| Author | Message | ||
| Jack Fids (Jack_fids)
Registered Member Username: Jack_fids Post Number: 132 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 69.171.160.36  Rating: N/A |
1 - I have an air leak that I need to locate & fix... 2 - There are a pair of "New Shoes" arriving this coming week (fingers X'ed here). 3 - I want to change the oil in the crankcase, it's 5 years old & has at least 4000 miles on it...not to mention the filter. Once I get it up on the bags, using a stand alone air compressor, where do I put the 3 X 6's to keep her aloft? My original thought was under the bulkhead closest to that axle BUT after a peruse of "Da Book" I understand differently. I want to keep the tires in contact with the ground but lift the coach just a tad more (an inch) above normal running height so's I can wriggle my bones under it & do some snooping around with a spray bottle filled with soapy water. FWIW I do have a 25 ton air-lift heavy truck floor Jack but don't see the need until the new wheels & tires arrive. So the bottom line is.....on a 4106, where do you block it up at..? (plus any creative advice concerning the procedure, besides being prepared to meet the OEM) (Message edited by Jack Fids on September 05, 2010) | ||
| Patrick levenson (Zubzub)
Registered Member Username: Zubzub Post Number: 257 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 70.52.29.224  Rating: N/A |
Can you drive it? If so just drive it up onto some blocks. It's kind of complicated to hold the body up on blocks...it can be done but it's difficult. It is also possible to but hard wood blocks between the body and the axles this also stops it from dropping if there is an air bag failure/deflation. I like lots of room, so I air it up, drive it up on blocks, chock the wheels, put the hardwood blocks in,. | ||
| Andy Wright (Wrightwy)
Registered Member Username: Wrightwy Post Number: 54 Registered: 6-2007 Posted From: 69.144.159.106 Rating: N/A |
I built ramps out of railroad ties , I cut three layed them on there side and allthreded them together . Works for me and it gives me about 12 to 15 inches to mess around underneith the Bus. FWIW Andy | ||
| Jack Fids (Jack_fids)
Registered Member Username: Jack_fids Post Number: 133 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 69.171.160.36 Rating: N/A |
Patrick, I was only smart enough to imply that I dint want to run the motor, to keep the old oil OUT of the passages & bearings. That which went into the pan as oil is now a combination of many years of condensation cycles, it was filthy to begin with, is of multiple types , weights & viscosity types. I'd rather have fresh & clean available to the pump went I turn'er over, "them bearings is like little jewels" and I want them to always be happy, clean and in their present residence until the day I puff out. Wanna help me push'er up on them there rampy things? (smartass here) BTW... among my life's "treasures" that I've hauled with me for 35 yrs., is a pair of wood ramps cut from a single RR tie...with a chainsaw, by a friend who meant well....and they've always been stout enough to handle any job including this one & expect....and I'm really glad I dont have 6 of them! ANDY: as you were typing yours I was doing the same but you beat me by a cup of coffee & a cat feeding... (Message edited by Jack Fids on September 05, 2010) | ||
| John & Barb Tesser (Bigrigger)
Registered Member Username: Bigrigger Post Number: 450 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 96.42.5.35  Rating: N/A |
I built ramps for mine out of 2 X 12's with spacers, glued and put together with threaded rod. I will try posting a picture and I have a dimensional drawing if you feel the need to build some like it. John  | ||
| David Evans (Dmd)
Registered Member Username: Dmd Post Number: 502 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 66.33.238.108  Rating: N/A |
Jack, i would take that girl for a good ride, drive her up on some blocks and then drain that oil out and do your thing. I mean really go for a run, puts a smile on your face. If you cant, put some kind of block heater or use a heat gun and get that oil nice and warm and drain it. | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 1300 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 99.153.142.249  Rating: N/A |
That which went into the pan as oil is now a combination of many years of condensation cycles, it was filthy to begin with, is of multiple types , weights & viscosity types. I'd rather have fresh & clean available to the pump went I turn'er over, "them bearings is like little jewels" and I want them to always be happy, clean and in their present residence until the day I puff out. WHY?, It was fairly common to simply change out the bearings on 8V at about half life , 200,000 miles . Drain the old oil heated (as sugested),then run at least 4 hours at road speed and drain it again with another new filter The axles are always aviliable to jack.. To get under the axles a "run up block " is shown in Da Book , it is about 4 inches thick and lifts the front enough to get an air jack under. A car with auto tranny will pull a bus up a run up block on one side. Folks that have a prefered jack point should spray it hi viz yellow , as a roadside tire changer will probably have never seen a bus and hack almost anywhere he can get to. Ignorance is Bliss , but it might be poking holes in your bus. FF | ||
| ED Hackenbruch (Shadowman)
Registered Member Username: Shadowman Post Number: 311 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 72.102.149.29 Rating: N/A |
