This is the bus I'm going to pick up next week. Please look over the pictures and let me know what you think. I have posted the pics at a site where I will be documenting the progress of the bus. I am converting it to be a mobile rafting base for whitewater trips. http://www.raftbus.com (http://www.raftbus.com)
-Nate
Nate,
Check messages. If thats the company just be careful. Not a great track record.
Nate,
I hope you are getting it for a really good price. IMHO, it looks pretty rough. I would want to start over with most of the stuff, because it doesn't look like it was built too well.
But that is just MHO, and from pics.
FWIW
John
Quote from: John316 on January 24, 2012, 03:53:01 AM
I hope you are getting it for a really good price. IMHO, it looks pretty rough. I would want to start over with most of the stuff, because it doesn't look like it was built too well. But that is just MHO, and from pics.
John
Well I'm not sure what a really good price is, but I pretty much consider it buying a shell with a bunch of parts to rearrange. I guess I was more curious about exterior thoughts than interior.
-Nate
Nate, looking at your other posts, it looks like this is the bus in NM.
I can't tell if you have purchased the bus or not. If you have, then our comments are too late. If not, I can't stress strongly enough that you MUST have a knowledgeable person look at the bus with with. I think you have been given several names from the Albuquerque area and any one of them can give you a second set of eyes.
If we discount the interior (really not much value since they don't show any type of generator or inverter), then you need to base your purchase price on the shell and engine/transmission. The shell seems to be just OK. I can't tell what they did to the side or front windows, but it looks like they were trying to seal up some pretty bad leaks.
The engine is an 8V-71 from the looks of it. That is an OK engine but does not have the benefit of a turbo. You should have someone help you check the condition of the engine and transmission. You have a long way to go and we have had several recent stories where the purchaser did not properly inspect the bus (easy to second guess).
As the risk of offending you, the bus is probably in the under $10K value. Depending on the inspection, it could be worth little more that scrap value.
You have lots of help here and a ton of opinions. My opinion (free - maybe what it is worth) is that this is one you need to be very careful of.
Jim
I have agreed to purchase the bus as long as it is as described, which is as a solid, good running bus. I have a deposit down right now.
The upper exterior needs paint. Some of the side windows were covered with tin that the PO didn't like, so he pulled it off and I guess the PPO used some really strong glue. There are no leaks.
As for the generator situation - it is wired up to be run on shore or generator (not purchased yet). There are 3 roof A/C's installed in good shape. Everything is wired to the control panel area near the bunks, next to the water heater.
I certainly would like another set of (more knowledgeable) eyes look at the bus with me...anyone free in Albuquerque on Mon 1/30? I would also like to add I'm not a total newb. This will be my first coach, but I owned a Class C motorhome for 2 years full-timing, a Class A diesel Monaco Dynasty full-timing for 5 years, and have since owned two school buses and an Orion transit. So don't be too scared for me, but I don't know much about engines and transmissions.
It is a manual with an 8v71, not the naturally-aspirating one, but the other, I think it's called super-charged? It does have all of the maintenance logs and the manuals so that's good. You'd think if there was something bad in there the PO would just say there's no logs...
As far as I know the bus' history is this:
Charter Coach (unknown location) > Country Band Bus (near Chicago) > Racing Team in NM > Me
Nate,
Please don't take offense, but just your comment on it being a supercharged engine tells me that you are woefully lacking in knowledge about Detroit Diesels.
The bus was a low dollar conversion entertainer and they are notoriously known for being "rode hard and put up wet". To me, that bus just screams "Be Careful, be very, very careful.".
I agree, it has to be well south of $10k to even warrant a serious look.
Nate,
To be sure, I know you are looking at just a shell. I was just throwing out the other, as something to think about.
To me, from what pics I can see, it doesn't look like it has been maintained well. To me, it looks like it could use some mechanical help, but that is just me. Maybe it is in top shape, I don't know. Just be careful!
FWIW
John
His main concern on that model of Prevost is rust yes Virgina they do rust (bad)
The owner told me there are no rust issues and no rot issues above the rear wheel wells or anywhere else. If there are, well that will be a problem.
