Broke down in Fallon NV

thomasinnv · September 23, 2015, 07:18:40 AM

Pulled the dipstick monday night to check the oil getting ready to hit the road in the am on Tuesday and all the coolant was in the pan. Had it towed to a shop in Fernley. The guy thinks it dropped an injector tube. Waiting on a price for an out of frame overhaul. When I pulled the axles for the tow there was a lot of metal in the oil so it looks like a rearend rebuild is in my future as well.

Scott & Heather · September 23, 2015, 06:38:44 PM

So sorry to hear this

how much metal? It's common to see metal flake in your diff oil. But you don't want chunks of course. I blew my diff on my truck and the chunks were large. But I've always had metal shavings (tiny, but numerous) in my diff oils on all my trucks...

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luvrbus · September 23, 2015, 07:11:51 PM

It's a bummer for sure but you have been living on the edge the last 4 years with that engine it ran a lot longer than I ever thought it would

Detroitenginespecialist · September 24, 2015, 05:59:40 AM

Hey Guys,
My name is Brian from American Fleet Inc in Springfield Missouri. We are a Detroit Diesel Engine specialist. We have 2 cycle Detroits and series 60 engines in stock. Once we receive your order, we can have you engine ready to ship three days later.

After reading your post I think we can help you out. If you are comfortable with the shop you are at now, we can ship the engine there if you like.

Please give me a call to discuss and I quote you a price based on a few questions about your bus i need answered first.

Thanks
Brian Stanton
417.865.4420
417.234.7334 cell
www.americanfleetinc.com

thomasinnv · September 24, 2015, 04:42:33 PM

Scott there was a lot of metal flake in the oil. So much in fact that it looked like paint mixed with extra metalic flake.

Clifford you are absolutely correct, I am thankful that it has kept running as long as it has. I am still waiting for the estimate from the shop. A friend of mine is the owner so I'm hoping he'll go easy on me.

opus · September 24, 2015, 05:53:21 PM

Have heard nothing but positive things about American Fleet!!!

Scott & Heather · September 24, 2015, 07:28:03 PM

Ok. Well, def inspect before you replace cause diff shavings are common. They shed metal by their nature so as long as the fluid is changed and magnet cleaned often enough, you might be fine. Your engine doesn't sound so lucky

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Zephod · September 24, 2015, 08:01:57 PM

How do you check the rear diff oil? I never have.

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thomasinnv · September 25, 2015, 06:37:23 AM

The splines on one of the axle shafts didn't look so good either. looks like it took a beating. Some of the edges of the splines were gone and it looks like there may be some pretty good play between the splines and the gear. you could clearly see where the splines rode on the gear. Other side was not like that. I have been inside many rearends in trucks and offroad wheelers, but never anything this big and heavy. seems like excessive wear to me, and I'm sure it will be excessive on the wallet too.

thomasinnv · September 26, 2015, 08:12:36 AM

So far the estimate has come in at 8500 to 9500 for the engine rebuild parts and labor, not including r&r and could be higher depending on what they find when they dismantle. Still waiting for the estimate on the rearend rebuild and the transmission repair.

Zephod · September 26, 2015, 10:35:15 AM

Damn! Time for a new bus?

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thomasinnv · September 26, 2015, 12:47:04 PM

The bus is fully converted and setup the way we need it for a family of 6. It would cost way more to buy another bus and convert it to fit our needs, and then it would still be an unknown unproven drive train. We did consider spending the money on a motorhome, but it only took about 2 seconds to rule that out as a rediculous idea. The bus really does make the most sense for us. At least when I'm done I will have a new engine and I will know the history of the drive train.

Zephod · September 26, 2015, 01:54:45 PM

There is that. I know mine needs a new oilpan gasket but otherwise it seems fine

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Scott & Heather · September 26, 2015, 08:35:03 PM

Thomas, do let us know how it all goes. Sorry about the rearend too. I was just hoping it wasn't as bad as you anticipated but it sure sounds bad. I completely understand what you mean about having a converted coach set up perfectly for your family. I get that. Well, it's a fun hobby....but worth it in my opinion

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jackhanow · September 27, 2015, 09:31:39 PM

you can up grade to a bigger motor since it costs the same for r&r and its just the cost of 92 series which is about the same as a rebuilt 8v71.