Motor problem- Totally bummed.

[Dreamscape]

Chaz,

I have asked lots of questions regarding my problems. That is what this board is for. Do not ever feel like you are asking too many.
That is how you learn.

Get any books you can regarding your coach, engine, transmission and electrical. Also try to find a copy of maintenance manuals regarding your wonderful coach.

Keep at it, and it will come together.

Happy Trails,

Paul

Dreamscape

[Hi yo silver]

Boogie,
I'm thinking the idea of discharging the CO2 extinguisher into the intake would be a bad idea.  When you discharge the CO2 that has been under pressure, it becomes super cold. (Ever heard of chilling beer with one?)  That sudden blast of freezing air, along with the condensation couldn't be good.  But, yeah, I guess it would stop your engine...just a thought.  Of course it might create a more serious problem.   

[Chaz]

Thanx guys. I appreciate the help. The sound was definitely air coming out of a pressure relief valve. I could feel the air and make it quit by holding the little button down, but just briefly.
  I got the airline antifreeze to put in tomorrow. Hopefully that will do the trick.

  Having to carry another air compressor doesn't sound like fun. I know it doesn't take up much space, etc., but......... ya know? I was kinda hoping the a.c. on the motor would actually double as emergency air for other things. Oh well, I'll look into it.

On your winterizing, did you take the brass cap off of the valve on your toilet when you drained the water? if not, do so ( if its not too late ) or you will be replacing that valve in the spring, and don't ask me how I know that!

Hmmmmmmmmm..... what cap?? I'll have to look at it tomorrow.

  Another blacksmith mentioned the fire extinguisher. Glad I didn't have to. But he said it works. But he didn't know if it would hurt anything. I guess it would be the VERY last resort.

  I have the maintenance manual with the bus, but there is no substitute for learning from someone who knows, ya know? I mean, what would that book have told me on my situation?? It's great as a reference and showing you what to look for, but I needed someone who knew something about that motor to help me shut it off and then to help me figure out what was wrong. I had never heard that noise before. I just think it would be nice to hang with people like yourselves and learn from personal experience. Oh well, this board is "the next best thing to being there"!! 

  Have a good evening. Thanx again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
        Chaz

[JackConrad]

Chaz,
  You should try to join us at Bussin' 2007. There will be more hands on bus conversion knowledge than you could absorb in one weekend.
Cost to get to Bussin' 2007: ? ? ? ?
Knowledge Gained:   PRICELESS!!
And you do not have to stay at a Holiday Inn!   Jack

[Bosshosssport96]

Hmmmmmmm...how does one know that the blower seals are damaged, besides the blue smoke,how does one check them,and how much of a challenge is it(money and time) to take the blower off and repair this situation....Frank.

[Runcutter]

Chaz, your experience brings up a great point.  What basic items should we all know how to do?  I"m not talking about how to rebuild a differential, but a basic mechanical checklist.  Where/when should we disconnect batteries (I always pull my battery switch when storing the coach).  Your experience, how do we shut the engine down, safely, from abnormal situations?  What preventative maintenance steps, at what frequencies, are called for?  An experience posted elsewhere in the help list topic discusses an owner who apparently wasn't aware of basic maintenance issues.  Maybe even something like pilots' emergency procedures checklists?

I've been around buses for almost 4 decades, but haven't spent much (if any) time in the engine compartment in about 30 years.  In August, we picked up our 4107.  Subsequently, with business travel and getting sick, I haven't had much time to work on it - only had the engine hatch open 3-4 times.  When I saw Brian't photo in this topic, I realized that I'd forgotten what all the levers and solenoids were, except the emergency stop (butterfly).

So, despite long bus experience, I might have been in the same boat.  We don't know what we don't know, or in my case, I also don't know what I've forgotten.  (By the way, I'm not to the point where I can hide my own Easter eggs yet).  Not using the knowledge leads to losing the knowledge.  I used to speak French fairly fluently, but lack of use has rendered me unable to communicate at all in French.  (I tried at a railway museum in Quebec last year, and was thankful that the enginehouse crew spoke English).

Russ, Doug, JL, others - any thoughts?

Arthur Gaudet   Carrollton, TX (and, as usual, on my way to the airport again).
 

