MCI Service Centers?

PNWorBUST72 · February 22, 2018, 08:34:51 AM

Are these service centers for private busses? Will they service an old 1978 MC8 or are they just for the new ones?

Are they worth it? I am having trouble finding an experienced bus mechanic for mine here in Jacksonville Florida...

Anyone know a guy in NE Florida?

Branderson · February 22, 2018, 08:54:39 AM

There's a guy that knows a ton that lives in Old Town Fl. His first name is Dick. I don't know if he still works on them or not but let me call my dad to see if I can get his contact info.

If you are willing to drive a little, I have a good mechanic I use here in Phenix City Alabama. I've only used him once but I was very happy with him. If you want more info, message me and we can go from there.

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · February 22, 2018, 11:34:23 AM

MCI in Los Alamitos, CA worked on my MC-7 about 6 years ago and my MC-8 after that. They seem to be very good on those old buses, but you can tell that some of the older mechanics are now gone due to "downsizing" which does not help us out. But they were willing to work on my old MCIs with no problem. Unlike some Freightliner service centers that will not work on a bus over 20 years old, for "liability" and "parts availability" issues.

Branderson · February 22, 2018, 04:15:38 PM

I got a hold of my uncle and he went to this place and said they are solid. They are near you

http://yavorskys.com/

PNWorBUST72 · February 23, 2018, 06:54:06 AM

Thanks!

lvmci · February 23, 2018, 08:05:32 AM

Hi PNW, I also used MCI Los Alamitos, 4 years ago with my MCI5A, they still had parts I needed, but during the years I went there, I noticed more time to fix, as the more knowledable older mechanics retired, same with WWWilliams. lvmci...

Branderson · February 23, 2018, 08:42:44 AM

I can't imagine anyone from florida driving to California for a mechanic LOL

windtrader · February 23, 2018, 10:32:11 AM

With the older coaches, virtually all out of commercial service today, it's no surprise that as time goes on the qualified service is diminishing. Just like many parts are no longer in inventory, service is becoming harder and harder to get. Most shops are lucky to have any 2 stroke guys around anymore.

billngayle · February 23, 2018, 11:05:39 AM

I live near Phoenix, AZ (Mesa) and am in need of someone capable of replacing the differential on my MCI-8. I have found a place that can *probably* come up with matched parts but I have to find a place to remove and reinstall. Any suggestions? Its drivable but not too far, has a tooth missing on the ring gear.

Bill

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · February 23, 2018, 11:13:00 AM

Quote from: Branderson on February 23, 2018, 08:42:44 AM
I can't imagine anyone from florida driving to California for a mechanic LOL

This amazes me too. But I have been to some service facilities that service coaches from several states away. I saw buses at MCI with all different kinds of license places. A lot of folks travel to CA for different reasons and if you find a good facility that you can trust, sometimes it is worth making an appointment if you plan to come back to that city for other reasons.

luvrbus · February 23, 2018, 11:17:43 AM

Quote from: billngayle on February 23, 2018, 11:05:39 AM
I live near Phoenix, AZ (Mesa) and am in need of someone capable of replacing the differential on my MCI-8. I have found a place that can *probably* come up with matched parts but I have to find a place to remove and reinstall. Any suggestions? Its drivable but not too far, has a tooth missing on the ring gear.

Bill

Call 602-810-1845 is name is Kevin but he is on the west side of Phoenix, then try Divine Transportation on N Black Canyon 602-340-0055 they work on buses besides their own fleet real good people too

RJ · February 23, 2018, 05:56:44 PM

Quote from: PNWorBUST72 on February 22, 2018, 08:34:51 AM
Anyone know a guy in NE Florida?

PNW -

Not NE FL, but:

John Silver
Central FL Bus Repair
2101 E Main St
Lakeland, FL 33801
863-665-8155
866-236-8726

FWIW & HTH. . .

TheHollands! · February 25, 2018, 03:23:49 AM

PNW, the MCI service centres and their online parts people are available to us private owners. Iv'e had my MCI-9 in at the Orlando MCI service department before. Craig

belfert · February 25, 2018, 03:19:41 PM

Quote from: Branderson on February 23, 2018, 08:42:44 AM
I can't imagine anyone from florida driving to California for a mechanic LOL

Cross country is a little far, but I drove 80 miles to get a steering issue on my bus fixed. It was the only person who had seen the same issue on a Dina and knew how to fix it.

The local bus repair place I use regularly sees buses from South and North Dakota. The manager told me stories of a bus owner who wanted his driver to drive the bus 300 miles home and then 300 miles back when the part came in via ground to save on shipping costs. The manager explained to the owner that paying for overnight shipping and a hotel for the driver was cheaper than an extra 600 mile round trip and the bus out of service for several more days.