1965 Mack B615

[Jarrad]

Here’s the story.  I have recently acquired this Mack B615S 1222.  It was purchased from my Dad's company.  They ordered it new from Mack.  So technically I am the second owner.  The company did heavy hauling, crane work, millwrighting, ect.  This truck was used to pull a 200-ton capacity trailer. (that is not a typo 200 tons! )  The truck has some neat features I do not see often.  First is the extra set of dual wheels that bolt on to the back of the truck.  They are not driven but do have brakes.  I do not use them b/c of the trailer I am using.  The best part of the truck is the winch mounted on the back of the truck.  It is perfect to get the steamer on the trailer when it is cold.  I contacted Mack Historical and on the build sheet it is noted to have a winch put on it. (something about how the exhaust was run).    The engine is the original V8 END-864 with the 7220 Quadruplex trans.  The amazing part 32K miles.  The truck was keep indoors, well serviced and in excellent survivor condition.

As for my intentions….  Before my Dad retired and sold the business, I got my CDL.  I am not a truck driver but obviously am very comfortable using heavy equipment.  I did a few hours of training and passed the test on a modern 10 speed.    I tagged the truck Antique, permanent Pa. trailer tags and will haul my 1918 Case 10 Ton Roller around to a few shows a year. 

I am learning how to service the truck.  I first started with an oil change.  Had all the part #s from Mack.  Had a Mack service station up the road,  not any filters available, fuel, oil, or coolant.  I guess that is why the Historical Museum puts all those contacts in the back of the book.  So I got one at Napa.  My first question #1  I used 7 gallons Rotella T4 15w-40 is that OK?  The book calls 20w-40 or 10w-30 at 30 deg and above.    I am also curious about the exhaust brake. I see it is a valve on the pipe and It is air actuated.  #2  Do I turn it on at the top of the hill then turn it off at the bottom?  It does not automatically disengage when I press the accelerator.  It also does not seem to do much.  At 25 tons combined I really don’t need it.  I do not want to stress the exhaust valves/springs.  #3 don’t use it at all? 

As for the engine.  As I am finding out not one of Mack’s best.  Before I got the truck I heard that they use to break the cranks, then they would drop a gas engine in the trucks.  Now that I have spent hours researching the truck I am even more nervous.   That being said, this is what I got.  The biggest tip I see is not to lug them.  #4  is that lug them below operating 1700RPM ?  The range is 1700-2300 as per the tag in the cab.  I have been trying to keep it between 1900-2300.  #5 Any other tips?

The Quadruplex!!!!   Holyshit….  To my credit I did not have anyone to show me how to use it.  I learned from Twin Stick Pappy on Youtube.  I am not as good as Pappy but my skills are improving.  Certainly, makes you learn patients when shifting. The downshift from 4^th lo to 3rd high or 3^rd lo to 2^nd high is kicking my butt.  I have found that downshifting a bit early, without overrevving, helps.  I am sure the comments will be “more practice” and “match the road speed”.  But I will throw it out anyway #5 any other tips?

Quick story about the trailer.  I picked it up and the lights did not work.  Went thru and cleaned the grounds and plugs (3 on that trailer)  No lights.  Pulled the light, power to light.  Tested light, it worked.  Retested trailer with volt meter -12V…. shit pos. ground truck ….. polarity sensitive led lights on the trailer NO BUENO….  So for $60 I put incandescing lights back on the trailer.

My last question, for now, is about the Dry-Slippery air switch on the dash.  #6 Does it limit the front brakes or does it engage the second drive unit.  I’m confused.

So that has been my journey so far with the truck.  Sorry for it being so long but I am new to this and have a lot to learn.  Every time I get out of the truck I pull my earplugs and say “that’s a man’s truck!”  Hot, loud, smells like oil, I love it.  I am a young man and will own this truck for a long time, but I believe we are caretakers of this equipment for the next generation to enjoy.  Thank you in advance for your help.

[1977vega]

Good luck with the truck, looks awesome

[steve s.]

Very nice truck.  Glad to know it has a good home. There was an article in Double Clutch magazine about the Kreitz company a few years ago. I believe there may have been pictures of your truck in that story.

[mowerman]

nice lookin ride.....5x4s take a lotta practice thiers 2 gears you need to skip in full shift sequence   cant remember wich 2.off hand....but as you go along especially when empty you will find out you can skip quite a few,,,,no lugging is mainly important when your heavy and gearing up.such as long pulling grade dont do it......rottella is perfect or delo 400....reduction switch generally turns off steer brakes......engine brakes   depending on grade and weight usually dont hold well in high gears.....usually 3rd range is around the spot....yes turn on top of hill turn off bottom of hill real important.....magor engine damage if you forget  and release clutch at an idle....good luck hope this helps you ....have a ball with it.....bob

[mowerman]

napa is a good place for filters they have alotta crossover books....bob

[yarnall]

Nice truck.  My father saw this on the road on Saturday.    I think I have a picture of this truck that my father took in the late 70's.  I have a IH Fleetstar that belonged to your company.  I don't have any answers to your questions.  Good luck with it.  Mike. 