Who said anything about Virginia?
I appreciate the feedback, but please be more specific than "I'd be very careful..." - that isn't very constructive...
-Nate
Nat, on the 8v71 check the air box drains a 1/4 tube on each side if they are in a catch can remove the 2 if you are getting a bunch of oil and it doesn't stop do be careful.
Me I would spend a few bucks and go to Stewart and Stevenson and let Tom give the all clear on the engine or give him a call he may know the bus nice guy fwiw you can pump 10,000 into to a rebuild on a 8v71
good luck
I will check the air box drains.
I called Stewart and Stephenson and left a message for Tom. Maybe I'll just have the guy meet me at their location with the bus. Or better yet, have him bring the bus there before I arrive.
Thank you.
-Nate
Quote from: natepelton on January 24, 2012, 11:30:05 AM
The owner told me there are no rust issues and no rot issues above the rear wheel wells or anywhere else. If there are, well that will be a problem.
Who said anything about Virginia?
I appreciate the feedback, but please be more specific than "I'd be very careful..." - that isn't very constructive...
-Nate
By "be careful", I mean specifically have it inspected by someone who know Detriots, Allisons, and Prevosts. That may not be the same person.
It takes someone who knows just where to look for rust issues. Most of it is not visible.
I don't know about Prevosts but do have some experience with Eagles.
One thing you can try is to walk along the sides of the bus and slap it as hard as you can with the flat of your hand, right on a rib and between the window line and the floor. Then listen very carefully for the tinkling sound of falling rust flakes. That's no guarantee that it is good, but if you hear the rust falling it is a guarantee that you will have a lot of reconstruction to do.
Entertainers and church buses both scare me.
The warning bells are ringing LOUDLY.
Why wouldn't all that mess between the windows have been cleaned up?
As a buyer, I would assume:
Because the coach is not worth to the seller even spending those few dollars on it to freshen up the appearance for sale.
It been repossessed or otherwise returned to someone from some else who made this mess?
Someone is upside down on this coach, hoping to recover some of what they have already lost.
They have found something that makes continuing with it a bad idea. That something will destroy your bus budget, make you and whoever else you have dragged into this very sad and mad, and at you, or yourself, after you are stuck with it.
Maintenance logs will state it had an oil change, who cares? Until those logs are seen and whatever contents is understood, assume worthless.
New roof airs are under $600, those ones on there are now used, installed by unknown entity using unknown methods. Next to worthless in the buyers view.
Most/all of that interior needs to be re-worked or removed. More worthless.
beware of the inappropriate words used by a salesman...
If the seller used the word supercharger in relation to the 8V71, he's either just as uninformed as you, or is full of something unpleasant. A 2-stroke detroit can't run without that blower, it isn't for power, it is used to force air into the cylinders, from the bottom, as there is no vacuum from a downward traveling piston to suck in a fresh charge.
It is called a blower, the hot rodders with gasoline engines stole them and called them superchargers...for whatever fool you, macho, inadequacy compensating, marketing purposes.
And then there's the eight $600 each tires.
That coach is at best, an old shell, 29 years old, old shell.
Price starts at scrap value, and only inches upward as the coach EARNS it.
A quick check of the internet will give you a much younger shell that has been traded in for the same money.
Yes, go look at the coach, but be sure that your head goes for the trip as well as your heart, and you will be fine!
happy coaching!
buswarrior
Quote from: natepelton on January 24, 2012, 08:57:05 AM
Well I'm not sure what a really good price is, but I pretty much consider it buying a shell with a bunch of parts to rearrange. I guess I was more curious about exterior thoughts than interior.
-Nate
I think we all assume a lot of our labor is free, so the tear out is not any real consideration of value. While you get to keep the goodies, you also get to pay for the trash bill and band-aids. So consider its an empty shell, and none of the crap that comes with it is worth enough to alter its value.
Too, I think a lot of people get excited when they see the name Prevost, I don't. I just see another Bus. Its got a Bus engine with Bus brakes and Bus suspension. So unless your a Prevo guy, value it like its an MC9 shell, because really, thats all its worth. To me its worth even less than an MC9, because used MC9 parts are readily available everywhere and are very inexpensive, by comparison with any other Bus, make or model.