[Chaz]

Arthur,
  EXCELLENT post!! You have described my situation perfectly!! I DO know my way around a wrench (quite well actually) but not what needs to be done to a bus. A post or sticky or something I as well as the rest of the bus nuts could print out would be SOOOOOOOOOOOO helpful!!! I realize that there are several different coaches out there, but allot of it would be the same. I'm thinking a helpful thread would be in order.

As far as Arcadia goes........... I want to sooooooo bad!!! And I haven't counted it out. I just need to get the water tanks figured out and done and the wvo system in. The bad thing has been I am teaching the 8th grade right now-12 years now teaching sculpture and stained glass, 1 month a year- and doing the blacksmith meeting has taken up all my time. But I am still hoping and pushing for it. I can start concentrating on it now. But your right Jack, it would be EXCELLENT to make it and take in ALL that I can digest.

  I have had a couple guys call me and give me a hand on things- Jerry Lieber, Bill Glenn SUPER guys!!!!-  and I will be bugging them soon for more info. But hanging with some of you all would be the best.

  By the way, I just anti-freezed the air system and all seems to be well. (fingers crossed) I'm going to take her for a drive now. Thanx fellas!!!!!

   In TOTAL appreciation,
       Chaz

[brojcol]

Chaz'

There will be times when you feel overwhelmed by your bus.  But, the more you get to know her, the more comfortable you'll be around her (sounds like a relationship).  In fact, you do have a relationship with your bus.  You will find out that every bus has a "personality".  I had a problem with my clutch slipping once.  I thought, "OH MY GOD!!!"  my engine is about to blow up.  I took it to a mechanic and 15 minutes later, I was rolling a, gain.  Costed me nada. 

So, don't always assume the worst.  You have a great coach with lots of good information out there on it.  Just be glad you DON'T have a sticks and staples.

You are not over your head.  Someone asked me once, "Why did you buy that bus that you know nothing about..."  My response, "Because I wanted it!"

So, enjoy the ride and get to know your baby.  And don't be too hard on yourself.  A couple of years from now, you'll be giving some newbie advice...

Jimmy

[roadrunnertex]

Chad,
Blower Seals ?
This is what I think about the blower seals on your 8V/71.
Your engine was at idle and not at a high engine RPM so I doubt that using the emergency shut off did any dammage.
You can use a CO/2 fire extingusher to stop a Detroit squrit the CO/2 into the air intake system on the engine.
NOTE! Don't ever use a dry powder fire extingusher.
I have seen the emergency stop trip on a PD4104 6/71 engine because the latch on the lock that holds the valve open was worn.
This was going down the interstate at 70 mph.
The emergency stop was reset and was held open so it would not trip closed with a coat hanger wire.
The engine was restarted and it was fine no problem with blower seal being abused.
Keep playing with the old GMC and the more you learn the better you will feel about the old Buffalo.
Our old GMC's are like 57 Chevrolets with a 6 cylinder engine it will always get you home and repairs are done with bailing wire & string so to speak.
jlv

[Dreamscape]

I agree with JLV.

I had pressure washed my 8v71 once upon a time.

I drove her down I-5 all of sudden I lost power and black smoke came out of the exhaust. I thought, what now. I thought I blew her up.

I, at the time, new nothing regarding the emergency shut down. I pulled up the floor panel and looked around. The shutter had closed on the blower. It came off the spring latch. I put some wire around it to hold it open. I fired the ole gal up and wahla, no black smoke and purred like a kitten. I didn't even know what I was doing. Got back home and read DAH book. WHEW! A CHP was on the phone to get me a wrecker, all I could think of was $600 to tow me about 2 miles.


I learned a lot that day. 

Paul

Dreamscape

[Dallas]

Chaz,

I did some work for a fellow a while back on his conversion.
The more I talked with him, the less confident I was that he knew anything at all mechanical about his engine, transmission, electrical system, or even tires.
I offered to take time with him to teach him rudimentary things, such as how to change fuel filters, jump starting, simple stuff EVERY diesel owner should know.
I was rebuffed quite rudely and told that if he broke down, he would simply call road service because he was 74 years old and had enough money to pay for anything he needed. Then he broke down on the way home, (blew an airbag) and blamed me for not checking it. But he did call a dozen times asking what he could do, and how to do it.

