Disaster - Transmission Fail (Allison HT740) - Can't find mechanic! :(

daveola · November 08, 2016, 05:49:58 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on November 08, 2016, 04:58:07 PM
Check and see how much it would cost to tow the bus 600 miles to Mohave Valley Az,

What's in Mohave Valley?

All the tow quotes we've had are about $175/hr round trip, though maybe if we were going that far it would be cheaper - and we could probably find a cheaper tow in Az rather than near San Francisco.

One thing that worries me about towing it that far is that the driveshaft is spinning, which turns the transmission, yes? And it's currently making unhappy sounds in neutral, so the thought of towing 600 miles is a bit scary. I suppose I could disconnect the driveshaft, might be able to do that myself with a little research.

Oonrahnjay · November 08, 2016, 05:59:36 PM

Quote from: daveola on November 08, 2016, 05:49:58 PMWhat's in Mohave Valley?

All the tow quotes we've had are about $175/hr round trip, though maybe if we were going that far it would be cheaper - and we could probably find a cheaper tow in Az rather than near San Francisco.

One thing that worries me about towing it that far is that the driveshaft is spinning, which turns the transmission, yes? And it's currently making unhappy sounds in neutral, so the thought of towing 600 miles is a bit scary. I suppose I could disconnect the driveshaft, might be able to do that myself with a little research.

In most cases/on most buses, you prepare for a tow by pulling axles. remove the small circle of bolts around the hubs, inside the wheel center. That way, the wheels spin free from the differential, drive shaft, transmission etc.

Iceni John · November 08, 2016, 06:47:07 PM

Have you called Muni or AC Transit or any other transit companies' garages there, or any local school districts? Even if they won't do the work for you, they should be able to refer you to a reliable place that can. Sometimes mechanics at school districts and transit yards do work on the side for cash. Who services the local trash trucks - do some of them still use HT740s? The Pacific Bus Museum is in Fremont - maybe those guys have some ideas? (Tom Shafer is with the PBM, an all-round good guy, and there's not much he doesn't know about buses!)

John

Scott & Heather · November 08, 2016, 08:44:31 PM

Dave,

If you end up having it towed, they should and will disconnect the driveshaft for you or pull the axles so don't even worry about that. Cliff was suggesting you tow it to the Mohave Valley because that's where he is and he could assist you. He's awesome. I also have seen used Allison HT740's used pretty cheap and because they are so bulletproof (I know hard to believe right now) you have a high probability of getting a good solid used unit. The issue is getting it to your bus, and getting them swapped. Do you have emergency tow insurance?

daveola · November 09, 2016, 12:52:35 AM

I don't really have emergency tow insurance, I have some small coverage, but not something that will take me hundreds and hundreds of miles.

I'll talk to Cliff about Mohave, maybe overall it will make sense to have it worked on there.

We're definitely in trouble, I have been looking unsuccessfully for work so we are at rock bottom right now, and a $10k fix is just way out of our ballpark, but this is our home. So it's a bad time all around.

I've tried in the past to talk to MUNI and never really got anywhere, but I'll try again - we have to come up with a solution soon since we are parked illegally. Amazingly the Brisbane police haven't even bothered us yet, but clearly that won't last.

buswarrior · November 09, 2016, 12:59:52 AM

Deep breath, daveola!!!

As noted, for a tow, you pull the axles, both sides. Leave the drive shaft alone.

Point of negotiation, if you are on the labour clock, you can save some ca$h by getting the axles puled before the tow arrives.

The tow will need a place to attach an airline, have EVERYTHING ready before the tow arrives... all belongings stowed, axles out, airline attachment ready, again, time is ca$h.

Your goal is: Tow arrives, hooks on, lifts it up, airs it up and drives away. No screwing around.

Get the tow to come in from out there, go see luvrbus. all will be well.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

daveola · November 09, 2016, 01:07:33 AM

Quote from: buswarrior on November 09, 2016, 12:59:52 AM
Deep breath, daveola!!!

It's definitely difficult right now.

Quote from: buswarrior on November 09, 2016, 12:59:52 AM
As noted, for a tow, you pull the axles, both sides.

After pulling those bolts, does that just disconnect the axle and leave it in place, or do I need to actually drop the axles down and toss them inside the bus?

Quote from: buswarrior on November 09, 2016, 12:59:52 AM
The tow will need a place to attach an airline

I have an air connection to the surplus tanks in the front of the bus - if we fill those will that fill up the bus to the back, or is that one way?

Thanks for the vote of confidence. It seems like quite a bit is falling apart right now.

Oonrahnjay · November 09, 2016, 01:24:36 AM

Quote from: daveola on November 09, 2016, 01:07:33 AMIt's definitely difficult right now.

After pulling those bolts, does that just disconnect the axle and leave it in place, or do I need to actually drop the axles down and toss them inside the bus?

I don't know about the air setup on your particular bus (but it makes sense that if you're going to have the air connector, it will properly air the system for towing (but check with someone who knows your system).
Yes, the axles need to physically come out before it rolls. They will probably be stuck in there pretty tightly - once the bolts are out, give them a solid sideways clout with a solid, soft-faced hammer. (Some people will recommend just pulling one axle and letting the differential free-wheel -- I guess that would work for a short tow but if it were my bus, I'd go for pulling both.)

luvrbus · November 09, 2016, 06:04:26 AM

Well heck I thought I had a good 740 that I could help him out with, but after pulling the pan it needs rebuilding too

Scott & Heather · November 09, 2016, 06:45:01 AM

Anyone tried to call "Stevens" diesel shop? In the Bay Area.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

luvrbus · November 09, 2016, 06:54:00 AM

Eddie lived in that area and is sending me some numbers for help

check your PM phone numbers sent for Homer

ol713 · November 09, 2016, 08:47:58 AM

Hi;
Just another thought; check with a local charter company.
Around this time of year they will take in outside work since
charter work drops off. If nothing else, they can refer you to
a source for work and parts. People in the bus business know
other people in the bus business.
Good luck, Merle.

daveola · November 09, 2016, 12:08:44 PM

Quote from: Scott & Heather on November 09, 2016, 06:45:01 AM
Anyone tried to call "Stevens" diesel shop? In the Bay Area.

They don't have room to work on buses.

I've called all the diesel shops in the area and I've only found one that will work on it, and that's the $10k.

I'm searching further away now... Open to suggestions, have to decide in the next 24 hours. If you have an actual place I can get it to that makes sense, please call:

415-341-5555

Thanks everyone.

Geoff · November 09, 2016, 01:29:10 PM

Try David at Bay Cities Diesel Machine in Benicia, 707 745-8250

--Geoff

Beachfinn · November 09, 2016, 02:12:23 PM

As i have recent experience; there should be three threaded holes on the drive axle caps. They fit an 1/2 bolt, at least 1 1/2 long that can be used as axle puller. Mine did not come out with hammer. For reassembly, order the gaskets for between the hub and axle, i could not get mine leak proof with just silicone. There will be about quart of axle grease/oil coming out while you do this so put a small pan under it before removing. Mine has small conical axle centering inserts under the bolts, don't loose those.

What i learned was that a non roof raise bus can fit on a flatbed, but it's still a permit load. a lot easier for long distance than a tow.

Best of luck,
Sami