in many cases, those l itt.le add-on electronic devices that can draw current when the coachts parked or in storage.

The alternator charges [he bauery and provides additional current during high

electrical load periods such as when rhe engine is idling and Iighrs and other items are-drawing current. The alternator is driven by the engine via a belt and pulley, the faster it spins the more curren t it produces. The regulator prevents the alternator from delivering too much or too little current [0 the battery by increasing or decreasing the magnetic fi el.d vat. the alternators rotor.

To find out if yuur alternator is overcharging or undercharging the battery. connect a voltmeter across the negative and positi ve terminal s with the engine and accessories off. The meter should read 12 volts. Nexr.rstarr the engine and rUII it up to 1500 or more rpm. The reading should rise about 2 volts. ]f the reading is low, turn on the lights. A drop in voltage usually indicates broken stator windings, and a need to rebuild or replace the alternator. A high reading might mean the alternator is compensating for corroded terminal S or wires, or overcharging due ro.a faulty regulator.

Check bel! tension and condition. A belt gauge can be purchased for about $10. Excess bell tens ion can put heavy side loads on an alternator's rotor-shaft bearings, causing them to overheat and fail., Too little tension can make the belt.slip, and the. alternator will spin slower and produce less current, A slipping belt also .creatcs heat, raising the alternator's internal resistance and rcduc ing the amount of current it produces, Obvious tipoffs are squeaks around the pulley and inside the .altemator.

Check wire terminals to be sure they are not loose or corroded. If they are, clean with a fine grit sandpaper. On lion-sealed batteries, corrosion and whitt: acid deposits usually meal) the alternator is overcharging. Even if the terminals look clean, you can keep hidden corrosion from sapping battery current bv removing the positive and neuative c~bles and .cleaning with a battery br~sh. Finish. off by coating the terminals and clamps with electrically conductive grease and then reattaching.

Clean the alternator vents as airflow through the alternator is critical for cooling. Be srdes overheating, blocked vents call increase an alternarors internal resistance and reduce its output. (John Kirk, Home Mechanix . October, 1992).

COMPUTER FUND Our thanks to those who sent in donations for our computer fund.

Gil & Katie BOOTH - Yarnell, AZ Robert & Kay NICE - Rig Fork, MT

4

·l::mWl:ry 19Q1,

FMCA RALLY NEWS

The FMCA 18TH Annual Winter International Convention "California Country" is scheduled for February 26, 27. . and 28, 1943. The chosen site is Fairpiex,.._.v the Los Angeles County Fair & Exposition Complex in PomonaCalifornia.

The fa irgr ounds have been greatly improved and beautified over the past few years and will provide excellent accommodations for up to 5000 coaches. We understand that the holding area will be located right at the convention site and will open up on Monday, February 22nd for those who arrive in the area early.

The 30th Annual Summer Grand International Convention will be held on the college campus grounds of Virginia Po ly tcchn ic Instjtutein Blacksburg, Virginia. The dates for the summer convention arc August 3.4 •. 5, 19!J3.

The nther probable sires and dates for the Io llowing year are the Astrodome in Houston. Texas, March 15, 16. i 7, 1994 and a return to Puyallup. Washington, August 16,17. IX, 1!J!J4.

Larry &Dlive Lantagne '73 Cortez Payson, AZ 85541

CORTEZ LIBRARY ITEM

Frank Freda has produced floor plans for 'Construction of a garage service pit for t1>~ _ Cortez, It has been added to the Cortc""'-Library as ltem 11109. Fora Xerox copy,

send a business size SASE to The National

with your request.

PARKING REQUEST

I am looking for a parking site in the San Francisco area where roy daughter and sonin-law live. In the fall of 1993. my wife and lwou ld like to dr'ivc our Cortez from Michigan to. California We would like to park it in their area for several months before going on to Arizona. Altho my daughter lives in the heart of the city, the parking spot doesn't have to he too close. Contact: Bill Klingbeil. 4540 Gulf of Mexico Dr .. Long Boat Key, FL 34228. Phone/Fax 813-383.-2250.

PARK DIRECTORY

The Parks Directory ot the United States

is ij guide to the national park system, providing descriptive informurion on 358 national parks and 3324 stare parks. covering all 50 slates. Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa. and the Virgin Islands.~. The Directory is a one-stop comprehensive wY reference source on parks and recreation areas administered by the National Park Service and by state park agencies.

The Directory provides information on

each park, including facilities, activities, and special features. as well as important reference information (including address and phone number) 10 e nabl e users to contact individual parks, park agencies and their regional offices in order to obtain information quickly and eas ily. The Directory is especially useful in its coverage of the lesser know parks (located away from principal highways) that contain significant scenic and cultural resources of comparable quality to the man: famous parks.

The hard-cover Directory was edited by Darren L. Smith and published by Omnigraphics, Inc., Penobscot Building, Detroit Michigan 41(226, 800-234- i 340.

