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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: daddysgirl on January 05, 2017, 03:23:10 PM

Title: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: daddysgirl on January 05, 2017, 03:23:10 PM
OK. I am ready for all of you to laugh at me for this, but I can't help but ask.
My MC8 has the 179-gallon tank tag, the rectangle aux box in the center of the front bay, and the upper, open chain holder in the same bay.
I WAS thinking that the two rectangular tanks on the curbside to the left and slightly above the spare tire compartment were for fuel.
However, I found the main tank today...that ain't it. And from other posts, I understand that first bay box is the aux. tank. So what the heck are the two tanks in the front right? One sits on top of the other, and they are not small. I understand if you need to laugh, but now I'm really wanting to know what they are.
Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: buswarrior on January 05, 2017, 03:32:41 PM
The back of the entry stairs?

Pictures?

happy coaching!
buswarrior
Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: lvmci on January 05, 2017, 03:40:03 PM
hi, put some pictures of what your talking about, and does it have two dually wheel axles in back or a tag axle, so we can help, if you think it is the steps, have someone knock on it while your listening under neath,  lvmci...
Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: daddysgirl on January 05, 2017, 03:43:00 PM
These are in (technically above) the tire compartment, to the right of the stairwell, from outside facing the door. They sit on top of a rail on the left side of the tire compartment, when looking into the tire compartment. And there are two of them.  I'll get some pictures tomorrow.
Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: daddysgirl on January 05, 2017, 03:44:57 PM
In the back, it has one tag axle dually and one trailing, non-dully.
Thanks :)
Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: lvmci on January 05, 2017, 04:07:27 PM
It would be helpful for you to get the manuals for parts and even maintenance, they're very helpful in understanding the guru's for the buses and Detroit diesel engines, as they're explaining things plus you could answer questions for yourself more easily by looking at the pictures, that is what I did, lvmci...
Title: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: Scott & Heather on January 05, 2017, 04:11:51 PM
Are these the air tanks?
Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: luvrbus on January 05, 2017, 04:13:40 PM
I say you have one of a kind MCI 8 there girl,the holding tanks are usually in the rear
Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: daddysgirl on January 05, 2017, 04:26:26 PM
Ha. The holding tanks WERE in the rear...
They are not air tanks, unless Crusaders had 2 additional air tanks in addition to all the round ones.
Um...does it matter that it's a Crusader?
And I have every book available. Parts, Maintenance, both DD books...
The Front Lower Frame schematic is strange (and I read plans for a living) but it doesn't show these. It has a sedan door, which makes a difference in the parts book.
Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: Tom Y on January 05, 2017, 05:53:39 PM
Sure they are tanks? Not boxes for heater and air?
Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: buswarrior on January 05, 2017, 06:09:30 PM
They were all Crusaders.

Never count out the creative insanity of Previous Owners and their Hired Help?

pictures

happy coaching!
buswarrior
Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: daddysgirl on January 05, 2017, 06:23:34 PM
Pics to come tomorrow.
I have no doubt it's something obvious, but I always prefer the opinions and advice from you all.
Oh, and I'm the "hired help" of the previous owner. Dad got the bus out of revenue service, no modifications... those seats were a B*&^*. He was a fleet manager...easy access to many, many buses.
Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: gumpy on January 05, 2017, 07:29:11 PM
There is not enough room between the stairs and the front of the bus to mount anything of significance. You're either looking at the stair steps, or maybe you're seeing the driver heater and air conditioner enclosure but I don't think that sticks down below the floor. I think you're probably seeing the 2nd and 3rd entry steps.

The main fuel tank resides behind the front axle, just in front of the battery box. It holds 144 gallons.

The aux tank sits in the middle of the front bay, on the back wall. It holds 35 gallons. It is plumbed into the main tank underneath the coach and fills in conjunction with the main tank.

Also, you have a drive axle with dual wheels. Behind that you have a tag axle with single wheels.  Maybe that's what you meant to say. 

Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: Scott & Heather on January 06, 2017, 04:41:46 AM
^ what Craig said. I can hardly fit my body in that spare tire area much less two tanks of any decent size. I wonder if indeed she's looking at the stairs. I'm curious now. Can't wait to see pics


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Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: bigred on January 06, 2017, 06:23:28 AM
Quote from: daddysgirl on January 05, 2017, 03:23:10 PM
OK. I am ready for all of you to laugh at me for this, but I can't help but ask.
My MC8 has the 179-gallon tank tag, the rectangle aux box in the center of the front bay, and the upper, open chain holder in the same bay.
I WAS thinking that the two rectangular tanks on the curbside to the left and slightly above the spare tire compartment were for fuel.
However, I found the main tank today...that ain't it. And from other posts, I understand that first bay box is the aux. tank. So what the heck are the two tanks in the front right? One sits on top of the other, and they are not small. I understand if you need to laugh, but now I'm really wanting to know what they are.
Thanks in advance.
People will probably laugh at this too ,but is there a chance this could be your hot water heaters???The reason I am saying this is I have been working on the water heaters on mine and that is the way my hot water heaters are mounted one above the other they are the Atwood ehp10's which are a square housing with a round alum tank inside .Where yours are mounted is not the ideal place for water heaters ,but I have been amazed before.quote]
Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: Scott & Heather on January 06, 2017, 08:59:11 AM
Waiting with bated breath for pictures!!! :)


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Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: ol713 on January 06, 2017, 09:09:27 AM
   Hi;
     A little off the subject, but check under the bus to see if you have
     a little fuel leak.   My bus also has the aux tank and fixing the leak
     was a real PITA.  The coupling hoses had deteriorated after only 40 years.
     Yes - - -  the aux tank is on the aft wall of the front baggage bay. Also
     the connecting lines run under the bus.
                                                  Merle.
Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: daddysgirl on January 06, 2017, 10:36:45 AM
I'm on my way to snap a pic...although I'm thinking Warrior was right. BUT

How many of you (throughout the years of our busnut hobbing) have planned a fix for a problem, and when 3/4 finished with it realized the entire significance of what you're fixing? Not repairing an unknown part, but basing your plans off of the schematics that don't always represent well?

Well, I have experienced this feeling now, and as ignorant as you all might think I am... Here's one to ponder while I snap a pic:

As most of you know, I've been working on the electrical system when the weather is nice. I've also been re-doing the interior when the weather is bad. Well, it's been raining here for about a week (when I had time for bus work) so the roof heaters are on and I'm working on the front lower floor and the ducts. Two new return ducts, roughly 1/2 all scrubbed and I find two layers of white styrofoam with remanents of red paint running along each side of the aisle on what the book lists as the entire front bogie. OK, clearly a very important item. But I am aware of what happens after 40+ years when styrofoam sits on metal, so I pull it out and find a little bit of rust. As I'm finishing the "rust-rid" and resurface, It dawned on me that this was the top of the two front air beams.
The small channel that closes the bogie along the wheel line (to the outside) was in bad shape, but as I was feeling around, it was rounded to the exterior where it goes down behind the tire. I have NEVER been so glad that I didn't use a drill, and that I caught it when I did.

Ok...on to the picture...be back soon.

Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: daddysgirl on January 06, 2017, 11:22:19 AM
I do believe the Warrior was correct, as usual :)
I don't know why I thought these were tanks. But in my defense, the darn parts book should show the frame, and/or the fuel tanks themselves.
Title: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: Scott & Heather on January 06, 2017, 01:08:28 PM
Yep. Lol them are the stairs. Don't even think of being embarrassed. Converting a bus isn't for the faint of heart. I've done two and I'm 34 and I'll never do it again. In fact there's a good number on this forum who haven't done their own conversion from the ground up so you are part of an elite group. And if you complete the conversion and actually go out and use it, you're part of an even smaller group lol. So consider this bus college and by the time you're done, you'll have your bus doctorate :) keep up the good work. Someday we will meet you :)


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Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: daddysgirl on January 06, 2017, 02:50:50 PM
Thanks Scott!

My problem is that when we did this bus the first time (and the other two previous) I didn't address this stuff. My job was building the interior systems and maintaining the engine.
I really appreciate the kind words. When I went back and looked...I was kicking myself, but you're right. And I absolutely WILL finish this remodel, even if it takes another year, and five more obvious questions.