I made ramps out of 3 4x4s bolted together. 4 sets that are 41" long and 4 sets that are 31" long. Each set is easy to handle by itself and the smaller ones will sit on top of the longer ones to give me more height if i need it. They have 2 holes going thru so that i can pin them to the bottom ones and keep them from sliding out of place. I carry 2 of the longer ones with us when traveling, along with a few other loose pieces for blocking if needed. The rest stay in storage in Yuma until we get back down there and i need them for various projects on the bus. | ||
| ED Hackenbruch (Shadowman)
Registered Member Username: Shadowman Post Number: 312 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 72.102.149.29 Rating: N/A |
I also made 2 steel pieces of pipe with a flat top and another piece welded about 1/2" inside the bottom. These i use on the back of the bus after i air it up. I put them between the frame bumpers and the base where they contact. This way even if an airbag or air line blows they can't come down all of the way onto the stops. In effect i have raised the stops about 4" or so. I have had a wood block shatter before so i don't trust them. | ||
| Patrick levenson (Zubzub)
Registered Member Username: Zubzub Post Number: 258 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 70.52.29.224 Rating: N/A |
Ed, interesting point about the wood block. I am using blocks made of 3/4 in oak glued together crossply, kind of like monster plywood, rear end sits down on it, between axle and frame, I'm having trouble imaging it shatter. Thoughts? | ||
| Tom Christman (Tchristman)
Registered Member Username: Tchristman Post Number: 251 Registered: 1-2006 Posted From: 66.218.33.156 Rating: N/A |
If you have to jack up the bus to change an air bag, you should first raise the bus up on blocks so that when the suspension is totally down-you still have room to crawl out from under the bus-to keep from getting crushed! Good Luck, TomC | ||
| ED Hackenbruch (Shadowman)
Registered Member Username: Shadowman Post Number: 313 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 72.102.149.29 Rating: N/A |
Tom, i run mine up on blocks so i can get my jacks underneath, otherwise it is a tight fit. :>) Patrick, i had the bus sitting there with wood blocks between the frame for several days while doing some work on it and waiting for parts. It let go in the middle of the nite, we thought we were having an earthquake. I think that what happened is that with going in and out of the bus during all of that time, that the block slowly shifted to one edge so only part of the block had all of the weight on it and it split. With my metal pipes that i made they can't move out of place. I think your oak pieces will be fine if they don't move, and even if they do will probably not split like mine did. I don't remember what type of wood it was that i used. | ||
| ED Hackenbruch (Shadowman)
Registered Member Username: Shadowman Post Number: 314 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 72.102.149.29 Rating: N/A |
Accidently double posted (Message edited by shadowman on September 06, 2010) | ||
| George M. Todd (George_todd)
Registered Member Username: George_todd Post Number: 1102 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 99.29.76.160 Rating: N/A |
Jack, Fred's comment about "poking holes in your bus" needs some translation! What he means is that putting blocks under a weak place on the bus and lowering all of the buses' weight on it, will poke a hole in the underside when the thin metal collapses. Of course, the collapse will squish you! From what you are trying to do, and having an air compressor, I would disconnect the linkage to the leveling valves, and attach a broom handle to the lever, so I can control the height WITHOUT BEING UNDER THE BUS, OR BETWEEN THE TIRES AND THE WHEEL WELLS! Once you get it up, carefully place the supports, trying to stay clear of the pinch points, and lower it gently on the supports, under the factory jacking points, making sure the supports are vertical, and placed on solid ground. I also like Ed's suggestion of steel supports, as that is how the railroad supports boxcars. (He is talking about 3 or 4 inch pipe, or larger.) One of their requirements, to prevent the support slipping out, is a thin piece of wood between the steel surfaces. G | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 1214 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 12.189.32.37  Rating: N/A |
I never block the body unless there is no other choice, then only at a bulkhead. That old Al can crush at any point. The only safe way is blocking between the axle and suspension beams or under the axle. On a 4104 the normal lift height is plenty to change air bags, not sure about a 4106. In fact, if it is higher than normal the stiff new bags are harder to bolt in. If you need more height air it up, disconnect the height valve linkage and push the valve arm up until you get the height you want. I wouldn't do this with good air bags though because you might overdo it!! | ||
| Jack Fids (Jack_fids)
Registered Member Username: Jack_fids Post Number: 134 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 69.171.160.154 Rating: N/A |
IF I had the dimensions of those pieces of "pipe" I could walk into a friends machine shop & be gone in 20 minutes with them in my hot little paws. I'd be willing to forward a Tape Measure & instructions on its functions & usage to anyone with said "pipes", who then might post the numbers? ( really , I assume you mean Tubular-round stock). Other than weight, is there any reason SOLID round steel wouldn't be advantageous ? ( the crush factor IS eliminated then) | ||
| ED Hackenbruch (Shadowman)
Registered Member Username: Shadowman Post Number: 315 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 72.102.151.139 Rating: N/A |
