| Author |
Message |
ron rice (12.228.117.140)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 10:48 pm: | |
My wife and I just purchased a 1983 MC-9 from ABC. Yes it is one of the NJ busses. We drove it to washington state from LA and only had a minor tire probem. I am not sure what the rearend ratio is in the coach (have not been able to get under it yet) but I feel that it may be different than the MC-9's that I drove in charter service for years. Top speed on the freeway was 69 according to the speedo. The transmission seems to be setup different as well in that it freewheels (like in neutral) at higher speeds than I am used to. The engine appears to have been replaced recently (no smoke, no oil sling)but seems a bit underpowered. I would appreciate any comments. Thanks. |
Richard J (162.117.133.78)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 12, 2002 - 5:53 am: | |
I recently purchased a MC-9 also. Where in Washington are you located?
Richard Jones
Castle Rock, WA |
ron rice (12.228.117.140)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 12, 2002 - 9:39 am: | |
We are in North Seattle, however, our coach is in East Wenatchee at my parents farm for now (parking and tools). |
TomNPat (68.128.12.169)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 16, 2002 - 1:37 am: | |
Ron,
Bought ours in December, does go over 70 according to the wife following in the car, doesn't seem to 'freewheel', but provides limited engine braking, and is a little underpowered.
Mechanic serviced and air cleaner was jam up so power improved a little, but he says power can easily be upped. I think most of them are quite well maintained as far as engine and transmission so the limited oil spit, good running is common.
But each garage seemed to tune specifically for the service they demanded.
I know mine didn't come across the country at '70 all the way' that some have reported. If you have lots of experience with 9's, you have a lot more to compare to than the rest of us. But every vehicle I've ever owned seemed underpowered after 3 weeks.
Tom |
RJ Long (Rjlong) (24.127.74.29)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 2:58 am: | |
Ron -
Chances are it has the stock rear end ratio, but the engine's governor is set lower. Most MCIs will top out between 72 - 75. . .
If it's a 6V92TA, it can be set up for 350 hp, which is about 75hp more than it's most likely set at right now. You'd have to pull a valve cover to see what injectors you've got, that and the turbo's size will help determine the HP.
2150 rpm is the maximum governed engine speed recommended by DDA, altho some folk turn them up to 2200 - 2300, getting more speed, but reducing engine longevity - sort of a moot point in RV usage. . .
As for the "freewheeling", as you called it, are you used to driving buses, or is this your first experience behind the wheel of one? Reason for asking is because they don't slow down when you take your foot off the throttle like a car does, simply because of the physical mass involved.
HTH,
RJ
PD4106-2784
Fresno CA |
ron rice (12.228.117.140)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 22, 2002 - 2:43 am: | |
Thank you for the information on the engine governor, I had not thought about that. Now that I look back on the trip home the shift speed was similar to the MC9's that I drove in charter and tour service. I will check it out July 4th weekend when I get to see and work on our bus again. I hate not having a driveway big enough and having to park the coach 2 1/2 hours away at my parents, however, I am happy that they have room and the parking is free. |
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