Rob

I for some reason thought the truck was yours already. Be sure to have the vin number for the truck, and the model number of the transmission ready for the Mack dealer. The Selectair valve is the same throughout production, but there are a couple different kits for the shift cylinders. Having those numbers will half way ensure you get the correct parts! Rob

Those packings are needing replaced on both the shifter selectair valve, and shift cylinders and are not worth wasting the time to troubleshoot. The problems you are experiencing will be eliminated with the refurbishment. You will have gray hair by the time you are finished troubleshooting, and then need to replace them anyways. The rebuild is very straight forward after the top of the tranmission is removed. Be sure to mark your air lines for orientation prior to removal to ease the reassembly. There is no sequence that must be followed. You can have the shifter in a gear position and flip the handle from a forward, to reverse position and it should slip right into gear. You drive that transmission like a two speed rear axle and with good seals, it will shift instantaneously for you. Rob

That is backward. The "blue" shift cylinder is for the high/low range selection. The other shift cylinder is the one that routes the transmission to reverse. The .pdf file diagram that was posted gives the air routing as per that chart with the shaded boxes. When the "selectair" valve is positioned to reverse, the air line leading to the back of the reverse shift cylinder is pressurized, and the air line that runs from the side of this same cylinder runs to the "quick release" valve to rapidly exhaust the air from that cylinder. As can be ascertained by the air chart, most of the cylinders have air on both sides of the piston to keep anything from moving except when a selection is made. This effectively "binds" the shifting forks from moving freely. Rob

I've always liked the statement that you only have to please the owner. It doesn't much matter what anyone else thinks of the quality, or type of work, if the person that is paying the bill is satisfied. Rob

Too much time on your hands...... Rob

I've seen a lot worse there but I'll agree that is sloppy looking. Some folks only care about something being "usable" without regard to finished appearance. The seller has the truck priced high for what it is and prospective purchasers will determine if the repair was worth the effort. I would have replaced the hood myself. Rob

I remember that one well. Five more minuets on the griddle, and he would have been perfect. Rob

There is always room at Auto Affair for anyone that wants to visit, or stay for a spell. I've got a three bedroom house co located on the property that my daughter stays in during off times from school. When she graduates next March, I will look to rent it with reservation on one of the bedrooms, and a bath. I plan to do this to support my customer base with the "old trucks" as to invite their participation. WTF is the use for "logic". Never use the stuff myself. I'm dangerous enough without a brain, (according to my wife). Now I must go "street scraping" for next weeks appetizers. The ice is thawing due to warmer weather and would sure hate for the delicacies to go to waste. Rob

How did everybody make out for Christmas in support of the hobbies? I got a wheeled shop charger/booster, (wife) a 3X5 nylon Mack bulldog flag, (son/daughter in law) and a really nice set of stainless hubcaps for aluminum wheels, (daughter). Also got a nice new set of booster cables for my truck: 2 guage, 20 ft. length, with 500 amp clamps, (daughter). Been needing a new set for several years. Only got a single item of clothing this year, a REALLY nice "Levi" brand thermal shirt, (son). Didn't get any socks and such as I have enough already! If this didn't just surprise me: My wife got me a Fuller transmission from her uncle, (RTO-12513). It is a takeout from when he went to a 18 speed and is still a good unit. I guess I could always use a spare. Rob

I certainly appreciate the offer to help. I'll keep looking, they're out there, just haven't located them yet. Rob

Relay the numbers from your transmission. They are located on the left side of the aluminum case in a flat spot. They will be stamped. I am away enjoying "family time" for the next couple of days and am out of the shop so my help will be limited if needed. Rob

You are correct in that assumption. Rob

First one must realize that batteries rarely gas under rapid discharge. There is not enough capacity in a battery installed into an automotive application that will provide current long enough for this to be a problem. This is a byproduct of charging, or boosting the battery. A large current draw, or a high resistance connection will produce extreme electrical loading that is mentioned. You are correct in assuming that it would not be proper to grab an electrical conductor that is a glowing from current flowing through it. The correct proceedure at this point would be to cut or sever, (if possible) the negative conductor with a utensil as the "bitter end" that hangs loose has no possible way to get to the elevated potential the positive cable has. Once the conductor is interrupted, current stops flowing immediately and the situation changes to less of an emergency. I would not be one to care about any automobile in the given scenario; That is assuming it has been cleared of persons. Depending on the proximity of the said day care institution to the hazard, or danger, would determine an appropriate response. As you know one does not use water to extinguish an electrical fire hazard, but rather CO2, or dry chemical. Water may be used for a cooling agent once the electrical current supply has been disabled. Next question please...... Rob

