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.