CONGRATULATIONS

Cortezzer Wilson Call, Architect; Artist, and Inventor is now an Author. Hi s new book, The Anatomy of an Invention outlines how he invented, manufactured and marketed his invention without help from anyone, a truly informative treatise of how to do it yourself. Wilson takes you through the male of inventive concept, patenting, manufacturing, packaging. pricing, underwriters laboratory, barcode, product liability, incorporation. banking. manufacturer reps, jobbers, retailers and a host of other aspens important 10 the

./- potential inventor. _ , ' .

. If )'illJ'.LC ratlh~ -lI good Ide"

..... (hopefully for the Cortez), you may need a

good book like The Anatomy of an Invention. Wilson Call. 22.00 F. SL. Bakersfield, CA 93301.

WINTER CAMPING

Just as there. are tricks to enjoying other kinds of specialized camping, so to is there a system to camping comfortably in the wintertime. No matter how well insulated they are, RV's are not designed for winter use. They can, however, be adapted for cold-weather living if a few common sense tips are followed. Because water tanks and plumbing lines will freeze up in all but the best insulated coaches (and even those must be heated constantly' [0 prevent freeze-up), winter campers should count on either using bottled drinking wafer or carrying water from the campground's baih house. Park shower .and rest room facilities should be used instead of those in the coach. LP gas furnances in most RV's mayor may not he adequate to heat theinterior ofthe coach in cold weather. Experienced winter campers will supplement the coach heater with a portable electric heater. When parked in

-.._ wooded are~s, park with the rea~ or side ~ door oppo site the prcv ai ling Wind. The exhaust fan over the range should be operated frequently to help vent out the moisture that collects in the unit .and to prevent condensation. Carpeting and throw

rugs sho ul d be added fo the fl oorf'or warmth and insulation.

Most RVs do not have storm windows, but the winter camper ean provide his own. First, the windows should be sealed with stick-on rubber weatherstripping. Then, clean vinyl plastic can be attached to the windows with duct tape; some RVers even prefer to use two layers of the vinyl sheeting. one on the inside nf the windows and one on the outside. Water and sewer pipes should be wrapped with heat tape and then covered with packaged fiberglass insulation, and snow can be piled up around the perimeter of the RV to protect its underside from the cold. If any cool air leaks into (he unit around vents or through seams. they can 'be sealed with either caulking compound or insulation materials. A catalytic healer can provide adequate warmth for a small area and help reduce ine drain on the RV batteries through the use of the vehicle's forced-air furnace. Holding tank fr eez e-ups can be .pre v e nted by dumping antifreeze into them.

The winter camper should be aware that his LP-gas system might perform differently during cold weather than it does in warm weather because the vaporization rate. of LP-gas decreases in a direct relationship 1D a decrease. in tempe raiu re. Also. the greater the amount or liquid gas in a lank, up to the recommended 80 percent level. the greater theamountof LP-gas Vapor generated. A tank at 80 percent capacity, for example, will generate 64,400 btu at zero degrees. But at 50 percent capacity, it will only generate 50.400 btu, and at 20 percent capaci ty, only 33,000 btu. Since nearly twice as many btu arc available from a full tank: than from one three-fourths empty, it is to the advantage of the winter camper to keep his lank filled as closely tn the 80 percent level as possi ble,

Some additional tips on how to make things more comfortable while camping in the winter arc; Cover vinyl seats and cushions with towels to absorb the cold air. Place newspaper under the entrance door throw rug to soak up metring snow. Position throw rugs against the bottom crevice of the entrance to cut off cold air blowing in from the outside. Place an old rug uutside thc RV .and another inside to prevent snow and moisture from heing carried inside. Carry an adequate supply of LP-gas. A partially filled tank may last only a short-time. Carr)" a can of lubricant or graphite to prot~cl against

ATTENTiON ALL MEMBERS

PLEASE CHECK YOUR ADDRESS LABE!..ON THIS NEWSLETTER.

IF ANY CORRECTIONS ARE NECESSARY, PLEASE ADVISE THE CCi.RTEZ. NATION!",!...

1M MEDIATELY!

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Auto Touch-Up Excess Paint Remover cfim inate s the painstaking fiU-in and sanding of paint touchups. Simply daub matching paint onto. the damaged surface, wait two minutes, thenwipe Excess Paint Remover ov-er the repa.r. The ex tra-mild solvent allows chips and scratches to hold the fresh paint as it removes the excess. from the surrounding area without attacking the finish. The maker, say it works on all auto paints, Super Glue C(Up., 184,08 Jamaica Ave" Hollis, NY 11423,71 tl-454-2947.

frozen locks and latches. Try to keep a window partially open to prevent carbon monoxide huildup inside [he RV and help prevent condensation from forming on metal and window surfaces. Remove snow from roof vents and open them for short periods of time. For added warmth, insulate the window side of drapes. Tn help eliminate low battery drain arid difficult starting during cold weather, place a thick rubber pad under batteries, This will help prevent cold weather temperature transfer lrom the steel of the support plates to the. base of each battery. (Excerpt from the pages of Guide to Full-Time RVing by Don Wright and published in 19R2 by Trailer Life)

