(about the only thing we didn't do was blow a head gasket so I changed the subject line)
The subject line says it all - any reccomendations out there? Anybody to avoid at all costs? We're in Cortland, NY which is about 30 miles south of Syracuse. We're still sort of mobile but blowing a gawdawful white cloud and using coolant faster than fuel - and not pressurizing the rad which is a new one for me.
I've already had one reccomendation for "Grant Street Repair" - basically from a passerby but in fairness I talked to a mechanic and it sounded like they did know what a diesel engine was. Anybody know them?
8-92 Turbo
:( So sorry to hear about your troubles. We're keeping our frozen fingers crossed for you.
Bob,
My wife came running to find why I yelled "OH NO!". Sorry to hear about your break down. And in this weather....crap!
Did this failure have a cause or was it just inadvertent? Like to many cycles between subzero and full temp(180)? What was your first symptom that you had a problem? If you are not adding pressure to the coolant your leak must be to the outside and not into combustion...true? Maybe that is a leak you could slow down enuf with bars leaks(bite my tongue) to limp on south to Friendly Ville to known resources. Please forgive me for being simplistic if I am.
Wishing you well.
PWH,
John
Bob sorry to hear about you having problems!
Maybe Sammy or some of our New Yorkers can chime in and be of help! Is your engine a 71 or a 92 series? I
Is it just blowing out thru the exhaust side? Or is it getting in the oil too?
If it is just the exhaust side you might try the Bars Leak to make it farther south somewhere to a "KNOWN SAFE PLACE"! FWIW ;D BK ;D
Bob, Penn Detroit Diesel in Syracuse is a good shop and the labor rate is around 100 bucks it was 3 years ago
good luck
BK I think it is getting in the sump too but it was dark & we were pretty focussed on getting off the road. Its an 8-92. I'll have a closer look at the oil in the AM. I figure we've got Sunday to make a plan regardless - nothing is going to happen until Monday no matter what we do.
Bob,
Sorry to hear about your problem. I can't say from experience, but we have had some good experiences with authorized mechanics. I know that there are a busload ( ;D) of great mechanics out there, that aren't certified, but the biggest problem is finding them. I know that there are a lot of unethical mechanics out there, so be careful.
That said, your pickings look pretty slim. I ran a Google search, and here is what I came up with. http://maps.google.com/maps?num=50&hl=en&safe=active&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=ItM&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=Detroit+diesel+repair+in+Syracuse+ny&fb=1&sa=X&oi=local_group&resnum=1&ct=image (http://maps.google.com/maps?num=50&hl=en&safe=active&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=ItM&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=Detroit+diesel+repair+in+Syracuse+ny&fb=1&sa=X&oi=local_group&resnum=1&ct=image)
I would also call some local bus lines, and see if they have any recommended roadside mechanics (or any other shops).
How far can you limp for? I have a story about something similar... Our oil cooler's gasket had disintegrated, and was pouring out oil at the rate of a gallon and a half every ten minutes. We drove it for an hour and a half, to get it to the shop. We bought a lot of gallons of oil, that day, only to donate them to the road. We were actually able to retrace our route on the interstate. ;D
I'm not sure whether that helps. Keep us updated.
God bless,
John
If he is getting water and antifreeze in the oil he does not want to try and drive his bus 8v92's do not like that combination it will spin the bearings on the crankshaft have a great evening
Bob it appears your heading south on 81 and if so, I did a google search by modifying the above search and found what looks to be a large fleet service provider in Binghamton which is south of Syracuse. Here is the info I got if that is any help!
Dick Laing Diesel Service Diesel Service
155 W Service Hwy, Binghamton, NY -
(607) 722-1430
The web site is: fleetsource.com
Ace
Bob, sorry to hear of your troubles.
Here's a few suggestions, got 'em from my Bus Garage Index...
Swarthout Coaches
Ithaca,NY
607-257-2277, or 2660
Chenango Valley Bus Lines Inc.
Binghamton,NY
1-800-647-6471
Mello- Dears Charters
Owego,NY
607-699-3809
Atlantic Detroit Diesel -Allison Inc
Latham, NY (Near Albany)
518-452-0000, or 518-438-5961
ADDA is the NY Detroit/Allison guy, Like Williams,Johnson & Towers, etc.
Swarthout used to park their coaches in our old yard when they brought college kids home to Long Island for the holidays.
Sent you a PM too.........
Anyone that owns a bus should carry a copy of The Bus Pages it is the best $20.00 you can spend when traveling in one of these beasts Have a great day
where is the link to order it?
Kevin
Kevin; www.busbook.com or 1-800-775-4577 have a great day
Hello Bob I have a number of a guy who lives there call me mike lutestanski 1 352 489-1581 I will give you his info. I dont know if he is still fixing engines .
regards mike
I tried that link for the bus book and It would not work. Is there another link?
WvaNative
Bob, I just sent a PM with a couple of contact people in the area. I forgot to put a subject line in, so let me know if it didn't come through.
Arthur
Bob,
I couldn't agree with Deuce more. I don't think you needed that "caution" yourself but if it saves even one "spun bearing" it was time well spent on his part.
So, is there coolant in the sump? Ive been up all knight wondering on pins and needles ::) This is probably no time for humor of any kind. Was making the point that I and others are concerned and you knew that. :(
Seeing as you are headed south, I thought you could get by with straight water and never let her chill. You have a hundred gallons and that should get you to a spot where you could turn her of and rest. If it isn't going into the sump, of course.
Good luck and post soon,
John
Quote from: makemineatwostroke on December 13, 2008, 07:55:03 PM
If he is getting water and antifreeze in the oil he does not want to try and drive his bus 8v92's do not like that combination it will spin the bearings on the crankshaft have a great evening
As usual you are 100% correct Cole! That is exactly why I asked if it was getting in the oil!
Back when I was working the Katrina/Rita hurricane reliefs I did "save" an engine and was able to stay on another week and still get it home by draining ALL the oil & coolant and refilling the coolant with straight water and bars leak and changing the oil, doing both three times in 2 days! (but it was a time when I didn't have a choice and it was either try that or tow it home and loose $800+ per day for who knew who much longer we'd be there? I weighed the odds and decided that the damage was done, and if it didn't work I was only out the bars leak and oil, and time. So I gambled on it! I am in no means trying to tell you to do the same, just letting you know it is possible! Oh yeah it was on my "Hotrod" 8V92TA DDEC also by the way! FWIW) ;D BK ;D
Thank you "makemineatwostroke for the information of the Bus Pages
The Bus Pages (http://www.rv-busconversions.com/busPages.html) (left click)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry about the grief of having a leaking headgasket while en routing to warmer climate.
Whatever you do, avoid driving it or gamble.
About leaking coolant (antifreeze)...of course...it damaging to walls as well bearings. Plain water is better however, freezing temperature while running is not in your favor too. Whatever ways you choose...coolant will get into oil sump via piston rings
Hope it go the least expense for you.