Jack i will get the measurements and a better description for you on Friday....stay tuned. | ||
| Jack Fids (Jack_fids)
Registered Member Username: Jack_fids Post Number: 135 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 69.171.160.24 Rating: N/A |
Thanks Ed....any chance you can shoot a digital pic of the placement of the "pipes"..? | ||
| ED Hackenbruch (Shadowman)
Registered Member Username: Shadowman Post Number: 316 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 72.102.170.128 Rating: N/A |
Yeah, i can maybe do that. Will have to send them to you in an email though. I don't mess with photos but my wife does but she isn't familiar with how to post to the boards. | ||
| Teresa (Happycamperbrat)
Registered Member Username: Happycamperbrat Post Number: 33 Registered: 5-2009 Posted From: 173.25.102.158 Rating: N/A |
I wanna see too, please | ||
| Jack Fids (Jack_fids)
Registered Member Username: Jack_fids Post Number: 138 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 69.171.160.115 Rating: N/A |
Last time I heard those words I was 8 and the girl that said it was the little sister of the girl I was going to play "show it" with.... with that in mind.... I'll meet you behind the barn! This time there's no one to catch us so we ain't gonna get another spankin'. ;) | ||
| Teresa (Happycamperbrat)
Registered Member Username: Happycamperbrat Post Number: 35 Registered: 5-2009 Posted From: 71.105.184.70 Rating: N/A |
OMG!!! lmao!!! And here I sit waiting for you to show me haha!!! | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 982 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.55.13.161  Rating: N/A |
This ain't looking good!!! IAN Where ARE YOU?? Gomer | ||
| ED Hackenbruch (Shadowman)
Registered Member Username: Shadowman Post Number: 318 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 75.210.14.106 Rating: N/A |
Jack, i sent the photos this morning. Did you get them? | ||
| Jack Fids (Jack_fids)
Registered Member Username: Jack_fids Post Number: 140 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 69.171.161.61 Rating: N/A |
Here they are for ALL to see (including Teresa, who has been waiting so patiently for me to show her) Thanks Ed and thanks to Mrs. Ed , whom I think had a hand it this deal.      (Message edited by Jack Fids on September 11, 2010) | ||
| Jack Fids (Jack_fids)
Registered Member Username: Jack_fids Post Number: 141 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 69.171.161.61 Rating: N/A |
""This ain't looking good!!! IAN Where ARE YOU?? "" Gomer...you and I have never been behind the barn, so I'm curious as to how you have knowledge of "how good it looks".... you ain't one of them CIA remote Viewers" are you? God help us all if he is! | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 983 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.55.13.161 Rating: N/A |
Can I plead 5th??? CIA Doesn't mean Central Intell.Agency. Caught In Act!! LOL Gomer | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 984 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.55.13.161 Rating: N/A |
Oh Good Looking Jack Posts.LOL LOL Gomer | ||
| Jack Fids (Jack_fids)
Registered Member Username: Jack_fids Post Number: 142 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 69.171.161.61 Rating: N/A |
Thank Ed,...i'm just a messenger, I dont even accept tips! Leaving a couple of people laughing made my day a success! | ||
| Teresa (Happycamperbrat)
Registered Member Username: Happycamperbrat Post Number: 36 Registered: 5-2009 Posted From: 173.25.102.158 Rating: N/A |
Yae, Jack..... I like the jack Gomer you are always trying to snitch me off to Ian..... you are gonna get it And thank you Mr. and Mrs. Ed | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 985 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.55.13.161 Rating: N/A |
Teresa; I am in Florida and you are in California, are you threatning me? LOL Too many miles between us. LOL I don't think I will worry tooooo mmuucchh alolllllooololoahhahhahh But ya never know what is or may happen???? gomer | ||
| ED Hackenbruch (Shadowman)
Registered Member Username: Shadowman Post Number: 319 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 75.193.40.228 Rating: N/A |
The dimensions on those are as follows; pipe is 3 & 1/2 inches outside diameter, 3 & 1/4 inches inside diameter, 3 & 1/2 inches long with a 1/4 inch piece of flat steel for a top. The top is 4x 5 & 1/4 inches. I may trim the top down a little to make it easier to put in place. The bottom inside piece is set in about 1/2 to 5/8 inches. Hope somebody else can use this idea or adapt it to fit their bus if different than my 5A. Also, be sure to remove them before driving. :>) And yes the missus is the one who got the photos from the camera to the computer to Jack so he could post them......I did take the shots though. :>) | ||
| Jack Fids (Jack_fids)
Registered Member Username: Jack_fids Post Number: 148 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 69.171.161.245 Rating: N/A |
Demensions ...?? We don't need no danged dimensions 'round here! Dimensions went outta da door when Teresa stepped innuendo. | ||
| Jack Fids (Jack_fids)
Registered Member Username: Jack_fids Post Number: 152 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 69.171.161.36 Rating: N/A |
There is virtue in patience! FINALLY this w/e I was able to crawl under my bus and drain the oil, or should I say the diesel fuel infused with oil.....and IT WAS UGLY..!! Today the filter comes off ..... does anyone/has anyone know of a modification available that converts the" element" type filter to a spin on or better yet...a PAIR of spin on filters? |