HELP Needed - New Bus Buyer Broken down in just south of Lodi, CA.

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

Carey Fiock just bought a bus in Buena Park, CA from Mike Kadletz and is driving home to Oregon and has had multiple issues with her 1993 Van Hool 45' M11.  She recently ran out of fuel and cannot get it restarted.  Does anyone in that area know of a good Bus or engine shop in the area that may be able to come out and get her bus started today or if necessary tomorrow?  Or worse case scenario get her a tow company to tow her to Love Truck Stop in Lodi which is 24 miles north on 15?  She is currently on 99.  Any help is appreciated. Hopefully someone can just go out and help her get started.  But before you volunteer, read her thread below if possible.

For more info you can read her post on Bus Conversions International Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/702705519771727/permalink/1150263195015955/?comment_id=1151709444871330&notif_t=group_comment_reply&notif_id=1466210484827259

[thomasinnv]

I can't read it because I'm not a member of the group.

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

Here is the history so far...

BTW, if you are not yet a member of BCI, please become a member by requesting to join.  There is a ton of good Bus information on their facebook page.  It is managed by Pam Noonan and Tony Saracini and Paul Lawry.  They are great people.  All you need to join is to own a bus.  You will not regret joining.


Carey Fiock Well, we are stuck in Buttonwillow while TA Truck Service fixes a variety of minor to moderate issues. A belt broke last night, so we fixed that. This morning we had an issue with the air break hose and gasket, so we are getting those fixed
Like · Reply · Yesterday at 10:34am

Stephen Bobbye Brubaker replied · 1 Reply
Sterling Fiock
Sterling Fiock Minor things now, that can turn into major things. We fixed a Air Brake line leak just to expose the valve past it had an issue, so are getting a new valve installed (in an hour or so). We don't want brake issues later.
Like · Reply · Yesterday at 10:51am

Sterling Fiock replied · 1 Reply
Carey Fiock
Carey Fiock Also had a battery melt down so had to pick up a new one for $350 and got there JUST before they closed. So we're delayed and put about $700 in parts/labor, but on the move North still!
Like · Reply · 1 · 23 hrs
Carey Fiock
Carey Fiock Also, we bought this bus from Mike, the founder of Bus Conversion Magazine. Nice guy, and originally trusted him, but now a little disappointed with the issues that he either was clueless to or withheld information on...
Like · Reply · 23 hrs
Gary Hatt
Gary Hatt Yes. We all know Mike, me especially as I bought a bus from him and the Magazine too. :-(
Like · Reply · 1 · 20 hrs
Cliff Allen
Cliff Allen Naw Mike would never withhold any information unless he was breathing,he wasn't clueless
Like · Reply · 2 · 17 hrs · Edited
Buck Trout
Buck Trout Crud! I wish someone would have educated you about Mike upfront Carey Fiock. Sorry about the delays thus far. At this point you might want to have someone do an inspection on the bus. Who knows what other issues may be lingering under the surface. Please be safe...there are a lot of mountains ahead of you on the way into Oregon.
Like · Reply · 16 hrs · Edited
Carey Fiock
Carey Fiock We're in Manteca, CA. Spent the night in the bus (that was fun) as hotels were all sold out. Another belt broke so we limped to auto store and waited for them to open. We have some guys looking at it now. We think it needs double belts. Can anyone confirm? Not impressed with Mike at all. Still happy about the bus purchase but feeling like he did not disclose all knowledge.
Like · Reply · 1 · 7 hrs
Carey Fiock
Carey Fiock The bus has a new air brake hose, air brake valve/gasket system, new battery, has had some electrical worked on already, and hopefully we will resolve the fan belt issue this morning. It's been quiet an adventure!
Like · Reply · 1 · 7 hrs
Edward Mccue
Edward Mccue Well hopefully you will have a new bus once you arrive home.
Like · Reply · 6 hrs
Buck Trout
Buck Trout FYI....Remember to always research the seller... http://bus.getdave.com/Mike-Kadletz/

