Ready togo but waiting a long time "?"

[Singing Land Cruiser]

With a MCI 102a3 or any bus for that matter, is there a "GO BY" we should follow if we want to have our bus ready to go at all times But It sits waiting for a long time. Say 4 to 6 months? Sometimes you just can't get away! Thanks M&C

[PP]

M&C, We find ourselves parked for long periods of time quite frequently (not by choice  ). I have a check list on a clipboard by the driver's seat with a list of everything that needs to be checked before starting or driving. I also  log mileage, fuel consumption, oil, etc. on this list so I can track expendables. When we park, I use the list to make certain that all long-term precautions have been done. I find this an invaluable resource and safety measure. Hope this helps, Will

[Singing Land Cruiser]

Thanks Will, is there any way you can post that list?
M&C

[PP]

Hi M&C, I'm sorry, but I don't have enough time right now to get it digitized for download, (Wife asked me to run an errand for her). I can tell you that it probably has a lot of items on it that don't apply to all buses, simply because of our setup however. One example is putting the retainer bolts in the toolbox so that it can't roll sideways on corners and slam against the bay door (it's on a joey bed). Or removing all the tarps draped within the engine compartment to keep sea mist from drifting in there. And then there are all the little things, such as disconnecting sewer, water, electric, phone, etc, when we're hooked up (quite often this is the case when we've been parked awhile). Remove the wheel covers, check the oil, water, fuel filters, etc. I think you get the idea, but I will find the time later to post my list for you. It has columns for dates, mileages, fuel and oil purchases, etc so that everything is in one place for convenience. It works for me and with a little modification could be adapted to your particular need.  Later, Will
PS-I generally air up all systems with a 120V Aircompressor that I built into the front space beneath the driver's area and then start the bus from the engine compartment. All of these things are included on my list because I'm like a little kid that just gets so overly excited everytime we get ready to hit the road that I'm sure to forget everything until it's too late  . Don't laugh, I know I'm not the only one that feels this way hehe

[bevans6]

When I have had the bus sitting for a long time, like over the winter, I wake it up like this:

I go out, put the batteries on charge if they need it, check the oil, trans fluid, all the other fluids.  It's usually cold, I put the block heater on for a few hours.  Then I start it and let it air up.  While it's airing up I start to check all the lights, etc, but what I am really doing is just being one with the bus, listening to it, looking at it, feeling what it is telling me (Yes, that's a little "Bus Whisperer-ish, but that's what I do).

Next, I do a full daily pre-drive check, the full DOT monte.  Air system recovery, Bleed all tanks, brake applications, lights, walk-around.  If I have been driving in the previous month, that's about where I stop.

If I haven't driven it in say 6 months, I do what I  think of as a major inspection.  It's about my equivalent of a DOT monthly chassis inspection.  After I have done the daily and that has passed 100% or I have a punch list to rectify, I then inspect all the air lines for chafing, I measure the brake stroke, I visually inspect the brake linings and S-cam bushings, etc.  I inspect the front suspension for bushing, tie rod ends, etc.  That means I pull all of the wheels, usually both fronts at the same time, then one rear set at a time.  I inspect and rectify as needed, and add things to the rolling list of stuff to do, like rebuild the rear brake cans, replace a gaiter, etc.  As a rule, nothing has changed from last time I looked because I rarely drive over 10,000 miles a year, but I think this is good practice.

I do the big check once a year, in the spring, and hopefully about 2 weeks minimum before I plan to use the bus so that I can order parts if I need to.  Usually I just have to run around replacing light bulbs.  I have yet to find a major fault that I can't fix in a few minutes.  Worst has been replacing some air lines and rebuild a faulty air regulator.

Hope this helps a bit.  I have a routine of air system inspection that I once described in detail that helps me validate things like the check valves, the pressure protection valve, etc. that you could look for if you wanted to.

Edit:  I think I answered a question that you didn't ask.  I now think you asked - if your bus has been sitting a long time what do you do to keep it ready to run at a moment's notice.  The only thing I can think of is to use it once a week or so for an hours run.  I can't think of any other way to exercise and keep the air systems in particular from stagnating.



Cheers, Brian

[PP]

M&C, I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner on this, but I can't find the file that I used for printing my list. What I suggest is that you start with a notepad and 'pretend' you're going to take the bus out for a trip. Take your time, walk around it slowly (like Brian says-a tad bus whisperish). Note down all the things that you find on your particular bus that were done in anticipation of setting awhile in addition to normal check-off items. Leave a column for the date at the top of your list and you will find in time that it reads like a diary. There is nothing worse than going down the road and hearing something banging around because you forgot to secure it--note these on your list along with everything else. If you do business with your bus, this list becomes invaluable for itemizing your expenses. I sure hope this helps, Will

[Singing Land Cruiser]

Thank you Will & Brain, your info has been very helpful. Michael & Christi Hargis