Author Topic: Cant shift into 1 or 2  (Read 15633 times)

Offline Dlsnow

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Re: Cant shift into 1 or 2
« Reply #15 on: August 14, 2013, 09:12:16 AM »
News! Update
So the transmission is "locked up" and the clutch needs a fork and new clutch.

Monday I am going there to speak with someone who actually looked at it.  I am calling the local bus guy to see if he has time.

I can't help but feel like I am going to be replacing the transmission.  What fits in this thing?

It is an MCI 7 with 8v71 Detroit.
1972 MCI7 8v71 converted - 1kw solar on roof

Offline Lin

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Re: Cant shift into 1 or 2
« Reply #16 on: August 14, 2013, 09:58:55 AM »
Allison 740 if you are a 49 ft.  You will not regret going auto.
You don't have to believe everything you think.

Offline Stormcloud

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Re: Cant shift into 1 or 2
« Reply #17 on: August 14, 2013, 03:42:56 PM »
Last year, I replaced my Spicer 4 speed with an Allison MT654 auto in my MC7. I was getting tired of shifting, and it was getting more and more difficult to shift 3-4. As it turns out, it was the shift rods were binding under the floor somewhere.  After the usual modifications (oil cooler, shift cable and tower, driveshaft shortening, different alternator, rebuilt starter) it works as well as can be expected.




Mark Morgan  
1972 MCI-7 'Papabus'
8v71N MT654 Automatic
Brandon, Manitoba, Canada in summer
somewhere near Yuma, Arizona in winter(but not 2020)

Offline Ed Hackenbruch

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Re: Cant shift into 1 or 2
« Reply #18 on: August 14, 2013, 03:45:27 PM »
Probably easier to sell a bus with an auto later on too.
Used to own a 1968 MCI 5A and a 1977 5C.

Offline bevans6

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Re: Cant shift into 1 or 2
« Reply #19 on: August 14, 2013, 04:13:46 PM »
With an MC-7 I would put an Allison 740 in it, no question.

Brian
1980 MCI MC-5C, 8V-71T from a M-110 self propelled howitzer
Allison MT-647
Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia

Offline Dlsnow

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Re: Cant shift into 1 or 2
« Reply #20 on: August 14, 2013, 08:24:52 PM »
Anyone want to chime in on the rough price range for putting an Allison 740 in there.  Prices on transmission alone seem to be $1500-$3000.  I am sure there are a lot of misc parts and whatnot as well.  So what am I looking at?

Also does anyone know how / if I can have it towed long range?  Like tow it from WI to AZ?
1972 MCI7 8v71 converted - 1kw solar on roof

Offline jmblake

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Re: Cant shift into 1 or 2
« Reply #21 on: August 15, 2013, 04:33:17 AM »
If you go that way I have a 740 with very little miles on it for sale in the parts section and it includes the flex plate. Jason

Offline Ed Hackenbruch

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Re: Cant shift into 1 or 2
« Reply #22 on: August 15, 2013, 07:32:44 AM »
How far you can tow it depends on how big your wallet is. ;)  Something to consider, one way or the other you will be putting money into the bus.  How much will it cost to fix it back to what you now have?  How much would it cost to change it over to an auto?  How much for a tow?  It doesn't seem to make much sense to me to spend a lot/any money on towing it when you could use that money to fix it one way or the other.  The difference in cost between changing over to an auto or fixing the existing tranny may not be that much more, and in the long run would probably even out. 
Used to own a 1968 MCI 5A and a 1977 5C.

Offline Dlsnow

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Re: Cant shift into 1 or 2
« Reply #23 on: August 15, 2013, 07:44:10 AM »
Ed - Aint that the truth ;) - like anything else they require maintenance.

I am looking at picking up that transmission Jason mentioned in the post above (i have some questions).  It sure would be nice to have an auto.
I have a place in AZ that can do the work...but the bus is in Central (Wausau) Wisconsin right now.  I suppose if I act quick I may be able to get it all lined up.  Toughest part is finding a place to swap the transmissions that knows what they are doing.

Any suggestions?
1972 MCI7 8v71 converted - 1kw solar on roof

Offline Sam 4106

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Re: Cant shift into 1 or 2
« Reply #24 on: August 15, 2013, 09:43:39 AM »
Hi Disnow,

Lamers Bus Lines has a terminal near Wausau (Rothschild) 715-241-7799. I don't know if they do outside work, but it would be worth a call. Even if they don't do outside work, they may know of someone in the area to refer you to. Networking often produces results.

Good luck, Sam
1976 MCI-8TA with 8V92 DDEC II and Allison HT740

Offline B_K

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Re: Cant shift into 1 or 2
« Reply #25 on: August 15, 2013, 03:59:58 PM »
Hi Disnow,

Lamers Bus Lines has a terminal near Wausau (Rothschild) 715-241-7799. I don't know if they do outside work, but it would be worth a call. Even if they don't do outside work, they may know of someone in the area to refer you to. Networking often produces results.

Good luck, Sam

C & J should be able to do it and a lot closer tow than AZ.

Also Stan Holter who posts on BNO's page on face book might have suggestions too!
;D  BK  ;D

Offline Stormcloud

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Re: Cant shift into 1 or 2
« Reply #26 on: August 15, 2013, 06:07:25 PM »
When I changed to the automatic, I had to change the accessory drive cover on the engine. The factory cover that the standard transmission bolted to would not accept the MT654 bellhousing.

I found and used a 6V92 accessory drive cover instead, but the new rear main seal for the 8V71 was waaaay too small to fit the hole in this cover. I had an aluminum reducer machined to fit the seal and the 6V92 housing.

The big belt driven DN alternator wouldn't bolt up either, necessitating a new smaller alternator off the'front' of the engine.

Ring gear, hub, shift cable and shift tower all came as a package deal with my transmission.

I also installed a separate stand-alone Hayden transmission cooler that cools the transmission just fine. No extra heat pumped into the cooling system on the MC7.

Mark Morgan  
1972 MCI-7 'Papabus'
8v71N MT654 Automatic
Brandon, Manitoba, Canada in summer
somewhere near Yuma, Arizona in winter(but not 2020)

Offline Ralph7

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Re: Cant shift into 1 or 2
« Reply #27 on: August 15, 2013, 06:53:33 PM »
        The MT644/654/etc. was designed for lighter loads/smaller engines, thus MT (medium duty), smaller bell housing, etc.
         The HD 700/740/745, heavy duty. The housing should be the same as the stick.
         While it is out I would replace the rear main seal!!!
         Also while it is out, IF you have a belt driven alt, check the bearings on the engine pulley!!!
         I have a Hayden trans cooler with a thermostat controlled fan, comes on around 180 , thermostat  is adjustable 160-250 ($35.00 Summit racing)

Offline Brian Diehl

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Re: Cant shift into 1 or 2
« Reply #28 on: August 16, 2013, 07:28:18 AM »
The guys @ C & J bus will do a good job for you.  If you don't have it, their number is 952 881 0034.  Ask for J.D.  He'll treat you right.

Offline Cheryl

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Re: Cant shift into 1 or 2
« Reply #29 on: August 29, 2013, 03:45:20 PM »
Thanks for the help.  We found out the bell crank is definitely broke and have it out.  That was a chore in itself.  Welding wont work as somehow the broken piece is gone.  We haven't been able to find it.  I'll call the company in Jersey and pray for the best. 

 

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