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02-11-2018, 12:29 PM
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#1
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Almost There
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 95
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MCI-8 Engine/Trans
Anyone have any input on this engine/tranny combination? 8V71 Detroit Diesel rear engine drive with 740 Allison automatic transmission. We are looking at a 1978 MCI-8 Charter Bus thats partially converted but I know nothing about this engine/trans combo...
Thanks!
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02-11-2018, 12:34 PM
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#2
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Bus Geek
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Eastern WA
Posts: 6,401
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: All American RE (A3RE)
Engine: Cummins ISC (8.3)
Rated Cap: 72
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My first bus was a 1980 Eagle 10 with that drivetrane. I loved it.
When I bought the bus it had less than 40k miles on rebuilt engine and transmission. I drove it over 200k miles. Very reliable.
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02-11-2018, 12:54 PM
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#3
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Whidbey Island, WA.
Posts: 1,109
Year: 1984
Coachwork: Blue Bird
Chassis: All American
Engine: 3208 na boat anchor
Rated Cap: 2
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You might want to verify if the 8-71 is turbo'd, otherwise your engine power is limited. It would be nice to crawl under the bus and see what it looks like, something that only someone who knows how to safely block up the body should do.
As this is an older bus I suppose you are trying to not spend too much, but with that rig you should have a few $10,000 to throw at it.
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02-11-2018, 01:04 PM
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#4
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Bus Geek
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Eastern WA
Posts: 6,401
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: All American RE (A3RE)
Engine: Cummins ISC (8.3)
Rated Cap: 72
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I am not certain but I think the 8v71NA in coach application were available in HP ratings from around 245hp up to 300hp.
Mine was 280 or 285 HP and move my Eagle along pretty well. Could I keep up with the s60 powered Prevost's? Heck no. But it was not bad.
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02-11-2018, 01:06 PM
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#5
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Posts: 1,001
Year: 2000
Coachwork: Blue Bird
Chassis: International
Engine: TE 444
Rated Cap: 12
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Most 8v71's in mci8's are not turbo, rated between 270 and 318 hp, and it is plenty of power. Top speed is over 70, at least on all the greyhound MCI8s I drove
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02-11-2018, 01:13 PM
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#6
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Almost There
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 95
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When the current owner fired it up, it started in seconds, ran smooth no obvious sounds or issues my inexperienced bus driver ears could detect.
Air filled quickly, airbags raised smooth and easily...idk.
Are there known issues with these things I should be looking for? If we do buy it I will need to find a local bus mechanic to have him go over it entirely.
I know the speedometer, fuel gauge and passenger side wipers dont work...possibly the AC. Still trying to determine some of the outstanding issues.
One of my challenges is its 2hrs from my home so I dont know anyone local to have them look at it.
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02-11-2018, 01:19 PM
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#7
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 8,462
Year: 1946
Coachwork: Chevrolet/Wayne
Chassis: 1- 1/2 ton
Engine: Cummins 4BT
Rated Cap: 15
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8-71's are solid engines with a long life expectancy...but like anything else...only if they were properly maintained. Running an oil analysis should tell the tale on both the engine & tranny.
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02-11-2018, 01:35 PM
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#8
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Bus Geek
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Eastern WA
Posts: 6,401
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: All American RE (A3RE)
Engine: Cummins ISC (8.3)
Rated Cap: 72
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tango
8-71's are solid engines with a long life expectancy...but like anything else...only if they were properly maintained. Running an oil analysis should tell the tale on both the engine & tranny.
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More great advice from Tango.
Also, find out what oil the current owner is running. The specific oil is important on these engines. Delo 100 30wt or equivalent, low Ash content.
No Rotella or Delo 400 or even Delo 100 10/40wt. All bad news for 2 stroke Detroit's.
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02-11-2018, 01:37 PM
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#9
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Almost There
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 95
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Great advise, thank you team!
Any thoughts on towing a Jeep or something similar?
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02-11-2018, 01:53 PM
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#10
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Bus Geek
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Eastern WA
Posts: 6,401
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: All American RE (A3RE)
Engine: Cummins ISC (8.3)
Rated Cap: 72
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I had two different toads behind my 8v71. A Honda Accord and a Ford Ranger (v6 long bed).
Both towed fine. On big hills I could tell that the Ranger was back there. The Accord was "invisible".
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02-11-2018, 06:25 PM
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#11
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Bus Nut
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Gonvick MN
Posts: 339
Year: 1975
Chassis: Gillig
Engine: Cat 3208t/10 speed transmission
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Look out for rust.
The guys at Bus Grease Monkey or the Bus Conversion Magazine forums will tell you where to look.
__________________
Remove hence to yonder place....
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02-12-2018, 10:41 AM
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#12
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Bus Geek
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Eastern WA
Posts: 6,401
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: All American RE (A3RE)
Engine: Cummins ISC (8.3)
Rated Cap: 72
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Another forum with a lot of MCI knowledge regarding MCI and 2 stroke Detroit's is BNO Bus Nuts Online.
Beware of some strong opinions there though.......
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