Opening sedan door on 1986 MC9

[Aharkins]

I am in the process of converting a 1986 MC9. I am having some problems reliably opening the door using the lockable exterior plunger button located on front of the bus, which is supposed to actuate the inside handle beyond the locking position and allow the sedan door to be opened.

The plunger will actuate the handle, but 99% of the time it will spring right back into to the lock position, especially after periods of frequent use. If the door has not been opened in a while, it is more likely to "stick" in a partially open position and I can usually get in after a dozen tries. I can always open the door with two people, with one putting tension on the door while the plunger is depressed. I can also open the door by using a strap wrapped around the bus with a hook on the edge of the door to keep a little tension on the door while I push the button. It doesn't take much tension to hold the door open when the button is pushed.

Has anyone else encountered this issue?

I took a look at the mechanical components last night night, and the same issue is present when I manually pull on the lever that is ordinarily pushed in with the plunger. I tried adjusting the thin, flat head bolt on the end of the lever that pushes on the door actuator to increase the travel and see if that would help, but I think any further adjustment would prevent the switch which senses when the door is closed from being activated. Perhaps the springs and/or the actuator bar needs adjustment? Or maybe some new seals around the door to provide a small amount of outward pressure?

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

[buswarrior]

A very slight adjustment to the big turnbuckle under the door mechanism cover.

By slight, I mean 1/12 of a turn or less to start... keep track of exactly where it is now, and make very small adjustments until you like what it does.

You may have to go back where you started and try the other way.

If you lose where you started, they are the devil to get back in balance the first time you mess with one...

The "over-centre" of the mechanism is just a shade off where it should be.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[Aharkins]

Thank you so much! That worked. It only took a very slight adjustment. You can see the black marker line on the left side of the turnbuckle in the photo showing the total adjustment.