Bus is at mechanics for clutch repair or replacement

[Dlsnow]

Heading out west from GA as soon as the Bus is ready.
Here is the advice I remember from posts I have read.
Either pull the engine or use a transmission dolly to do the job.
I have the manual with the descriptions and diagrams.

The clutch failed shut and I have driven it by starting it in gear after it is aired up.
It is an MC7 with manual 4 speed spicer and 8v71

Any last minute advice I can pass along to the mechanic.

[luvrbus]

The 7's are a easy clutch change without removing the engine all he needs to do is get it high enough for clearance, any transmission jack will work he doesn't the MCI dolly. You are are going to spend some bucks just before Christmas those friggn clutches are getting expensive and it not releasing will add a throw out collar and bearing since it has went through the clutch fingers     

[Dlsnow]

 Where are people going for parts these days?
I am on my way to the mechanic right own. How can I identify which clutch I have. THere are two in the manual I think they are called lype and lye or something like that.

[DoubleEagle]

I have the same engine and transmission in my 1975 Eagle. Back in the nineties my throw-out bearing went bad, I got it back home and jacked it up in my gravel driveway on wood block cribbing. You have to have it up high enough for the transmission to clear when it is sitting on whatever transmission jack you have. I used a tripod and chain lift through the engine covers inside the coach to support the clutch and flywheel. It could have lowered the transmission as well, but putting it back on is better with a rolling trans jack. It would be prudent to have everything checked out in the area while you have it apart - flywheel, clutch, throw-out bearing, transmission seals, driveshaft, etc. If you don't have part numbers, a good parts place can match it up if you bring it in.

[luvrbus]

Where are people going for parts these days?
I am on my way to the mechanic right own. How can I identify which clutch I have. THere are two in the manual I think they are called lype and lye or something like that.

Luke at US coach will have the parts so will Jefferson in OKC OkI think there are 2 sizes just remove it is about the only way to tell fwiw the last MCI clutch cost me $1300.00 plus freight

good luck 

[ol713]

      Hi;
       I have one suggestion; - - - -  When the new throw out bearing is installed,  double check
       that the grease hose is attached correctly.  I lost one throw out bearing because the hose
       came off. (expensive bearing)   Then don't forget to grease it regularly.  Every 10k miles
       or when ever you grease the coach.   The zerk fitting is located just under the alternator
       on the bell housing and is often over looked. I am on my third throw out bearing and
       learned this from experience.
       As for the clutch,  check with a local truck repair place to refer you to a local clutch
       repair shop.  Should not be a problem.
                                             
                                                     Good luck,    Merle   
                                                                (MC-7)

[Dlsnow]

Thanks for the help everyone.  Just got off phone with Luke at US Coach.

One thing i noticed a few days before the failure.

When pulling out from a gas station it studderd when i closed the clutch from stopped.  It did this a couple times then wouldnt open anymore when I operated it.

[luvrbus]

Those clutches are made by Long for MCI, Luke was probably your best bet if he had one $$$$

[bevans6]

I have the complete deal from my MC-5C, in good shape I think.  Let me know if you think it can help.  I was planning to save it until my automatic is proven to work, but I could let it go.

Brian

[Dlsnow]

 Bus is parked over the pit. I am hoping that they get the transmission removed and clutch parts identified today. I will post with any questions or updates as progress is made.
You guys are awesome.

[Dlsnow]

I have attached a picture of the fingers of the clutch.
I am still waiting on the mechanics advice / parts list.
Please forgive me for being naieve but I am wondering if the fingers are the problem is it possible the Plate's, bearings and collar are fine?

[luvrbus]

No your throw bearing is shot and probably the collar to ,he may can save the disks but he will probably replace the complete assembly I would,the bearing froze is the reason the fingers are shot   

[brmax]

When we consider the task "really", then the clutch is the cheap part.
These are best disassembled by a factory pro, that has access to a special table.
Where they can evenly clamp down to spec and replace and or adjust sections at different stages as required. Honestly there is no mechanic that has these setup tables.


Good day there
Floyd

[chessie4905]

Make sure you don't ride the clutch when it is engaged by using it as a foot rest while driving. Also make sure there is always the proper amount of freeplay in the linkage. The freeplay usually goes away as disc/s normally wear. Otherwise release bearing is constantly turning, leading to premature failure. Of course, lack of periodic lubrication is major cause.

[Dlsnow]

The rebuilt clutch solenoid and alternator are installed. The clutch fingers needed to be adjusted so the transmission has to be pulled again but this job is close to done.

Thanks again to Like at US Coach for the finger adjustment diagnosis.