HwyBus.com - BEWARE - Mike Kadletz - MotorCabins.com - GoBusing.com
BUS.GETDAVE.COM
Like · Reply · 6 hrs

Carey Fiock replied · 1 Reply
Carey Fiock
Carey Fiock We may need a tow, guys. Not due to a mechanical failure but due to the fuel gauge lying and us running out of gas. At the very least, do you all know if the engine has to be primed after running out of diesel, or can we just poor more into the tank and start it back up?
Like · Reply · 3 hrs
Carey Fiock
Carey Fiock In other words, does a 1993 M11 Van Hool T840 self prime?
Like · Reply · 3 hrs
Gary McFarland
Gary McFarland Bottom of page are instructions for priming an M11 Cummins.

http://beamalarm.com/Documents/engine_priming.html
ENGINE PRIMING
ENGINE PRIMING
BEAMALARM.COM|BY BARRY BRIDEAU
Like · Reply · 2 hrs
Carey Fiock
Carey Fiock Thanks Gary. That helps!
Like · Reply · 2 hrs
Gary McFarland
Gary McFarland You might get away with not changing the filters if you don't have any on hand.
Like · Reply · 2 hrs
Carey Fiock
Carey Fiock Do you know where the air purge button is? it's not obvious
Like · Reply · 2 hrs
Carl Parker
Carl Parker Hey! It's challenging right now. It's never fun being educated in the fields. After this, you will possess knowledge of this bus in areas most likely to. As Minister of a The Gospel I say unto you: if God lead you to it, He will get you through it! Prayers unto you !
Like · Reply · 2 hrs
Carey Fiock
Carey Fiock Ideally, we are hoping to just put more diesel into it and start it back up.
Like · Reply · 1 · 2 hrs
Carl Parker
Carl Parker Check area around fuel filter. So install a hand pump, others a 12volt inline with toggle switch.
Like · Reply · 1 · 2 hrs
Stephen Bobbye Brubaker
Stephen Bobbye Brubaker How far did you guys make it? Carey Fiock
Like · Reply · 1 · 2 hrs