I will pray that it goes swiftly in repair and cost.
Gerald & Lynette
We've definitely got coolant in the sump and I am of the opinion that the damage is likely already done. Just getting it off the side of the road was likely enough to hurt it based on the various conversations I have had online and on the phone over the last 12 hours.
I've got a couple of good reccomendations for the local service shop so I'm going to talk to them in the AM. I think what we are going to talk about is an R & R for a rebuilt of some description. I've got a line on a 6-92 with a 740 but I'm still hoping to find an 8-92.
As far as what happened, its pretty obvious that the stupid operator let the engine get hot and cooked it. It has used a little water as long as we have owned it but nothing has ever showed up in the oil analysis which led me to believe that the water was leaking out in the hydronic system. Now I'm not so sure about that but ultimately it doesn't matter. It got hot, I didn't catch it soon enough & I cooked it. End of story.
Anybody with a known history 8-92 that they want to get rid of please call me at three zero six - eight six two - sixty-four hundred. Alternatively, anybody who wants an 8-92 core with an attached ten speed overdrive could call too.
This is what I use to keep the fleet rolling : http://busride.com/bgindex.asp 8)
Timothy McDonagh has a 8v92t with supposed Out of Frame for $4500 in Conneticut 860-309-2926 860-738-3071
I know nothing of this mill or the seller - HTH
HEY!
It ain't over until the fat lady sings...
Everyone will say "Oh the damage is done..." because they either don't know, or want to warm you up to take your money for the rebuild.
You won't believe the crazy stuff that be done to these motors and they show no lasting problems after repairs.
Stay sane, you got nothing but time on your hands, find the right guys and get it evaluated.
Or tow it to Luke?
Bummer.
happy coaching!
buswarrior
Quote from: bobofthenorth
I've got a couple of good reccomendations for the local service shop so I'm going to talk to them in the AM. I think what we are going to talk about is an R & R for a rebuilt of some description. I've got a line on a 6-92 with a 740 but I'm still hoping to find an 8-92.
Anybody with a known history 8-92 that they want to get rid of please call me at three zero six - eight six two - sixty-four hundred. Alternatively, anybody who wants an 8-92 core with an attached ten speed overdrive could call too.
Hm-mm, might be a good time to call Don Fairfield and have him ship you one to the shop your looking to have do the labor!After all then you'd know what ya had, and it would be a good clean running engine for the life of your coach! Just a suggestion, but definitely something I would look into. Besides Don has been looking to get some of his fine craftsmanship back east he might even make ya good deal for bragging rights at Bussin 2009 and other events. Ya never know he might even do a tune up on it later on when your paths meet! Like I said just a suggestion, and I have no financial interest in this! (except maybe when the time comes Don may cut me some slack on the one he builds for me and brings to the next TN Bus Bash and helps install it too! LOL!)
Of course Nick @ Nimco has take outs to, but no history on what it is your getting! FWIW ;D BK ;B
Quote from: buswarrior on December 14, 2008, 05:15:20 PM
HEY!
It ain't over until the fat lady sings...
Everyone will say "Oh the damage is done..." because they either don't know, or want to warm you up to take your money for the rebuild.
You won't believe the crazy stuff that be done to these motors and they show no lasting problems after repairs.
Stay sane, you got nothing but time on your hands, find the right guys and get it evaluated.
Or tow it to Luke?
Bummer.
happy coaching!
buswarrior
BW posted this while I was posting! And he's exactly right! They told me the worst and that I needed a complete overhaul when mine started dumping coolant into the oil pan too! But I did that last ditch effort to be able to "baby it thru until we were released to go home from Hurricane duty & hopefully home too!"
Well guess what it made it! And not only did it make it but once home we flushed the system, had it pressure tested and found NO PROBLEMS, so we refilled it with 50/50 mixture and ran it for another year before selling it to a very happy camper from CA who for all I know is still running it that way! So by all means don't just give up and let them it is toast with out proof! FWIW ;D BK ;D
Hi Bob,
Sorry to hear of your trouble.
If you are not sure, please call Luke & Bill at US Coach. Even if you get the repairs done in NY, they will still guide you in the right direction.
Good Luck
Nick-
BOB!!!
You are something like 270 miles from Luke, according to our chat calculations.
There can be no other dollars better spent than to get to LUKE.
And, discount some of the tow, as it gets you closer to Arcadia without spending any fuel money.
1-856-794-3104, and get Luke to send the tow to you.
happy coaching!
buswarrior
bob
don't believe all the bad stories about water and bad bearings. my 6v92 ran from upper penn. back home to lenoir nc. was slow and shakey but it made it home. got two new heads and pistons and liners. but that was cheaper than the wrecker bill would have been. go on down to lukes if the bus will run every mile saves big bucks.
uncle ned
Thanks guys for the slap about the head - I needed that. We were locked into a path that I didn't like but we were going ahead with it anyway because I didn't think we had options. I spent the last 2 hours on the phone to New Jersey with various people and we are now waiting for a wrecker to arrive to tow us to US Coach. Mama's even got Good Sam Roadside service convinced to pick up a part of the tow bill, for whatever that may be worth.
Stay tuned for the next chapter but at least it will unfold from somewhere where we can trust the advice we receive.
Bob,
Real bummer reading about your engine thing. When you know more
on the extent of the damage hopefully it will be nothing more than a
re bearing/rings and gaskets. Still expensive.
Thanks for helping our economy
Skip
Bob; you did the right thing maybe Luke can save it for you, Ned is a lucky guy most are not that lucky in the years I have been around running a 92 series with antifreeze in the oil will cost you a crank and a block line bore a major overhaul,in the 20 + grand range. have a great day
I think BW is right on the money with this one. You are the only one that knows what happened. These engines are known for taking abuse. You might not have got that much coolent in oil till you stopped. I do not know anything about Luke as I am new to Buses and live across the country. Sounds like he is your man. Our decisions on repairs should be based on the kind of service we will put them through. How many miles do most drive per year? Do we make a living from it? How much can one afford? If the engine is toast a good mechanic will tell you. Ask lots of questions. Make him prove why you need rebuild. We had a 70 ton Haul truck at work lose a valve some of it stayed in the cylinder and some in the turbo. The engine had around 10,000 hrs. The CAT mechanic wanted to change engine. We decided to repair head, cylinder, and turbo and get another 5,000 hrs before rebuild. Two years ago when things were better we might have went with early overhaul. I think you are on the right track. I believe you can cut some corners and be alright, but I never cut corners when it comes to a safety issue. Good luck
John
Quote from: bobofthenorth on December 15, 2008, 06:14:50 AM
Thanks guys for the slap about the head - I needed that. We were locked into a path that I didn't like but we were going ahead with it anyway because I didn't think we had options. I spent the last 2 hours on the phone to New Jersey with various people and we are now waiting for a wrecker to arrive to tow us to US Coach. Mama's even got Good Sam Roadside service convinced to pick up a part of the tow bill, for whatever that may be worth.
