What is the easiest way to fix a rusted out shift rod? Any way to get at it from the top? I wanna bring my bus home!
Scott,
Is it broke in two?
If so, do you know where?
Cliff
yes, somewhere between the rear bay and the bellcrank. i've been told i can take a piece of rod (allthread or rebar) and somehow clamp them two pieces back together. Hose clamps? I have not had much opportunity to investigate myself, the bus is 100 miles away and I am working too much. How big is the access hatch over the drive axle to get at it from the interior?
Scott,
You should have access to the shifter and clutch rods from the access panel.
You should also have a tunnel access in the rear bay.
Between these two you should be able to see what your dealing with.
Cliff
tunnel access in rear bay, is this the overhead panels in the middle of the roof of the bay? if so i removed them the other day trying to diagnose. how big is the access panel in the interior rear? I know i am asking lots of questions, new to this! just want to bring it to where i am staying for now, will do full repairs later.
There is an access panel right where the full length rear seat used to be which is now in most conversion bedrooms. The panel is about 6-7" x 24". It is directly to the rear of the firewall.
This also accesses the shift/clutch linkage bellcrank (which may have a broken arm which will give the same result as a broken link). Mi bellcrank arms were almost completely worn through before I caught it.
A worn through bellcrank arm will stop movement to the shorter crosswise shift link from the trans. The clutch linkage is on this same bellcrank.
This same panel gives access to the tops of the mufflers, give those a good inspection also.
The best broken link repairs seem to be tubing clamped over the break since the original is a tube. One guy used a tightly clamped good quality rubber hose and left it there permanently. Luckily I never had that problem.