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Message |
Jaime Walton (63.15.253.213)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 17, 2002 - 4:48 pm: | |
Well, we took the plunge and purchased a 1958 4104. She was previously converted, I'd have to say, in '78/'79.
The recent owner knew little about the coach other than everything has worked for the five years they've owned her.
After driving from Houston to Orlando, I've come up with a few questions.
The steering,(power-assisted), has a bit of play, what can I do to reduce or eliminate it short of replacement?
The previous owner claims we have a DD 6-71, which seems right, but don't know the tranny. It's a four speed manual, would that be a spicer?
It was a home conversion, I'm guessing by the wiring, I think it all needs to be replaced!!??
The solar panel troubles me, I can't tell what it's doing,(I'm no electrical genius),there are two ampmeters that show a current when switch is thrown, but still I have no juice. One of the 12(?) volt lights alternates between on and off while an indicator panel squeals and reads "charging". Do I start over at the solar panels?
Also, the genset doesn't turn over, can I jump this with my truck? Probable dead house batts?Both 8d's were replaced in order to start her up.
Is the system 12v or 24v? Can I tell by the way the batts are configured?
We also had to replace all of the hinges before we could drive,(one cargo door had fallen off, and others looked likely to follow!), and I have an idea on how to increase the security of the hinges, but what have you folks done? A utility knife will easily give access to these compartments! Where can I find decent,(not the kind I see on RV's) locks to secure the latch?
I've been following this board for a couple of months and have saved quite a bit of information as well as sources for products, you guys are terrific! Thanks in advance, Jaime |
Jaime (63.15.253.213)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 17, 2002 - 4:55 pm: | |
BTW, Doug Wotring, Do you still have manuals for this bus? |
DaveD (216.18.113.69)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 17, 2002 - 9:44 pm: | |
Jaime,
If the batteries are connected in series (i.e ground to negative on first battery and positive on first battery connected to negative in second battery and positive on second battery connected to disconnect switch (if negative ground system)), then you have a 24 Volt system. If the batteries are connected in parallel (i.e Negative on one battery top negatoive on second battery and positive on one battery conected to positive on second battery), then you have a 12 Volt system connected in parallel.
Hope this helps
Dave D |
John G Root Jr (Johnroot) (140.186.114.253)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 17, 2002 - 10:23 pm: | |
I am also wondering about the steering. There is a lot of play in the power steering in my 4106. What can I do to tighten it up and what are the other options for power steering? |
FAST FRED (209.26.87.63)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 18, 2002 - 5:44 am: | |
After you get the coach to a place where you can work on it build a set of ramps.
Drive up , get under and have someone gently turn the steering wheel from side to side.
EVERY place you see some slop will need to be fixed.
Usually its only the shaft that has the splines in it , and a new one with new universals is easy to install.
As usual Luke at US Coach 1-888-COACH 34 will drop one in the UPS very reasonably.
Power steering is ONLY needed if you dont follow the simple system of using a tiny bit of motion while turning the wheel . Getting into campsites that take a full cut of the wheel require this , but never on the road.
With enough new part$ your coach will steer with ONE fingertip on the highway , no detectable slop, just as they all did when new.
There are many options fo power steering , but with the exception of the Air O Matic , which can be turned off , none steer as well as a std coach.
FAST FRED |
Stephen Fessenden (Sffess) (63.25.125.185)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 18, 2002 - 9:19 pm: | |
Since you have power steering you need to fix it. Low pump pressure will cause sloppy steering, including the drag link being loose. There is a connection in the drag link like a tie rod end that tightens up with adequate hydraulic Pressure. The pump is not too expensive if it is the problem.
I am describing the situation on an early 4905, but the mechanic, not a bus mechanic, told me it is the same as 4104 with power steering. |
Jim Stacy (32.101.44.178)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 18, 2002 - 10:48 pm: | |
Jamie,
There are four possible steering systems in a 4104: Manual, Air assist, Hydraulic assist, and Integral steering box. That is the order of cost and desirability for most drivers.
The hydraulic assist power steering (which has a large hydraulic cylinder parallel to the front axle) will always have a slight play in the steering due to valving action. If the rest of the steering is tight, most drivers can adjust. A Sheppard integral power steering box is a little pricey, but provides full power with the best road feel.
The original 4104 electrical system was 12V POSITIVE ground. Many of these were converted to negative ground. No good reason to be 24V. Check carefully.
The standard 4104 drive was an inline 6 cylinder Detroit diesel 6-71 with a Spicer 4 speed non-synchromesh transmission.
Your other questions need more detail to answer.
Jim Stacy |
Tom Connolly (64.58.193.153)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 19, 2002 - 9:55 am: | |
Jamie,
I still have my original hydraulic assist power steering, it had a real loose feel when I first drove my coach and I attempted to tighten things up, I did get a little play out of the steering box and a good bit was removed by replacing the right side tie rod end. In the end the real problem was not in the Bus it was the Driver! I was steering the bus like you would a modern car and with the slight delay in the power assist responding to my wheel turns the bus was following my actions with a slight delay. The result was when the bus leaned right I would take up the play with a slight turn to the left, then the bus would start to move left, then I would move the wheel right to compensate and the bus would move right and back and forth we would go, WELL I can tell you after 8 hours of that I needed a week to rest, Then a real old timer "a good bus friend of mine" was with me one day on a trip and he looked over at me and said Could You Stop Turning The Dam Wheel for a while and let this thing go down the road straight? Guess what, it did! Now it's fun to sit shot gun and watch others, in the beginning everyone that drives does the same thing! So check out everything and be safe then see if maybe you are just over steering.
Tom |
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