8V71 MCI Engine Rail Cart?

WildRoutes · July 10, 2020, 11:45:51 AM

Hi everyone,

Hope you all are well! I am currently saving money while purchasing tools here and there to have on hand for repairing the bus. I was reading in my MCI manual (please correct if I am wrong) and I read that the MCI 9 has a rail system that the engine sits on. Did they make a rail cart to transfer the engine off the bus's rail mounts to move the engine and begin rebuild? Furthermore, has anyone seen one? Can they be fabricated? (possibly dumb question I apologize) I am just curious and fascinated by this and would like to find one to purchase or make. I look forward to your all's input.

Happy travels,
Tophor (toe-fur)
Captain of The Wildflower
1979 MCI 9 8V71/740HT

thomasinnv · July 10, 2020, 01:46:29 PM

The maint manual I had with the old mc8 had dimensions and instructions to build one right in the manual. If you don't have that in yours you could probably just call mci and they can email you something.

sledhead · July 10, 2020, 01:47:45 PM

when I pulled out the 6v91ta I reused a wood boat rolling table I had . it was 4 large casters 8" wheels on a wood frame of 2x6's then to a 2x12 spaced out same as the engine frame and I used my planer to make the 2x12 like a upside down v . then used ivory bar soap so the engine cradle slid on it . there was a little creaking but all worked great then rolled it to a chain fall and loaded it on a 5 ton to go to the re builders

so yes after you remove the rear bumper and other stuff and all the stuff needed to remove the engine it slid out with the help of a 2 ton come along .
myself and a helper was about 2.5 - 3 hrs start of removal to sitting on the stand

this was on a 102c3 coach

dave

luvrbus · July 10, 2020, 05:46:21 PM

A pallet jack for less than 300 bucks works wonders and cheaper than building the dolly in the manual

WildRoutes · July 11, 2020, 08:25:37 AM

Thank you all for the replies! I'm gonna try and call MCI to see if they have any lying around and if they want to get rid of one 🤣 and then do what you all have suggested when the time comes.

Jim Blackwood · July 11, 2020, 01:30:05 PM

Anyone want to buy a pallet jack?

Jim

buswarrior · July 11, 2020, 03:00:20 PM

I will dig out the one i have that Brian Evans made up for his engine swap and take its picture.

Raining here on my arrival...

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

luvrbus · July 11, 2020, 03:59:04 PM

Problem with the MCI roll out cradle the engine sets on the oil pan bolts and you have to remove it from the cradle to work on it pallet jacks are easier

chessie4905 · July 11, 2020, 06:05:21 PM

2 1/2 ton pallet jack at Harbor Freight 300 bucks.

https://www.harborfreight.com/25-ton-pallet-jack-61946.html

Dick Knutsen · July 11, 2020, 08:44:35 PM

Hello Topher, I have one of the 8V71 engine removal dollys constructed off of the MCI plan in the parts book. I'm now busless and cleaning out the shop, and I'd be glad to part with this dolly for the cost of the steel to make it ( $75.00 ) and shipping costs. I'm located in Southwest Washington State, close to Portland, OR. Your post does't say what your location is, so can't say what shipping might be... If you're interested, you can contact me by email at knutsend@pacifier.com

Best regards,
Dick Knutsen

chessie4905 · July 12, 2020, 04:41:48 AM

Shipping might be cheapest if sent by Greyhound. If the assembly will fit into a bay.

buswarrior · July 23, 2020, 10:40:00 AM

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

buswarrior · July 23, 2020, 10:42:11 AM

And again.

Sorry for the delay, catching up

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

Tom Y · July 25, 2020, 04:59:48 AM

The frame I made the motor slides on then can be lifted off of it, no wheels. Helps sliding out.