| Author |
Message |
max muston (Radmax) (65.64.255.51)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2001 - 8:16 pm: | |
: how do i know if my mci 9 automatic has a retarder, and if it does how do i turn it off!! just picked up a new jersey transit bus engine seemed bogged down all the way home and blew black smoke out the pipe. |
Luke Bonagura (Lukeatuscoach) (63.57.65.28)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2001 - 8:47 pm: | |
Hi Max:
Congratulations on your purchase.
If your MC-9 is one of the 1987's it has a computer controlled engine & trans. If pre-1987 they were not purchased with retarders.
Black smoke is usually indicative of over- fueling or lack of air.
I would pull out the air cleaner & take a look.
The experience in our shop has been that the MCI 9's (including the one that we operate) are very unforgiving when the air cleaner is in need of changing. The air cleaner is the LUNGS of the engine. Start there first & you might end your problem right there.
We have bought about 20 of the NJT MC-9's so far.
Some we have run through our shop & done all the repairs necessary so that they are ready to operate as a coach or convert. Others (accident buses) we scrapping out for parts.
In general we have found the buses to be in EXCELLENT condition structurally & mechanically.
Now you have to remember that this is a State-wide agency and conditions vary from garage to garage, and all were owned by N.J. Transit but some were operated by private operators. The level of maintenance therefore varies from bus to bus. Typically when buying used, it is a "buyer beware situation". As we are in N.J., we know where the buses were operated and therefore choose which coaches we buy.
I HOPE I HAVE HELPED!!!, and added a bit more for the benefit ot others who may considering these coaches for purchase.
HAPPY BUSSIN TO ALL!!!!
LUKE at US COACH |
max muston (Radmax) (65.64.255.51)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2001 - 9:41 pm: | |
thanks luke you've been a big help!!
just one more question please.
there is what appears to be a knob behind the trany shifter in the driver area. i think it goes to a cable but is frozen...wont push pull or turn..
any ideas???
thanks again |
Luke Bonagura (Lukeatuscoach) (63.15.63.190)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, August 18, 2001 - 9:54 am: | |
Hi Max:
The knob behind the shifter operated by pulling up to allow hot air to blow onto the steps in the winter to melt snow that folks track in on their feet. If you look at the back wall of your step well you will see flutes in the stainless that let the air out.
Back to your black smoke, my partner (who runs our shop) showed me this A.M. that some of the MC-9's from NJT had a particulate trap or converter bolted to the back of the muffler. It can be removed for cleaning and if clogged, could create back pressure in the engine therefore contributing to your smoke problem.
I HOPE THIS HELPS!!!
LUKE at US COACH |