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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: jraynor on July 31, 2018, 04:26:02 AM

Title: 1986 102A3 - Unit Number Location
Post by: jraynor on July 31, 2018, 04:26:02 AM
Hello everyone,

As I'm sure everyone may wonder as they look at the maintenance manuals and see the effective unit numbers for which drawing applies to their bus, where can one find the unit number for their specific coach? Specifically mine is a 102A3

Thank you,
Title: Re: 1986 102A3 - Unit Number Location
Post by: Mike in GA on July 31, 2018, 05:42:54 AM
On my 1985 model 96a3 there is a riveted plate on left side of the entrance stairs that provides salient info.
Good luck!
Mike in GA
Title: Re: 1986 102A3 - Unit Number Location
Post by: Bill B /bus on July 31, 2018, 07:23:52 AM
Two number plates with data. One in the entrance and the second is in the engine compartment on the front bulkhead.

Bill
Title: Re: 1986 102A3 - Unit Number Location
Post by: jraynor on July 31, 2018, 08:05:33 AM
Quote from: Mike in GA on July 31, 2018, 05:42:54 AM
On my 1985 model 96a3 there is a riveted plate on left side of the entrance stairs that provides salient info.
Good luck!
Mike in GA

Mine only has the model number on this plate. That was my first go to

Quote from: Bill B /bus on July 31, 2018, 07:23:52 AM
Two number plates with data. One in the entrance and the second is in the engine compartment on the front bulkhead.

Bill

Would the bulk head be there the wall is on the inside of the bus? Just trying to orient the correct place to look

Thank you,
Jonathan
Title: Re: 1986 102A3 - Unit Number Location
Post by: RJ on August 02, 2018, 04:27:49 PM
Quote from: jraynor on July 31, 2018, 08:05:33 AM
Would the bulk head be there the wall is on the inside of the bus? Just trying to orient the correct place to look.

Jonathan -

On the bulkhead in the engine cooling blower compartment, underneath the surge tank.

FWIW & HTH. . .

;)
Title: Re: 1986 102A3 - Unit Number Location
Post by: jraynor on August 08, 2018, 10:39:37 AM
is unit number and serial number the same thing?
Title: Re: 1986 102A3 - Unit Number Location
Post by: RJ on August 08, 2018, 11:17:16 AM
Jonathan -

After re-reading your original post, yes, the unit number and serial number would be the same, since 17-digit VINs became required starting in 1981.  (MCI might consider the last four/five of the VIN as the unit number - ask them.)

FWIW & HTH. . .

;)
Title: Re: 1986 102A3 - Unit Number Location
Post by: jraynor on August 08, 2018, 11:24:16 AM
Quote from: RJ on August 08, 2018, 11:17:16 AM
Jonathan -

After re-reading your original post, yes, the unit number and serial number would be the same, since 17-digit VINs became required starting in 1981.  (MCI might consider the last four/five of the VIN as the unit number - ask them.)

FWIW & HTH. . .

;)

Thank you, Now i can just question what what applies to mine when i look at shematics
Title: Re: 1986 102A3 - Unit Number Location
Post by: Ed Hackenbruch on August 08, 2018, 12:08:21 PM
Gotta disagree with you RJ,  if you look at the MCI delivery list you will see that they have a fleet #, a serial #, and a unit # for most of the buses listed there. The numbers are not the same. :) 
Title: Re: 1986 102A3 - Unit Number Location
Post by: Ed Hackenbruch on August 08, 2018, 12:11:21 PM
At least this is the case for the older buses, don't know about the "newer ones".   I see that he was asking about a 1986 bus, so my comments probably don't apply!   ;D
Title: Re: 1986 102A3 - Unit Number Location
Post by: jraynor on August 08, 2018, 05:53:33 PM
Here is an update for everyone. While I was exploring around in my first cargo bay accessing the AC supply blower fans, I stumbled upon these numbers stamped into the front wall just left of the access door below the door spring "5682" which is the last 4 of my VIN. Pretty interesting find
Title: Re: 1986 102A3 - Unit Number Location
Post by: thomasinnv on August 09, 2018, 08:34:22 AM
Not sure of what year they stated this, but mci started using the end of the vin as the unit number. My mc8 had different vin and unit numbers, but my dl3 uses the last 5 of the vin as the unit number.