itlldo1 Posted April 8, 2010 Share Posted April 8, 2010 I bought this '78 F Model in my avitar today. 237 w 5 speed-supposedly a strong runner, but has been sitting for 2 years. I'm planning on trying to get it running before I bring it home-actually so I can bring it home, and the 4 batts are dead and probably toast. Can I get by trying to start this w 2 12 Volts that I have in the shop, or will I need all 4? Come to think of it I didn't look at it close enough-are there 4 12volt batts, or 4 6v? Thanks-Mike Quote Is it just me or did those buffalo wings taste like chicken? Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/13341-first-mack/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superdog Posted April 8, 2010 Share Posted April 8, 2010 Don't look bad from the pic,post some more when you get a chance.2 12v batteries should start it. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/13341-first-mack/#findComment-52683 Share on other sites More sharing options...
vision386 Posted April 8, 2010 Share Posted April 8, 2010 I bought this '78 F Model in my avitar today. 237 w 5 speed-supposedly a strong runner, but has been sitting for 2 years. I'm planning on trying to get it running before I bring it home-actually so I can bring it home, and the 4 batts are dead and probably toast. Can I get by trying to start this w 2 12 Volts that I have in the shop, or will I need all 4? Come to think of it I didn't look at it close enough-are there 4 12volt batts, or 4 6v? Thanks-MikeI agree,2 12 volt batteries should be enough to turn it over/start,of course if it has been sitting that long MAKE DAM SURE you have oil pressure when cranking! looks good though! keep us posted how its going....glad to help however possible...mark Quote Mack Truck literate. Computer illiterate. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/13341-first-mack/#findComment-52686 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lmackattack Posted April 8, 2010 Share Posted April 8, 2010 2 car batts will start it right up if it not to cold out and the engine does not need more than a 1-2 min of cranking to get it going. most of these old diesel will fire right up if the fuel system is still primed.most late 70s macks I have been around were 12V start so you can just use 2 standard batts.however it could be a 24V start system but you will just have to check. look at the volt meter sometimes it gives it away if its 12 or 24V system.post some more pics and welcome to the club.... Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/13341-first-mack/#findComment-52688 Share on other sites More sharing options...
itlldo1 Posted April 8, 2010 Author Share Posted April 8, 2010 (edited) Got the cab cleaned out (over 1 full garbage can), tons of mouse crap, driveshaft hooked back up, spun her over a couple of times until the batt died. Next trip she'll be running. Mike Edited April 8, 2010 by itlldo1 Quote Is it just me or did those buffalo wings taste like chicken? Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/13341-first-mack/#findComment-52739 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatcity Posted April 8, 2010 Share Posted April 8, 2010 looks good. Should look better when fixed up. Congrats on the purchase.Does it have an "engine stop" knob? (usually red) Pull that out while crancking for a little, til some oil pressure shows. Then push in to fire. (Fuel shut off) May smoke and sputter, sound like crap until all cyl are firing and all air is out of fuel lines Quote Success is only a stones throw away.................................................................for a Palestinian Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/13341-first-mack/#findComment-52740 Share on other sites More sharing options...
itlldo1 Posted April 9, 2010 Author Share Posted April 9, 2010 (edited) It's alive! Edited April 13, 2010 by itlldo1 Quote Is it just me or did those buffalo wings taste like chicken? Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/13341-first-mack/#findComment-52753 Share on other sites More sharing options...
itlldo1 Posted April 13, 2010 Author Share Posted April 13, 2010 Got her running and made it home today. She inhaled a mouse's nest that was inside the air cleaner, but after clearing that out of the turbo-and changing some filters for good luck-made it the rest of the way w/o incident. Now the work starts-really looking forward to it. Mike Quote Is it just me or did those buffalo wings taste like chicken? Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/13341-first-mack/#findComment-52991 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajt3138 Posted April 13, 2010 Share Posted April 13, 2010 along the same line.............we have to check our air cleaners this spring for starling nests before we start engine. must be a sure sign that spring has arrived. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/13341-first-mack/#findComment-52992 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajt3138 Posted April 13, 2010 Share Posted April 13, 2010 .........and congragulations on getting your truck home. i am working on a "B" now. i find the work very relaxing. i really enjoy going to the barn at nights and weekends. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/13341-first-mack/#findComment-52993 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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