Stay tuned for the next chapter but at least it will unfold from somewhere where we can trust the advice we receive.
Right on Bob! Sounds like the master plan has been developed! I had really thought about suggesting towing it to Luke but I also thought "whew that'll add about $1500-2000 to the repair cost" But hopefully Good Sam will cover at least the hook up and say first 50 miles or so and drop it to about 1/2 the normal fee.
Oh and Don can still send ya an engine to Luke's too!
Well good luck with whatever rte you go! ;D BK ;D
$1500 plus plus is what I thought at first too BK but when I checked Flanagan's is willing to send a wrecker up here for $950 plus tolls. I don't know how they can do that - I'd think twice about driving my pickup there and back for that price.
Quote from: bobofthenorth on December 15, 2008, 07:53:51 AM
$1500 plus plus is what I thought at first too BK but when I checked Flanagan's is willing to send a wrecker up here for $950 plus tolls. I don't know how they can do that - I'd think twice about driving my pickup there and back for that price.
Hey great deal! & a great price too! But I'll bet you $ they are giving you a good deal because of the amount of business they do for LUKE!
But hey with the cheap price of fuel (compared to last summer!) it is easier for those of us in the transportation business to do better pricing!
Anyway glad to hear it! Of course tolls are gonna be probably $200 or so round trip! (
"ya know it don't cost much to get into Jersey, but it does to get out! because nobody in their right mind would pay to go into Jersey, BUT ANY & EVERYBODY will pay to get out! LOL! " old trucking joke! )
Keep up posted as to the rest of the lucky breaks ya get from here on out! This could be a fun adventure! (at least for those of us who don't have to open our wallets! LOL but then again I did that before thanksgiving with the rear end adventure! LOL!) ;D BK ;D
Thats the reason i kept driving every mile closer saved me dollars.
uncle ned
bob come by on your way south. will follow you to jacks.
I know luke will have you running in time to make it
It takes a few miles to gunk up the bearings with antifreeze. You can always look at a couple of them and make a decision. Its been cold up there and head bolts shrink in the cold. Its not rare for them to pop a head off a bolt and let the gasket start leaking. I don't fix anything that ain't broke, but I do all my own work and accept the responsibilities if I'm wrong. A shop will error on the safe side and give you something that they can gurantee. In my business the true value of a mechanic is knowing what will run and what won't. Hope you can get fixed and rolling with some food stamps still in your pocket.
Excellent report.
Sleep well, busnuts, bob's in good hands now.
Keep us informed as to the great and many things you will learn while in Mecca Right Coast.
happy coaching!
buswarrior
And I think there's a chance Bob will actually sleep well tonight too. "Steve" from Flanagan's showed up in Cortland about 3:00 this afternoon. What a pro he was - and what a truck - big red Ford (Sterling if you must) that they built themselves - about a mile long with a hydraulic boom. I fired up the big noisemaker and moved the bus onto the street so we had a straight shot to hook up, we pulled one axle and we were on the road by 4:00. The engine started right up and sounded good. I started it from the rear and bumped it over until it had made a couple of full turns just in case it wanted to hydrolock but it seemed clear and started on the first full roll. Steve didn't have a cut-off axle to put back in the hole but we stuffed it full of rags and put a styrofoam plate on for a cap. There was a bit of oil splashed out on the tire along the way but it looks like we held most of it. We followed Steve down the Pennsylvania Turnpike and stayed tight on his tail through Philadelphia.
Its 11:00 now and we are bunking in at Luke's. There's a yard full of busses to keep watch over us tonight. It cost me $1050 to get this far but I consider that money well spent. If I actually get a good night's sleep that will confirm the decision.
Oh - one other thing. Cody - it was a LOT more fun reading about your escapades on the way to Florida last winter from the comfort of a beach in Mexico. Now that the bills are starting to come due for this trip, how's about we swap places for a while this winter?
Hey Bob great to hear that you made there! And also not a bad price at all, and hopefully you'll get a little of that back from Good Sam! And yer still $10,000 less than what I spent last month on that rear end so far! LOL! Good noght and I do hope you sleep well! ;D BK ;D
Bob,
Glad to hear that you made it. I hope that the work goes well.
God bless,
John
Great News Bob Glad your in good hands.
That great you got it to the genuine Luke's US Coach. ;D
About towing cost...they may have a wrecked truck to tow back to help split the differance? ?
;D Whatever....you are in the bus nut's paradise. ;D
BTW...tell Luke and the crew that we said Hi from the Mak board, if you will.
Sojourn for Christ, Gerald
Bob, we all take our turns lol, I was sitting here thinking about you guys, it's always a bite in the wallet when something like that happens and it never seems to happen at a time or place that is really fun, I've never heard of a bus breaking down on the beach during spring break unless it's on Lake Erie, but I think Lukes was the best choice, a person can gamble and take a risk or you can go with someone that you trust, it's always a judgement call but when it's all done, you'll know your running a strong engine again.
Bob,
The towing cost was great when you compare I spent over $600 for 35 miles.
also took them 2 hrs to unluck the daughters car......son-inlaw locked the
keys in while we were waiting for the tow truck.
Hopefully your good luck (if you can call it that) will hold up when they do
the engine.
Skip
Quote from: Sojourner on December 16, 2008, 06:25:46 AM
That great you got it to the genuine Luke's US Coach. ;D
About towing cost...they have a wrecked truck to tow back to help split the differance? ?
;D Whatever, you are in the bus nut's paradise. ;D
BTW...tell Luke and the crew that we said Hi from the Mak board, if you will.
Sojourn for Christ, Gerald
Gerald I'm not positive but I believe the wrecker was from down in Luke's area and the one he normally uses!
But I could be wrong after all I did put a differential in upside down, and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night! LOL! ;D BK ;D
I hope I speak for the entire crew when I say.... BOB MAKE SURE YOU UPDATE US AS SOON AS YOU KNOW ANYTHING!!!
I feel like I'm watching a soap opera. I wanna know that everything turned out good for you.
I prayed that the best outcome thinkable would occur for you Bob. I broke down 5 years ago in Kansas City in 10 below weather we plugged into the Detroit shop and slept in our snowmobile suits woth our two year old daughter. They got it running again (stuck injector seized up the rack on one bank of my 6v92) and the guys there said that we wouldn't make it 20 miles down the road, that my engine was shot and it would take a month and $15-20k to make her right again. Long story short, we took our chances and drove that bus out of there and 45k miles later we sold her and she's still running great.
It ain't over till the big,old,fat, leaky Detroit two stroke say's it's over...
I'll be checking in more than usual today to see how you and your bride are fairing...
