Sheppard PS and Allison V730

[Paso One]

My Stone Bennett shifter is all electric. 

I pulled out my manual that came with the Stone Bennett shifter.  The instructions included were with the optional hydraulic electric solenoid as opposed to the air/ over electric solenoid.

Closer examination of mine is the solenoids are part # BS30428 which are the coil-air solenoid.

The manual says "Neutral off module prohibits voluntary shut-down of coach when transmission is in gear".

next sentance says  "pressuriized gas accumalator provides shifting power to return to neutral in the event of an involuntary engine shut down "

[gmbusguy1]

I believe your fishy has a VS model transmission if so the shifter is a whole different animal than the V730 or h series

Brian, I am not 100 sure but believe that the MCI uses a different model Shepperd gear box than a Buffalo

the GM pitman arm zero point is different than a MCI

Chris

[bevans6]

Chris, you are no doubt right on that, but I suspect that the centering requirement remains.  I was astounded at the effect it had when I fixed mine. 

Brian

[gmbusguy1]

Brian Yes you are correct in that the important thing is the spec, I just did not want anybody to make adjustments with out reading the manual for their specific bus

thanks

Chris

[Paso One]

No Chris  My transmission is the V730   I took out the VH 9  that it originally had. ( see  pdf attachment)

I also have a VS transmission on the shop floor out of Fishbowl Brians  Seattle  Bus,  I can visually see the differance. :0

[johns4104]

Chris,
My 4104  caster was 1.5 deg. positive, I changed it to 3 Degrees by adding tapered shims. It helped alot on the highway.
I thought about adding more positive caster, but thought it would increase the steering effort too much in town.
It has the manual box.
I am running 11R22.5 radial tires.

I have maybe 2" slop at the wheel.

John

[gmbusguy1]

John, I would probably leave that 3 degrees alone with manual steering. the only handling issue usually associated with too much caster is after turning a corner the steering wheel will not return to center as well.

where did you shim the 4104 for the caster adjustment???



Chris

[gus]

Thanks for all the good info, keep it coming. When the weather gets more agreeable I'll start digging into this.

Yes, it has the original large steering wheel, didn't think about that. Every time I come to a slow sharp turn I reach around the wheel for a strong pull and it isn't there, will take a bit of time to get used to that but it is great.

OK, I know what goes on at Jack's but I still don't know where it is??

[johns4104]

Chris,
I thought that more caster would increase the effort at the wheel.
I added the shims below the axle where it bolts up at.

John

[RJ]

Gus -

OK, I know what goes on at Jack's but I still don't know where it is??

Jack's party (Bussin' 11), takes place in Arcadia, FL, over New Year's Weekend. (12/29 > 01/02)  Specifically at the Turner Agri-Center in Arcadia, 90 miles SW of Orlando, or 90 miles SE of Tampa.

Since it's the 10th anniversary, there will probably be well over 100 buses of all shapes, makes and sizes in attendance.

Well worth the trip and there's room for one more - come join us!

FWIW & HTH. . .

[gus]

RJ,

Thanks, Florida has never been on our itinerary. That is a long haul from Fresno! Do you really go from CA to FL during the winter??

I never did get a chance to stop by to see you during our annual trips from Tucson and SD up to WA, there was always something making me rush up the state.

One day!!

[johns4104]

Gus,
There is always the bus rally in Quartzite az.

John

[RJ]

Gus -

For Jack's rally, this year it's USAir, Enterprise RAC & Holiday Inn Express.

Well worth the $$, IMHO.

Will probably make the drive down to Quartzsite in January, too.

FWIW & HTH. . .