Philip,I don't know much about MCI's or buses in general. But first off just because it's a 102" wide does not make it a pot o' gold! OK lets start with the not airing up on one side! OK there are any # of reasons it might not air up. OK could be as mentioned one or both bags, leveling valves, plugged line (doubtful!), or the most likely rusted out air beams! (air beams are the big boxy looking things over the bags many people confuse as "the frame."That said even if it is the air beams, it ain't the end of the world! Just lots $ and time to repair. But still better yet (still $ & time) but less of each, replace with rolling lobe airbags! (good ride and fixed for good!) Of course still less $ and about the same amount of time is "plating the bags." Which is where a special block off plate is mounted between the air beam and airbag and the air goes into the bag thru the plate! OK fix, but harsher ride (do to the low air volume of the small bags), and the plates do eventually wear down and start leaking! OK we got that out of the way! Now for rust 4 main areas to look! In rear luggage bay rear wall near bulkhead! If it's rusted through (holes you can see thru) or has fresh paint (like it was just repaired), look farther! OK well look farther anyway! Check in the blower area above the engine bay. Pay close attention to the supports that run front to back that the surge tank brackets bolt to. If they are rusted out, look out! If they show signs of fresh paint/repair be weary! Next check the front compartment under the front electrical panel (outside under drivers window!)If it's rusted out completely, again look out! (while in this area check front electrical panel area! If it's really nasty and scary looking with cut. loose or bare wires everywhere. MOVE ON NOW FIND anonther bus!)Place #4 is not so much about rust as stress cracking, and is hard to check without getting at least part way under both sides of the engine cradle! Pay close attention to the area where the engine cradle meets up and is mounted to the bulk head! If you see major rust or cracks here, don't walk away, "RUN, RUN FOREST RUN!" Also check the rest of the engine cradle for cracks, if there are any it can be welded, just means more time & work. Last even though you could move it forward and backward, does not mean there is not a low air or leaking air problem (bags, valves!)In today's low market I'd offer $3000.00 or less! You can always go up, hard to go back down! FWIW!Keep in mind "I know nothing. I am merely a messenger!" BK
Wow, a lot of info in there.First off the bus is not a total rust bucket. none of the baggage compartment areas were rusted though. The engine cradle did not look bad either.I did not check the electrical panel yet though, thanks for the heads up on that one.I did not know about the air beams though. I should look at them closely and see if air is escaping them.Also, if there is a serious air leak in the bags/beams, wouldn't the leak not allow the brakes to release?
also, assuming worst case scenario, what do the parts cost to replace an air beam?
Like BK said go to the self contained air bags. I did and really didn't notice a difference ( MCI- 8)Is air pressure coming up on the dash gauge to 120 lb range?..My MCI 8 air beamed leaked and that's what I did..Tires over 10 yrs old? Set a value to all then make a decision. As far as the bath room if it just you fine but put a lady in the mix forget it!!!When all of the advice comes in and your on the way to becoming insane like the rest do it your way...Buses are good.....
no, the air pressure is only coming up to 90 psi.
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Topic: Give a newbie your input (Read 10737 times)