All that said, I see a big intake hose going into the top of the engine. I do not see a Turbo. If you can see one somewhere, its supercharged. If not, its NA. I don't think it would make enough difference to change the Bus value, though it could make it more saleable. But lets say its worth $500 more with a turbo just to add some fairness.
I see a Bus worth $5K max if its turbo'd, and only provided it has nothing glaringly wrong with it. Truthfully, I doubt any Commercial operator would pay that or likely even want it, most would put it out to pasture for scrap. Its only us Bus junkies that will crawl through broken glass to pay more than scrap for for an old Bus. And these Bus sales outfits know were out there with cash burning a hole in our pockets.
If you're going to pay more than $2500, which is scrap value, you should strongly consider paying someone knowledgeable and competent (they are two completely separate things) $3-500 or more to go over it for you and make sure its up to snuff, checking engine, drive-line, steering, brakes and electrical. Take it to a DD shop or whoever guys here most HIGHLY recommend. If it fails your only out the $300 or whatever, or at least will know what you have and are dealing with. That will be a small pittance compared to what you could lose not spending it. Far too many here have bought a Bus and not even been able to get it home, without stopping along the way for major engine work, it happens more than we maybe want to admit. You can pay a little now and be more confident, or pay a lot later. And here is something else to consider. If the seller wont allow you to take it somewhere for an inspection, or at least agree to take it there themselves if you buy the fuel, they are hiding something.
Quote from: buswarrior on January 25, 2012, 06:55:56 AM
It is called a blower, the hot rodders with gasoline engines stole them and called them superchargers...
buswarrior
Well that makes sense he is a race car guy.
If he is into cars give Jim Smith a call he will know the owner Smith's Ultimate Linning Alb NM
good luck
Just got off the phone with a coach company in Albuquerque and for $250 they are willing to drive the 25 miles each way to the bus and check over all the major stuff for me. They are very familiar with Prevosts and they currently have a shell for sale on their lot.
I'm waiting to hear back from the owner that this is OK.
I trust someone until they give me a reason not to.
Quote from: natepelton on January 25, 2012, 10:47:32 AM
I trust someone until they give me a reason not to.
Against my parents long spoken advice I have tried to do the same. And with few exceptions I have found their philosophy to be right more times than wrong. People are almost always honest about the obvious. Yup, yup, that shore is a flat tire. When it comes to pride or money however, things far too often flip to their side of the coin.
When it comes to machines, trust no one but the machine itself. Machines don't lie, people do. Your told an engine was rebuilt 100 miles ago, but the cylinders are scored and there is oil around the piston crowns, who's telling the truth, the seller, or the engine? Your told the tires are fairly new, but you see checking along the edge of the rim. Who's telling the truth, the seller, or the tires?
Best one I saw was an 1987 Jeep Wagoneer, last of the big ones. It looked like it had fresh sprayed rocker panels so I got down to look. I saw what looked like tape lines in the paint on the rockers, only the paint was "over" the lines. I touched the rocker with a finger and found it was actually tape. They put tape over big rust holes. holes larger than your fist, and painted over the tape with rocker paint trying to hide it. I was just standing up, shaking my head when this salesman walks up, beaming, asking if im interested. I said you put tape over the rust holes and painted over it? Yup, looks pretty good dont it? I bit my tongue and left.
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.cpcache.com%2Fmerchandise%2F514_400x400_NoPeel.jpg%3Fregion%3Dname%3AFrontCenter%2Cid%3A47025578%2Cw%3A16&hash=5d572631101577225e6944b154da8fdbe90a2dca)
The owner has agreed to meet for an inspection on Saturday and we'll go from there.
Nate, I have no idea what the selling price is.....but I will say if its more than $3,000 head for the door and fast (that price still could be high). LeMirage is probably the most expensive bus out there to convert. most of what I see in these photo's are Junk!