I would love to meet you and Heather...something to help me work through the PITA's...hitting the road to meet some fellow busnuts, even without a Bluegrass festival :)
Title: Re: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: Seangie on January 06, 2017, 02:55:06 PM
Quote from: daddysgirl on January 06, 2017, 11:22:19 AM
I do believe the Warrior was correct, as usual :)
I don't know why I thought these were tanks. But in my defense, the darn parts book should show the frame, and/or the fuel tanks themselves.
I was hoping for a custom holding tank so the driver could relieve himself without having to slow down.....
Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: daddysgirl on January 06, 2017, 04:07:13 PM
Ya know, that's not a bad idea.
I could add a tank and attach it to the windshield washer tank. Now, if only I was man...that's not a bad idea. :)
Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: tuccitown on January 06, 2017, 04:13:36 PM
There is always an option.

https://go-girl.com/what-is-gogirl/
Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: daddysgirl on January 06, 2017, 04:28:13 PM
OMG...I love that!
If there's one that can be used while sitting, I'll be a happy "girl" lol!
But can you imagine the looks I would get from passing truckers (who look at me three times as it is...female driving a bus) if I were standing there, driving happily down the road...standing up and peeing? I'd bet a cop would never even stop me :)The mere thought gives me a much-needed smile...Thanks!
Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: bigred on January 07, 2017, 08:25:25 AM
One thing I can tell you ,when you are planning a repair on a 20+ year old bus ,you may as well plan on doing at least four or more repairs in order to fix the repair you are planning.Have a situation with the factory installed  water heaters .Tore into the water compartment checked the heating elements and they were bad .No problem !! Loosen 4 bolts r/r the elements,Right?? H--- No !!! The PO had started this repair and had all ready stripped the threads from the bottom heater .Started to remove the upper element all the while fuming about the stupid but head that had stripped the threads on the lower element ,I started to loosen the bolts on the upper element .When I backed the bolts out ,it stripped the threads out of three of the holes .Seems the steel bolts have set up a reaction over the years with the alum heaters.I guess in 1994 ,anti seize compound had never been heard lol !! Anyway looks like I have three options .drill and retap ,Helicoil ,or new heaters .Can you helicoil anything as 1/4 in in cast alum?? Don't mind the price of new heaters so much ,but the r/r is going to be a royal pita!!
Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: buswarrior on January 07, 2017, 01:55:54 PM
It is really easy to get all turned around when you are under/inside/upside down a fresh vehicle, tearing into it.

Top marks for a clear written description of the objects in question, you led me right there!

Beware the curse of already knowing a lot: unwittingly, inside out head, the deciding mind, which thinks it is smart, jumps to a plausible conclusion, and then, because it is so smart, mentally skips points in the analysis or diagnostic sequence that might save oneself along the way... the part of our head that enjoys curiosity and new discoveries is so excited at all this, starts cheering wildly, so that the noise that the skeptical part of the head is shouting goes unheeded.

The only way to stop embarrassing ourselves, is to stop doing new things?

Some call that "hanging around, doing nothing, waiting for..."

happy coaching!
buswarrior

Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: DoubleEagle on January 08, 2017, 11:55:32 AM
Quote from: buswarrior on January 07, 2017, 01:55:54 PM

Beware the curse of already knowing a lot: unwittingly, inside out head, the deciding mind, which thinks it is smart, jumps to a plausible conclusion, and then, because it is so smart, mentally skips points in the analysis or diagnostic sequence that might save oneself along the way... the part of our head that enjoys curiosity and new discoveries is so excited at all this, starts cheering wildly, so that the noise that the skeptical part of the head is shouting goes unheeded.


That is a great assessment, I think it needs to be on a plaque hanging in everyone's shop! (Right next to the one that says " If a man says he will fix it, he will, there is no need to remind him every six months!").
Title: Re: Most obvious question ever asked?
Post by: daddysgirl on January 18, 2017, 09:12:27 AM
Quote from: buswarrior on January 07, 2017, 01:55:54 PM
It is really easy to get all turned around when you are under/inside/upside down a fresh vehicle, tearing into it.

Top marks for a clear written description of the objects in question, you led me right there!

Beware the curse of already knowing a lot: unwittingly, inside out head, the deciding mind, which thinks it is smart, jumps to a plausible conclusion, and then, because it is so smart, mentally skips points in the analysis or diagnostic sequence that might save oneself along the way... the part of our head that enjoys curiosity and new discoveries is so excited at all this, starts cheering wildly, so that the noise that the skeptical part of the head is shouting goes unheeded.

The only way to stop embarrassing ourselves, is to stop doing new things?

Some call that "hanging around, doing nothing, waiting for..."

happy coaching!
buswarrior



AMEN.
It gets worse when you're so convinced you're right you tune out all other points/opinions. I am very lucky to have been raised by a smart man, but he knew he didn't know it all...he just acted like he did :) There are a few things I am confident I know but even with those things, you all have given me new ways of thinking that led to different ideas. Honestly, that is priceless, and I am incredibly grateful.