More than two years after purchasing my bus, I have not done much serious maintenance on it. It was in reasonably good condition, based on external inspection when I bought it, and really no problems with it , other than a worsening oil leak.
Not knowing a lot of the history of my bus, I thought it would be a good time for my mechanic Al to have a good look inside the engine, and attend to some of the oil leaks that had been increasingly speckling the toad.
First, he dropped the pan and inspected the engine bearings. They are standard bearings and appear to have negligible wear. He said I would be wasting money to replace them. ;D
Second, the blower was leaking a slight bit of oil at the base. He removed and inspected the blower. The scrolls "look like new", and no indication whatsoever of any oil getting through. ;D ;D (He did say 3 of the bolts on the blower, including the long one through the blower to the engine block were not much more than finger tight. :o
Third, the water pump , he thought, must have been 15 years old and although it was still working and not leaking, there was considerable rust forming at the backing plate. New water pump, OK. :) and he replaced some of the coolant hoses while he was in the area.
Fourth, the fuel pump was leaking ever so slightly at one of the weep holes.....new fuel pump. :)
Fifth, eight rebuilt N65 injectors are to be installed also. The first injector he pulled has a wear mark at the rocker, and was wet on the bottom....an indication it was leaking down(?). The spray pattern was not uniform either, so this is $$$ well spent. :)
Sixth, the front crank seal was the major source of the leaking/spraying oil. He pulled the bumper to get room to remove the pulley and replace the seal. ;D
He expects to have the injectors Monday morning; the pan has been reinstalled already, and he was reinstalling the blower this afternoon, so it could be done already too.
While it is in his capable hands, I'm gonna have him set the clutch and brakes, and grease it end to end.
Although he retired several years ago, he still loves to pull wrenches, especially on Papabus. He says he doesnt get much chance to work on the older 2 stroke engines he grew up with.
It should be done middle of next week.... ;D
Mark sounds like money VERY well spent and you should be good for a trip back to the ALIEN southwest.
Melbo
Last time the juice was changed in the gearbox and differential?
puts the driveline to bed, so to speak for many years to come!
happy coaching!
buswarrior