How do I winterize my MCI engine, tranny, and chassis?

Oregonconversion · December 14, 2008, 02:09:58 PM

I am in the beginning of converting my MCI 8 as some of you know. It is starting to get cold here and I want to make sure my bus makes it through the winter. Its just a bus with the seats out, nothing in it yet.

I know that my antifreeze is good and goes down to the right temps for here. But do I need to put stabilizer into the gas tank and run it through the engine?

Anything else?

JackConrad · December 14, 2008, 03:31:30 PM

First, I hope you have a FUEL tank and not a gas tank! Just kidding, but you really should get in the habit of referring to your fuel as fuel or diesel. Diesel does not need stabilizer like gasoline does. Best thing is fill the tank comepletely full (of diesel fuel LOL). This will prevent condensation from forming in the fuel tank. Jack

Oregonconversion · December 14, 2008, 03:39:31 PM

SO really it sounds like if I have antifrease that is good, and a full tank of FUEL

then I am set for 15 degree F nights.

JackConrad · December 14, 2008, 03:43:45 PM

Quote from: Oregonconversion on December 14, 2008, 03:39:31 PM
SO really it sounds like if I have antifrease that is good, and a full tank of FUEL then I am set for 15 degree F nights.

That should do it. I would air up the bus and drain the air system drains a few times to make sure all the moisture is out of the air system. Jack

Oregonconversion · December 14, 2008, 03:51:17 PM

How do I do that? Do you just mean let the air build up then shut of the bus? Is there another way to let the air out? Sorry I am such a newbie...

JackConrad · December 14, 2008, 04:13:54 PM

Quote from: Oregonconversion on December 14, 2008, 03:51:17 PM
How do I do that? Do you just mean let the air build up then shut of the bus? Is there another way to let the air out? Sorry I am such a newbie...

Hey, we were all newbies at one time, and the only way to learn is to ask questions. You can air the bus up by running it or by using a shop air compressor. Once aired up, open each drain valve (on all the tanks) until no moisture is coming out. Jack

niles500 · December 14, 2008, 04:19:34 PM

Never get under an aired bus or between the wheels and well, etc... - unless you have properly blocked the bus - FWIW

Oregonconversion · December 14, 2008, 04:33:31 PM

Quote from: niles500 on December 14, 2008, 04:19:34 PM
Never get under an aired bus or between the wheels and well, etc... - unless you have properly blocked the bus - FWIW

Good thing to know.

Oregonconversion · December 14, 2008, 04:34:14 PM

So how many air tanks are there? Are the valves easy to find? Do I need any special tools?

NJT 5573 · December 14, 2008, 05:00:48 PM

If you are getting the same storm we are getting in the Seattle area I think you should stay in where its warm and let your bus do its thing. Its already frozen as hard as it will get all week and if the antifreeze is already in the engine let it be. You will create more issues that you can't do anything about without pulling indoors than you can confront. Even if you need a little fuel, wait until it warms up.

Oregonconversion · December 14, 2008, 09:42:21 PM

I was thinking the same thing too. What do you mean if antifreeze is in the engine?

On a sort of separate issue, I have been reading that I should let the air out of the tanks at least once a week to get the water out.

Can someone explain where, how many, and how to open the air tanks on my MC8?

Thanks.

Dreamscape · December 14, 2008, 09:48:53 PM

Sounds like you need to get a manual, sit by the fire and do some reading. Not to be a SA but your manual will be of great help, the questions you are asking will be answered for you.

Don't get me wrong, ask questions, that's what this board is for. But having the manual will get you one step further to getting to know your chosen money well.

Happy Trails,

Paul

Oregonconversion · December 14, 2008, 09:58:53 PM

I have a manual, and I am going to read the whole thing, but it is huge. So far I have gone through the drivers manual.

Busted Knuckle · December 14, 2008, 10:22:10 PM

Well I can't agree with Paul (Dreamscape) enough! Not that I know anything of course! Your MC8 should have 4 air tanks! Of course it also will have a drain at the right rear access door mounted on the inner fenderwell for draining the "ping" tank which is not one of the 4! Next will be the rear or wet tank which is located just in front of the drive axle in the center! It is mounted horizonally 0into the backside of the rear luggage bay wall. Then the next 2 are side beside behind the steer axle and mount vertically. The next one is mounted up under the driver. As to how they drain really depends on whether or not the previous owner has changed them. On some there is a 1/4 turn petcock style valve, and some are the type that you pull a cord on to release them. It is easiest to have the cords on them, but they also have some draw backs such as ya gotta stay right there holding the cord, and also if not routed carefully they could get snagged by road debris, etc. Or back when I was trucking I have seen them catch a enough ice, & snow to weight them down enough to hang 'm open.

(opps sorry about not finishing this post last night I fell asleep at the mouse!)

BK

Dreamscape · December 14, 2008, 10:23:26 PM

That's great because it will be your best friend!

I know how daunting it can be. I remember when I bought our Eagle and stuffed the manuals in my suitcase, thinking that I would need some on the road help. I didn't have to use them but they sure do come in handy when you want to know how these beasts work.

Good Luck and keep reading!