Rob

Couldn't sell it?? If you trace the positive battery cable, (larger of the two on a top post battery) to the frame or starter motor case, it is positive ground. If the positive goes to the series/parallel switch you probably have negative ground. Also trace the negative cables from the battery post(s), (smaller is negative) and discern if the one of the negative cables goes to the frame, or starter motor case, and the other to the switch. If original it was probably positive ground. However if an alternator was installed replacing the original generator it could be either way, but odds are that it would be negative ground. I'd do away with the 24VDC start and go with a Ford remote magnetic switch, (everyone refers to them as solenoids), and a 12VDC 40MT series Delco starter and solenoid, then rewire for negative ground as this is much more cost effective than maintaining the older setup. You would then run two, or three 12VDC group 31 series heavy duty batteries, (in parallel connection) with good connections and forget about your starting problems. Then put a 10SI series Delco alternator on it and do away with the generator setup also. These conversions work very well with little effort after parts are acquired. Rob

Be sure to measure spring perch centers too. You may be able to swap the axle over if they are the same. If I remember correctly the 72 R model I have has the same measurement as a B61. Rob

Hi Packer, a trailer using that tire size really would be a little taller than optimum but could still be useful. A B61 with an 8000# steer axle, (FA-505) and 34,000# "camelback" rear suspension sits low at about 30" of top rail frame height from ground. Using 9.00X20 tires would make the trailer fairly level but larger tires may make it run downhill depending on 5th wheel height. I really want to build my own traveling axle trailer and have all the needed parts except suspension and axles. The cylinders were expensive but I found them used. I've not ordered the steel either but that is just a phone call. Not settled on air, or spring suspension, but want to come in with a 44ft. overall length with a knife edge approach. Don't really have the time to proceed so looking for a stand in for a couple of years till something is ready to be hauled around here. Too many unfinished projects and may need to put a part timer on payroll to move along. Rob

That RL of mine you gotta be careful when stepping on the brake pedal unless you like the taste of laminate glass because a lighter man would surely kiss the windshield if they were to plant the pedal. The combination of my bloated carcass and steering wheel brake belly keeps me from doing it. I've had all the wheels and drums off and everything is new inside the hubs and is adjusted as per the manual. I guess as Glenn said they'll serve a long time if maintained properly but are a nightmare if not. Rob

Four retired guys are walking down a street in The Villages, Florida. They turned a corner and see a sign that says, 'Old Timers Bar - all drinks 10 cents. They look at each other and go in, thinking this Is too good to be true. The old bartender says in a voice that carries across the room, 'Come on in and let me pour one for you! What'll it be, Gentlemen?' There seemed to be a fully-stocked bar, so each of the men ask for a martini. In short order, the bartender Serves up four iced martinis. Shaken, not stirred, and says, 'That'll be 10 cents each, please.' The four men stare at the bartender for a moment. Then look at each other. They can't believe their good luck. They pay the 40 cents, finish their martinis, and order another round. Again four excellent martinis are produced with the bartender again saying, 'That's 40 cents, please.' They pay the 40 cents, but their curiosity is more than they can stand. They have each had two martinis and so far they've spent less than a dollar. Finally one of the men says, 'How can you afford to serve martinis as good as these for a dime a piece?' 'I'm a retired tailor from Boston,' the bartender said, 'and I always wanted to own a bar. Last year I hit the Lottery for $25 million and decided to open this place. Every drink costs a dime - wine, liquor, beer, it's all the same.' Wow!!!! That's quite a story,' says one of the men. The four of them sipped at their martinis and couldn't help but notice seven other people at the end of the bar who didn't have drinks in front of them, and hadn't ordered anything the whole time they were there. One man gestures at the seven at the end of the bar without drinks and asks the bartender, 'What's with them?' The bartender says, 'Oh, they're all retired conservatives from Wisconsin, waiting for happy hour when drinks are half price.'

Be prepared for a real surprise dealing with them....... Rob

Don't know. Very unusual request. Rob

Good engine in it's day but parts are long obsolete. There should be a metal plate or tag that is drive riveted to the passenger side of the head at the front. The number is sometimes stamped into the block under where this tag is/was. The tag will have the word "Magnadyne" pressed, or silk screened onto it. Not a lot of power to be had out of that engine and it likes it's gas. Rob

I've have enough wheels and safe tires to get it home alright. Would need to pack bearings and install seals before making the trip unless it were carried. Can you get any photos? I don't care much about a deck. Customer of mine owns/operates a sawmill and that part is easy. Rob

All that stuff was known to be bad so it wasn't missed. The driveshaft would have been missed because they have to be built to the correct length. Besides, I had some gooder stuff at that shop anyways. Rob

Sure glad you dropped all them parts off at the shop. Sorry I missed you but I was out scouting a new business venture, other wise we'd had dinner and you wouldn't have left so hungry. Gonna need all that stuff in the near future. Rob

Sure appreciate it. There is always something to overlook. Daughter will be in this truck so wanting it safe as I can make it. If I had the original "Mack" scripted hub caps, I'd go with packing the bearings with grease, but at the present I'll stay with oil. Thanks, Rob

Hi Jim, all the original seals were "Stemco" and I'm trying to go with Herb's suggestion of CR. The Stemco numbers were discontinued in 1975 by them and there are several new part numbers since. It will come together, just takes a little bit of time. Glad this is not a working truck. I'd never seen the removable wear ring before and these are shot with a deep groove in them. They did not have a "speedi sleeve" installed, but did not leak. The original seals were leather also.