All the best from the icicle called Minnesota,
Rick
Quote from: RickB on December 16, 2008, 08:30:01 AM
I hope I speak for the entire crew when I say.... BOB MAKE SURE YOU UPDATE US AS SOON AS YOU KNOW ANYTHING!!!
I feel like I'm watching a soap opera. I wanna know that everything turned out good for you.
I prayed that the best outcome thinkable would occur for you Bob. I broke down 5 years ago in Kansas City in 10 below weather we plugged into the Detroit shop and slept in our snowmobile suits woth our two year old daughter. They got it running again (stuck injector seized up the rack on one bank of my 6v92) and the guys there said that we wouldn't make it 20 miles down the road, that my engine was shot and it would take a month and $15-20k to make her right again. Long story short, we took our chances and drove that bus out of there and 45k miles later we sold her and she's still running great.
It ain't over till the big,old,fat, leaky Detroit two stroke say's it's over...
I'll be checking in more than usual today to see how you and your bride are fairing...
All the best from the icicle called Minnesota,
Rick
Yes Rick.. I agree with your views and that is a good point to remember. I am sorry about your ordeal...that not to forget lightly by all mean. Thank you for sharing your post.
Luke is not perfect as well any of us are but I know he always try his best to make his customers happy at a price that fit their budget. For does not know Luke (US Coast) of the east coast...he love buses and wants customers to be happy with their coach. He always thrive the safety and costly damaging part first before the next important item.
FWIW
Sojourn for Christ, Gerald
Quote from: Busted Knuckle on December 16, 2008, 07:34:51 AM
Quote from: Sojourner on December 16, 2008, 06:25:46 AM
That great you got it to the genuine Luke's US Coach. ;D
About towing cost...they have a wrecked truck to tow back to help split the differance? ?
;D Whatever, you are in the bus nut's paradise. ;D
BTW...tell Luke and the crew that we said Hi from the Mak board, if you will.
Sojourn for Christ, Gerald
Gerald I'm not positive but I believe the wrecker was from down in Luke's area and the one he normally uses!
But I could be wrong after all I did put a differential in upside down, and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night! LOL! ;D BK ;D
Hi BK,
Yes, Flannigans is just off the jersey turnpike at exit 3. Very large outfit with 20+ trucks.
All their trucks are Irish Green...lol
Nick-
RJ,
If you get board over at Luke's, [might be impossible] give me a call. I'm a half hour down the road by the sea..
Good Luck
Nick-
609-827-7331 cell
Quote from: Nick Badame Refrig. Co. on December 16, 2008, 01:24:09 PM
RJ,
If you get board over at Luke's, [might be impossible] give me a call. I'm a half hour down the road by the sea..
Good Luck
Nick-
609-827-7331 cell
>
??? "Pondering Meeting At Luke's" ???
Quote from: Ednj on December 16, 2008, 04:06:32 PM
Quote from: Nick Badame Refrig. Co. on December 16, 2008, 01:24:09 PM
RJ,
If you get board over at Luke's, [might be impossible] give me a call. I'm a half hour down the road by the sea..
Good Luck
Nick-
609-827-7331 cell
>
??? "Pondering Meeting At Luke's" ???
Thursday works for me if RJ is still there...
Nick-
Quote from: Nick Badame Refrig. Co.
RJ,
If you get board over at Luke's, [might be impossible] give me a call. I'm a half hour down the road by the sea..
Good Luck
Nick-
609-827-7331 cell
Quote from: Nick Badame Refrig. Co.
Thursday works for me if RJ is still there...
Nick-
RJ? I thought it was BOB OF THE NORTH! ??? BK ???
Quote from: Busted Knuckle on December 16, 2008, 07:11:04 PM
Quote from: Nick Badame Refrig. Co.
RJ,
If you get board over at Luke's, [might be impossible] give me a call. I'm a half hour down the road by the sea..
Good Luck
Nick-
609-827-7331 cell
Quote from: Nick Badame Refrig. Co.
Thursday works for me if RJ is still there...
Nick-
RJ? I thought it was BOB OF THE NORTH! ??? BK ???
Hi BK,
Same guy... "R.J.(Bob) Evans"
Nick-
Yep, bK, RJ are his first two initials, robert (bob of the middle)lol.
Quote from: Nick Badame Refrig. Co. on December 16, 2008, 07:19:16 PM
Quote from: Busted Knuckle on December 16, 2008, 07:11:04 PM
Quote from: Nick Badame Refrig. Co.
RJ,
If you get board over at Luke's, [might be impossible] give me a call. I'm a half hour down the road by the sea..
Good Luck
Nick-
609-827-7331 cell
Quote from: Nick Badame Refrig. Co.
Thursday works for me if RJ is still there...
Nick-
RJ? I thought it was BOB OF THE NORTH! ??? BK ???
Hi BK,
Same guy... "R.J.(Bob) Evans"
Nick-
OK I learned something else new today! I for some reason had RJ Long stuck in mindwhen I saw the RJ!
I also learned today that a '04 Mazda tribute has the "SCREWIEST" power steering pump mounting I have ever seen to date! 1st thing ya gotta do to repace it is remove the right front wheel to take the belt off. Next ya supposed to put the wheel back on, and lower the vehicle. (
Seriously that's what the manual says to do. But I cheated and used a jack stand under the body.) Then ya gotta put the jack under the engine to support it while ya remove the top engine mount! Next ya gotta get creative to get the pulley of the PUMP (or buy a special tool!).
Now comes the SCREWIE thing. This pump is small enough the fit in the palm of your hand (
smaller than 2 packs of cigarettes). And there are only 3 bolts that hold it to the bracket that it mounts on that mounts it to the engine!
But the bracket has EIGHT more bolt to hold it on! ELEVEN bolts to hold ONE TINY power steering pump! Is that SCREWY OR WHAT?I also remembered why I hate working on cars too! LOL! Gimme a bus any day at least there is a reason for overkill on a bus! LOL! ;D BK ;D
Thursday would be a great coffee day. I have to go down to D.C. for some meetings on Friday but I'm sure we will be at camp Luke through the weekend. They were just getting read to drop the pan when we left this morning. Marilyn's sister and bro-in-law from Tokyo were in New York for a few days so we went up there to have a quick visit with them. I'm sure when the shop opens up in the morning we'll get a pretty good idea of what has to happen (ie. how bad it really is)
And the Flanagan truck was anything but green - it was a big red Ford with an N14 and the longest frame stretch I have ever seen. Apparently "Steve" was Steve Flanagan and he bob-tailed up to Cortland to pick us up.
Well we got away without needing a crank but we need several new liners. We don't have an exact count yet but it doesn't matter - we will put in all 8 and we will re-bearing the bottom end at the same time. The bearings look really good but its an insignificant incremental cost at this point. The head on the side that was leaking is off and looks good too. Tomorrow morning Luke will find out where the kits are and how long they will take to get here. I'm sure by then he will have a price estimate for me too. It could be better but it could be a whole lot worse. And speak up any of you 2-stroke experts if we are missing something obvious that we should be doing at the same time.