Not actually knowning what you're intentions are and the level you plan to convert at is the unknown. When I say you could spend 10,000 to what ever you make for the next 8 or 9 years, on a conversion is not stretching the truth.
You can say this bus has a minium of a million miles on it! Prevosts do rust especially that old of a bus......most of the rusting comes from the AC lines run on the inside walls of the bus......not road conditions, most road condition rust will be on the front end around the drivers floor area! Prevost parts are expensive, (window's especially), I will say that Prevost Parts was great when I needed something, they always had it. On a couple of items like a radiator they had and it was extremely underpriced from what I had priced on line, and they even included shipping! So you never actually know how the prices will run!
I've worked for the last 7 years converting my bus (82 LeMirage), I've had good days and bad days, I just went through another period where selling it was the topic, but I weathered that ;D and I'm back working again! Yes I'm slow but slow work takes time!!!! Look, don't be afraid to insult this guy, afterall its your money! Detroit Diesels are expensive to run, expensive to take care of, and expensive to replace! My recommendation is to take an oil sample and send it off for evaluation.
I can think of 20 reasons not to buy a bus this old, and only 1 reason to buy a bus like this......and that just flew out the window! Are you mechanically inclined, are you a carpenter, plumber, electrician, do you have the tools needed to do this?
All that said, good luck and I wish you well!
If you think I'm kidding about this check this site out......my bus from the start to where I am now!
http://prevostlemirage.blogspot.com/ (http://prevostlemirage.blogspot.com/)
Nate, please understand that most of us are playing devil's advocate to some degree.
That said, those of us who have been around buses for a decade or more have something like a woman's intuition. Many of us are getting bad vibes. Some of the comments may seem a bit negative towards you. I think that for whatever reason, your replies suggest that you are ignoring some good advice. None of us expect you to follow lock-step with our recommendations, but it does seem that you may have dismissed most of the advice. Some of us are reacting like we would with our kids who don't seem to want to listen to our wonderful thoughts/advice :D ;D :o
I am glad that you are having someone look at the bus, but I am a bit uneasy about the choice. The person has a vested interest since he has a shell for sale.
Clifford has given you some good folks in Albuquerque who are bus folks with a lot of experience. Their only vested interest would be to give you an honest answer.
If you do have the coach company do the inspection, you should ***REQUIRE*** that they document their findings with pictures. If nothing else, that will put them on notice that you want a FORMAL evaluation.
Also understand that you have a huge audience here that will help you in your quest to find a bus that has decent value if this one does not work out.
Jim
I just try to help Jim he can take it or leave I hate to see people like Kevin that bought the model 10 on the EI board and the engine blew before he made it home now Joel tells him he needs a new engine sad it really is when that happens
I wish him the best seems like he taking a little advice but he has the heart set on that bus and it may work out for him
good luck
Love is blind Fellas :o, it's what makes us all busnuts ;). "I once was blind, but now I see" I am bus nuts ;D! Nate, I see potential, git er checked out, if all ok, only you will know if the price is right after you see it in person. Good luck and all the best! :) :)
Welcome to the Forum ;) ;D
Van
Quote from: van on January 25, 2012, 07:22:03 PM
Love is blind Fellas :o, it's what makes us all busnuts
When I was younger more than once I went to bed with a 10 and woke up with a bow-wow. No need to repeat that experience with a bus. Lots of good advice in this thread.
Nate: been pretty quiet and observing here. If your intent is a economy build. Total value under $12,000 when finished. Using what you get with bus plus what you have to buy. That's probably the end market if you do a good job for that year coach with the engine transmission combo. Limited market for resale. Other major expenses to purchase include gen set. Those 3 roof airs will eat up minimum 60 amps on start up and 45 plus running--plus you have elect hot water heater and rest of your electric needs. Probably looking at 12Kw Gen set maybe less with some power management. If your lucky $5,000. maybe used $3000. It is easy to put Big Dollars in a bus and exceed any possible chance of recovering your cost. If cost of operation for your business is a concern. A 4 stroke engine would probably be a better choice and more people are around to work on them. If you love the bus and it's the one go for it because $ are not the main consideration here. Best wishes. Bob
I am converting it to be a mobile rafting base for whitewater trips.
does this mean that your going to move it once a year and park it for the season ? like a metal water shedding tent with a desk and a cell phone?
