Just bought an old 1976 GMC Midas, have a few issues

[engine103]

More information than you might need but,
I'm sure your engine is a 454. https://www.chevyhardcore.com/tech-s...ication-guide/

[jeepfreak]

It’s a 1 ton van chassis . No 454 were installed in those. It’s either a 350 or 400 small block

[cwit]

Either one should take the same carberator. Napa should be able to get you one.

[rlott2k]

Originally Posted by RV_Dweller

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and to RVs in general, and just need some help on a couple of things. Here's an image of a GMC Midas just like mine, in case it helps.



First things first, my rig failed the smog test, and I've been told that I need to replace the right carburetor. The problem is that, in order to find a replacement, I need the carburetor model number, which I've had no luck finding. My dad, who has some experience with cars, looked through the engine and didn't find any part with this number on it. I even tried seeing if I could somehow find the number online using my rig's VIN, to no avail. Might anyone here know how to go about getting carburetor model numbers for old RVs?



Second, I've been having this issue with stench coming from the septic tank. I purchased a box of RID-X (powdered form), which seemed to work at first, but now that there's more waste in the tank the smell has become overwhelming. Actually, it doesn't really smell much when parked, but every time I drive around, it stirs up all the waste and spreads the stench throughout the cabin. Aside from dumping the waste and refilling the tank with water more often, is there any way to control the stink? Is there maybe some better product I can purchase?



Lastly, after filling up my water tank with a hose that I left on for about 20 minutes (so lots of water), I was disappointed to find that all the plumbing accessories—kitchen sink, bathroom sink, showerhead, and toilet—secrete some kind of pinkish liquid mixed in with the water that smells strongly like paint or permanent marker or something. Any idea about what this stuff could be? Is it toxic? How can I completely flush it out of the system? I was hoping to be able to shower, brush my teeth, and even drink from this water, so this is a huge bummer for me.



If anyone has suggestions for any of these issues, it would be much appreciated! Not only am I new to RVs, but I don't know jack about cars in general or plumbing either, so I'm pretty much stuck here.

Keep the cab windows closed to restrict bad air from being pulled in . Add a cyclone sewer vent cap if not already equipped.
https://www.amazon.ca/Camco-40597-Bl...46971080&psc=1

[TonyMac]

Don't put ridex in the waste tank. Poop stinks because of the bacterial activity, you're just increasing the bacterial activity with ridex. And this is a waste tank, not a septic tank. Nothing is gonna break down much in the short time it is in the tank. There are chemicals that mask the odor, and some that kill the bacterial activity, but killing the bacteria may adversely affect the septic tank you dump into. Just water, lots and lots of water.

[George Schweikle]

Correct. I bought a left over 1976 new in 1977. It was a Midas Mini branded as a GM Mini Motorhome and came with a small block 400 CI engine.

Originally Posted by jeepfreak

It’s a 1 ton van chassis . No 454 were installed in those. It’s either a 350 or 400 small block

[engine103]

Originally Posted by George Schweikle

Correct. I bought a left over 1976 new in 1977. It was a Midas Mini branded as a GM Mini Motorhome and came with a small block 400 CI engine.

Yup, youse guys are correct. I was thinking of the G30 which had an option 454.

[MinntoMich]

Until the OP replies (and I wish he would), we can only guess at what he has.

[LETMGROW]

Originally Posted by cwit

Either one should take the same carberator. Napa should be able to get you one.

The problem is the OP is dealing with California Emission regs. The calibration for a 350 /400 / 454 would all be different.
It would be nice if the OP would respond to our questions and suggestions and give us more details of what the actual carburetor issue was at the inspection station.
Lynn

[leadman]

Call Rod's Carburetor in Phoenix. 602-272-4992. He has been in business for at least 30 years, maybe more and know emissions stuff, at least for Az. which back in '76 was stricter than California at the time.

[Spdracr39]

Maybe he decided to take the best route move from California.

[Grog]

In regards to the carburetor, many people ditched the Rochford quadrajet because they were difficult to maintain or adjust. (Not getting into a discussion on that) any properly adjusted carburetor should be able to pass the smog test. When I visited my uncle in San Diego some 35 years ago I accompanied him to a smog test his old puegio (sp?) Because it would have needed more than $600 dollars to bring up to the standards it passed the inspection . Did they abolish that loop hole?

[LETMGROW]

Originally Posted by MinntoMich

Until the OP replies (and I wish he would), we can only guess at what he has.

One and done?