Bob,
any scoring on the piston skirts......
Any piston top fisher cracks?
Sounds better than all new internal guts....
wishing you nothing but good luck
Skip
Quote from: Busted Knuckle on December 16, 2008, 07:36:09 PM
Quote from: Nick Badame Refrig. Co. on December 16, 2008, 07:19:16 PM
Quote from: Busted Knuckle on December 16, 2008, 07:11:04 PM
Quote from: Nick Badame Refrig. Co.
RJ,
If you get board over at Luke's, [might be impossible] give me a call. I'm a half hour down the road by the sea..
Good Luck
Nick-
609-827-7331 cell
Quote from: Nick Badame Refrig. Co.
Thursday works for me if RJ is still there...
Nick-
RJ? I thought it was BOB OF THE NORTH! ??? BK ???
Hi BK,
Same guy... "R.J.(Bob) Evans"
Nick-
OK I learned something else new today! I for some reason had RJ Long stuck in mindwhen I saw the RJ!
I also learned today that a '04 Mazda tribute has the "SCREWIEST" power steering pump mounting I have ever seen to date! 1st thing ya gotta do to repace it is remove the right front wheel to take the belt off. Next ya supposed to put the wheel back on, and lower the vehicle. (Seriously that's what the manual says to do. But I cheated and used a jack stand under the body.) Then ya gotta put the jack under the engine to support it while ya remove the top engine mount! Next ya gotta get creative to get the pulley of the PUMP (or buy a special tool!). Now comes the SCREWIE thing. This pump is small enough the fit in the palm of your hand (smaller than 2 packs of cigarettes). And there are only 3 bolts that hold it to the bracket that it mounts on that mounts it to the engine! But the bracket has EIGHT more bolt to hold it on!
ELEVEN bolts to hold ONE TINY power steering pump! Is that SCREWY OR WHAT?
I also remembered why I hate working on cars too! LOL! Gimme a bus any day at least there is a reason for overkill on a bus! LOL! ;D BK ;D
BK,
I just had to replace the water pump on my E-350 SuperDuty 7.3 Turbo van... Took a week and special tools just to get the fan hub off... Many wounds and 1/2 pint of blood. Ended up using an air chisel after buying tools that didn't fit... Buses are usually easier.. Just yank the whole engine out and do it were you can see and reach what you want.... Gaaaaa... ( Buses easier 0 hahaaa!)
Dave....
Quote from: skipn on December 17, 2008, 06:20:14 PM
any scoring on the piston skirts......
Any piston top fisher cracks?
The liner kits come with new pistons and rods so it ends up being a complete in-frame by the time we are done. Except that we will re-use the heads as they are.
Bob,
One of the reasons I asked about the fisher cracks is that it can be a sign
of worn or bad injectors..........Easier to replace now :)
Stay warm and safe
Skip
Bob,
I think You will need to Magnaflux ( inspection method)the heads for cracks,
John
Nows the time to also have the blower and turbo rebuilt. Generally, they should be rebuilt at 300,000 miles. At least have them check the free play on the blower lobes. The blower doesn't like loose play. Good Luck, TomC
Bob,
Don't ya just love how we can spend your money for you.......... ::)
Skip
lol I'm not saying a word for a couple of good reasons, I'm not a mechanic so I have no area of expertise in that area, your problem is engine related and not futon related, sorry not sure where that came from lol but I have made a real effort not to spend any of your money, at least not this time lol.
I agree with Skip and Jack, injectors and head tests would be in order, but I'm sure Luke is all over that.
Good Luck, I feel for ya, I look at my experiences that are similiar as a story to tell around the fire, and boy my wife is tired of the experiences or should I say storys.
Bob,
Looks like the plan is coming together. You will start out the new year and this trip with a brand new engine. Good for you. What was the trade off with this tack and replacing the engine with the 6V92 and a 740? Approximately? No doubt there will be others confronted with this very same decision.
Enjoy your stop over at Luke's. Nice to have Knuts gathering at your location for "coffee".
Take care and safe journey,
John
Quote from: skipn on December 18, 2008, 08:36:40 AM
Bob,
Don't ya just love how we can spend your money for you.......... ::)
Skip
My suggestion would be sell the farm and do it right :) But I think I remember you doing that already ;D
JohnEd
I believe he is sticking with the 8v92 just rebuilding.
Paso
Sure rub it in... Bob's the smart one sold the farm and put it into the bus
where I just went and bought a different farm and my bus still isn't ready.
I think his situation is better than me feeding the beasties at -20 seems like weeks and
continues for another week. But then you feel it before I do ;D
Skip
Bob
Are you going to have your heads pressure checked? Coppers? Cracks? I would pop out a few valves and check your guides? You have spent all the money on labor, you might want to think about freshening up your heads.
Cheers
Bob, what did you do to abuse your engine? or did I miss it? Did you overheat it and how?
JC
Lost:
My logic is thus: the liners are cracked therefore the engine was abused. I have been the only operator for the last 100,000 km so I must be the abuser. End of story. The longer story is that it has used water since we bought it. I have likely let it get low on water and then ended up with air bubbles in the block when I refilled it. I don't know that was what happened but I prefer simple explanations to long complicated ones. So - I used it - it broke - therefore I abused it.
Zero:
Bill will be pressure testing the heads. The burn pattern looks really good on the heads so we are guessing that the injectors are likely OK. Based on the information I got from the PO this engine still has only around 80,000 miles on it so there is no reason to assume the heads are in need of refreshing.
John:
The guy in Cortland wanted $6500 for his 6V92 with 740. That included an unknown quality rebuild but did not include R & R or any of the necessary miscellaeous to hook up the auto. So less power, unknown quality rebuild and open ended billing but probably north of $12,000 by the time all was done.
Luke gave me a ballpark today of $11k out the door, taxes paid. Add the $1000 that I have already paid Flanagans and I'm in the same range as the Cortland option but for a substantially better end result, IMHO. I love the 8-92 power, Luke's rebuild will be 100% genuine Detroit parts and will include all the little gems of knowledge that are hard to quantify but essential (like bleeders in the crossover pipe so we can remove any airlocks, for instance). I have no doubt that we made the right decision when we called Flanagans just the same as I have no doubt that I caused at least most of the problem in the first place.
Quote from: bobofthenorth on December 18, 2008, 11:49:38 AM
The longer story is that it has used water since we bought it.
. . . I have no doubt that I caused at least most of the problem in the first place.
Bob -Based on your two statements above, I believe the damage may have already started before you bought the coach. You just ran it 'till it broke!
Best thing is that it's being well taken care of at Camp Luke, and now you'll know what to watch for.
FWIW & HTH. . .
