I have a really stupid newb question for you guys.

aussiesmg · September 10, 2011, 04:43:48 PM

Yesterday i became the proud owner of a 1966 MCI bus conversion, starts first time, every time, everything works, needs a paint job, awning and general maintenance.

Downside, the steering was heavy as hell and the wheel has about a quarter turn of slack/play.

I have no idea where the reservor is to check if there is any fluid in the system, and I have no idea what fluid it has.

I have viewed the ram from inside the small door under the driver's seat, it is in good shape, the hoses look bad but I need to add fluid to see if the leak is from this area.

Man I had a wrestling match for 220 miles with that steering yesterday.

RnMAdventures · September 10, 2011, 04:53:09 PM

Congrats on your new coach aussiesmg! Post some pics!

I don't know much about MCI's, but there are a lot of others on here that do. It does sound like it is low on fluid or if it is belt driven maybe the belt is off. That would cause what you are describing. I bet that 220 miles was a workout?

wal1809 · September 10, 2011, 05:16:07 PM

A start to fixing your problem is with a question. You asked and you will recieve. I don't think it was a stupid question at all. Now if you drove it for a few years being afraid to ask, then I would agree to stupid. No stupid questions here my friend and congrats on the new bus. Unfortunately I don't have an answer for you but there will be plenty coming your way soon.

robertglines1 · September 10, 2011, 05:26:33 PM

look in the engine compartment for a reservoir with a site glass my MCI 8 called for 10 wt oil many run auto trans fluid instead. I did always run the 10 wt. looks like a tall coffee can. Bob PS mine had a filter inside that had never been changed. also slack is adjustable.

Stormcloud · September 10, 2011, 05:50:14 PM

Yep, what Robert says.

Also, on the right hand side of the engine above the valve cover (looking forward from the rear) is the filler location, well it =s there on my MCI7.

We ended up replacing the steering box with a 'Luke' rebuild; there was no more adjustment left of the old box.
It was a bit of a job, but sure steers nice now.

Mark

aussiesmg · September 10, 2011, 05:52:12 PM

Would anybody have a picture of the unit in question?

I forgot to add earlier mine has the 8v71 engine

Van · September 10, 2011, 06:20:30 PM

Here's mine.

Center with site glass. Good luck

bevans6 · September 11, 2011, 04:45:10 AM

On the MCI's the reservoir is located at the back of the engine on the passenger side, just behind the valve cover. The fill tube is extended to the front along the top of the valve cover. There is a large bolt holding the cap on, if you undo that bolt the cap comes off, you can get inside to change the filter, and you can add fluid directly from quart bottles no problem.

Reservoir shown both before and after I installed the engine, it has a big red hose coming out the bottom

Brian

aussiesmg · September 11, 2011, 05:48:58 AM

That looks more like my version. I will seek that fill tube out today.

mugsytrpt · September 11, 2011, 07:52:54 AM

You may think you do not have a can that size with a site glass. Take some shop rags with you and wipe off the canisters. I had a hard time finding mine since I do not think the PO had cleaned that area for a very long time. Get yourself several quarts of oil. Congrats on your new bus.

James

Lin · September 11, 2011, 10:02:39 AM

My 5a has the same reservoir as shown in Brian's picture. However, the site glass and fill tube are on the front of the engine (back of the bus). It has a rubber stopper in it with a twist handle to tighten it. I thought that was typical.

Red Rider · September 11, 2011, 10:28:16 AM

Hey Van,

Are you passing yourself off as a MCI owner or finding a clever way to show off that Georges engine comp?

artvonne · September 11, 2011, 11:05:55 AM

Quote from: Lin on September 11, 2011, 10:02:39 AM
My 5a has the same reservoir as shown in Brian's picture. However, the site glass and fill tube are on the front of the engine (back of the bus). It has a rubber stopper in it with a twist handle to tighten it. I thought that was typical.

Thats what my 5B has as well. So, 10W or ATF??

Anyone have a good procedure on steering gear adjustment?? Sounds like jacking the axle up to get the wheels off the ground is the starting point?

aussiesmg · September 15, 2011, 06:36:07 PM

aussiesmg · September 15, 2011, 06:37:09 PM

Found the filler, started loading it with ATF and found a slight problem, blew one of the lines from the steering box to the ram apart, getting a new one made tonight,

Started cleaning her up, put in a new battery for the generator, ordered some new screws etc to fix a couple of little bits and pieces.

It has started

I have a really stupid newb question for you guys.

artvonne