Recent posts

#81

Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) / Re: Jakes, Automatic Downshift...

Last post by luvrbus - May 07, 2026, 04:30:53 AM

It not just MCI the Allision WT all down shift to 4th with Jakes from the factory the B500 is bus transmission only but are the same as all the 4000 series it  is a default setting that has to be changed to stop the 4th gear drop. If it was downing shifting it has to be getting a signal from the Jakes or the brake system.My Allision 4060 would down shift to 4th before I had it reprogramed, The World trans will not downshift without reading the RPM of the engine setting of 2100 rpm to prevent over speed of the engine. My ISX Cummins would use the turbo for braking till the 4060 read where it was in the safe zone to engage the Jakes. It's new school the Allison controls the engine and tells it what it wants. I think you have a Clarke Power in your area bite the bullet and take it there if you want Jakes, you are wasting time and money using a independent shop 

#82

Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) / Re: charging lithium-ion batte...

Last post by Glennman - May 06, 2026, 10:40:57 PM

My house has 8 lithium, 100 amp hour, 24v system charged exclusively by 4000 watts of solar. The start batteries are the typical 8D OEM set up. I have no connections between the two systems. I've recently installed a Renogy inverter to run the Pioneer mini split off the alternator while driving, then I switch it to the house when parked. So now, instead of having a half drained system from running the AC while driving, when we park (no hookups), the house is usually fully charged so there's plenty of juice left to run the AC for the night.

#83

Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) / Re: Jakes, Automatic Downshift...

Last post by Glennman - May 06, 2026, 10:13:23 PM

I absolutely despised that MCI forced downshift to 4th along with Jake or retarder application.
No way to make it all work without rough operation to the passengers and often, too much slowing for the situation.
The period correct Prevost did NOT behave like this,driver decided what to deploy and in what measure.
Imagine just dragging the jakes a little in 6th gear... lovely fine control.

Amongst your problems, I'd be getting that programming all cancelled out.

What makes you think anything is wrong with your pads after one stop? They all make noises out in the revenue service world?

I've gotten accustomed to the automatic downshifting. When flying down the Oregon coast, the braking on the curves with the auto downshift only seems completely natural. Since the bus has never had functioning Jakes nor a retarder, then it's not like the downshifting was added to those, since they never existed. So now, I have no Jakes, no retarder and now no downshifting.

On the new brake shoes, one trip over the mountains and now I'm getting noise like I've never had, chatter when braking, especially when braking on a downhill curve, you can feel it grabbing and letting go (chattering) when going around the curve. I pulled the drums (also new), and the shoes are literally as smooth as glass and cooked.

In speaking with people at Six Roblees, they have the KVT shoes especially for transit authorities that are apparently supposed to alleviate these kinds of problems. I'm going to be picking up a set, as we're heading down to southern Utah next month, so I want to have the brakes in tip top shape. Thanks.

#84

Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) / Re: Sure is slow on the board

Last post by Krash - May 06, 2026, 06:54:09 PM

Mine is still there in fact it has 2 links the one in larger print doesn't work for me but the 1st link does

There's a Forum link in the mobile dropmenu (burger upper right), you can see it on a phone or tab but not in desktop view.  I vaguely remember adding a link to the desktop main menu a few years back, but it's no longer there.  I believe I did find a desktop link more recently on BCM homepage, but it was well hidden and can't find it now.  There's also a problem with the footer links on homepage.  Gary will have to take this up with Jorge, who handles the magazine website.

#85

Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) / Re: Sure is slow on the board

Last post by luvrbus - May 06, 2026, 04:01:31 PM

I come here because I have been for decades and will continue. Great perspective from people here and funny and good nature banter thrown in for good measure. You also have to remember that there are tons of programs on YOUTUBE dedicated to buses. Great historical info as well as channels devoted to new or updated products. Not saying that Gary has to do that since it's his site and he does it his way so no problem and anyone can take it or leave it.

Some of the U tube channels will get you into trouble, I hate it when I ask people that come here and I ask who told you do it that way and they say I saw it done on U tube

#86

Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) / Re: Sure is slow on the board

Last post by CrabbyMilton - May 06, 2026, 01:10:05 PM

I come here because I have been for decades and will continue. Great perspective from people here and funny and good nature banter thrown in for good measure. You also have to remember that there are tons of programs on YOUTUBE dedicated to buses. Great historical info as well as channels devoted to new or updated products. Not saying that Gary has to do that since it's his site and he does it his way so no problem and anyone can take it or leave it.

#87

Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) / Re: Sure is slow on the board

Last post by luvrbus - May 06, 2026, 11:00:27 AM

FYI, anyone having difficulty accessing or logging in to this forum can use the 'Contact Us' link on BCM homepage to reach Gary.  IIRC there was a 'Forum' link in the main menu on homepage, but it's not there now and I can't find it anywhere.  Will look into this with Gary tonight.

Mine is still there in fact it has 2 links the one in larger print doesn't work for me but the 1st link does

#88

Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) / Re: Sure is slow on the board

Last post by Krash - May 06, 2026, 10:49:28 AM

FYI, anyone having difficulty accessing or logging in to this forum can use the 'Contact Us' link on BCM homepage to reach Gary.  IIRC there was a 'Forum' link in the main menu on homepage, but it's not there now and I can't find it anywhere.  Will look into this with Gary tonight.

#89

Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) / Re: Sure is slow on the board

Last post by luvrbus - May 06, 2026, 08:01:18 AM

Yep me too Dan. Tried to get into BNO for a few days and will not open. I even tried to get into and open an account on Facebook so I could get into marketplace to look at a used car the wife may want but was told I had an account (which I never have had any there) and it has been closed permanantly and will never be opened again? I have never used FB before and tried all of my three emails and same thing happened. Oh well guess I don't need it still, LOL

I just read on F/B Ian said he is changing servers the BNO will be back said BNO is just taking a break, the BNO F/B page is still up and running

#90

Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) / Re: Sure is slow on the board

Last post by luvrbus - May 06, 2026, 07:54:05 AM

The BNO board must be down.haven't been able to open it for a couple days now.
I readily check the BCM, BGM, & the BNO forums daily.
I have to admit, I see some forum members surfacing on other social media sites that don't frequent the three forums I mentioned above compared to earlier times.

BNO is down maybe Ian tossed in towel ? but you never know with him, he maybe just updating the BNO