Maybe a couple of bunks?
I am not reading that this coach is gonna see 10K miles a year and be tuck and rolled with turkish camel leather...
heck i don't see 1000 miles a year....
my only thought is that you should be able to find same closer to home.....
Good luck any which way you go.
I know it sounds like we are all being negative, but it's just the voices of some sad experiences offering advice.
Now, I am going to throw another big monkey wrench into the gears. If you are going to use a bus in ANY kind of commercial capacity, if it's going to be registered to the business, or have the company name on it etc., then you will be subject to all kinds of grief. Commercial registration, insurance, CDL requirements for drivers, DOT inspections, and on and on. If you are going to carry commercial passengers, it gets worse.
Quote from: Len Silva on January 26, 2012, 04:41:01 AM
I know it sounds like we are all being negative, but it's just the voices of some sad experiences offering advice.
Now, I am going to throw another big monkey wrench into the gears. If you are going to use a bus in ANY kind of commercial capacity, if it's going to be registered to the business, or have the company name on it etc., then you will be subject to all kinds of grief. Commercial registration, insurance, CDL requirements for drivers, DOT inspections, and on and on. If you are going to carry commercial passengers, it gets worse.
I operate buses for the business currently and have everything in order. I have a Class B CDL. NYS doesn't require a DOT inspection for our use. I won't be carrying passengers on this bus, but I do on the others.
In an average year I see this bus driving to Idaho in May, returning to NY in July, driving to AZ in November, returning to NY in December. Maybe an occasional trip to a music festival, but other than that it will be parked in my driveway, being worked on the rest of the year.
What part of Idaho Nate we have a place at Garden Valley/Banks on the Payette river I see rafters go buy by along with the kayaks groups
good luck
Quote from: luvrbus on January 26, 2012, 10:07:24 AM
What part of Idaho Nate we have a place at Garden Valley/Banks on the Payette river I see rafters go buy by along with the kayaks groups
good luck
I'll be on the Lochsa River, about 90 minutes SW of Missoula, MT on US Highway 12. We have run a few sections of the Payettes though. We did the Old Swirly Canyon and Staircase Sections of the South Fork Payette and the Cabarton Section of the North Fork.
-Nate
Back home with the new bus and couldn't be happier. The mechanic from Herrera Coach in Albuquerque canceled the appointment for inspection and left the PO hanging in the desert at the bus for 4 hours. I decided I would just inspect the bus myself when I got out there. Flew from Albany, NY early on Mon 1/30 and was at the bus by 1pm. Crawled all around underneath and through the bus. It looks great. Stayed with friends in Santa Fe Mon night and was rolling East in the bus by noon on Tues. Made 700 miles/day for three days, home at 12:00 noon on Friday.
I shut the bus down once per day the first two days where it was warm enough I wasn't worried about it restarting. The third night I let it run all night (on high idle - is that what I want to do?). Seems I got 9.03 mpg over 2100 miles. I averaged 55-60 mph most of the way. Whenever stopped I checked the fluids. The oil in the sight tube dropped about 0.5 cm over the entire trip. I didn't add any oil. I did carry oil, but couldn't find straight 40w at any of the truck stops, so was going to use 15w-40 if needed. The water temp on the dash rose to 160 degrees (not sure if F or C) and did not budge up or down once warmed up. I know the speedometer is not accurate because I had my GPS speed. The tach is in the same gauge (along with the clock) - can I assume this is off as well?
The manual transmission took some getting used to. What helped the most was reading the shifting article in the articles section at busnut.com. Once I read the proper technique, and a little practice, I was shifting right up through every gear with no grinding. Patience is a virtue. I even got to downshift 5th>4th, but haven't got that in the lower gears yet. It's a 6-speed+R manual and 4th tops out at 55mph, so I ran in 5th. From all the turbo talk I thought I was going to be a little disappointed in the power of the 8v71, but it is a beast with plenty of power. I'm never in a hurry in a bus anyway. There was no grade all the way home where I had to get out of 5th gear or dropped below 50mph. The interchanges got me a couple times though...