;)
Bob,
I have absolutely NO doubt that you made the correct decision. That is a great engine and will probably outlast anything used you might have dropped in. And how would you price the confidence and piece of mind you feel when it is done by Luke? If it isn't priceless it must be close.
I thought you really liked the Ranger and was surprised that you wanted to do a 740 with the engine swap. Just simply tired of shifting or want the wife to be able to drive?
Skipn,
Bob answered my question. ??? ;) ;D ;D You ever even think you see me standin on my crank please sing out again as you just did. Thank you!
John
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rjevans.org%2Ffiles%2Fbill.jpg&hash=e55674974d83647a0682a29cf35387df01cba69a)
Dr. Bill at work
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rjevans.org%2Ffiles%2Fluke.jpg&hash=8d4c5e19f341dd31b7a76fe58fb1fbe1cf98afe8)
Ordering parts
Everybody keeps talking about what good hands I'm in - well here they are. And we had a nice visit from Nick Badame this morning. We met Gary yesterday - I must confess I was so wrapped up in my own troubles I hadn't read about his. This is like a funeral - everybody likes the visiting and the lunch, just not the reason for it.
Anybody else not divine that I was thanking Skipn for his effort to inform me? I was appreciative,,,,really. :) No joke :-*
John
Starting to wonder. Cracked liners and good heads.... Hope you didn't just lose a water pump.
A couple of good looking fellows there!
Do the rest of you not realize where Bob is getting this work done?
No need for conjecture, the problems will be identified, the appropriate, and I mean all of the appropriate checks will be made, and that engine will go down the road without trouble.
Easy to see how busnuts get overcharged in many shops, meddlers pay dearly for bothering the professionals with advice....
happy coaching!
buswarrior
I'm with BW. Luke will not let him leave with problems. What bothers me is Bob you are being so hard on youself. Hell we all make mistakes till we learn better. Go easy on yourself. You Only know what happened now you will fix it and life will go on. Who cares about whose fault. Glade you are happy with you mechanic no matter what this board says ask lots of question. Educate your self. Your paying for it might as well rob some knowledge.
Well Bob, I for one think you should stay out on that ledge till you fully fess up. :P You made a $12K mistake and that qualifies as a MONUMENTAL blunder. :o ::) Do you have any idea how many "Hail Marys" this is going to take to straighten out? >:( Sheesh! ;D Trying to strike some balance here. ??? 8)
We are all rooting for ya Guy so if it makes ya feel better to kick yourself ehn you are down...well, kick away.
Seriously, what let the water in the crank case? How can you overheat a 8V92 and NOT crack the heads? Was the temp gauge off and by the grace of God you stopped and found the water in the oil that would have destroyed the entire engine if you had continued on? Is this an incredible stroke of "luck"?
When you get time Amigo,
John
Bob,
Our prayers go out to you. We were all hoping for a less expensive result for a friend.
With the economy glooming and Christmas looming it certainly could have happened at a less difficult time, but then we wouldn't be call Bus Nuts would we. Probably be called Bus Pansies or Bus slackers.
I imagine most, if not all of us here, have been in a place remarkably like the one you're in now. I remember writing a single check 5 years ago for repairs (brakes,turbo, compressor, fuel pump, water pump, injectors, tune up and more) on my 4905 for $21k. Man did that hurt.
All that to say, I have compassion for you.
The word compassion means "to suffer with".
We as a group are all there for you. Look forward to meeting you Bob. Hopefully this summer at a rally.
Thanks for the update by the way.
Rick
Look at it this way bob, to live long enough to use up the engine now you'll need to be immortal, long after the rest of us are sitting on the front porch of the nursing home, you'll be cruising by, some guys got all the luck lol.
Bob
Yes bob we feel for you but most of us have been in the same boat. We learn to watch the heat guage before the oil presure guage.
I was in the same boat only i had to have both heads. Just did not have to pay the wrecker bill.
Look forward to jack's and meeting all
uncle ned
All the worrying if Bob is in a good hand or not...is done. Bob is in a place that we wish many more example of true DD 2cycle shop available around wherever we need them.
As what "buswarrior" said
Quote from: buswarrior on December 18, 2008, 07:01:12 PM
A couple of good looking fellows there!
Do the rest of you not realize where Bob is getting this work done?
No need for conjecture, the problems will be identified, the appropriate, and I mean all of the appropriate checks will be made, and that engine will go down the road without trouble.
Easy to see how busnuts get overcharged in many shops, meddlers pay dearly for bothering the professionals with advice....
happy coaching!
buswarrior
Like I said before, he is in good hand.
All the suggestion to check this & that, is already being done by Luke's experience mechanic.
Love the photo of Luke and his mechanic. Hi Luke you are looking great!
Sojourn for Christ, Gerald
I came out this morning and found the 2 Bills starting to carry new parts down underneath the engine and emerge without them so that has to be a good sign.
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frjevans.org%2Ffiles%2Fpistons.jpg&hash=76a3f3212ae0e9e6eb954d9912d4f52bef16686f)
6 of the pistons already assembed, skirts for 2 more getting warm
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frjevans.org%2Ffiles%2FassemblingPistons.jpg&hash=a94755d27a0b7dfe1c7eafa53d0be4cb0ae9c62b)
Putting the pistons together - a Jr. Mecano set
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frjevans.org%2Ffiles%2Fliners.jpg&hash=bd83fe7ef7efc6fbf7acc71e8c33954dd87a9a20)
The block honed, liners fitted and removed, waiting to be matched to their pistons
And on the bad news front - while we were away Bill discovered a hairline crack in one of the heads. So that likely explains our ongoing water loss. And definitely raises the cost to get out of Luke's shop. :( :'(
The stark reality of a situation like this shows me that I shouldn't own a bus, that at my income level a bus shouldn't be in my yard, if anything like this were to happen I'm just not sure how I would deal with it, hopefully, my luck will continue to a certain degree for a while.
Cody,
Your Eagle would be a nice yard decoration, even if you couldn't afford to drive it ;D. I'm just glad that Bob's situation doesn't happen more often to bus nuts (knuts).
Merry Christmas,
God bless,
John
John, I can afford to drive it, I'm just not sure how I'd handle a 12K+ repair without some major financial pain and discomfort.
Cody,
It's easy..................... don't make any mistakes and you'll do fine ;)
Just think you could be the first to make an engine out of iron wood ;D
Bob,
Well mistery solved..........not that it's cheaper just no nagging questions.
Hope your out before Christmas.
Skip
I know everyone worships this shop, but I would need to know a little more before I jumped in for a major. Around here, an engine with less than 150,000 miles is just going to get repaired and put back into service. I pull the pan, pressurize the system and look into the bottom of the cylinders to see what hole is leaking water. Then I pull that head and find the problem and fix it, head or liner, buy 1 head or 1 liner and some new rings and send it back across the country.
If that was my water pump, I would replace it based on the picture because it looks like it is leaking at the seals and with a 2 stroke pump the next thing that happens is the impeller falls off and the engine spits all the water out.
