Switch to Integral Power Steering

[Lin]

We got back from Utah a couple of days ago.  I want to thank Michael for his hospitality at the St George Resort, and Van for his genuine New York City hospitality, including bagels, in Boulder City.  We were able to make a short stop and meet Clifford too.  Who says there's nothing good about Needles?  Anyway, on the way back I found the answer to all my power and heat problems; all you have to do is drive down hill!

Two issues that driving down hill did not solve though were loose steering and a heavy accelerator pedal.  I will try a helper spring for that pedal and see if that works.  I will probably try some adjusting of the steering box, but am thinking that changing to integral will be best.  I called Nimco, and they are very reasonable on the parts, but the only catch is that they do not know what will work.  So does anyone know which box and pump I should be looking for?

Another think is that someone mentioned a while back that he had a template for the bracket to mount the steering box on a MC5a.  I can't find the reference in the archives and wonder who has that info.  Thanks

[Ncbob]

Lin,

I too have a heavy fuel pedal. There is a solid rod coming from the linkage in the spare tire well running through a tube to the rear and lines up with the governor. I initially thought of taking the roof down in the bays and drilling a tapping the tube for Zerk fittings and filling the tube with white grease.

But then, and I might do it this winter when I have more time, If I pulled the rod out through the rear I could replace it with a 43C Morse Marine cable and have a soft fuel pedal. Morse cables would last a lifetime in this application. And getting the proper ends is not a real problem...they're available in most every configuration possible and have connected to DD Governors for many years.

NCbob

[Lin]

NCbob,

I had not thought that it was hanging in the tube because it bounces back when I let my foot up.  I just thought it was hard to push whatever return springs there are.  It is possible though.  If so, a new cable is a good approach.

[TomC]

Instead of goofing around with the accelerator pedal linkage (that will continuously need to be greased and hard to push), change it out for an air throttle.  I have one on my bus and love it.  Granted you don't have any pedal operation until you have air pressure, but that is minor.  If it is so cold outside, I just start my engine from the rear (so I can retard the timing by slowly opening up the stop lever by hand).  The pedal pressure with air operated is light, and can run all day without a cruise control without your foot or ankle getting tired.  With a manual transmission, there is some delay, but like all things, you get used to it.  Good Luck, TomC

[luvrbus]

Lin, you can buy the Williams throttle part from Ron the Bus Nut for 125 bucks if he has any left then you can buy the actuator for the engine from equipment salvage or boat salvage yard and Luke has them also I picked up a actuator for free for a friend the modulator will cost you 95 bucks new from Allison,as TomC said the air throttle is the way to go.


good luck

[uncle ned]

I have integral power steering and a air throttle on "HUGGY" .  My 4104.  it is the best driving vehicle that i have.

That would be the first thing I did to a old bus.

uncle ned

[Lin]

Ned, which one or do you mean both?  Thanks

[uncle ned]

both


uncle ned

[Eagle Andy]

Lin I installed an Air throttle on our Eagle about two months ago and should have done it Three years ago . With a little nugging from the Godfather (Clifford)  It's sooooooooooooooo nice to drive now FWIW .


Roll On  Andy

[bevans6]

Just to be contrary, I find the stock mechanical throttle linkage on my 5C to be great.  It isn't stiff, it balances the weight of my size 13's almost perfectly (I have to keep backing off, it wants to run faster than I do), and I like the way I can (usually) synchronize shifts.  I'm just sayin'...

Brian

[Lin]

I am sure that with such testimonials, an air throttle is a great upgrade, but I will wait for that until I exhaust some other possibilities.  I think that the real problem for me is not the pressure required on the pedal as much as the extension of my foot required to hold the pedal down for a while.  I am going to experiment (now don't laugh to loudly) with blocks to change the angle of the foot so that the depressed pedal leaves the foot in a more neutral position.  This would relieve the stress on the calf muscles.

One thing I don't like about the air throttle is waiting for the bus to air up before it works.  Since I do not have high idol anymore, it I am airing up with the engine, I like to rev it to around 1000 rpm to speed up the process.  I am sure I can live without that though.

[Ed Hackenbruch]

Funny that you mention blocks Lin.  My pedal has a two step block mounted at the bottom of the pedal. I bought the bus on an ebay auction from a dealer and later contacted the PO with some questions. One of the first things that he said to me was have you removed the blocks. I said no, and he said don't. I haven't in 7 years and don't mind my throttle at all. I have thought about taking it off to see if i would like it better without it, but have never bothered, so i don't know how the stock pedal feels. I drove for about 8 hours yesterday and never even thought about it.