I found three locations with rust. The old bathroom holding tank is all rusted and I will cut that out. Above the rear passenger side wheels, the plywood was as solid as the day installed, but the one floor support of steel is rusted. In the same area, the chassis is bubbling under the undercoating - an area about 4" x 4" - facing the outside of the vehicle. I will cut those out and replace. And then there is some bubbling around the bottom of the lower windshield. The worst of it is the old holding tank which is being removed.
I am basically starting over on the interior. I like how the drivers area has a full wall behind it. Need to expand the front lounge and kitchen and move the bathroom between the kitchen and rear bedroom. Might leave two of the 6 bunks. Also plan to remove and patch some of the holes that have been cut in the roof for various vents.
The front tires are about 70%, drives at 40%, and tags are BALD. I lifted the tag whenever fueling and making tight turns so as not to make them worse. Thinking for now I'll move the fronts to the tag axle and buy brand new pair for the front. They are the same size. I was also thinking of buying some aluminum wheels and I think they might take a different size tire so I'll have to look into that.
Overall I am very happy with the bus and can't wait to learn everything about it. Tentative first mission in the bus is to Arizona in November for a Grand Canyon rafting trip. Can't wait to get back on the road!
If I were to give advice to an aspiring bus owner I would say go check the bus out, but really check the owner out - he knows way more about the bus than you will be able to see upon inspection - if you trust him, you can trust the bus.
-Nate
Nate: Good report. Shop for used tires . Be surprised what is out there just a few years old with many miles left on them. That we would never wear out before they age out. I recently found a bunch of 75% tires 3 yrs old for $200 each. Brand name. Ask questions and enjoy the ride. Bob
Quote from: natepelton on February 05, 2012, 10:16:06 AM
Overall I am very happy with the bus and can't wait to learn everything about it. Tentative first mission in the bus is to Arizona in November for a Grand Canyon rafting trip. Can't wait to get back on the road!
If I were to give advice to an aspiring bus owner I would say go check the bus out, but really check the owner out - he knows way more about the bus than you will be able to see upon inspection - if you trust him, you can trust the bus.
-Nate
Congrat's on your new BUS! Sounds like you got what you wanted. I agree with your statement above, about trusting the previous owner. That's how I purchased mine. I knew and trusted the previous owner.
Thanks for the updates --- Glad it all went well
Melbo
Nate, like others, I am so glad that your trip went well. Good thing you did not try to take the 1 70 route :o
QuoteWhenever stopped I checked the fluids. The oil in the sight tube dropped about 0.5 cm over the entire trip. I didn't add any oil.
I am a little surprised that someone did not question your statement. First, it would be very unusual not to use a gallon or two of oil in the 2K miles - even with a good engine. Next, I think the sight glass is for the oil reservoir that holds oil to be used to fill the crankcase when the dipstick shows that the oil level is low. To the best of my knowledge (limited in the area), you have to open a valve to let the oil flow from the reservoir to the pan.
If indeed the oil level in the pan did not change, I would check to make sure that there is not a leak in one or more of the injector fuel tubes that is letting diesel into the pan. For sure, I would take an oil sample - not just for the diesel, but to get a bench mark.
I have to say that many of us with uneasy feelings about the bus made too big of a point of the quality of the bus.
Jim
Quote from: rv_safetyman
Nate, like others, I am so glad that your trip went well. Good thing you did not try to take the 1 70 route :o
Quote from: nateWhenever stopped I checked the fluids. The oil in the sight tube dropped about 0.5 cm over the entire trip. I didn't add any oil.
Quote from: rv_safetyman
I am a little surprised that someone did not question your statement. First, it would be very unusual not to use a gallon or two of oil in the 2K miles - even with a good engine. Next, I think the sight glass is for the oil reservoir that holds oil to be used to fill the crankcase when the dipstick shows that the oil level is low. To the best of my knowledge (limited in the area), you have to open a valve to let the oil flow from the reservoir to the pan.
