Please help me find this switch

[Sean]

Another plea for help.

I need one of these switches:





As you can see, it was made by the "Underwriters Safety Device Company" of Chicago, IL.  They apparently no longer exist.  I am hoping that either the company or some of the products were bought out by someone and I can still get one of these, but so far I am coming up empty.

Does anybody recognize this as being a currently available product?  Or does anyone have one?

For the curious, my electrical system crapped out entirely last night.  I've been thinking the batteries have been going bad, but apparently it was this switch.  The switch was too hot to touch when I opened up the battery compartment.  When I tried to turn it off, in order to remove it, the lever was stuck; once I got it to move, the switch stayed "on."  It would appear the contacts went bad.  When I get a chance, I will drill out the rivets to see how it failed.  In the meantime, I needed to reinstall it to use it as a plain terminal post, in order to get back up and running.

The switch is mounted into a custom enclosure, so I'd really like to get a direct replacement.  It will be a lot of work to retrofit a different type of switch.

Any help is appreciated.

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

[luvrbus]

MCI sells that switch

good luck

[Lin]

The face of it does look just like the main cutoff on my 5a.

[wildbob24]

Sean,

Looks like the battery disconnect on my Buffalo. Mohawk has 37 of them:

https://www.mohawkmfg.com/shop/part/12242/

Just checked MCI....part # is 7R-8-153. They show it in stock, priced at $215.39.

Bob

[Sean]

Wow, that was quick.  Thanks, guys!

I'll call Mohawk tomorrow.  If it's exactly the same switch, I'd rather save the $70.

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

[Tom Y]

Del City sells one also. Not sure if it is the same but close.  Tom

[Lin]

Sean,

Direct Machinery Outlet (410 799-9530) sells bus parts.  I think mostly for the transit industry.  I do not know if they have this switch or what the cost would be, but they have been very helpful and reasonable on a couple of things I've gotten from them.  They might be worth a comparison call.

[Taibob]

Sean
I have two of these in my hand.
one is from a mci 9 and a newer one from a 102C3 [cirrca 1989]
The cost is Free plus freight,if you can afford it.
Email me your location, as I can send them Monday AM.
I am located in BC Canada
Bob Hutton    250-498-3269
info in profile
HTH 

[Sean]

Thanks, Bob.  Message sent.

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

[DebDav]

Bus Nuts RULE!!!!!

[topfrog007]

Hey guys,

Sorry to bump an old thread, but we just bought an 86 MCI 102A3 and found out the batteries were draining. After doing some troubleshooting and experimenting I've narrowed down the problem to this exact same switch.

So I'm in the same boat as Sean, I also need one of these switches.

I messaged Bob in the hopes that he still has one, but if anyone else has a used one I could get my hands on I would be grateful.

Thanks,
- Preston

[Sean]

I'm still here at Choo-Choo Express Garage waiting on wheel bearings.  They have a couple of used ones kicking around the shop here.  I'll ask them if they'd care to sell you one.

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

[Taibob]

Preston,
Sent you a PM
Bob

[TomC]

Sean-and I thought L.A. Freightliner was slow!  Good Luck, TomC

[Busted Knuckle]

Sean-and I thought L.A. Freightliner was slow!  Good Luck, TomC

Tom that was a low blow to Joel, Mr. Bowen & the Choo Choo Garage when they can't control when the parts from overseas will arrive! (even if it were from a Freightliner salesman! )
  BK