I am getting ready to do my moving trip with my bus, took it to a shop, and they charged me over 6 grand to do breaks and fix some leaks in the air system and engine oil and filter change.
I have a 1978 MC-8 bus.
But as I am looking around the engine compartment, I noticed two things. First looks to be some oil chamber, and the operators manual does not mention it, there is no oil in the sight glass, and can't tell what it is by sniffing the filler cap. What is this for and what kind of oil should I put in it?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/l84daxmtkrjy7i9/IMG_20180422_113853.jpg?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/l84daxmtkrjy7i9/IMG_20180422_113853.jpg?dl=0)
And I also noticed this filter had not been changed when they serviced the engine like everything else. I am guessing this is a coolant filter? It's up front of the engine behind the tag axle. I have no idea how I would get in there to replace it.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/lxvptnp3x49xsqy/IMG_20180422_115024.jpg?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/lxvptnp3x49xsqy/IMG_20180422_115024.jpg?dl=0)
Kevin Johnsen
That first pic is power steering. Not sure on the seccond.
Might need a number and brand on the filter, there in the photo. The first photo looks to be a typical power steering reservoir. I sugest the lube chart recomended fluid for that.
Good day
Floyd
I found it finally in the service manual. And the location and pictures look right and like you said it calls it the Power Steering Reservoir. But in the manual it says what I am supposed to use in it is: "Engine Oil SAE 10MS or DS Service"
Would it really just use 10W motor oil or is this some sort of hydraulic oil?
Yes, it is the power steering reservoir, and yes, 10W motor oil.
As for the second photo, that looks like the oil filter, but mounted on the right side. Where do the lines got to that are coming off it. Maybe post photos of where those lines go to on the engine.
it might be a remote transmission filter if you have a auto transmission
dave
Quote from: sledhead on April 22, 2018, 12:21:34 PM
it might be a remote transmission filter if you have a auto transmission
Is an Auto Transmission, and the lines appear to trace back to the bell housing close to the engine. So you are likely correct, transmission oil filter.
Going to be Driving from Michigan to Alaska. Probably should change that filter.
Thanks guys!
Three also is a filter inside the canister for the power steering.
on the M C I when I changed the oil and filter I would change out the transmission filter as well . just fill the filter with new transmission fluid before installing it , same as the engine filter with oil
Dave
Quote from: sledhead on April 22, 2018, 02:28:43 PM
on the M C I when I changed the oil and filter I would change out the transmission filter as well . just fill the filter with new transmission fluid before installing it , same as the engine filter with oil
Dave
Good tip! Thanks!
Found the filter online. Going to have to figure out how to get more room under the bus to get in there to change the filter. Will see if I can build up some blocking to drive the bus up on when the filter comes in.
Oh sure, duh. That's where my transmission filter is, too!
Quote from: ReturningToAlaska on April 22, 2018, 12:40:52 PM
Is an Auto Transmission, and the lines appear to trace back to the bell housing close to the engine. So you are likely correct, transmission oil filter.
Going to be Driving from Michigan to Alaska. Probably should change that filter.
Thanks guys!
Hi Kevin,
Where in Southwest Michigan are you? We call the St. Joseph area Home. Not there at the moment but could help you out a little depending on when you are embarking?
BTW: the black cylinder in the foreground of this photo is a filter screen for something and I can't recall what. I have to look at mine again on my coach. The white spin on in the background is indeed your trans fluid filter.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180423/98306210f0331ec422fe3eca0e922d84.jpg)
Also, your power steering reservoir is indeed low or empty because you should have the level half way up the site glass. Use 10w40 motor oil in there. Works fine. Don't think of these coaches like you do your car. They are very different beasts. Also, do not run multiweight oil in the engine. Run straight 40w only.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
First check to see what color fluid is in there. If it is red it may be Dexron ATF or II. If it is Brown then oil is fine. Don't just add something before checking so you don't want to mix. If you want to change then drain the system properly first and then fill with what you want or is correct. Just Sayin.
Dave5Cs
Quote from: Dave5Cs on April 22, 2018, 08:27:07 PM
First check to see what color fluid is in there. If it is red it may be Dexron ATF or II. If it is Brown then oil is fine. Don't just add something before check so you don't want to mix. If you want to change then drain the system properly first and then fill with what you want or is correct. Just Sayin.
Dave5Cs
Well.... Now I am more confused. I checked it, it does have a pinkish tint to it, but it is not at all as pink as ATF, nor is it as light as some 10w30 oil that I have. Took a picture of it with samples of both ATF and motor oil on a paper towel. If anything, I would say it looks like a mix of both oils. Some ATF and some motor oil. Here is a picture, the top one is what I dipped out of the fill line, the middle is the ATF and the very light stuff on the bottom is the motor oil.
Maybe it's just slightly dirty motor oil that only looks pinkish because it's older and slightly dirty?
(//)
Quote from: ReturningToAlaska on April 23, 2018, 07:21:32 AM
Well.... Now I am more confused. I checked it, it does have a pinkish tint to it, but it is not at all as pink as ATF, nor is it as light as some 10w30 oil that I have. Took a picture of it with samples of both ATF and motor oil on a paper towel. If anything, I would say it looks like a mix of both oils. Some ATF and some motor oil. Here is a picture, the top one is what I dipped out of the fill line, the middle is the ATF and the very light stuff on the bottom is the motor oil.
Maybe it's just slightly dirty motor oil that only looks pinkish because it's older and slightly dirty?
(//)
someone mixed it. put what goes there. any oil is better than not enough....
I use a knock-off brand of Dexron for my power steering and Allison transmission fluid. It is somewhat pink, very similar to your towel.
I think the manual calls for 10W in power steering, and I believe Dexron is essentially a high grade 10w oil.
I have mixed ( yes, really ) some straight 10W engine oil with it when I had no Dexron equivalent, and the old bus didn't know the difference.
If you are travelling through Manitoba on your way to Alaska, we have a great overnite spot here with 50Amp power, water and wifi, just west of Brandon, and you absolutely can't beat the price! PM me for more details.
Mark
Some earlier vehicle manuals put the ok to use trans fluid in some steer pumps. I think primarily because the weight was fine and it had some additional antifoam additives. Nowadays most 10 weights have this antifoam as its used in typical hydraulics. I would ask for power steering oil at your auto parts store. It is clear to amber color has the standard benefits of 10 weight and antifoam additives. Although I did grow up in a era with colors of fluids being a tip, it seems they went wildly stupid in my opinion. I.E. antifreeze. In some jd equipment new factory oils were color cordinated for weights and specfics, other than them spending literally millions on a predictable pattern, I think keeping the simple methods are best.
Good day
Floyd
Well, hopefully my system don't blow up on me. I put a quart GTX 10w40 into the chamber, and it is just over half way up the glass now.
👍 its all good! But
Its not gonna win any races on turning corners, just because you used the John Force racing oil.
Floyd
Quote from: brmax on April 23, 2018, 11:45:31 AM
👍 its all good! But
Its not gonna win any races on turning corners, just because you used the John Force racing oil.
Floyd
Na! I got nothing but low center of balance weight, nice new tires, and them 25mph off ramp signs can't tell me what to do! #TimeToDrift ;D
Yes you need to build some ramps to pull the bus on for servicing.
And the black "cylinder" Scott referred to is the "ping tank" for the air system. Most ping tanks have a drain tube running to the right rear service door with a ball valve on there for draining.
;D BK ;D