Jim
Jim,
I did in fact make the same observation as you on the oil level "in sight glass" comment and you just beat me too it.
I have not followed this thread and just read it for the first time this AM. (I've not been on the board near as much as usual between lack of time & computer problems)
Nate you need to find the dipstick and pull it. There is no "sight glass" for checking engine oil that I know of on a BUS.
The sight glass you are refering too is either like Jim said and is an oil reservoir for adding oil, or the power steering reservoir.
I am happy to hear it checked out well and the trip home was pleasant too!
Way too often we hear the opposite results.
;D BK ;D
Jim, the new DD liners, piston and rings they are selling now are so close on tolerance it has cut the oil consumption way down on the 2 strokes a few years back you could overhaul one and come out the gate wide open they were so loose not that way now 1 gal in 5000 miles is about normal it's about the same as a 60 series.
The aftermarket guys which I don't use are still behind except Fairchilds kits they are as close in tolerance as a DD kit just thought you would like to know the sight glass is for the reservoir you need to check with the dip stick then open the valve to put the oil in it holds 2 gals
good luck
;D Enjoy the thought;oil that is . I keep my tank full on the 89 and when checking oil it should be checked stopped for about 20 minutes. My 2 stroke runs about 1/2 way between full and add as a sweet spot where it doesn't use oil. Needs a little it just takes a turn of the valve and you can add. Shut off valve early and recheck after a couple minutes or you could over fill and the engine will just push extra out. Bob
OK, I will have to check on that. I didn't know it was a manual valve to let new oil in from the reservoir. Maybe it was left open? It did drip a bit every time I stopped. When I shut the engine down (nights 1 and 2) I did check the dipstick levels before heading out in the AM. I'll check on the valve and levels today and post my findings.
Thanks-
-Nate
Nate: if it doesn't use oil or little enjoy!!! and I mean that. Sometimes I run a 1000 miles and not a drop of usage then again a 1000 and a gallon. No rime or reason;or at least worth exploring in the big picture. your bus parked a foot off level can change the reading on the stick. If I seem to be talking down to you I'm sorry It is not meant to be. Have no way of knowing where your 2 stroke/prevost education experience is at. I learn something new every day! Bob
Check the weather Bob 2 strokes don't use much oil in colder weather check that out sometime when your engine temp is running around 175 degrees all day long get one up around 200 they will use oil and they love clean oil will not hardy use any while clean
good luck
Bob-
My 2-stroke/Prevost education is pretty minimal right now. I owned a Cummins for 5 years and currently own a Series 50 in my transit bus used for the company. So I have some basic diesel knowledge, and 7 years of full-timing (in upstate NY cold) RV knowledge. I am eager to learn and appreciate all the comments and info. I came to this board for info and if I make a couple friends that's a bonus. I spend a lot of time communicating via email and know how things can come across harsh or whatever. Don't worry about it, you have been very welcoming.
If I make mistakes I want to know about it!
Thanks-
-Nate
Excellent report, and just goes to show what seeing a coach in person versus pictures can accomplish!
Don't worry about running it all night on fast idle. Won't be the first time, may not be the last. You'd like to install systems to avoid burning all that fuel just to stay warm inside, and to have a method for block heating. But that comes as it comes.
If that is an "oil reservoir" with a site glass that you have, be careful you don't go dumping it into the oil pan and overfilling.
The reservoir was ordered by some fleets in order to control costs. Loose gallon jugs of oil get stolen by employees, and roll around in the bays making a mess of customer luggage. The reservoir would be filled at the shop from the bulk oil when the coach is being serviced. The engine does not return any oil to that storage container, it's only purpose is to carry and dump fresh oil into the oil pan, instead of using separate jugs.
happy coaching!
buswarrior
OK well I lucked out. I now see how the reservoir works. Seems I used about 2.5 quarts of oil in 2100 miles. Where does the forward hose go?
