BUS SITTING FOR YEARS

[platinum mci]

I'm about to try to start a MCI 1983 with a 6v92 turbo with a Allison auto that has not been started for years the previous owner was not able to keep the batteries charged so i have bought new batteries but before i should go try to start it any advice on what else i might do i have already checked the oil, and this bus is kept in a warm climate year round, any help thanks

[Bob Gil]

You might check and make sure the fuel filters are full and it might not hurt to cahnge them and put fresh fuel in the filters to make sure it has good fuel to start with.

Check the breather and make sure you don't have a rat's nest in it and the in take to the air compressor. 

Make sure the radaiotor has water in it and is clear so you will have air fllow.  No plants grown around where they don't need to be.

Little things like that might cause you problems if you don't catch them now.

Don't push to hard to start it right off it will not hurt to have it turn a little before it starts to get the oil moved around in it a little.  Carfull not to turn it too long at one time and burn the starter up if it does not start.

When I bought my 1965 C model Mack it had been setting for over 10 years.  I checked and filled the fuel filters and primed the motor and it started on about the 3rd turn over.

Bob

[platinum mci]

Thanks for the advice forgot about the rats nest in the air filter good idea it has been stored in undercover parking on concreate for years, and looks like we are just down the road from you were in south Texas beeville to be exact.

[TomC]

Check the oil and see if any obvious signs of coolant in the antifreeze since 92 series can leak past the liner seals.  Once you determine all is alright, you might try turning it over from the back and hold with your finger the governor turn off in the off position.  This will both allow the oil to circulate and to build fuel pressure.  Crank for about 10 seconds, stop, release the fuel stop, then try again.  Good Luck, TomC

[Busted Knuckle]

Platinum,
Bob and Tom have just about summed up the advice I'd give! Fresh filters topped off. Be sure there is coolant & oil (and not mixed). Hold the fuel shut off in while cranking first 10 seconds or so! And Vrrooooommm! 

By the way how'd the clutch deal turn out on the Eagle? Sometimes we like to hear results after giving advice. Kinda inspires us to be better advisers! lol!   BK 

[luvrbus]

[ looks like we are just down the road from you were in south Texas beeville to be exact.
[/quote] 

Only a Texan would say 350 miles is just down the road LOL and I am one

[Dreamscape]

[ looks like we are just down the road from you were in south Texas beeville to be exact.

Only a Texan would say 350 miles is just down the road LOL and I am one
[/quote]

Me Too!

That's pretty funny Clifford!

PlatinumEagle,

Good advice here, I have nothing to add but check the tires too. You don't want to have a blowout on the road.

Paul

[Don4107]

I agree that you should turn it without fuel, but I would do it until oil pressure builds.  Crank for ten or so seconds and then pause for 30 seconds or a minute to let the starter cool.  Then do it again until there is some sign of oil pressure.

I would plug in the block heater for a couple hours too.  A really warm DD turns and starts much easier.

Good luck
Don 4107

[HB of CJ]

Nothing to add, except maybe crank the mill a little bit longer with the fuel shut off.  Watch the oil pressure gage to see if you are in fact building some oil pressure while cranking the starter.

Also, like others have already said, I would crank the starter for about 30 seconds at a time.  This will keep the starter from overheating.  You will need very good batteries.

Same thing about the fuel.  I would drain a little bit of fuel out of the bottom of the tank (if possible) and take a look see.  If the fuel seems OK, fine. If not, then you may have to change out the tank fuel.

Yea again finally, change out the fuel filture, along with fresh fuel filture fuel.  Also check the water and oil for oil in the water and the other way around.  Also check the tranny fluid level.  Good luck. 

[Bob Gil]

I always though if you were still in Texas you were just over yonder a little piece? 

Then again if you were a little too far north you were over the river (red river), and that was bad.

Too far south and your were in the same deal, just different river.

[luvrbus]

Bob,we could adopt HB of CJ he would make a good Texan he knows how to spell filters in Texan LOL just for fun HB

[platinum mci]

OK now time for a stupid question were is the Governor control and do i hold it closed as i'am cranking to build oil pressure?

[HB of CJ]

First post didn't.  Oh well.  Yep, I need adobting.  Old home town is Bakersfield, Ca, which is about as Texan (Okie twos?) as one can get.

Just what is this heer spell chek and how does it work?  Seems to me that perhaps I needs more help heres.  I can barely use this thing. 

[Bob Gil]

Thanks for the advice forgot about the rats nest in the air filter good idea it has been stored in undercover parking on concreate for years, and looks like we are just down the road from you were in south Texas beeville to be exact.

If you were a little closer i might be able to drive over and help.  Them there folks up in Yankee land might not understand that driving across our state can be an all day affair then some.  I have driven thur several of them sub states in a lot less time than it takes to think about driving half way across out real state.

Soory I am a little biased, I have been about every where and it is always nice to see the Texas welcome sign when returning.

Luverbus I am not too sure about them folk from cailf remember thier were yankees back then too,  But they can't all be bad (I hope).

[bobofthenorth]

OK now time for a stupid question were is the Governor control and do i hold it closed as i'am cranking to build oil pressure?

I can't find a picture but there should be a little air cylinder with a small plunger that comes out to contact a lever on the governor.  That's the shut off.  Hold that lever the way the air plunger holds it while you are cranking.