I'm always as happy as a buzzard on a shit wagon with nobody around for at least 50 paces. Rob

One can save all that pain and heartache by marrying an ugly woman. That way when she leaves, you will be happy. Rob

A lot of these are called a "Valve Regulated Lead Acid" type battery. I have several "banks" of those also but that is whole different charging and maintenance scenario so I did not post it. They are not as of yet popular in automotive application(s). Rob

Don't know if I would be allowed to do that. She usually doesn't want disturbed when enjoying a popcorn and toe cheese dinner with a side of nails. Rob

Leave the spokes!! Rob

Buy a rebuild kit for the "Selectair" valve, and air shift cylinders from your Mack dealer. I'll get the part number if you need it. Also ensure the quick release valve on the transmission top cover is working correctly. It should exhaust when you select the reverse position in the cab. Rob

I got a lump of coal in my stocking this morning! I was "robbed"!!! Hope everybodys' Christmas was Happy and Merry! Rob

Thanks Barry. Was allowed to post with normal effort! Rob

All of my prior posted photo's are gone. Thanks, Rob

I'm gonna leave the bullshit on the curb with this one: I'm sorry you had to learn the danger of batteries with physical injuries. That would be tough to live with. I've seen training films through the years and the danger has been preached many times so never had to experience it first hand. I do carry and use a neoprene apron, skull cap, safety goggles, and a full face shield when load testing battery banks. This is also used in evaluating performance. You are one that has learned to respect this area. So many do not and repeat the same mistake. One of the most common incidents that happens with batteries is to try to jump start a very low temperature, or frozen battery. With the inrush of current a rapid buildup of heat and boiling of the electrolye occurs, and things start to expand on very short order. When the expansion of the internal plates cannot move effortlessly, pressure builds until something blows. If you lost your hearing, you know it is not a quiet affair. Sulfuric acid is not easy on clothing, and very bad on the eyes, and skin. If one goes to jump start a vehicle always hook up the discharged battery first, and disconnect last. This is due to the heating effect I have mentioned earlier. As soon as boosting current is added to the discharged battery, it starts to gas. This is the explosive part of the equation. This is also why you disconnect last. If one disconnects this area first, there is most times a spark. You can guess what a spark in an explosive atmosphere can equate to and the result. This is also why it is best to hook the booster cable to the positive post of the discharged battery, and the negative lead to a suitable ground separate from the battery, (like engine bracket, block etc.). I'm not one that lives or preaches on the side of caution. Many of the batteries I work with are for locomotive starting and used on generator sets, with a capacity well over 500 amperhours at 8VDC rating each; Safety is mandated with this kind of current available. In other words there is a very strong possibility for death or injury if safety is not followed, and practiced. A guy I worked for in high school once told me about digging bakelite chips out of his chest with a pair of tweezers when a battery exploded on him. This was in the 60's some time and was readily willing to warn me of the inherent dangers of working with what so many take for granted. You only have to get hurt once to remember it well. I'd rather not have that lesson. Rob

Ahhh yes. Using the power of phonetics, and deductive reasoning, I have surmised that your "slang terminology" is meaning to say "son of a bitch" in different pronunciation. I believe that is called synonyms within the english language. Thank you for taking the time to clear that confusion. I feel much better now. You have spelled "censors" correctly I might add. Should your participation be ostracized from the site I would be willing to be held accountable for your banishment. I would accept full responsibility. Although I do have broad shoulders, I would miss you in your absence. Rob

You had offered clarification with the term "sumbish". I've never heard this term prior and require a thorough understanding of both the structure to language, and it's derivatives. My understanding will serve to alleviate miscommunication in further conveyances. Rob