Found a 102el3 for sale in fresno - talk me off a ledge

[Dlsnow]

My wife found a gutted mci 102el3 for sale.
Its very tempting especially since as we speak i am driving my mc7 from GA to AZ pulling a trailer and barely making 150 miles a day due to it running hot.

Any specific concerns on a 102el3?  Current owner says it runs great 1,100,000 miles, was a florida coach, someone in NC picked it up and gutted the seats and lavatory.

I am heading to fresno to check it out next week.

[luvrbus]

Only problem the EL3 had was the multi plex wiring Hanah has it listed at a good price it won't last long with a strong series 60 and the B500 Allison at that price   

[lvmci]

Rust issues in FLORIDA? lvmci...

[plyonsMC9]

The first thing that comes to mind is someone w/ a diet problem asking another person w/ the same diet issue to talk them out of eating a nice, delicious, tasty 7 layer

CAKE!!!


We love buses!

But seriously, w/regard to this particular bus, yes, potentially rust.  And I'm wondering how well it had been maintained. Any records?  Were you able to have someone check it out mechanically?  I see you're heading out next week.  How long did it sit w/o running after seats were gutted? 

I do know that w/regard to heat, we just had our MC9 radiators swapped out w/some recored radiators and it is running much cooler.   Maybe there is something similar available you could do w/ your 7?  Our radiators were in pretty bad shape.   Tho', I'm sure our buses won't run as cool as the series 60 in the bus you're considering.   

What year is the bus?  Maybe it's older and prior to the complex wiring?  Nice engine tranny combination for sure.


Kind Regards, Phil

[edvanland]

MCI 7 radiators are to small for anything over 8v71. I know I have fought it for 16 years. See the acritical in BCM mag for JUly.

[Jon]

Just a hunch. but buying a bus so you can get rid of one with an overheating problem seems a fairly expensive way to solve a problem.

[buswarrior]

MCI EL3 has a steering tag axle.

Lovely to dance in parking lots, there was no where I was afraid to go with one, if granny went in a Cadillac, I would follow with an EL3.

However, not so lovely if all that suspension geometry back there is worn, mal-adjusted and eating tires. And you need to train yourself on tail-swing, an afternoon messing in an empty parking lot with some props can do that.

New radiators for the MC7 are likely cheaper...?

If SHE found it, and wants to start a new one, listen closely?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[ol713]

   HI;
     I have one suggestion;  You might consider driving at night and avoid
     the heat of the day.  You could maybe get in about 12hrs on the road.
     For me, I don't drive my MC-7 during the summer because of the heat.
     Let us know how it goes.
                                             Good luck,   Merle.