Electrical Help

[Antman06]

Hello to all!

I purchased a 1983 MC9 from a wife whose husband passed away. He was halfway through with the project, so I have been trying to figure out all that he did and all that needs to be completed. Right now I am trying to tackle the headlights and taillights. All sockets have been cut off and I am currently in the process of trying to install new headlight and taillights. According to the manual the headlights are 12V? However, when I test all the wires they come up 24v, and when I connect the new socket wire to the taillight wire and ground the second wire coming from the socket to the frame I get nothing?

Thank you in advance for any help!

-Anthony

[Antman06]

Also, from reading other posts that you guys have made.. does anyone have Lukes number from US Coach, is he still in business??

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

The headlights in my 83 MC-9 were 24V.  Some people change them to 12V, but then you need to run bigger wire. I am surprised that the manual says 12V.  Someone else will have to explain that. That being said, it is good to carry an extra headlight bulb with you whilst on the road as not everyone has them.  Luke will have them.  Luke can be reached at (856) 794-3104.

As always in a bus, check your ground.  They tend to rust over and lose connectivity. 

Gary

[bevans6]

1983 might still have 24V headlights, but MCI was updating and changing to a 12V system around that time, so you could have either system.  The 12V system uses 12 volt bulbs in series, so the driver's side headlight is fed 24 volts, output goes to the passenger side headlight which takes the now-12 volts and connects to ground.  There is a center tap to 12 volts so that if one or the other headlight fails, the remaining one gets the voltage it needs.  You'll need a schematic to figure it out.  There are several relays involved, it's a fairly complicated little circuit what with high beams and low beams and such.  If you have the 12V lights there will be a 12 volt headlamp cut-out relay in the AC junction box, mounted on the ceiling of the front luggage bay, driver's side.

[luvrbus]

The headlights in my 83 MC-9 were 24V.  Some people change them to 12V, but then you need to run bigger wire. I am surprised that the manual says 12V.  Someone else will have to explain that. That being said, it is good to carry an extra headlight bulb with you whilst on the road as not everyone has them.  Luke will have them.  Luke can be reached at (856) 794-3104.

As always in a bus, check your ground.  They tend to rust over and lose connectivity. 

Gary

NJT MCI's 9's were 24volt headlamps lol they (NJT) even screwed the Eagle up with the 24v stuff

[Antman06]

Awesome thanks guys! I spoke with the mechanic and he said that we could use 24v LEDs to bypass the 12v setup? That way I do not have to worry about the relays working or not.

Also, the front right airbag has an in-frame pinhole leak.. What is everyone's thoughts on welding the leak versus just replacing all bags with the retrofit bags like on www.mci9.com? Does anyone know how long in labor it would take to replace all bags? The mechanic has not replaced them before and isn't sure how long it would take them.

Thanks again


-Anthony

[richard5933]

Is this mechanic the only option? Might be able to find another shop with someone that's done it before. In the end it might save quite a bit if you are going to have a shop do the work. Most cities have at least one shop which works on coaches for the local charter outfits.

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

You can chase pinhole leaks in the frame all day long. IMHO, I would replace the airbags with the new style that have a steel plate at the top so there is no need to induce air in the frame. There is a pipe tap in the side of the steel to hook into.  Then you don't have to be concerned with the frame leaking.  Might be best to do all 4 while you are at it. I think they run less than $100/each at an MCI dealer.  After you replace them all, then you are done.  It is not a big job. I did mine. If I can do it, anybody can. 

[chessie4905]

I thought Eagles were torsilastic all around.

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

You are right, Eagles do not have airbags, but I had two MCI buses before I learned how much nicer the Eagles rode and bought myself an Eagle.  Problem is...the Eagles ride so smooth, you need a co-pilot to keep you awake. Never had that problem in my MCI's. 

Some people put airbags under their Eagles just so they won't fall asleep whilst driving.   

[windtrader]

Gary - kind of OT but ... nice tip on the airbag options. Confirming more than rumor why Eagles were the choice of traveling acts.