ANTI-SEIZE COMPOUND

A reader wrote a fa! low - up to Wes Caughlan (MotorHomc " November, I 992) about his comments on why you shouldn 'r use lubricants on wheel-studs or nuts to prevent them from seizing. The reader was a former Air Force. jet-engine maintenance shop supervisor. He says that after lengthy research they came up with a 1110st unusual anti-seize compound, unflavored Milk of Magnesia. IL was found to be the best antiseize compound [or metal-to-metal contact in no! or cold weather. It was used with .grcat success.

Now we Tlhavc [0 Iry II lor oursclvc~ .

WORK LlGHT

The Tandem light combines a long-range spot beam with a 6-foot-wide Flood beam that spans engine compartments and other emergency repair areas. The light operates with lWO D-size batteries and krypton bulbs, arid has special reflectors and shatterproof diffusing lenses tbat provide brighter, whiter, more focused beams. Tandem also features a ring hanger, stand-up base. and hcav y-dut y magnet for hands-free illumination. Its chemical and waterres-Istant AilS-plastic case enables it to stand up to roadside h az ards. Rayovac Corp .. (iO I Rayovac Dr., Madison, WI 53744-4960, 800-223-8533.

TOUCH UP REMOVER

COOLING FANS

Scotts has a powerful new fan with an innovative heavy duty 5-inch motor. The high-rpm motor moves more air, whether pushing or pulling, This new fan series is available in 10 different sizes, from 7 to 18 inches. Scotts also offers electric coolers for engine oil and transmission fluid. Scotts Manufacturing Co., 28075 Avenue Stanford, Valencia. CA 91355. 800-451-')461.

TIRE SEAL

Quest Tire Seal is a flow-through plastic tube that releases a sealer into punctured tires. RVers simply screw one end of Quest Tire Seal onto the lire's valve stem and attach the other end to the hose of an air compressor. gas station air hose, tire pump, portable tank or compressor. The air pressure forces the sealer inlo the tire, closing the leak as the pressure builds. Unlike many other sealers. the product contains no flammable aerosol propellant. E.F. Products. 4300 Alpha Rd., Suite 211. Dallas, TX., 75244, 214-233-7244.

ODOR REMOVER

Natura Odor Remover, which consists of hydrated alumina silicate granules, is said to selecti ve ly absorb the sp eci f ic gas mol«:tiles thai cause odor. Several common

RV odors. including those caused by holding tank chemicals, stale smoke in fabric. and cooking: can he neutral izcd by the product. The product itself is odorless, non-toxic and safe for use around children. Natura Odor Remover is available at RV supply stores. For more information. contact: Natura Brand Products, 26041 Pal a. Mission Viejo, CA 92691, 714-5117-X400 or 800-5X2-1\442.

DIGITAL COMPASS

The Dinsmore El e ct runic Company makes the Starguide RV Compass which can be mounted to the windshield or dash with a se lf-adhcs ivc bracket. Power is supplied via a cigarette lighter cnrd or it can be connected directly & permanently to a 12-volt dash source. The LCD display shows the vehicles heading and the soft. green image is easily seen at night.

An internal adjustment system is used to ov erc ome the m agnctic effects of the vehicle. Dinsmore Electronics Co., P.O. Box 345. Flint, MJ 48501. 313-744-1330

LED-CLUSTER TAILLIGHTS

Ledtronics has introduced a new line of lightbulb replacement products consisting of clusters of high-visibility, light-emitting diodes or LEOs. The LED products are available 10 replace RV taillights, stop/tern

January 1'N1,

signal I ights and side market lights. The advantage of the, cluster design i s increased itluminatinn with longer life and Jess power consumption, Ledtronics Inc .. 4009 Pacific

Coast Highway, Torance, CA ',l()505, 310- ..."" 549-')995.

POWER INVERTER

The new Excltcch SI-500 Power Inverter is designed to produce a true sine wave output with a peak current capability of 12 amps. making it suitable for powering computers. stereos. Televisions. VCRs. microwave ovens and other household accessories. The pl us features of th i s un it is its ability to provide precise lim" and load regulation and circuitry protection. Exeltech Corp .. 7018 Baker Blvd., FI. Worth. TX 7fil 16-6324. 817-595-4969.

SPRAY N'FILL

Spray N'Fill is a self-contained, r eusahle , two-component polyurethane spray foam kit. The prod uct is used to seal and insu late I argc crack s and voids around RV plumbing, electrical and other structural features, The kit covers about 12 square feel with onc-inch-thick fast curing foam. The d i spens er includes four variable-flow nozzles. Insta-Foarn Products, 150{) Cedarwood Dr., Joliet, IL60435-3187, 800- fHK)-)fi26.

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