Common problems on 4104

[84dime]

Just wondering what are some common problems with these. Anything that i should check fix or replace?

Thanks-Josh

[DSweet]

The main problems with an '04 are related to the age of the bus and
lack of maintenance.  My suggestion would be to start at the front bumper
and work your way to the back bumper.  Lube, tighten and adjust, then check
all electrical and air connection you can find.  Takes time and effort but it
will be worth every minute you spend.
Blessings,
David

[gus]

Overly stiff clutch, hard shifting or clashing of gears, this is often caused by work shift, clutch linkage or improper adjustment.

Air leaks, suspension not inflating evenly or too slow, rotted air bags. Corroded electrical wiring terminals.

Hard starting in cold weather, engine oil leaks, air compressor governor failure, rusted out mufflers, dragging bottom over rocks & etc, radiator shutters not working or missing, rubber baggage door hinges rotting off, engine compartment door too heavy (Needs air struts), hard or sloppy steering (Needs adjusting and greasing).

Since it is almost all Al structure body corrosion has not been a problem.

As you may have guessed, this is a list of the problems I've had with mine in four years!!

[Len Silva]

When it was built, the 4104 was pretty damn close to perfection.  It would probably be a million dollar bus if they tried to build one today to the same standards.

[luvrbus]

I don't know much about the 4104 but a friend of mine has one with DDEC 330 hp in line 6-71 he did a complete from the wheels up on his with all new wiring  one sweet bus and a hot rod with good fuel mileage.

Not to make the GM guys mad but I think it was the best looking bus GM ever made

[Just Dallas]

Removed

[luvrbus]

Dallas I rode in 4103 that Gaylon Rogers has do they all ride ruff almost like they have leaf springs and not air bags ? 


good luck

[luvrbus]

Never mind Dallas he phoned and told me they do have leaf springs never to old to learn something new.
good luck

[Just Dallas]

Removed

[roadrunnertex]

PD-4104 There were 5065 PD-4104 made by GMC Truck and Coach from 1953 through 1960.
The biggest buyer was Greyhound and Trailways.
Lot's of smaller carriers had PD-4104's and the 04's were a very popular bus.
Easy maintenance and low up keep.
Lot's of parts are interchangeable with later model GMC and MCI coaches.
The 1st bus that I ever owned was a PD-4104 and I sure do miss it at times.
I now own a P8M4905A.
The front windshields are interchangeable  left and right and are the same windshield for the rest of the later GMC intercity coaches.
The old Spicer Transmission is a easy transmission to learn how to shift compaired to the later style Spicer transmissions.
As for a starter bus you could not as for a better coach than a PD4104.
They were a good old bus and still are.
jlv

[zubzub]

Biggest problem with the '04 is it's the Best Bus Ever and everyone else on this board without one refuses to admit it.

[Bill B /bus]

Nice bus, but lacks power.
I do like the look but the damn wheel wells make it difficult to arrange the floor plan other than the standard fore and aft bed and sofa behind the driver. And as with all GM's the curvature of the body can drive you nuts trying to make things fit.
Still great looking.
Bill

[gus]

The curved roof is what makes old GM buses classy and different, who wants a square bus body?

As much as I love my 4104 I will never get over not getting a 3751/4151, no other bus is that classy. It even has a column shift lever!! And the rear end is a piece of art all by itself.

I do like the 4103 a lot , it is very classy, but the 3751/4151 has them all beat.

After owning my 4104 four years I can't say I wouldn't welcome leaf  springs!!!

[johns4104s]

One bad problem they have is the fan hub that is attached to both the crankshaft and the rad fan, it has a vulcanised rubber spacer. that stops any vibration from the fan being transferd to the crankshaft. The only problem is if the vulcanised part comes loose it allows the fan to spin right into the radiator. I know though experience.

I have would re comend a regular check of this part and buying a spare before you need it,

John

[84dime]

Ya i think i read somewhere about the fan hub falling apart. Now is this just a problem in these coaches or on others as well? Im thinking of building my own version using polyurethane.