Carey Fiock replied · 1 Reply
Buck Trout
Buck Trout Kenny Polk can you answer these questions in regard to priming a Cummins?
Like · Reply · 1 hr
Carey Fiock
Carey Fiock We've got a crew here who put it a bunch of diesel and are trying to get the right started, but it's still not fully turning over. We did find something near the fuel filter.
Like · Reply · 1 hr
Kenny Polk
Kenny Polk First make sure you have at least 5" of fuel in the bottom of fuel tank , remove fuel filter and fill and replace depending on filter set up some have access threw top un screw and fill threw top hole , you will need a transmission funnel to do so , sp...See More
Like · Reply · 1 · 1 hr
Gary Hatt
Gary Hatt Another thing about these Detroit Diesels, is that they like to have two 8D fully charged batteries to start. Knowing Mike, he probably put brand new batteries in just before you left, (YEAH RIGHT) :-) but, if not, a jump start may be all you need.
Like · Reply · 1 hr
Carey Fiock
Carey Fiock It's a cummins, and we had a battery explosion yesterday and so bought ourselves a new one.
Like · Reply · 1 hr
Edward Mccue
Edward Mccue Sorry you are going through what you are going through:( let's pray as soon as you resolve this mystery your challenges are done!!!!!!
Like · Reply · 1 hr
Gary Hatt
Gary Hatt Kenny is right. But depending on how long that bus sat, there may be a bunch of sediment sitting at the bottom of the fuel tank so you may have to change the fuel filters a few times before you get all of the crap out of them. Could be that they just ...See More
Like · Reply · 1 hr
Buck Trout
Buck Trout Too late for this advice, but most of us fuel up at half a tank and never rely on fuel gauges. We calculate distance and fill up every 500 miles. Not only does it prevent running out on flat surface, but driving in very steep mountains or pulling to the shoulder, exiting free could cause your coach to suck air and shut you down. Also prevents sucking water or sludge.
Like · Reply · 1 · 1 hr · Edited
Gary Hatt
Gary Hatt Unless you bought the factory recommended battery(s) you may not be getting enuf CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) to spin the engine to its maximum potential.
Like · Reply · 1 hr
Gary Hatt
Gary Hatt Also a 3/8" x 3' long wooden dowel from Home Depot make a great fuel gauge. But you may have to remove the strainer which prevents the bad people from stealing your fuel. Works for me.
Like · Reply · 1 hr
Kenny Polk
Kenny Polk Also check coolant and oil levels that will shut the engine down
Like · Reply · 1 hr
Carey Fiock
Carey Fiock Coolant and oil levels good. Battery is AM8D 7 MF 12V Commercial Battery
Like · Reply · 1 hr
Gary Hatt
Gary Hatt Good point Kenny. There are coolant and oil sensors on those engines that detect a low fluid level and if there is not sufficient coolant or oil the engine will crank all day but never start.
Like · Reply · 1 · 1 hr
Gary Hatt
Gary Hatt Did you take the spark plugs out and check them?
Like · Reply · 1 hr
Buck Trout
Buck Trout Kenny Polk thanks for jumping in here...you're a real stand up guy. Keep in mind also it's triple didgets today...they're near Stockton. Your fluid check is spot on..
Like · Reply · 1 hr
Kenny Polk
Kenny Polk Lastly you can check the cycloid on the back of the fuel pump not sure what voltage you are 12 or 24 but you can hard wire it to get you home if the issue is that
Like · Reply · 1 hr
Gary Hatt
Gary Hatt Don't pay any attention to that Gary Hatt guy. There are no spark plugs in a diesel engine. :-)
Like · Reply · 1 · 1 hr
Kenny Polk
Kenny Polk And lastly slow your road speed to 62 mph if out side temp says 100 road temp is 130"
Like · Reply · 1 · 1 hr
Gary Hatt
Gary Hatt It also may be a leak in your incoming fuel line thereby sucking air. To test this, put a hose into your intake fuel filter and put a 5 gallon fuel can there and try to start it then. Again, if the bus has sat for a while, the fuel lines may have dri...See More
Like · Reply · 1 hr · Edited
Carey Fiock
Carey Fiock I'll pass these suggestions along. It might be worth mentioning that the bus has driven 367 miles since Friday, and idled for probably 4 hours this morning, and this is all after us only putting in $100 (or about 35 gallons) to 'top it off' because we were told it 'was full'. I think it's just flat out of fuel and being pilly about starting back up again.
Like · Reply · 1 hr
Stephen Bobbye Brubaker
Stephen Bobbye Brubaker We used to carry a coat hanger in our first bus. That was our fuel gauge.
Like · Reply · 1 hr

Carey Fiock replied · 1 Reply
Kenny Polk
Kenny Polk Yes I'm sure you just out of fuel , your going to need at least 15-20 gal to start the process started , once bled out get to the fuel pump and fill it to the top and you should be good to go keep an eye on your mileage every 500 miles pull in and top ...See More
Like · Reply · 1 · 1 hr · Edited
Gary Hatt
Gary Hatt Who told you the tank was "Full"? Oh wait, don't tell me. Kadletz. Right? Just a lucky guess. I am sure it was an honest mistake. He probably just got it mixes up with another bus he had on the lot. :-(
Like · Reply · 1 · 47 mins
Carey Fiock
Carey Fiock I was not expecting him to ever have full knowledge of everything that could go wrong, but enough HAS gone wrong that I feel he has misrepresented the condition of the bus for the sake of the sale. We wouldn't recommend him.
Like · Reply · 1 · 44 mins
Kenny Polk
Kenny Polk Have you got it up and running again?
Like · Reply · 41 mins

