Different question: replace tranny?

[desi arnaz]

i have auto correct on and it didn't like the proper spelling.

[Sean]

I'm going to say that, again, we are ruling this out for cost reasons.  Other than a finicky fluid-level sensor and some seepage around the retarder casing, there's not a thing wrong with our 748, and I am quite fond of the retarder.  Every time I find a B500 or equivalent for sale in the $2-$3k range, it has no electronics with it (what are these people thinking when they pull 'em without the ECMs?).  It's looking like $6k+ to get a fully working unit, and I'm guessing another 5-10 hours of time here trying to make it work, and that's with pot luck on the retarder.

I'm sorry to say that I did not get around to measuring the final drive ratio today, as I spent all day working on the genset and the turbo hatch, which ripped apart when I removed it.  My foremost goal is to have everything ready to go when Choo-Choo is ready to put it all back together.  I'm still going to try to get this done tomorrow before they have the powertrain ready, just so I have an answer.

Again I would like to thank everyone who answered both on and off the board.  Even though we did not end up making any changes, we really felt we had to do the "due diligence" so long as the powertrain was out on the ground.

As to the final bill, well, as Bryce wrote, the fat lady ain't sung yet, so we don't have it.  But mid-day tomorrow will make a full week, so I figure they already have over 40 hours in it.  I can see it taking easily another dozen hours or so to get it all back together, so just on the shop time alone we are going to be over $3k.  I have no idea what these parts cost, but it's just a few gaskets and fasteners, although MTU seems to be pretty proud of them.  Plus whatever the alternator shop charges me for the 50DN and the starter.  The alternator is getting bearings and a thorough inspection, and the starter a new Bendix gear and brushes.

If all that comes in at less than a grand we can be out the door for $4k.  A lot of money to fix an oil leak; I could have bought 250 gallons of 40-weight for that and probably gotten away with the leak indefinitely.  But we didn't want to be leaving that much oil all over every place we parked, and the back of the bus looks terrible.  It does cut down on tailgaters, though.

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

[luvrbus]

Just for fun Sean I called Williams for a price for a new B500 (not rebuilt) with keypad and all the goodies to go with it except the drive yoke because I didn't what you had look at this 28,000 for the B500 33,565.00 for the B500R little pricey don't you think lol 

good luck

[robertglines1]

Got same basic set up in the 89 you have in yours. It has got me there and home for some time now. Would have been nice to have gotten better economy but the $ in my case didn't off set cost. The  98 I'm doing had no drive train so I selected what I think is best for price and fit. Found a good 60 series with a Eaton autoshift at a fair price from a bus nut and the rear end that came out of the shell I bought from the same nut.4:56. So close to what Jim (rvsafetyman) has done. I think you made a wise call for now. Keep you ears open for the right re-par and be patient. you never know when it might come by.Will keep your dimensions in mind.   Bob

[TomC]

Sean-as the old saying goes-it's gotton you this far-it will get you further down the road.  You can save all the money towards going 7 knots.  Good Luck, TomC