Underdog

I missed the meeting by about 30 minutes. I passed Eric (the owner of the brown RW) 2 weeks ago around the 20 mile mark in PA. I even stopped at the Sheetz in Girard for a sammich. Next time send out a memo. My green RW would have made it very a colorful show. Gregg Eric is a big Mack guy and comes out to most of the eastern PA shows in the summertime, but never brings his truck. I hope he reads this changes his mind this year. Truck guys don't discriminate, especially for working trucks. More RW's for the lineup at Lititz 2012 !!!

This seems an appropriate conversation to ask... If anyone has a decent set of Superliner smooth aluminum tanks for sale or trade, I would be interested. 24-inch diameter in the 100 to 150 gallon range. Thanks. Gregg

The long top step provides an adequate platform to squat while keeping said ass cheeks out of the snow, thus preventing freezer burn on the tender meat. Gregg

It only gets that way from stupid people trying to fix things. I say stupid because that cannot be fixed. An ignorant person usually has the capacity to learn during the repair process or at least common sense enough to put something back the way it was. I am finding out this has been the case with the can of worms that is my Superliner. Most of my time and effort is spent trying to figure out what on earth has been done, what were they thinking (or not) and putting things back to the way it should be. Gregg

The F785 chassis is a single axle 128" wheelbase. Rear axle 4.00 ratio with a big hole in the carrier after it siezed from lack of oil. Front axle is FA 534 with oil hubs and 20" spokes. I also have for sale an FA535 with grease hubs and 20" spokes. Gregg

I don't ever mind keeping things in proper working order. I was hoping to have a bit more time to save up some $$$ before any major expenses set in with this truck. But I have been in tighter spots before and the RW should now be a reliable runner for a long while to climb back out of this latest hole. Gregg

Seems the 3rd world countries are the only only places with demand for trucks, too. What does that say about the global economy? Macks built this country and now they are building many others. Gregg

Hello, Dave. I appreciate your concern. You will appreciate my situation because I know you have been through it already with your E9. My RW is becoming the proverbial "can of worms". Put the truck in the shop Tuesday 1/24 to diagnose excess smoke and oil consumption. I knew of oil seeping around the head gaskets but I was hoping I had more time. There was trace amounts of coolant in the oil, so I did not want to let that go too much longer. Also, exhaust valves were sitting deep and some guides were bad, burning oil. So we are doing the head gaskets, refreshing the cyl heads, and top end of the injector pump & governor. Pistons & liners look OK and oil pressure was good so we are leaving go the bottom end. TransEdge Mack in Allentown is doing the work in-house. These engines are costly but even more so if things are let go too long. I don't want to take any chances. Not complaining, though. I knew what I was getting involved with and don't regret the purchase of this truck. Gregg

It depends on the size of the yard.

Yes the cab is sold already. Gregg

I am parting out an F 785T with a good running 237 and direct 5 speed of 1970 vintage. The engine is still in the chassis so it will run. The entire truck appears to be low miles, but I have no documentation. Looking for $2,000 for the engine & trans. I can lift it from the chassis or let it all go for that price. The rear axle is no good. Also delivery is possible within 300 miles. PM me for more info. Gregg

Things have changed for me recently and I have too many trucks in the yard so I decided to donate an F model cab to a friend's Brockway project. I don't see me getting to this project anytime soon, so I am glad to let it go to someone who needs it more than me. The good news for you guys is that I now have a good running 237/ 5- speed for sale as I will be parting out this chassis. I will post in the for sale forum with details. I was going to build this truck into a tandem road tractor but my RW now fills that need, and has been taking most of my time and money recently. Gregg

Don't be surprised... I have seen Schnieder and JB doing dump and bulk feed for dedicated customers. Swift will want some of that action. Gregg

Check online at jpchrome.com. Lots of mack stuff there. There is also Dieter's, but JP Chrome sells their products or you should be able to order Dieter's items through your Mack dealer. Gregg

Just lots of little things...I have been taking advantage of our fair weather, out in the driveway dawn to dusk most days when I am home. I don't think this truck has been run much lately. And I do have to question what type of repair & maintenance has been done over the years. Sometimes I think neglect would be a better option than some of the half-assed s#!@ repairs I have come across. Oh well, basically a solid truck, I don't regret the purchase, and she's in better hands now up & running most days. Gregg

Any truck newer than 1996 should have automatic slack adjusters. Adjusting these manually is the #1 reason why they fail. Hatcity has good advice, check for obvious defects or replace the slack if it is not working. The only time to manually move an auto slack is for brake service or repair. Otherwise set it & forget it. If they don't hold adjustment, it is either broke or not set up properly upon installation, or you have other issues with the foundation(worn cam & bushings most likely). Gregg

Mike, my engine is down for the crankshaft, I did not note any issues with the heads. I will check them over real good and report back to you. If you want the block also I can ship that as well. The crank & #2 rod bearing is wiped but as far as I know the block is OK, I just was not able to find a donor crank for that older style block. Right now the only thing holding up my progress is finding a good set of 20 bolt heads for my new engine. Found 2 sets so far, both cracked.

Mike, are they 18 bolt or 20 bolt? I am rebuilding my 673 with a new block and the 20 bolt heads. If you need my old 18 bolt heads I will put your name on them. Gregg

Hello Tom, The name of this place is INDUSTRIAL TRUCK & EQUIPMENT SALES operated by a fellow named Jerry Ayers. This is where I got my Superliner. Jerry is an ATHS member and has quite an antique collection of his own. Good guy to deal with, and seems fair on pricing. His business focuses on exporting Macks, mostly R models, so anyone opposed to that better get down there and find one you like and take it home. Gregg

Thanks for asking. I have not been too active on the forums since the Superliner is keeping me quite occupied. Nothing serious, just lots to do on a 28 year old truck, and trying to work it at the same time. But we do go out make some money and come back home every week so I would say we are getting along just fine. Quite comfortable to drive despite the lack of air ride. The biggest adjustment has been the small bunk and limited storage space. Lots of thumbs up everywhere I go makes me proud to finally own & drive a Superliner. Gregg

Thanks for asking, Bob. I am basically going from the ground up with another block, crank, & heads. Updating to the larger bearings and 20-bolt heads. All this in my spare time between getting the Superliner ready to go and recovering the Vision. Gregg

I appreciate all the feedback everyone. I just got this truck two weeks ago and putting it right to work. I changed oil & filters and fixed a few oil leaks on the engine but it seems OK otherwise. I don't have any maintenance history on this truck and I just want to make sure I am starting out in good order. I can't wait to hook a load behind... This beast seems like it wants to PULL. Jim I think you are right I've been in that E-Tech too long I forgot what power feels like ! Gregg

I wonder can oil pressure be too high? On my newly aquired E9, pressure reads about 90 psi at road speed, and settles down to around 35 psi at hot idle. What is normal for these V8's and what could cause oil pressure to go abnormally high? Gregg

I just found out this week from the insurance company what a 2000 CX is worth. They totalled mine saying market value is $17,500. (still more than a 2004 T-600 I might add). So I settled with them for $13,500 and I can keep the truck. Gregg

Maybe low miles but even if the owner would sell them there is not much left even for parts. I checked these out 3 years ago and the owner will not part with anything. It appears he still has every truck he has owned. Gregg