On the other hand, if a guy has extra bucks for a $1000 tow, then he would get the $12,000 inframe. Business is business.
I'm with ya on this one Cody!
If that happened to me I would first sit down and cry, the next thing I would do is find a new home for the bus and live in it forever! ;D
I'm glad Bob will be on his way soon, with a much lighter wallet though.
We're pulling for ya man!
Paul
Quote from: NJT 5573 on December 22, 2008, 07:50:26 PM
On the other hand, if a guy has extra bucks for a $1000 tow, then he would get the $12,000 inframe. Business is business.
Any suggestion that these guys are taking advantage of the situation because of the way I arrived is just plain offensive and betrays a complete lack of understanding of how they do business. If I had insisted on a patch job I have no doubt that they would have been capable of doing one. However, once the engine is open that far only a complete fool wouldn't do the inframe. I may be a fool but I'm not a complete fool. The incremental cost of the additional parts is insignificant compared to the labour to open and close the engine.
IMHO.
Agreed Bob...
Merry Christmas, hope you are out soon.
God bless,
John
Agreed, Bob.
You're on the right track. Do it once, do it right.
Those guys, from all I've heard, are some of the best.
Best regards.
Mark
Bob, lot's of folks have mentioned general comments endorsing the fine work done at U.S. Coach. But let me get real specific....
I take my 2 stroke to Camp Luke on a regular basis
I have personally had Camp Luke perform an in-frame on my engine
They replaced the pistons, liners, water pump, and head (upgraded to a 4 valve). All essentially the type of work you are facing.
I have seen them stand behind their work until I was completely satisfied.
... and I have written the big check.
So speaking completely from a been-there-done-that point of view, I can tell you that you are in great hands, and Luke's shop will treat you right.
I also endorse the belief in doing it once and doing it right. Yes, it comes with a significant price tag, and I don't want to minimize that. I can only tell you that I took that step, and I do not regret doing so. The confidence of running down the road knowing that your DD in the back is solid and reliable, is as they say, priceless.
Wayne
One problem that I have only seen briefly touched on this thread that should carry more weight than it is currently doing is the longevity of your engine now that luke has touched it. Have you suddenly become immortal bob? Do you realize? have you got any idea how long you'll have to live before you wear out that engine now? I imagine that you think you can just pay the bill and drive away without a care in the world, well, you can, and is that fair to those of us that have engines that can still fail at any time, probably in the dark of the night, on a cold, rainy night far, far, far away from the last vestiges of civilation, did I mention cold and rainy? OH, to be the golden boy that you are, to own the engine that was rebuilt by the team of masters, it's like finding the holy grail and it's all yours, all yours. We'll all be sitting on the park benches, talking about the buses that we once owned and loved, the rallys that we had attended and friendships we had found oh so many years ago when we were young and still able to control our bladders, we'll watch as you drive by still running effortlessly, could we at least have a ride for old times sake? Just to relive for a moment those distant memories that grow dimmer as the years go by? Oops, my meds are here now, be back later.
Quote from: NJT 5573 on December 22, 2008, 07:50:26 PM
If that was my water pump, I would replace it based on the picture because it looks like it is leaking at the seals and with a 2 stroke pump the next thing that happens is the impeller falls off and the engine spits all the water out.
NJT 5573,
Please enlighten I can't see on the pictures where the water pump is leaking at the seals...Thanks
Bob
In for a penny in for a pound just the way it is I have never had the luck of tearing an engine apart and not needing to change out
more than expected. Even back when I was doing one a week there was always something more that should be changed. The
idea was once done one could rest assured that with a good operator you wouldn't see that engine again for 500k miles. Maybe over
optimistic but a good goal.
Take care.......and smile it's only money macaroni and cheese for a few years ain't all that bad :)
Skip
When I restore vehicles I always catch the well know ailment called whileimatitittis at the time it is painful but in the long run it is well worth it.
The feeling of security driving down the future roads is as stated priceless :)
Quote from: Paso One on December 23, 2008, 08:21:47 AM
When I restore vehicles I always catch the well know ailment called whileimatitittis at the time it is painful but in the long run it is well worth it.
Me too. There's a saying something to the effect of "the bitter taste of low quality lingers long after the euphoria of low price has passed". My personal preference is "there's no substitute for doing it right the first time." Sometimes I can't really afford to do it right but do so anyway - this would be one of those times.
Update: Left side (relative to the bus) head is back on; new head is on the floor getting jakes mounted; all liners & pistons are in.
Bob,
I am glad that you are doing things right, and not pinching. That bill will hurt a little though :o ;D ;D ;D.
Merry Christmas,
God bless,
John
You nearing the end of this journey and it's almost time to saddle up and carry on. I find one has to look at the positive in all situations. Although I have to be reminded of this from time to time. Anyway there are plenty of positives here. Have a great trip and Merry Christmas from up here in winter wonder land.
Bob great to here all is going well! You made the right choices! It may have been a bigger Christmas present than you had intended to give yourself or the bus, but in the long run it will be enjoyed many times over!
Don't forget to ask Luke for a bow for the front of the bus to show off that new present now!
;D BK ;D
And have Luke and his crew with your family in front of bus for a photo shot if you will.
Thank you for sharing the progress reports.
Sojourn for Christ, Gerald
Quote from: Busted Knuckle on December 23, 2008, 11:30:55 AM
Bob great to here all is going well! You made the right choices! It may have been a bigger Christmas present than you had intended to give yourself or the bus, but in the long run it will be enjoyed many times over!
Don't forget to ask Luke for a bow for the front of the bus to show off that new present now!
;D BK ;D
Bob,
What's the latest,,,, when will you be on the road. ;) Sorry to hear about your problems. :( I'm in the same boat as Cody. If the same happen to me, I believe I would just lay down and cry. :'( :'( :'( Wonder what my bus is worth, without an engine? Not much I'm guessing.
Florida is still waiting for ya, it was 82degrees here today. Hope your on the road soon.
Be safe,
Bill
The guys just turned the lights off - its 8:00++ local time. They made incredible progress today - its starting to look like they can actually get us out of here tomorrow. I think we're starting to smell bad so they don't want to come back to us on Monday. :P :-[ :-\
The heads are on and torqued, the bottom end is torqued but still open and the blower is back on. They want the bottom open so that they can fill it with water and check for leaks. That will be the project for first thing in the morning.
Great news. Keep us posted. -27C here tonite. Brrrrr. :)
Mark
It runs. We've had it running several times now - the guys are just buttoning up all the accelerator and cruise linkages, skinner valve, jake wiring, etc and then we are going to pull it outside and let it run for a couple of hours. We've already done 1 oil change on it and we will do one more before we leave today. The first one was really gross and the oil is still a little murky but much better this time.
