Help Needed - Inspection of MCI 102A3 located in Christiansburg VA near Roanoke

ScharpeStGuy · July 27, 2016, 06:53:18 PM

And remaining Fluid Analysis report.

luvrbus · July 27, 2016, 07:35:14 PM

Samples do not look good if that is the 6V92 it probably has gotten hot,the shut down is no biggie me I would pass unless you can make a super deal.I would offer $15,000.00 tops because it is going to need engine work soon.JMO show him the sample report they don't lie the copper is coming from the bearing more than likely caused by the antifreeze in the oil.That was the best $350.00 you spent in a long time

ScharpeStGuy · July 28, 2016, 04:27:47 AM

Cliff, I was afraid of that and yes it is a 6V92. The Temperature Gauge is one of the gauges not working on this bus so it may very well have gotten hot.

If this required an engine swap from prior posts I have read you recommend highly the Cat 3406 engine. What would I be looking at to swap one of these engines into the MCI 102A3? Would this also require a transmission swap?

Thank you for reviewing the reports and providing your valuable feedback. I already have my tickets up so I guess I can go kick eight tires and enjoy Mt. Airy (Mayberry)!

Thank you

Oonrahnjay · July 28, 2016, 05:19:35 AM

Quote from: ScharpeStGuy on July 28, 2016, 04:27:47 AMCliff, I was afraid of that and yes it is a 6V92. The Temperature Gauge is one of the gauges not working on this bus so it may very well have gotten hot.

No matter why/what, everything looks like that engine is a time bomb. It may have already gone off or it may go off soon, but it's a time bomb.

Quote from: ScharpeStGuy on July 28, 2016, 04:27:47 AMIf this required an engine swap from prior posts I have read you recommend highly the Cat 3406 engine. What would I be looking at to swap one of these engines into the MCI 102A3? Would this also require a transmission swap?

Taking on a bus that needs an engine swap is lunacy, unless the seller is paying for it.

Quote from: ScharpeStGuy on July 28, 2016, 04:27:47 AMThank you for reviewing the reports and providing your valuable feedback. I already have my tickets up so I guess I can go kick eight tires and enjoy Mt. Airy (Mayberry)!

Thank you

Yeah, then you can run away from that bus like it was on fire and your pants were soaked in gasoline.

DoubleEagle · July 28, 2016, 06:02:28 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on July 27, 2016, 07:35:14 PM
Samples do not look good if that is the 6V92 it probably has gotten hot,the shut down is no biggie me I would pass unless you can make a super deal.I would offer $15,000.00 tops because it is going to need engine work soon.JMO show him the sample report they don't lie the copper is coming from the bearing more than likely caused by the antifreeze in the oil.That was the best $350.00 you spent in a long time

Yes, it was wise to check. Given that the temperature gauge is not working, and both radiators were renewed, along with the high copper, not good. Fraser had a lot of discussions with the actual owner who should have some knowledge of what happened, but he might have sidestepped the details. It was also mentioned previously that there was some smoking in the exhaust, we may now know where that is coming from. It was hoped that a good run would clear up things from sitting a while, but now I wonder if that would be wise. I had encouraged Fraser to have a mechanic check it out, but it looks like the oil analysis will be cheaper and just as effective in screening this bus.

luvrbus · July 28, 2016, 06:07:56 AM

I do love my Cat engines but the 3406 would be a major project for a install it is a huge engine, just plan on a rebuild on the 6V92 or maybe a series 50 from a transit bus would be the better option

ScharpeStGuy · July 28, 2016, 06:14:24 AM

Walter, thank you for summing it up nicely!

Cliff, would you go Series 50, rebuild the existing 6V92, or swap in a replacement 6V92 either used or rebuilt? Any idea on cost of these options. Seems like the Series 50 might be the ticket as it's the newer engine that you all have recommended to me.

Thanks

DoubleEagle · July 28, 2016, 06:32:57 AM

Fraser, when it is mentioned that this engine might be a "time bomb", it means that the bearings could fail at any time, and that the antifreeze leak could get worse. (The smell of antifreeze in the exhaust is somewhat sweet, as I recall). It might not be wise to drive it very far because you might get stuck with it away from help, but it also might run for thousands of miles. Detroit's keep going until the oil or fuel runs out, or the friction slows it down; it is a real crap shoot. Unless the owner relents on the price, the interior suits you, and the cost of a rebuild (far from home) is feasible, it might be wise to pass. At the least, this will be a real learning experience, almost worth the price of admission.

luvrbus · July 28, 2016, 06:36:11 AM

If you like the bus and can make the right deal and know what is ahead of you go for it,a out of frame engine rebuild on a 6v92 will cost you 10 to 12 grand,you can buy a transit bus with the B400 and series 50 for around 5k then another 5k ruffly to install the components.
That bus may drive home to Tx or may not you never know.The way you are armed now the seller does not have much of a choice but to adjust the selling price because if he sits on it the value will only go down.
The seller gains nothing if he tries to repair the engine and recoup his money that will not happen in todays bus market.His best bet is sell at a lower price JMO

good luck

Oonrahnjay · July 28, 2016, 07:48:31 AM

Quote from: ScharpeStGuy on July 28, 2016, 06:14:24 AM... Any idea on cost of these options.

About twice the cost of another bus. You can save $$$$, time, energy, and work but just buying another bus.

Dave5Cs · July 28, 2016, 11:15:52 AM

In todays Bus market you never know. If it was me and its not I would take a chance instead of giving up on it and tell him you'll give him 10K cash and show him the analysis and that the drive train is of no use to you or anyone else for that matter. Then take it and find a S-50 to put in and do it. If he turns you down then at least you tried.

Dave5Cs

DoubleEagle · July 28, 2016, 02:08:29 PM

If Fraser bought the bus (at a good price) and wanted to get it back to Texas, what do you all think of the idea (mine) of changing the oil, draining the antifreeze, and putting in straight water? Would that increase the odds of getting it back in one piece? Of course, another factor in the decision to buy this bus is whether the Allison is okay or not (that did not get a clear thumbs up when the Sawyer's people checked it out).

ScharpeStGuy · July 28, 2016, 02:59:13 PM

Walter,

It wouldn't necessarily come back to Texas/Houston area as I would be more inclined if I purchased it to deliver it to someone who is well respected and knowledgeable by you all to perform the work be it a rebuild, swap (6v92, 8v92, S-50), etc...

Thanks!

bigred · July 28, 2016, 04:18:45 PM

Is this bus still available ??Saw it in an advertisement for Sawyers bus sales along with two other buses but the MCI WAS MARKED AS SOLD!!

DoubleEagle · July 28, 2016, 04:31:08 PM

Quote from: bigred on July 28, 2016, 04:18:45 PM
Is this bus still available ??Saw it in an advertisement for Sawyers bus sales along with two other buses but the MCI WAS MARKED AS SOLD!!

If you are referring to stock#444, that is a different 1990 MCI. They probably took the conversion off the list because he has a deposit on it and a pending agreement to purchase.