Problems in west Texas MCI 5a

[Jaime]

I am on the road having an issue throwing fan belts. I have a 1967 MCI 5a with an 8v71 with a spring loaded pulley which is making a gravely noise. I do not think it is the bearings as the seem good and everything seems to rotate quietly with belt off. I will see if I can post a photo of the pulley it does not seem to be separating evenly while the belt is spinning which I believe it should. I am not familiar with this type of pulley system so any advice would be appreciated. I am currently at a rest area west of FT Stockton Texas.

[luvrbus]

Does your MCI still have the air belt tension intact if so make sure the handle is in the right postion my 8 would throw the belt when that happen.
There are several large tractor and supply places in Ft Stockton if you need parts the Napa store is a outlet for bearing.
I know the rest area I stop there take a nap and use their free WIFI


good luck

[Jaime]

not sure if it ever had a air tensioner or not but, I have attached the instruction from the fan bay. Which I have done several times today I might add. At least it was not too hot and I should count my blessings.

[luvrbus]

Jamie, redo your heading to include MCI 5 and the guys that own the 5 will be all over it like white on rice.


good luck

[Jaime]

Thank you I will luvrbus.

[luvrbus]

Jamie, have you checked the bolts in pulley coming off the engine it may be loose.


good luck

[Just Dallas]

Removed

[James77MCI8]

He has the early style tensioner( No air cylinder) Try spraying penetrating oil into the spring/pulley mechanism. it could be frozen and not allowing the pulley to open evenly.

[Ed Hackenbruch]

I haven't ever had problems with mine, but i was told that the spring is what usually breaks on these.  From what i have heard they are near impossible to find, so most people go to a solid pulley as a replacement. Good luck with this and let us know what happens.

[Jaime]

Thank you again luvrbus I have checked the bolts on the crank pulley and they look fine and are tight. Thanks Now Just Dallas I just checked all allen screws in front and on the back and they are tight as well. Thanks James77MCI8 I will try the penetrating fluid as a side note I just left the Corpus Christi area I was parked by the Gulf. While I was there my AC fan quit working and the fix was to apply some penetrating oil. Gotta luv that salt air.I am attaching a photo of the pulley assembly from the parts manual, hope that alright.

[Jaime]

I have heard the same thing Ed Hackenbruch I have examined the spring and can not find a break. I have lubricated the pulley assembly James77MCI8 but it appears to be lifting uneven which is producing a lager space at the top and a smaller at the bottum. If some one has one of these is it supposed to be even all around? I will try to see if I can capture that via photo.

[Dreamscape]

I wish you were closer to Abilene, I would try to help you out. Even though I'm not much of an MCI guy, two heads are better than one.

Good Luck and hope you are able to get back on the road.

Paul

[Ed Hackenbruch]

About the only other thing i can suggest is that it might be the bushing coming apart,  no. 4 in the picture.  Try taking the belt off and grab the pulley and see if it has any front to back play while you turn it.  Could be the reason you are hearing a gravelly noise. Or it could be the insert drive segments falling apart.  no. 3 in the pics.  You will probably have to take it apart to see.

[Jaime]

Ed Hackenbruch thanks for the reply the penetrating oil that Thanks James77MCI8 suggested seem to have done it. I have been on the road for about 80 miles to the next rest stop on it is running OK I still heard the gravely sound but it is not as bad I am not sure it is the only issue When I get home I will disassemble and see if I can determain the issue.

[Jaime]

Oh and Dreamscape I am from San Antonio, TX originally and I must say I do know how far it is to Abilene, thanks for the offer hopfully we are good now.