I called Prevost to get a parts CD and found out the original purchaser - Holiday Tours in NC. I called Holiday Touts and spoke to Shannon (guy) in the garage and he was very nice and helpful. He went and looked up the bus by it's Holiday-designated number (505 in this case) and was able to tell me a few things. They purchased new and sold it on 11/11/05. It had the clutch replaced and engine rebuilt in 2002. It had $9500 worth of work done to the A/C in 2005. So fleet maintained records 1983>2005, then minimal use by band 2006>2008, and minimal use by race team 2009>2011.
You guys were right - the interior is a bunch of crap - probably the worst craftsmanship I have ever seen. It wouldn't have stayed together if the vehicle never moved. Cable, water, AC and DC and bundled together, through holes with no grommets. So it's all coming out. I figure since the water and power will originate in the center of the bus (rear bays), I can do the front half of the remodel, then the back without compromising the ultimate routing for wires and plumbing because there will be a T at the origin anyway. One side to front, one side to back.
I was thinking about running all the water on one side of the bus and all the power on the other, and run through the ceiling for DC lights on the water side.
If I keep the bus heat, has anyone ever built a wooden box down the side of the the bus and used it as ducting, but also run the pex inside it? To keep the water lines warm all the time?
The PO put down 1/2" plywood right over top of the tile floor and underlying 3/4" plywood. From inspection from inside the bays and what I can see where the floor has been cut, the original plywood is in good condition. Would you guys still remove it? What about the tile floor? Seems kind of like a sound barrier?
I've got three roof A/C units. I don't need three up here in Northern NY. I was dreaming about sky lights in their place - anybody done this?
Does anyone with a Prevost ever push out the windows for ventilation. I see the windows that would open, but don't want to start a leak if I bust a seal.
Thinking about removing the bus A/C to gain additional space in the bays. How do I keep just the defroster and driver area heat?
Is the blown-in yellow factory insulation in the ceiling and walls sufficient or do folks replace it with some other type?
The PO really liked to mount things through the roof of the bus. I counted 16 things up there, from A/C units to vents. I want to remove some of these things. What would be the best way to patch a hole in my roof?
Should I be starting a bunch of new threads so this info is more easily searched in the archives?
Thanks-
-Nate
Hmmm. The $9500 that was spent on A/C; was that referring to the air compressor, the over-the-road air conditioning? If it was the OTR air conditioning, I would think twice before junking it. My OT is in good condition and not costing a lot of $$ to maintain, so I love having it. Don't have to run a genny to power rooftop units while on the road. I could hang meat in there!
Sounds to me like you are using some sound reasoning on your project. Good luck!
Dennis
I have an 1989 Prevost that I am currently working on. I had the otr air rebuilt because I do not want to run generator while driving. What happens if the generator dies with no other backup air. The inside heats up real quick in summer. Been there. I sealed up all opening windows on drivers side. Three on passengers side will swing out as intended and I will be using roll up screens. We like fresh air when possible. My bathroom will be a side isle design with walk way to bedroom on passenger side. Two roof top air Penguin units with heat pump. I have built ducts on sides to carry otr air/heat to areas. Escape hatches are staying and will have a swing down screen door to open them to let out heat or open at night to enjoy the night air when possible. I will cut new openings for roof tops. Adding one power vent in bathroom for ventilation. I have the Splendid clothes washer and may put a small holding tank where the original toilet tank was on the chassis to hold the gray water from the washer. Haven't decide yet if this is what I want so just an idea right now. Kitchen will have a 24" propane 4 burner stove and oven with over the stove microwave vented outside to remove any odors. Water storage is two tanks 110 gal fresh and 110 black/gray. Gray in last bay, fresh water in middle bay with hot water heater and Proheat X45 unit. Diesel generator on drivers side first bay with separate fuel tanks for generator and Proheat. Passenger side of first bay will hold house battery bank and inverter. This is what I am going for on my conversions. Hope this helps some of your questions or gives you some ideas. Good Luck.
Nate: new threads would give you a better chance to explore each area. This one is getting a little long. The archives are great source;but we need to revisit basics on occasion to discuss them. We all do our coaches differant with our usage in mind. I'm not a boondocker so I build differant. What little off grid I do I run Gen set. Bob