Quick ? -- Easiest way to top off coolant, D3
 

Quick ? -- Easiest way to top off coolant, D3

Started by Sebulba, January 03, 2022, 10:11:16 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

Sebulba

Hello all,

I am wanting to top off my coolant and in looking at the filler at the top of the bus, I'm thinking one of these battery powered pumps from Harbor Freight might be the ticket.

Am I on the right track, or do you have a better idea?

Thanks

Seb
Back to the U.S. after 8 years in Europe.  
Bought a 1997 MCI 102D3 with Allison B500 on November 17, 2021 in Syracuse, NY.  Commenced living it that day and  drove it to Florida and New Mexico.  Converting as we go.  https://basicsuds.com

buswarrior

Someone remove the coolant tank and pump from the right rear corner, inside the side engine access door?

Mci already made it easy?

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Frozen North, Greater Toronto Area
new project: 1995 MCI 102D3, Cat 3176b, Eaton Autoshift

Sebulba

Quote from: buswarrior on January 03, 2022, 10:28:09 AM
Someone remove the coolant tank and pump from the right rear corner, inside the side engine access door?

Hmmm, ok, I see this.  Now, and I found a switch.  Great, kinda.

Not sure the pump is pumping.  It makes noise, but so far see no raise in coolant level in sight glass.

Will explore further.

Seb

Mci already made it easy?

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Back to the U.S. after 8 years in Europe.  
Bought a 1997 MCI 102D3 with Allison B500 on November 17, 2021 in Syracuse, NY.  Commenced living it that day and  drove it to Florida and New Mexico.  Converting as we go.  https://basicsuds.com

Sebulba

Ok, so I pulled this little line off the top and tried the pump.  No joy.

Maybe that isn't for filling with that pump though.

There is coolant in that tank you mentioned in the right bay door though.

Seb
Back to the U.S. after 8 years in Europe.  
Bought a 1997 MCI 102D3 with Allison B500 on November 17, 2021 in Syracuse, NY.  Commenced living it that day and  drove it to Florida and New Mexico.  Converting as we go.  https://basicsuds.com

luvrbus

Is there coolant in the tank ? if the pump is bad they are fairly cheap from Tractor Supply
Life is short drink the good wine first

Sebulba

Quote from: luvrbus on January 03, 2022, 11:54:54 AM
Is there coolant in the tank ? if the pump is bad they are fairly cheap from Tractor Supply

It seems there is coolant in the bottom tank, I cracked it open and it ran out.

Tractor Supply huh, ok what would  it be called there.  I have a Tractor Supply just 10 minutes from me.

Thanks a million.

Seb
Back to the U.S. after 8 years in Europe.  
Bought a 1997 MCI 102D3 with Allison B500 on November 17, 2021 in Syracuse, NY.  Commenced living it that day and  drove it to Florida and New Mexico.  Converting as we go.  https://basicsuds.com

buswarrior

TSC will think it is an agricultural sprayer pump.

Siphon out the bottom tank, so what's in the line above can run back, take the pump out and take it with you, so you can build up whatever connections you need.

Voltage of pump... match it, or be prepared to source new power.

Are you sure the pump is bad? Confirm power, its a rough environment back there for wiring.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Frozen North, Greater Toronto Area
new project: 1995 MCI 102D3, Cat 3176b, Eaton Autoshift

Sebulba

Quote from: buswarrior on January 04, 2022, 09:36:07 AM
TSC will think it is an agricultural sprayer pump.

Siphon out the bottom tank, so what's in the line above can run back, take the pump out and take it with you, so you can build up whatever connections you need.

Voltage of pump... match it, or be prepared to source new power.

Are you sure the pump is bad? Confirm power, its a rough environment back there for wiring.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

Gotcha, Agricultural Sprayer Pump.

No I'm not sure it's bad.  When I hit the momentary toggle switch named "Manual Coolant Fill Pump"  I hear a pump running.  That's how I know where it is.

When I hit that switch I see no raise in level in the bubble.  Also I took of the hose pictured above and no coolant came out.  Although I'm not sure the hose I disconnected is in fact the hose that fills the tank.  There are several other hoses going in the tank.

Thanks for the help.

This is not a Top Priority item right now, just another task to work on.

Seb
Back to the U.S. after 8 years in Europe.  
Bought a 1997 MCI 102D3 with Allison B500 on November 17, 2021 in Syracuse, NY.  Commenced living it that day and  drove it to Florida and New Mexico.  Converting as we go.  https://basicsuds.com

luvrbus

My D had a filter that was plugged, remove the hose at the tank and prime the pump it may fix the problem ,you can buy a kit for those
Life is short drink the good wine first

thomasinnv

Mine also has a brass swing check in the line. They are notorious for sticking. With the pump running, give the check valve a few good raps with a hammer or wrench to see if it will let loose.
Some are called, some are sent, some just got up and went.

1998 MCI 102-DL3
Series 60 12.7/Alison B500
95% converted (they're never really done, are they?)

Glennman

This thread is very helpful for me too. I don't know if the pump on my D works or not. I thought about eliminating it and filling manually, but if I can just pick up a cheap pump, that is something to consider. The fill door/cap on the upper tank hasn't functioned for years, as the bail is all rusted and is ready to break. I have a new one coming from MCI (about $65.00). Also, the little sight glass is difficult to see anything. I've only driven the bus about 50 miles, so it's just one of those things I haven't messed with yet, but know I will need to eventually.

Sebulba

 :^

Great, will check those things when I can.

For now I will fill manually, but another task for the looonnnggg list.

Thanks

Seb
Back to the U.S. after 8 years in Europe.  
Bought a 1997 MCI 102D3 with Allison B500 on November 17, 2021 in Syracuse, NY.  Commenced living it that day and  drove it to Florida and New Mexico.  Converting as we go.  https://basicsuds.com