Radiator Question

[Slow Rider]

Greetings Oh Most Knowledgable Gurus,

Some soon in the next decade my MC8 will be headed home to finally live with me.   As much as the bus will miss the frolicking that goes on at BK's , I think it is time.  One thing I have read about on the board is the problematic cooling that the MC8's have. 

So the question is, will the radiators from a 102 C3 fit?  If I understand right most of them came with a turbo engine.  I figured the increased cooling designed into the system for the turbo would certainly keep my little 8V71 cool.

So if you would please..... School Me 

Frank

[tekebird]

Again,

alot of the propblems people have are due to tired engines, poorly maintained cooling systems and poor driving technique.

I have had absolutley no issues with cooling in my MC-8 and have operated it in some very high tepms with significant grades with no temp increase at all over normal op temp of 180-185

[justin25taylor]

I agree with Tekebird. I have driven several of them thru the desert it the summer. I even recall pulling a 24' enclosed trailer in June through Needles.
It was slow going, but I dont recall anything over 190deg. 
If everything is up to snuff they are fine. Also as Tekebird said drive correctly and you should be fine.
Most of the -8's have the little Dumbo ear looking air scoops on the side. I guess they help or there wouldn't be so many buses equipped with them.

In my opinion the 8V71's are some of the "easiest" to keep cool. If you crammed a 8V92 in there.............. well you know the rest.

As always good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Best,
Justin

[Slow Rider]

Doug, Justin,

Thanks for your replies.  I appreciate your knowledge and your faith in our buses as designed.

I am still curious about my original question, "Will the radiators from a 102 fit* the MC8?"  * without any serious modification

One expiring mind would like to know.....

Frank

[tekebird]

no they will not fit

[Hartley]

Almost anything will fit if you have a large enough sledge hammer and cutting torch and a boat load of ingenuity...

You probably just need to re-core your existing radiators. Also check for air bypassing the radiators and getting into the blower box area. Check the rubber air dam strips around the radiators.

Spend the $1,000 and the labor to fix what you have. I paid $750 for a pair of cores out of chicago last year, changed them myself and now I have to run my MC9 with the shutters on auto to keep the engine at 190 degrees even in 100 degree weather. If I leave the shutters open I can get up to 150 to 170 on a wide open run. That's too cold for a Detroit. ( 6V92TA MUI )

Dave....

[Slow Rider]

To the best of my knowledge, there is no over heating problem with my coach.  At this point in time I have no plans to "re-engineer" anything.  This is strictly a curiosity.  As I lean more about buses I get stray random thoughts about what if and could you. 

There are plenty of other things that will demand portions of my bus budget without going out looking for ways to spend money.  Besides I have a wife who already excels at that.  

Once again thanks to those that took the time to post.

Frank

[edroelle]

I had an MCI 8, 8V71 non turbo, big injectors, with new radiator cores from Diesel Radiator in Chicago, and sealed well.  Small pulley and the small production fans.   At 37,000 pounds in mountains at 100 degrees, I had an overheating problem.

I then, followed Craig Shepard"s website
http://www.gumpydog.com/bus/MC9_WIP/Mechanical/Radiators_And_Blowers/radiators_and_blowers.htm
and installed '102 radiators.  It was minimal modifications.  The new '102 radiators from Diesel Radiator were about $2000.  I also installed the bigger fans and opened-up the outlets like MCI did in later production 8V92Ts.

I should have put the 102 radiators in the first time I installed new radiators.

Ed Roelle
Flint, MI

[captain ron]

I have a MCI8 with an 8V92 DDEC I don't know what radiators I have but only recently have I had any overheating issues.
It was in S.D. in weather well above 100 degrees. I need to service my radiators though.

On a side note: I want to thank Frank for his parts donor bus. It's hard to come by some of these parts on 8's 

[Slow Rider]

Glad to be of service to you Ron.   Just remember that when I am stranded beside the road with my Framus Regulator missing.    I am starting to wonder if there will even be a shell there when I show up.  Probably just a small sign saying "This is where Frank's bus once sat."

I am glad to hear Dallas finally got your bus taken care of.   Now, enough loafing, get back to work so you can buy some new bus parts. 

Good Luck Ron,

Frank