From bad to worse: now the SpaceShip won't start!

[Ncbob]

Tom, for some reason that starter doesn't look right to me as the right on for a 71.  I might be wrong, and I usually am, but there doesn't look like there's enough terminals on the solenoid.  Just my opinion......

NCbob

[Dallas]

That starter is a clockwise rotation starter. The spaceship needs a counterclockwise rotation.
It can be changed by reorienting the brushes, and replacing the bendix.

It will work in the 71, but it is kind of light. Most likely you will want a 50MT.

Another option to look at is the 39MT which, as I found out the other day, is a gear reduction starter and is a whole bunch lighter to R&R.

When removing the starter, by the way, it's easiest to go through the access panel inside the coach. you will also probably need a short 15/16" socket and a universal with a wobble extension. Another good idea is to grind the shoulder of the back of the socket off so it doesn't get stuck between the starter housing and the bolt.

have a piece of rope handy to lift the starter out with because there isn't a lot of room to work with in there.

IHTH.

Dallas

[Buffalo SpaceShip]

Yup, bad starter. I tried all of the troubleshooting tips from Frank-id. Nuthin'. Hammer taps did nuthin'.

It wasn't too tough to get the starter up and out compared to some of the horror stories I've heard about on the v-drive 8v71s. I worked from above via the access hole under the bed, got the two nuts and one bolt off and put a strap under it to pull it over the tranny and out the side door. I did cut open the underside of my left thumb real bad when a nut busted loose. My uncle was helping me, and I told him, "you don't really love your engine until you bleed all over it!"

Once out, we attached jumper cables to the terminals on the solenoid again and... nuthin'. When I bypassed it and went for the starter, we got a lot of smoke and sparks... guess I finally let all of the smoke out.

JL already posted my plight of finding a starter around here. I'll contact the eBay seller and see if that unit could work in my Buff. JL sent some shop info via email. My uncle has also used a local outfit called AlterStart for his chuch's Blue Bird bus starter rebuilds. www.4alterstart.com I'll be on the horn first thing Monday to these shops to see if I can get this one rebuilt quick locally. Or maybe head up to Jefferson Bus Parts in OKC and pick one up.

In the meantime, I'm going to check all of my wires "in the path" to insure that bad connections didn't lead to this. I've always had clean, easy starts for this bus... so this came out of left field. It sure doesn't look like the starter was rebuilt when the engine was out-of-framed, which seems kinda silly. Guess it's my problem now! 

I'm trying to stay upbeat here. Might as well, eh? But with my Mom's cookin' I'll probably get home another ten pounds heavier!
Brian "Stranded Buffalo" Brown

[Runcutter]

Brian, I'm sure you got the info that JL Vickers & I were exchanging earlier - he'd asked me if I knew of anyone in the area.  John was going to forward my response to you since I had to leave.  I did get a chance to call Eagle Tours in Irving, who recommended Alternator Service in Dallas, not too far from you.  I don't know anything about them, but I remember the folks at Eagle Tours as being pretty good when I inspected their company many years ago.  Alternator Service's website is   http://alternatorservice.com/bus_industry.htm

Eagle also mentioned that Tejas Coach Works in Mineral Wells will have a starter, apparently a takeoff, since Eagle sent them an 8v71 a few days ago.  I have to head for the airport Sunday morning, but I'll try to check in here first.  You have my phone number.

Arthur 

[oldmansax]

Bob, I am going to start putting disclaimers on my posts:

"This post is my opinion and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of actual mechanics or people who know something"



All kidding aside, that starter LOOKS like it has the same terminals on it as mine; two big ones, one connected directly to the starter and one for the battery cable; and two small ones, one ground and one for the starter switch.

I keep forgetting about the rotation difference...still thinking about trucks.

[oldmansax]

By the way, an 8V71 WILL run backwards.....

Don't ask me how I know this

[Paso One]

Hey Brian It's nice to hear your up beat positive attitude especially what was thrown your way the last few days.  Were you able to move it over to the yard to tend the seal leak or is that yet to do . Paul

[John E. Smith]

I just talked to Brian and he has a bad starter-
Any one have any information on a starter rebuild company in the Dallas / Ft Worth,Texas Area?
jlv

Call Quinn at B & F Battery in Mineral Wells (45 miles west of Fort Worth on US-180 -- right above Weatherford) .  He is who rebuilds all of our starters, MCI A/C fan motors, etc.  Does a good job, usually overnight turn-around, and prices are good.

[Buffalo SpaceShip]

Alterstart in Dallas is presently rebuilding our starter for $215. Should be ready within the hour, but I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Cheers,
Brian B.

[FloridaCliff]

Brian,

Just catching up on this whole ordeal.

Glad to see you have got the situation well in hand!

All I can offer is our best wishes for a safe and uneventful trip home.

Brian wrote "The bus gods apparently don't want me to leave Texas! Arghhh!!"

Well I hope you have satisfied there thirst for Bus parts as I am heading out there in December......

Cliff