Having one hell of a time getting the seals for the wheels due to obsolete parts, but moving slowly. I've never seen it before but this truck is built with removeable front hub oil sealing surfaces. They are pinned into place to not roll on the spindle. I have all the bushing kits, (bronze oilite) for all the "S" cams, and two of the cams for the rears, but only the left front one for the steer. The others are located, just have not been received yet. Still haven't recieved the puller set that was ordered the first of the week so can go no further yet to pull the bushings. Still haven't received the replacement brake blocks either so really can't put anything back together yet. Pulled all the rotochambers and mounted a couple on the truck but have not plumbed anything. As per Herb's suggestion I'll install spring brakes on both rear axles. It had to happen that I'd get bored watching paint dry in the shop so I and helper took to removing the front sheet metal. Off came the fenders and headlamp panels, along with the balance of the supporting sheet metal stampings. The bolt together edges of the headlamp mounting panels, inner fender closing panels where they bolt together with the headlamp mounting panels will require rebuilding. Also found a couple cracks in the inner fender panels I didn't know existed but these are an easy fix. I am really surprised how well this thing came apart. I've seen five year old cars not come apart as easily. Being quite a bit ahead of the game at this point, I then pulled the breastplate and bumper assembly with frame mounting brackets from "Yella Dog". I want to put these assemblies on the B67, then try to locate another for the other project(s). Rob

I have four new old stock Goodyear 15X22.5 tires, (bias ply) and a pair of brand new rims, (wide, Dayton style) stored in my garage that have never been mounted up. The guy I got them from owned a ready mix plant for years, and ran this size on his Reo, and Diamond Reo branded trucks. I don't forsee ever owning something that needs tires this size so may trade them for something if any interest. Rob

This just might work.

Most will say they are garbage and they are probably right. I have a 73 RL797L with them on front and rear and they work perfect. Get a book and take the hubs apart making sure the adjusters are greased properly and not frozen, then adjust them as they should be and they will work well for you. Rob

If you were able to snap a photo of it, haven't you found it? Really can't tell the basis of your question but are you looking to replace the one you have, or add another to your truck? I have a couple around and will look in my pile. Rob

That's alright. I'm sure the engine you are conversing about is a good unit as we've spoken several times and it is just underpowered for the expected application. No other known problems. Good luck with your project. Rob

Around here Drott equipment is supported well by the Case dealers. I don't really know anything about other suppliers. Rob

There are really only four major filter manufacturers around any longer; Wix, Hastings, Purolator, (I heard they have been sold), and FRAM. In my opinion all are on equal par if the filter level of quality is evaluated. All manufacturers have different levels of quality to fit the appropriate market segment. I typically run an engine manufactures' filter on their engine for much the same reason Rowdy mentioned. Personally I've never had a filter come apart but have seen it happen. One is particular was a Baldwin, (Hastings) the the crimp was defective holding the shell to the baseplate. This wasted a Cat engine and after being sued, they installed a fresh reman engine to replace the original. I've seen the same on Wix branded, Purolator branded, AC branded, and a couple others. Purolator manufactured AC filters for several years as a side note. Defects can happen to anyone's brand. I've seen for years in parts stores cut open filter assemblies on display. Usually comparing Fram, AC, etc. to a not so available brand name like WIX, Hastings, Baldwin etc. From what I've seen they are not filters of the same level of quality. It is like grabbing a FRAM filter from Wal-Mart, (aimed at the home "do it yourselfer") and comparing it to a much higher quality constructed filter such as offered for a diesel engine for use in a professional shop with a reputation to be of concern. On my personal vehicles I use Carquest branded filters manufactured by Wix. These are the same filters branded NAPA, and a few other private brands. I've used FRAM a lot myself without any problems through the years, but I buy them by the case and they're always on my shelf. Just a matter of convienience. Rob

The engine was a very good unit in it's day. Most replacement parts are now obsolete and you would probably be better off replacing with a later model "Maxidyne" series engine if staying with a Mack power unit. The transmission was a good unit that would render excellent service if maintained and not abused. Rob

Thanks Glenn for the reply. I changed the gauge itself and it came to life with good oil pressure cold. I'm going to roll in new bearings for good measure but the movement was stuck in the old gauge. I did get it to come loose with a flush of solvent and 90 psi of air pressure applied. I haven't put it back into a truck as of yet. Thanks, Rob

Guy brings by his electric self propelled lawnmower to the shop complaining it is too slow last summer and asks if I can do anything to help out. I sent this to a friend that knew how to post it on a video site. I think it turned out satisfactory but it does take some getting used to. Can I work on yours to make you more "greener"? Rob Electric_Lawnmower.wmv

Now this a strange request but there is not enough information offered. What type of truck are you needing this from? Noting that you are from California, are you needing a radiator from a "Western" Mack, or standard Mack as the core width, and length are different. I cannot fathom someone wanting to reuse this gasket as they are mashed flat and will not provide a dependable seal to a fresh core without a lot of silicone. This offers a marginal and temporary repair at best. Rob