Reducing engine noise levels

[hogi6123]

Do school buses / skoolies suffer from very loud engine noise?

I have a T444e and at545, it's in a truck not a bus but I know a lot of buses have this combination.  My ears continue ringing for days after every time I drive it.

The exhaust outlet is just behind and below the cab.  I found one person saying they lengthened the exhaust to the rear axle and "think the noise is slightly less".

I think most of the noise comes straight from the engine itself.

Do you have any practical suggestions for reducing the noise a lot?

[buswarrior]

Many years ago, we used carpet scraps on the floor in the school buses to combat some of the noise.

If you could find some underpadding too, well that made you king!

Lined right to the edge of where the kids climbed the stairs.

Loved every minute of it, ain't going back, great respect for those who continue to get 'em to the education and home again!

Lowest paid commercial driver on the road, with the biggest responsibility, and in many jurisdictions, the greatest licence requirements.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[sandra@BCM]

Do school buses / skoolies suffer from very loud engine noise?

I have a T444e and at545, it's in a truck not a bus but I know a lot of buses have this combination.  My ears continue ringing for days after every time I drive it.

The exhaust outlet is just behind and below the cab.  I found one person saying they lengthened the exhaust to the rear axle and "think the noise is slightly less".

I think most of the noise comes straight from the engine itself.

Do you have any practical suggestions for reducing the noise a lot?

Perhaps some kind of heat barrier would help with the noise as well.

https://engineheatprotection.com/

We have a pusher with a CAT 3116 and we have no issues with engine noise. 

[hogi6123]

Well I finally checked the transmission fluid level for the first time, because there were some drips under the truck, and had to add 3 quarts.  And surprise!  It cut the engine noise levels in half at least!  Plus smoother shifting and noticeably more power.

[s2mikon]

I have a rear pusher with Cummins 8.3 and I have to open a window to hear it running. Should have got a shorter bus. :-)