few questions about my bus

[captain ron]

I was piddling around today and found a few things I don't know what they are. I have never looked at too much mechanical things on this bus as I have never had to yet. So far it's been great.
1. two valves on pass. side in engine compartment side door forward of door. they are 1/4 turn levers
2. How do I check tranny fluid? running or not running? 740A atec allison don't remember if that was done at Bryces or not. maybe Ross or Bryce will remember
3. Where are all air drain valves and do I need to get under bus to access them? If so can I put extensions on them and run them out to the side where they can be accessed easily and safely?
4. My DDEC has a tag on it R in a circle. Is this of any significance? remanufactured maybe? also a bar code and some other writing #s and letters. I would like to know which DDEC I have for sure 1 or 2
5. I have a fram air filter tester I believe. It looks like a water trap and has a yellow ring in it that raises with moister. it has a reset on the bottom. markings on the glass globe. how does this work and what does it do? I reset it, yellow ring was at first mark from bottom.
6. What else should I check in engine compartment such as fluid levels?

[Sojourner]

1.   Two valves on pass. side in engine compartment side door forward of door. they are 1/4 turn levers.
.......They are "Three way valve" to either shut regulated air supply to tag off & exhaust it's air bag or "on" in normal position. Right valve for right side & left valve for left side. Whenever you need to jack up trailing wheel (tag)....release air from bellows by turning release valve to "off" position.

2. How do I check tranny fluid? running or not running? 740A atec allison don't remember if that was done at Bryces or not. maybe Ross or Bryce will remember.
.........Allison Trans Manual: (read page 27 or 32 pdf) It explain cold & hot check while engine is running & Only when it running for proper level. Use only DEXTRON III® or newer TranSynd™ or C4 fluid as in page 30 or 35 pdf. DEXTRON III® is fine to use on yours.
http://www.allisontransmission.com/servlet/DownloadFile?Dir=publications/pubs&FileToGet=OM1334EN.pdf
.........Service Tip:
http://www.allisontransmission.com/servlet/DownloadOnDemand?ApplicationID=155&DownloadID=5

3.   Where are all air drain valves and do I need to get under bus to access them? If so can I put extensions on them and run them out to the side where they can be accessed easily and safely?
..........A photo of similar air tank's drain valve.....
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/itemDetailsRender.shtml?ItemId=1611705848
Usually locate at bottom side of tanks.
It should be connected to a cable & pull to let water or vapor out...it spring loaded to shut off.
If tank's temperature is below freezing temp.....it need to be warm up (warm shop) to let water out under full air pressure.
Caution...always drain-check while warmed before cold freeze weather days....otherwise foot-brake valve can hang-up-stick-froze to No-Braking!!!!  Have been there....thanks goodness I was barely move to find out NO-Brake!!!!!!!!!! In cold Michigan.

4.   My DDEC has a tag on it R in a circle. Is this of any significance? remanufactured maybe? also a bar code and some other writing #s and letters. I would like to know which DDEC I have for sure 1 or 2
........Someone else can help here....am not knowledgeable on this subject for now.

5. I have a fram air filter tester I believe. It looks like a water trap and has a yellow ring in it that raises with moister. it has a reset on the bottom. markings on the glass globe. how does this work and what does it do? I reset it, yellow ring was at first mark from bottom.
........Air restrictor meter for air filter element.......a must have to save on fuel waste & guest work.
http://www.filterminder.com/

http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?Prod=85-2444

http://www.ssdieselsupply.com/product_96_Air_Filter_Service_Indicator.html


6. What else should I check in engine compartment such as fluid levels?
.............Check engine's cooling blower drive gear box....A sight gauge is provided to check the level of lubricant. Locate at near blower's pulley in 8 o'clock position....could be cover with dirt over glass...clean....it should be half way after an hour of running or at bottom when cold.....fill with engine oil. Otherwise if it not working properly....you should get a shop manual to blow out by-pass hose & vent to read correctly.
...........Power steering fluid reservoir near right rear side of engine's blower intake elbow (top of engine). Has sight glass also....it should be low at cold or middle but over fill when warm-up. Use straight non-detergent (non-foaming) 10 SAE as per manual or can use 30 SAE if it leaking some. However if too low level to suck air in reservoir to cause foaming than keep adding but no over fill till foam is gone after hours of running time.

P.S. By all mean get a shop manual for your peace of mind in case you or anyone other serviceman need to know what you have to maintain at lowest cost in your life time.

Sojourn for Christ, Jerry

[bobofthenorth]

Couple of things that I believe are important to monitor regularly Ron:
- check the nitrate levels in your coolant - you can get little test strips from a DD dealer
- sample your oil regularly, not just at oil change times

Our busses sit more than they run - if you leak coolant into the crankcase that will eat out bearings faster than you can imagine.  Regular oil sampling is cheap insurance against that failure.

[captain ron]

Thanks Jerry, Great info. Also does my bus have a drop box? and what does a drop box do?

[Sojourner]

Caption Ron
I thought you have MCI 8 or 9? They don't have drop box.
But MCI 5's & most Eagle do.....it a transfer box to pass power connection over rear drive axle than down in front of pinion shaft.
All others are drive line straight to rear axle's pinion shaft.
So what you have?
Thanks for nice comment.

Bobofthenorth:
Good point about checking coolant condition. "Check the nitrate levels in your coolant".
Thanks.

Sojourn for Christ, Jerry

[captain ron]

I didn't think I had one but wasn't sure, thanks guys