'80 MCI 9

[peenhead]

We are new to the conversion world and looking to purchase a bus. Found an '80 MCI 9, came from NJT, roof raised 8", currently in Sarasota, FL. My brother went and did an initial inspection. Structurally the coach is in good shape, very little rust/rot. The bus has set for a year with 1/4 tank of fuel. When they started the engine, it ran for about 30-40 seconds and stopped. When they restarted it, it did the same thing.

Did all the trash/algae get sucked into the fuel system, clogging the filters or could it be something else? Is there a good service center in that area that could assist in getting this machine operating so I could get it home, we live in the Austin, TX? We would probably want to change the oil and filters at a minimum before making the trip home. What would that cost and approx cost of cleaning out the fuel system if that is the issue?

Thanks for any advice/info

Dennis

[grantgoold]

Dennis, sounds like you got the crud sucked into the system. I would purchase several filters (primary and secondary) and 5 gallon can of diesel with treatment added and start the process of cleaning the tank!

Good luck!

[eagle19952]

i would say that the filter is lost it's prime...does it have a primer pump ?

[peenhead]

What would be the process of cleaning the fuel system? Don't know about the primer pump, where is that typically located and how does it work?

Thanks for the replies!

[eagle19952]

ok....true story, i just completed a 400 mile run on 3 year old diesel.
and in 2008 I ran 600 on a full tank of 2 year old....both times because we stopped to take care of aged parents.
I know that almost everyone says that old diesel will cause problems but it is not often/always so....
In the arctic there were many many instances that equipment would be mothballed for more than one season in oil exploration...we never disposed of a single drop.
And I can assure you fuel filters last much longer than many people think.

A hand primer (like I have) is a simple plunger/barrel type that the knob unscrews to let the pump stroke facilitate. mine has a 1 1/2 inch stroke. works every time.

Additionally I carry an old (very old) Cummins fuel primer pump off an early/mid 60's Kenworth it is about a 3/4 inch barrel with a 3" stroke....an oldie but a goody, re-primed many a Detroit in my career with it.

were I you I would get and adapt a hand primer if i was going to be a Detroit owner...best thing you'll ever do.



you can get one here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/220885385970?item=220885385970&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466

additionally, it will help you to troubleshoot...if the engine will run off the handpump....which it should/will....you can eliminate the filter condition as the problem....leaving the engine driven transfer pump or the filter prime as the problem.

Additionally,if you were to put a tee in the suction side of the handpump, to prime from a 5 gallon can, you would also determine if the fuel piping downstream of your filters was sucking air, (for instance, a bad pickup tube in the tank) causing the/a loss of prime.

[dukegrad98]

What you really want is a Prevost shell with slides, a thousand miles closer to home. 

Cheers, John

[Beesme]

Fwiw I bought my 4106 with 2 yr old fuel it was full .well it drove great . I topped it off after a couple hundred miles. And continued home it was 800 miles . I told the old girl get us home and I would take care of her . We got home and she wouldn't start haha rotted fuel line the po used gas line and of course the diesel a teem . But she did get me home . After that well starter wires corroded had to replace them then rear end seized up at 50 mph caught fire ! Yee ha but one she's done and we love her but as far as old diesel idk mine stayed good . But maybe check fuel lines mine would start and die the runner was clogging everything see ya

[gumpy]

Probably not clogged filters. Would take more than 30 seconds to clog them unless you were sucking mud.

The pump probably lost prime, as was already mentioned.

Of course I'm assuming you did not fill the air system manually before starting it. If that's not a valid assumption, then it's probably the stop/run switch on the rear control panel.

[peenhead]

Craig, Thanks for the info, what do you mean by fill the air system manually? I do know that the only way to start this bus was from the engine compartment, something about a relay being out. The guy showing the bus had the front end raised up because the relief valve on the air drier was malfunctioning and he would crawl under the front of the bus and tap on the valve to get it to work.

[luvrbus]

O boy forget that one buy Johns Prevost not a good sign a guy with a hammer beating on a 100 dollar air dryer 1/4 tank of fuel it is probably out of fuel the tanks will not suck all the fuel only the useable part sounds like it lost the prime Did the guy with the hammer do the roof raise ? 

[eagle19952]

Of course I'm assuming you did not fill the air system manually before starting it.

i think he means did you get a bicycle pump and air the tanks up prior to firing off the DD .....

OR...did you use a small air compressor to pre-fill the tanks,,,,

[mike802]

were I you I would get and adapt a hand primer if i was going to be a Detroit owner...best thing you'll ever do.

Eagle19952:  I took your advice and ordered one up.  Only question is just where do I plumb this in once I get it, and can it be a permanent install?

[eagle19952]

suction/inlet side to the downstream fuel line from your tank and
output side to the secondary filter feed...
you'll need some hoses and fittings...
and yes, it is permanent.
others will say you need an electric pump, i disagree.

[mike802]

Thanks!

[eagle19952]

Thanks!

iirc #-6 Areoquip is what you want.
i would not use barbed fittings.
most NAPA stores can make the hose.