Its unbelievable what these guys have accomplished in such a short time but we are going to Arcadia. Got any electric sites left Jack - I didn't want to commit to anything until I knew we would actually get out of here. :)
Quote from: bobofthenorth on December 24, 2008, 11:48:38 AM
It runs. We've had it running several times now - the guys are just buttoning up all the accelerator and cruise linkages, skinner valve, jake wiring, etc and then we are going to pull it outside and let it run for a couple of hours. We've already done 1 oil change on it and we will do one more before we leave today. The first one was really gross and the oil is still a little murky but much better this time.
After what you have been through, I will make sure you get an electric site! Jack
Merry Xmas Bob ...... and an uneventful New Year ......
P.S. May I be the first to Welcome you to Fla.
Being a newbie around here I have been following your story and hoping for the best. From the way it sounds you couldn't have been in a better area for such a breakdown and getting to the bus master. Here's hoping your trip south turns out uneventful from here on except for the good parts! Later
We're in Cape May tonight. We tried to park at the ferry toll booth but the local county mountie rousted us out of there so we're in town across the street from Mickie D's. We'll take our time down the coast and plan to arrive in Arcadia sometime on Saturday.
Thank you Jack - the neighbours who won't have to listen to our generator run thank you too.
Bill's engine is running strong and cool. We had a couple of minor fires in the shop this afternoon as it burned off the oil from our earlier incident so I was stopping regularly on the trip down here to see if anything important was on fire. Where's the RV Safetyman when you really need him? Of course after paying Luke I'll be lucky to buy a pail of water let alone a fire suppression system. But everything went well and we will plan on that continuing.
We look forward to meeting everybody in Arcadia.
Bob,
Very glad to see you are back on the road, unfortunate you met some on NJ's finest in the quaint town of Cape May. Like a 8 hour layover for the ferry was going to harm some one...
I look forward to talk to you again as you are a quite interesting fellow, and I have the utmost respect for some who has the internal resolve to live in such a beautiful place in the summer and so cold in winter. Maybe I can see fit to make Arcadia next year.
I always reveled of your coach' s mpg, I guess you can figure those dollars saved in fuel were destined to the engine reserve. Next time thru the area, call and you can log some duel time in my 182.
Best of luck to you and your travel to Fl, and return to the north
Gary
Bob, like all the rest of the folks, we are really glad that you are on the road again. The rv_safetyman will be there if you need him ;). The word "fire" got my attention!! Glad they were small and out quickly. Be sure to check for leaks as you travel. Should not be a problem with the folks at Luke's, but I would still check for any fluid spraying on the engine (including antifreeze). We have lost two beautiful Monaco Corporation Coaches in the last several months from radiator failures (cracking, then spraying antifreeze on the turbo).
Have fun in Arcadia. Wish we were heading that way. Maybe next year.
Safe travels!
Jim
Bob,
Really pleased that you are on your way...and smartly so. Hope you will share the MPG you are getting from the new "mill".
What was the final analysis? I took it that the small hairline crack in the head was "old" and probably accounted for the engines history of sipping coolant. Is that right? Where did the water in the oil come from?
Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday to you both,(and the "kids")
John
Glad your back on the road to journey.
Amen about keeping checking all the hookup condition and connection for tighten.
Bob...Thank you for sharing the follow up news.
I am sure you be ask many questions along with Luke being there at the Jack's Bussin Rally. Wow!
This be a special Merry Christmas gift to yourself & family.
Sojourn for Christ, Gerald
Merry Christmas!
On the Rooooad again,,,,, Bob is ooon the roooooad again,,,, Bob is South Bound and downnnnn again,,,, just glad to be on the rooooad again,,,
Okay everyone, sing it together,,,,,,
Florida is waiting,,,,,
Update, please, where are you......?
Didn't we just do this last year with Cody.......
Happy Cruising,,, and Merry Christmas,
Bill
Bob,
I have been there several times over the last 20+ years ( not bad for all those years), I have always had Luke and Bill at the end of the phone to help with parts and information. I could not done it without them and all my fellow bus nuts.
A very merry Christmas to you and your family.
Tami and John
P.S. 15 years ago a friend of mine had his 671 inframed by a Detroit dealer in Baton Rouge Louisiana. It cost him $12,000,00.So you were in good hands.
Bill, we all take turns at the "where's waldo" game lol, last year I had my turn, now I'm good for a while, this year it's bobs turn.
Bob,
Glad you are on the road.
Merry Christmas,
God bless,
John
Bob..thrilled to see your on the road again ! We we're in Acadia last year (slept in our van) and had a great time. Are saving and planning to go in 2010. Good luck with the new engine. Thats one less thing you'll have to worry about the rest of your life. We'll be the ones up here freezing in Western NY while your soaking up the sunshine..lol.
Spoke with Bob about 4pm, he was having a seafood dinner riverside in Savannah, Ga. Provide, he can get the bus out of the tight spot he parked in, he's plans are to make the Wal-Mart in Winter Haven, Florida tonight. Tomorrow (Sat) he will roll down to Arcadia, arriving late morning.
He said the bus is running good. Using a little oil, but that was expected till the rings seat.
Bill
Sorry to leave you all hanging for 2 days there but we stayed Christmas night in a KOA in Onion (Shallotte) North Carolina. They advertised wifi but it turned out that on top of the $42 to stay there they wanted another $6 for the wifi. Not likely - especially not after paying Luke! Then last night we stayed in the WallyWorld Supercentre on the east end of Winter Haven and couldn't find anybody's wifi to steal there either. This morning we rolled into Arcadia - absolutely filthy dirty but ever so glad to be here. I have already had a great visit with our host as well as Mike Lutestanski. If anybody else is here we're the filthy dirty grey Prevost near the entrance gate with the internet satellite dish in front.
Sorry.... doesn't count unless there are pictures.
Dirty......... but running..... is life good again?
Glad you made it
Skip
Guess that means you won't be stopping by...........
:)
Glad you made it. Maybe next time.
Frank
Hey I warned you - - - no scotch = no Bob.
Come to think of it - maybe the no scotch was no accident. Hmmmmm. ???
Quote from: bobofthenorth on December 27, 2008, 06:36:26 PM
Hey I warned you - - - no scotch = no Bob.
Come to think of it - maybe the no scotch was no accident. Hmmmmm. ???
LOL! Or maybe no scotch = no accident! LOL! Glad you made it safely! ;D BK ;D
Bob,
Great to hear that you are down there. May i ask that you talk to Luke about at what milage should you re-run the rack. I would be interested as I have a 8v92t with approximately 8000 miles since rebuild.
John
Normally after rebuild, you run the rack at around 20,000 miles, then every 100,000 miles after that. But our mileages are different- in that we take short trips where the engine heats up and cools down with relatively low mileages built up. With 8000 miles on your rebuild, I would have the rack run before your next big trip-especially before next summer's heat. Good Luck, TomC
We asked Luke this question yesterday. His answer was 100,000 miles.