I'd like to ask a few dumb questions about servicing my engine and MC-5A bus if I may.
1.) How do I check tension on the radiator blower belt? It sure jumps around alot when running.
2.) Power steering fluid, book says SAE 10, I have used transmission fluid because PO had that in it. Is this OK? And should the sight glass / level be checked while running or stopped? It has an upgraded power steering system in it, I think, No maintenance logs were kept by PO.
3.) I have yet to be able to find my transmission dip stick, it is a four speed manual. I have had it serviced not long ago but I would like to be able to check it.
4.) The clutch adjusting whiz wheel, how often is this needed?
5.) Alternator belts look like they will need replacing soon. My manual says it has two belts mine has three or four I can't remember but I know it's more than two. Is this a hard job or can I tackle it.
I have the same bus... any pics yet?
1) my bus mechanic says that the jumpy belt is normal... I bought a spare anyway.
2) I did the intragal steering conversion myself and the new box uses trany fluid. Now that I think of it, the old system used trany fluid too.
3) THe dip stick on my old spicer was on the passenger side down low near the starter. It is pointing straight at you and kinda hard to distinguish amungst the muck.
4) clutch whizzy thing. I remember there being a symptom but I do not recall off hand. for the amount of driving you will do... probably every 10 years.
5) I did the alternator belts from the drivers side access and it went fine. I found out afterwards that there is a nifty access panel on the aisle over the alternator.
good luck
Thanks Viento
I feel better knowing the tranny fluid wasn't a bone headed move on my part. I will look for the dip stick in that area. Access panel is probably buried under cabinets and carpet but I will look. I posted pictures on the picture thread that everyone uses. Where are you located? It would be fun to meet and show off our stainless boxes. I saw your picture and you have a nice straight bus all you need is a little polish and it will look as good as that other one.
Thanks
Rick
I never thought that the Spicer on my MC5a had a dipstick. Based on the reply here, I have gone looking for it. I have not found one nor have I found any mention of it in the maintenance manual or in the diagrams. Did some have dipsticks and others not?
Quote from: Lin on March 27, 2009, 04:38:46 PM
I never thought that the Spicer on my MC5a had a dipstick. Based on the reply here, I have gone looking for it. I have not found one nor have I found any mention of it in the maintenance manual or in the diagrams. Did some have dipsticks and others not?
My manual says it has one. I have not gone on my search again but if I find one I will try to post a picture. You sure would think a gear box of tha size would have one. :-\
I've been running atf in my power steering system. The Spicer also has an upper level and lower level plug. If you look on the curb side of the tranny; if there is no dipstick there are also three plugs. The great big one is for filling. the other two are for checking the level. theres an upper level plug and a lower level plug. I always make sure there is OIL at the upper level plug. I think it uses straight 30 wt oil.
Regarding the clutch adjuster wheel. Turn it all the way one way and then try driving it. Then turn it all the way the other direction and see what happens. one way you will have no clutch at all. The other direction, you won't be able to get the tranny to engage. I recently replaced my clutch and thats pretty much how I adjusted it. A 1/2 turn on that knob makes a big difference.
Fred
Fred,
That appears to be what I have. I large fill hole plug, a drain plug, and another plug just above the drain. However, my manual says to fill the transmission with oil until is starts to overflow. The fill level is therefore, right up to the fill hole, right? I think the manual also says to use 50wt oil. I will have to check that, and it might be different depending on climate. I think it listed the differential oil as 140, but 90 for seriously cold weather. Again this is from memory though.
Lin,
You're right. The manual says 50 weight oil. Sitting here in Oklahoma in a snowstorm I'm reading the manual and checking the MAK board.
FRed
You guys are right there is no dip stick. I swear I read about one in the manual somewhere, must be wishful thinking. There is no puddles under it and I know it doesn't burn it so it will live until the next change.
For an MC8 anyway, there is a correct procedure for adjusting the clutch, Lift the handle until it engages the pin. Turn clockwise until resistance is felt (ie all the pre-travel is adjusted out). Turn anticlockwise 1 complete turn. Push the handle down so it locks.
May be quite different for a 5A