| Author | Message | ||
| Patrick levenson (Zubzub)
Registered Member Username: Zubzub Post Number: 2 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 70.55.156.44 Rating: N/A |
Spicer reverse gear. Do these often/ever fail? Or is it usually just the reverse solenoide or wiring problems. I am doing long distance trouble shooting of a bus ('53 4104) I might buy. Apparently the only (!) problem is no reverse. Owner has no knowledge of bus (wife of incapacitated husband)just knows it won't go into reverse. The price is right, i figure it is just a solenoide or wiring failure. What interests me is if there is a history of the actual gear or fork failures in the spicer? Just wondering what I am getting into. Patrick. | ||
| larry currier (Larryc)
Registered Member Username: Larryc Post Number: 133 Registered: 2-2007 Posted From: 152.163.100.13 Rating: |
When I had my 05 I had a problem with the solenoid working loose and then not being able to move the linkage far enough to get into gear. I'd be somewhat surprised if it is a Spicer problem. You can get under it and put it in gear by hand. Just make sure its in neutral so you don't stick it in two gears. | ||
| George M. Todd (George_mc6)
Registered Member Username: George_mc6 Post Number: 205 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 207.231.80.150 Rating: N/A |
My money is on the wiring or solenoid also. Many years ago, just after buying the bus, I removed a wire that dangled through the bays, and actually went between the left duallys. I had checked for power in the wire, with all of the rear lights on etc, but never thought of the reverse. OOPS The charter company's mechanic evidently couldn't read a schematic, as there are 5 spare wires run in the harness front to back. Moved a wire in the front junction box, and in the rear, and backed out of the campground. HTH, George | ||
| Don Evans (Doninwa)
Registered Member Username: Doninwa Post Number: 42 Registered: 1-2007 Posted From: 65.61.96.82 Rating: N/A |
There is always the chance that they don't know how to put it in reverse. | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 387 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 63.97.117.42 Rating: N/A |
I agree with Don, this is a very weird reversing technique and anyone who has never driven a 4 speed GMC bus won't have a clue as how to put it into reverse. I had driven dozens of heavy trucks before I got my 4104 and the method of going into reverse was a complete surprise to me. Let me abbreviate it; Bus master switch on, clutch in, place gearshift lever into first gear, push and hold reversing switch, move gearshift lever to second gear position, release reversing switch. You are now in reverse. Any other method will not work. | ||
| Tim Hoskinson (Tdh37514151)
Registered Member Username: Tdh37514151 Post Number: 226 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 4.253.115.184 Rating: N/A |
Hi I have seven buses here with spicer transmissions and several extra trans. I have not seen any internal problems with the reverse yet. Not saying there couldn't be but I have never herd of the problem. The only thing I have seen on that trans is the shifting shafts leaving the housing are some times lose due to worn bushings. And I have herd of broken bevel gears. As far as reverse the other guys here have covered it. Almost always a wire problem. On my 4104 my solenoid worked loose as Larry stated and would not pull the linkage far enough to engage reverse. Some new lock washers and tighten up good and haven't had the problem since. Best of luck with your prospect. Tim |
