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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: flynbanjo on December 05, 2019, 03:45:16 PM

Title: MCI9 battery disconnect switch failure
Post by: flynbanjo on December 05, 2019, 03:45:16 PM
I went out to start the bus today and I couldn't get the main battery disconnect to move to the on position.  Does anyone know the internal workings of this switch and if this is a known failure mode of this switch?
Title: Re: MCI9 battery disconnect switch failure
Post by: buswarrior on December 05, 2019, 04:11:47 PM
To get going, just put the cables together on whichever switch stud they will both reach.

Sliding internals may have come adrift and blocking the sweep?

Not often we get reports of failure?

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Title: Re: MCI9 battery disconnect switch failure
Post by: richard5933 on December 05, 2019, 04:35:13 PM
If it's similar to the lever switches used in GM buses, they can be opened up pretty easily for cleaning/inspection.
Title: Re: MCI9 battery disconnect switch failure
Post by: Dave5Cs on December 06, 2019, 01:35:23 PM
I remember Sean from Oddessy has to pull his out it was so worn and had to rebuild it some how. There is a thread here in the archives. :)
Title: Re: MCI9 battery disconnect switch failure
Post by: DoubleEagle on December 06, 2019, 06:12:06 PM
I've had a few that got very stiff, and needed long handle pliers to move them. If they are not exposed to much salt water and are used often, they usually last. It might be simpler to get new ones, they don't cost an awful lot.
Title: Re: MCI9 battery disconnect switch failure
Post by: luvrbus on December 06, 2019, 06:33:39 PM
Quote from: DoubleEagle on December 06, 2019, 06:12:06 PM
I've had a few that got very stiff, and needed long handle pliers to move them. If they are not exposed to much salt water and are used often, they usually last. It might be simpler to get new ones, they don't cost an awful lot.

That blade disconnect MCI uses is a high price sucker the one Eagle uses are 30 bucks for a good one
Title: Re: MCI9 battery disconnect switch failure
Post by: grantgoold on December 11, 2019, 05:14:58 PM
If I cannot clean my OEM battery disconnect where can I go to get another?  Are there updated options that work nicely in the same location.  Still running two 8-Ds.

What should I look for when I get into my current switch.  Was very hard to move prior to lube and can get the dash lights to activate and low air signal but hit the start button and nothing.

Just getting back to the bus after a 3 year absence!  ATV, Ambulance ride, Trauma surgery, ....... you know the story.

Thanks

Grant
Title: Re: MCI9 battery disconnect switch failure
Post by: richard5933 on December 11, 2019, 05:44:10 PM
Luke has them. I believe they will mount on the original mounting points. I got one from Luke a couple of years ago, and then rebuilt the original as a back up. Pretty straightforward to take apart and clean.

You can also get a heavy duty switch from Blue Sea rated for the current on starting (1750 amps). The Blue Sea switch will require some effort to mount since it won't be a direct replacement. https://www.bluesea.com/products/3000/HD-Series_Heavy_Duty_On-Off_Battery_Switch
Title: Re: MCI9 battery disconnect switch failure
Post by: Van on December 11, 2019, 08:35:04 PM
Maybe?
  https://completecoach.com/about-1/