I then worked on another of his rigs, and did exactly as he asked. The funny thing was, he put a stop payment on his check after leaving my place, even though he was pleased with my work.

I personally believe that if you are going to own one of these beasties, you need to have a certain amount of mechanical knowledge based on actual hands on experience.
Having the books is wonderful, but won't do a person a bit of good if they don't know a box end wrench from a ballpeen hammer.

I think I would take some of your native ability to fix things and temper that with some good "Book Learnin'" plus add in some visits to every bus nut, rally and even bus repair shops and sales lots to pick up tips and pointers from every source possible.
(Even a lot of Bus drivers are more than willing to show off their buses).

You are on the right track, asking here and on other boards all the questions you can think of.
You are more than welcome to stop by my place here in SC anytime and we can play with your bus and/or mine so that you can take care of the little problems that arise everytime you push that start button.
I'm totally certain I will learn something, I do everytime I pick up the engine room cover or work on an electrical system.

Great job, and good luck!

Dallas

[Chaz]

You have a great coach with lots of good information out there on it.  Just be glad you DON'T have a sticks and staples.

You are absolutely correct. I wouldn't have sticks and staples. I honestly can't understand why someone would. Personally, I have to have lasting things- tools, cars, motorcycle, clothes, appliances, house, working on a girlfriend , etc)  I just got a little concerned when it sounded like a major issue. I can handle the small things right now, but a large expenditure would blow it. I would have to bail on it. I just don't have the coin right now. This is a project that I am wanting to do over some time to get it where I can do months at a time in it and yet be able to play with it in the process.

Our old GMC's are like 57 Chevrolets with a 6 cylinder engine it will always get you home and repairs are done with bailing wire & string so to speak.
jlv

HAAAAAAAA! Funny you say that. My "driver" car is a '56 Chevy that I have had for 27 years!!! You see, I DO like things that last. I'm totally not a disposable or fad kind of person!! 

You are more than welcome to stop by my place here in SC anytime and we can play with your bus and/or mine so that you can take care of the little problems that arise everytime you push that start button.

Thanx Dallas. I don't get that way too often, but I'll look ya up when I do.

  Time to go teach the little darlins!! Take care!

       Chaz

[Kwajdiver]

You guys crack me up         Like Chaz, I know I'm way over my head.  However, it's not as deep as it was two months ago.  I'm learning.
The first thing I did was run out of fuel.  Just south of Sarasota, Florida, about 100 yards from the pumps.  That cost me a four hour delay and 200 bucks for the call out.  However, while I was paying this guys to get me started, I picked his brain.

Ever weekend I venture into a new area of the bus.  Open things up, see what's in there.  Found my duel heater blowers this past weekend.   LOL     

I'm making a list of things to look, ask and touch in Arcadia.  Sorry, I will be in a four wheeler and not the coach. The coach will have to stay in Mobile, I will be in Winter Haven for the holidays, just North of Arcadia.

So Chaz, with the help of these guys, hands on, and a little reading, it may ALL  work out.

Why did you buy that bus that you know nothing about..."  My response, "Because I wanted it!"    Believe me, I have been as this, just a few times by friends and family......

Thanks guys,

Bill Williamson   still smiling,  a full timer.

MCI-9  Big and Blue

[buswarrior]

Hello Chaz.

Back to your original problem....

If you have an air dryer, it may have frozen in the purge position, blocking the air from reaching the rest of the system.

Check to see that it has a wire attached to the bottom, and that there is power available when the coach is on.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[Chaz]

Hmmmmmmmm, air dryer. Can ya hum me a few bars??? 
  I have no idea what that looks like, but I may add one if I don't have one already. I understand it's allot better than draining the tanks all the time. If I take a pic of what the first device is that the air goes into, will you be able to tell me what it is?? If not, I'll try to remember to ask the guy who is running my rack on monday. I'll probably bother the h*** outta him.
   

The first thing I did was run out of fuel.

Ditto!!!!!!!!!!! Sucked to have to have a tow bill first trip! But I am learning.
 

Why did you buy that bus that you know nothing about..."  My response, "Because I wanted it!" 

  And, "It was on sale"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
  Anybody elas know about my speedo cable delimna??
   Thanx,
      Chaz