Carey Fiock replied · 1 Reply
Carey Fiock
Carey Fiock It still looks like it may come to a tow. Does anyone suggest anything close to Merlock, CA?
Like · Reply · 40 mins
Carey Fiock
Carey Fiock Ok, we need a tow to the Love Truck Stop in Lodi, CA. 24 miles North of us up I5 (we are currently on 99). Any suggestions?
Like · Reply · 27 mins
Gary Hatt
Gary Hatt You should have purchased Good Same Emergency Tow Service. Did Mike forget to give you the brochure? :-)
Like · Reply · 25 mins
Gary Hatt
Gary Hatt They would have towed it there for free.
Like · Reply · 25 mins
Gary Hatt
Gary Hatt Google this and you will find several. However Sunday may pose a problem and you may have to wait a while today. "rv tow service Lodi, CA"
Like · Reply · 23 mins
Gary Hatt
Gary Hatt I just called 3 towing companies, two recommended by the previous one and I couldn't find anyone up there.
Like · Reply · 16 mins
Gary Hatt
Gary Hatt Problem is, most are closed today and I am afraid if you found someone they may charge you an arm and a leg.
Like · Reply · 14 mins
Gary Hatt
Gary Hatt I will post a note for you on our Forum and we may have some luck. Be watching http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php
Bus Conversion Magazine Bulletin Board - Index
Bus Conversion Magazine Bulletin Board - Index
BUSCONVERSIONS.COM
Like · Reply · Remove Preview · 13 mins · Edited
Gary Hatt
Gary Hatt Carey Fiock - I just posted a note for you on our Fourm. Already 5 people have read it. Let me know if you can read it from where you are. It can be read using google or Tapatalk. So far this month we have had 2.5 million page views so expect to see a response very soon.
Like · Reply · 4 mins
Gary Hatt
Gary Hatt If you want me to post your cell number on there I can do that too. This may help as I am sure you are anxious to get moving.
Like · Reply · 3 mins
Gary Hatt
Gary Hatt 31 people have now read it.
Like · Reply · Just now

[luvrbus]

The T-845 Vanhools I worked on for a casino had a electric fuel pickup pump at the tank that would blow a fuse every so often,it is probably a Vanhool wiring problem 

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

From what I heard is that Van Hools used to be noted for electrical problems.  But I have since heard they worked out a lot of those kinks...hopefully.

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

An Update.  They have located a tow company and they are on their way out there now and should arrive any time.

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

Nother update.  The big hook is there so they should be on their way now.

[Dave5Cs]

Gary there is a Love's truck center on Thorton road, Lodi(209) 333-9392 also and it is at I-5 and Hyway 12 where they can get right on 5 and cruise on up the hill. If nothing else I can drive down to Lodi to see if I can get it primed if they don't get it started. It is only 2 hours south of us. They also have a tow rig
Dave5Cs

[Dave5Cs]

And Just for Ships and giggles we Were going to buy a Bus From Mike K also and decided not to after to many unanswered questions 6 years ago. Then to top it off 2nd bus we were going to buy was the angel fire Bus from Sam Walker ( no friggin way is he related to us) and got leary of that thank you  very much and walked away from that one too.
Dave Walker (Dave5Cs)

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

 Another update, the tow truck arrived and he quickly determined the following...

Carey Fiock I suppose many of you already thought this, but we are now suspecting the fuel injector pump has busted, and that is was never suddenly out of fuel. I say this in part because when we topped of on Friday, we paid for $100 but didn't quite get there before the overflow caused it to stop.... it's a small detail that was bothering me earlier, when claiming that we just ran out of fuel. We're not sure about the fuel injector pump of course, but signs seem to point to it.

Sounds like she found a very good honest mechanic to be able to diagnose the problem so quickly.

[eagle19952]

it is quite a rare occurrence to lose an injector pump...i wonder if she means transfer pump...
lets hope ... 

[Dave5Cs]

It still could have lost prime especially if before she got it it had been sitting awhile? Also did it start and off they went after putting the 100.00 in it or at that point it just didn't start? Could have stirred up junk from the tank bottom or clogged old fuel filters, Oh wait I am sure Mike K put all new filters in it before they left,,,NOT
Dave5Cs

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

Yeah, all of this was covered in the conversation with her above Dave. I suggested the same thing. But then again, there was a LOT to read if anyone actually read the entire Facebook note.

[bigred]

Dang!!!!! I need to go back and see if the guy that sold me my bus was named Mike!!!

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

Did you make it all the way home without any problems.