start up

[bobwoo]

Need thoughts on starting my bus. I bought a 1993 MCI C3 2 years ago with plans to start a conversion. Well, plans changed and  have been on the road since . I had to leave quick and didn't do anything to it before leaving. What should I do before starting. Detail L-10 Cummins w/ Allison tranny. Middle Iowa parked in the open. Thanks Bob

[TomC]

Charge batteries, check fluid levels, and start it. After you get it running, then change the fuel filters, and perhaps change the oil, or at least get the oil analyzed to see what shape it is in. Good Luck, TomC

[Oonrahnjay]

Charge batteries, check fluid levels, and start it. After you get it running, then change the fuel filters, and perhaps change the oil, or at least get the oil analyzed to see what shape it is in. Good Luck, TomC

        Good advice, but I'd add check the fuel filters at they come out.  If there is a black sludge or froth, you may have algae.  There is an odd form of algae (black not green) that lives on the margin between diesel fuel and water.  It actually lives in the water, but eats the oil from the fuel.  If you see any sign of that, there is diesel fuel treatment that will kill the algae but if you have it it your fuel tank, you really want to get it out quickly because it will really gum up the works if you don't.

[solardude]

I would be very surprised if the batteries are not toast, I have the exact same bus, even  the Cummins. Between the Engine ECU and Trans ECU and the all the small vampire current losses, my batteries will draw down nearly flat in 3 weeks if I don't keep a charger on them. I killed the set that came in the bus almost out of the gate thinking the battery switch completely disconnected the batteries. WRONG.

So pick up two new batteries on your way if the bus is not on a charger.

SolarDude.

[Scott & Heather]

I have a C3 too and I don't kill my batteries of the coach is sitting....are DDEC coaches like this? I'm wondering if it's a Cummins thing. I have the ATEC 748 Trans....


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[bobwoo]

I put in two new 8D batteries after buying the bus and I pulled them out as I ran out the door so I have good batteries. I have checked the fluids and found no water in oil. Took out some diesel and it looked good. When I parked the bus it would start on first crank so I guess I will fire it up and see what shoots out or goes clunk LOL.