asking for prayer and advice

[Runcutter]

Bryan, in addition to looking at Jim Michaud's site, I'd suggest you give him a phone call.  Both Jim, and his father Spike have the knack of finding things -- if they don't already know where there's a hidden cache.  When I bought our 4107 from Spike, he sourced a radiator fan from somewhere in the Carolinas. 

Arthur

[zubzub]

I would be concerned that any other used bus you buy could need a rebuild of engine/trans/rear end at anytime. If you find a real beauty with documented rebuild of engine and transmission in recent history at a good price, anything else and you are  gambling.  In your position I would get either a rebuild oxr drop in a rebuild.  Unless you do  beaucoup beaucoup miles a year you should be okay for awhile. Just my way, I have never had good luck putting in used parts.  And to me you have a rig you know. One caveat is that I know there are some real garage queens out there, where good mechanics spent many years rebuilding everything until they were too old to keep going. Those buses will often sell for much less than they are worth.

[Bryan]

Thanks guys! The adelmans site definitely has some cheap prices in comparison to what I would be paying for the rebuild. I'm wondering why type of guarantees come with these.

It seems that half of you would never buy a used engine, and half of you would, LOL! I'm still over here trying to make decisions.

I'm thinking of making the drive on Thursday to look at the Prevost. I already have seen many pics, I know it's nice, just after going thru this motor stuff, just want to make sure this motor is well taken care of, it has 212,000 miles. I've never done an oil test, so when I go look at the bus, I should just get some oil from the bus and take it with me? How does all of that work? I would appreciate any detailed advice on that LOL. Thanks!

[opus]

[Check your messages. ]

http://blackstone-labs.com
For oil sample containers.

[John316]

Bryan,

100% go look at that prevost. I'm guessing you can still order parts for that Prevost. When you are on a schedule, that is SO helpful. BTDT. Most people on here don't know what it is like to tour and have to be somewhere at a certain time. IMHO, the newer the better.

Have fun!

John

[chessie4905]

   Remember, any used engine needs to be left hand rotation. Unless your current coach is perfect for your needs for the next 15 years, go for the Prevost if you can swing it. You'll never regret it down the road.Yesthe Prevost is older, but the GMC is no spring chicken. Parts are going to be  more difficult to obtain as time goes on and not just engine parts.

[Bryan]

Bryan,

100% go look at that prevost. I'm guessing you can still order parts for that Prevost. When you are on a schedule, that is SO helpful. BTDT. Most people on here don't know what it is like to tour and have to be somewhere at a certain time. IMHO, the newer the better.

Have fun!

John

Thanks John, Looks like you know a little bit about touring road life! Right now we are having to pull our big equipment trailer with a truck, had 4 gigs just this week. We are very much ready to get back in a bus :-) The day we broke down, we were only an hour from the church... thank God someone was able to come pick us up with the trailer and get us there on time to setup. As I was singing, I was thinking about "Gracie" hanging out on the side of the interstate :-)

[usbusin]

When you are on a schedule, that is SO helpful. BTDT. Most people on here don't know what it is like to tour and have to be somewhere at a certain time. IMHO, the newer the better.

This is exactly why we bought a new Freightliner and had it converted for our music ministry. You need dependable transportation when on a schedule!  Since we are not on the road as much now we can relax!!
Site is here: http://www.ustruckin.blogspot.com/

Keep on singing the Gospel and keep on busin.

GaryD

[digesterman]

Try to get a bus with a series 60 in it if you can swing it

[John316]

Bryan,

We mostly quit the road gig about a year ago. If we had it to do over again, I would get a toterhome, like Gary's, in a heartbeat.

I can't imagine what it would be like to break down on the road, then have to try to source a part from some obscure place. Not my idea of fun.

Lord provided for you, since you were so close to the church. When we lost our tranny, we were several hours out, but had a day padding. A rental truck later, we were back on the road. Good times

God bless,

John

[Charles in SC]

You asked about how to get an oil check up done. The two that I have had worked this way. I bought a little plastic bottle from WW Williams in Greer, SC. (I am sure you can get them else where) The purchase price included lab work. I drained a little oil in it and sent it to the lab address on the bottle. In a week or so they mailed me the results.

[digesterman]

How and from where did you drain a 'little' oil from?

[luvrbus]

Cat dealers sell sampling kit fwiw sampling does no good on clean oil so if the oil has been changed it's a waste.

I take a sample on the transmission,power steering,differential,cooling system and the hubs also, if all the oil is nice and new you can bank on someone is hiding something 

[Charles in SC]

How and from where did you drain a 'little' oil from?

I caught the oil in it when I was changing the oil.

[digesterman]

😀  Charles I had that one down but was always curious how a person could pull a sample without an oil change, maybe a tube down the dipstick would be the easiest