[HarryS]

That is such a cool truck with a great story. It looks like you have the perfect use for it. Enjoy.

[HeavyGunner]

Very nice truck, I believe the dry/slippery switch either limits or stops the air going to the front breaks when it's in slippery mode. 

[fxfymn]

Nice ride and welcome aboard. You have come to the right place for any help you might need.

Every lubricant guru I have heard speak or read an article from seems to think that the 15-40 Rotella is the best oil to use in older rigs. However, the formula recently changed to comply with new emissions and mileage requirements, so I'm not sure the new blend is still recommended. 

The "Dry-Wet" switch does limit the front brakes and I strongly urge you to disconnect it as it severely reduces the braking capacity of the truck. The use of it is especially thrilling in a fire truck when approaching a controlled intersection while feeling like you are gaining speed instead of stopping while applying the brakes.

Please try to bring the rig, with the roller on it, to the Macungie show next June. Great show and your rig would be a sure hit,

[steelman]

Nice unit.  Should do well in your application.  The only thing I would have done differently is to keep the LED lighting.  They solve 95% of the problems people have with trailers.  I would have spent a few hours reversing the ground/power leads at each light.  From 1935 to 1977, my dad had a small local truck company.  I worked there as a teenager, and most trailer problems involved keeping those darn incandescent lights working.  

[BillyT]

The dry/slippery switch cuts the air in half on the steering axle! Some three axle tractors I drove in the 70s had no brakes at all on the steering, presumably to avoid a steering tire or tires locking up on slippery roads and causing you to lose steering control! At some point this "feature" was no longer offered thank goodness!

[h67st]

I'm really glad to see you taking care of a truck that belonged to your dad's company...it's a good thing to keep your heritage going.

[fuzzy buzzard]

Here are some filter numbers as I have a beast like yours but without the winch and exhaust brake.

 

Engine oil  - Wix 51233

Primary fuel - Wix 33405

Secondary fuel - Wix 33218

Think there is a filter in the power steering pump but I don't have that number. Good luck with the old gal and be gentle with it!

[Jarrad]

Thank you all for the wishes and the solid info you gave me.  Thank you Fuzzy Buzzard for those numbers, that makes it super easy.  The next trip I make will be this week to take the steamer to Hay Creek festival.  I will have the truck and roller at the show all weekend.

Thanks again!

[yarnall]

I saw that Hay Creek is having ab antique auto/machinery section but I will not be able to make it. Hopefully you can bring it to Mack Day in Lititz on Oct 7.  

Here is the Fleetstar I mentioned.   Not a Mack and not too nice but I still like it.  Mike 

 

[mowerman]

those were always one of my favorites as a young guy i remember alot of them especially doing city deliverys...thanks for posting...bob

[terry]

 

I saw that Hay Creek is having ab antique auto/machinery section but I will not be able to make it. Hopefully you can bring it to Mack Day in Lititz on Oct 7.  

Here is the Fleetstar I mentioned.   Not a Mack and not too nice but I still like it.  Mike 

 

Last one like that I was around had a DV550 in it, not a good engine!    terry

[yarnall]

 

Last one like that I was around had a DV550 in it, not a good engine!    terry

This has a 549 V8 gas and a big top loader rear.  Definitely used for heavy hauling.  I would like to fix it up but it is low on my project list.  Mike. 

[tjc transport]

there used to be a lot of them intercrashionals here on the east coast with green leakers in them. 

especially 6-71's. you could hear them coming from 1/2 mile away

[terry]

 

This has a 549 V8 gas and a big top loader rear.  Definitely used for heavy hauling.  I would like to fix it up but it is low on my project list.  Mike. 

I think the DV 550 was a converted 549.   terry

[BillyT]

That could be a pretty truck! The mirrors and turn signals are nice, but I'd like to see one with the bullet chrome cab markers!

[57 bcr]

A friend  of  mine  bought   (and has since sold) one of  the  R models  Kreitz had. Doug Maney  found it for him.  Very straight  and original  before  he put a new dress on it. Al  

[yarnall]

I took my son to the Hay Creek Festival.  It had nothing to do with this truck being there.  It is pretty nice.  It was nice to meet Jarrad.  Mike

[GreenGiant2]

Where are you located out of.

[Jeff M]

A B model with a V8 which is still being used, how rare is that?  I'm happy that you are as committed to it as you seem to be.  The quad will get easier with time, trust me.  And if you like hot, loud trucks that smell like oil I'd say you've got the right stuff.  Best of luck with it, and don't forget to keep us posted.