Considering a Bus Purchase

[windtrader]

@Jon -

I would consider the engine and cooling system in good operating order if it ran at a normal 180 for example, but never went past 195 on the steepest, longest hills on the hottest days

These numbers are spot on with what I observe. I still think it's a good idea to make sure it doesn't get over these numbers.
The shifting thing - As it slows down, I watch the speedo as it has colored bars showing shift points. As soon as it drops toward the lower end of one, I downshift and then the bus is revving at the high end of that lower gear. Do that until second, newer had to go lower yet. And with the 740 at highway speed that first "downshift" is really taking out of "overdrive", so I'm told.

[muldoonman]

Check all margins, Oil. Fluids, Run these 2 strokes until they blow boys. When they do,  get another.

Don,, how long have you owned the 8V71??

[luvrbus]

What !!! a 740 does not have a overdrive it's a 1:1 final 4 speed transmission

[windtrader]

OK, so I dun't know shittte. LOL Just seems really easy to slide out of fourth, like butrer. Sometimes some lower gear downshifts are more noticeable. I let up just for a second before the downshift and immediately step hard again. seems to be smoothest that way.

[luvrbus]

It should slide down to 2nd smooth they stay lock lockup till second gear when down shifting

[Jon]

@Jon - These numbers are spot on with what I observe. I still think it's a good idea to make sure it doesn't get over these numbers.
The shifting thing - As it slows down, I watch the speedo as it has colored bars showing shift points. As soon as it drops toward the lower end of one, I downshift and then the bus is revving at the high end of that lower gear. Do that until second, newer had to go lower yet. And with the 740 at highway speed that first "downshift" is really taking out of "overdrive", so I'm told.

That means to me that your cooling system is doing exactly what it should, so if your operating temps start to climb above that operating range you will have information that says it is going to need attention. Just keep the revs up so the fan is spinning fast.

[luvrbus]

Advice take it or leave you do not want to go in debt to buy a bus,they so cheap now Ritchie Bros sold off some DL MCI buses with series 60 and B500 Allison's for $2300.00 ea with the fees.lol it is going to cost me more to get the bus to Texas than I paid for the bus 

[windtrader]

@Clifford - Agree that is a terrific low entry price but as we preach often it is usually better to pay more upfront to hopefully have fewer unexpected expenses later. We also agree buses these days being put to pasture are ticking time bombs ready to blow some major system.

If anything all prospective buyers looking at these ultra cheap buses should be extra careful before pursuing and preferably just turn the page, especially since everyone agrees it is far better to purchase an already converted coach.
That said, depends on what one wants to do with the thing. If it runs and looks like it has a couple thousand miles of life in it, I'd consider one to strip clean inside and turn it into a storage unit. Once done, hopefully prep and bring to the scrapper.  Buying a used container and selling once done is certainly the more predictable and less risky option but where's the fun?

[luvrbus]

Only reason I bought the bus it has documentation of a new 12.7L series 60 and B500 under 12k miles.Government transit authority's can do that since the tax payers foot the bill.I cannot buy the ECM for $2300.00 new.it's a nice bus with recent inspections     

[windtrader]

Excellent buy. Good point to look at these for parts. There are diamonds in the rough, just do your homework before bidding. Still, noobie busnuts, buying this sort of bus to start converting is not the recommended option.

[luvrbus]

Excellent buy. Good point to look at these for parts. There are diamonds in the rough, just do your homework before bidding. Still, noobie busnuts, buying this sort of bus to start converting is not the recommended option.

Why electronic engines don't lie to you 200 bucks for somebody with a Pro/Link or lap top you can get the DNA and history with the serial number,same with electronic Allison

[lostagain]

There are 60 to 80  MCI DL3s coming on the market in the next few weeks as Greyhound is shutting down operations in Western Canada.

DLs are so cheap now, it may renew an interest in doing conversions from scratch...

They would be an excellent platform to start with.

JC

[mmanning]

For me, i think buying a previously converted bus with with a well maintained engine and other mechanical systems is best.  I will have to learn as I go; something that is basically ready to go on day one is a great starting place.  I think everyone will be different, I might be different in a few years.

[luvrbus]

That maybe your best bet but buy one that has been used regularly,people park buses for a year or ten years with a fairly good engines say 50,000 miles means nothing because they never store one right according to Detroit.I find the boat people will spend a few bucks getting their 2 strokes ready for storage where bus bus people turn the key off and call it good   

[Jim Blackwood]

Under $3K for a DL3, especially with low miles is a heck of a deal but northern Alberta is a long ways off. Plus those are all gone by now. Is salt a thing up there? I wouldn't know, maybe it stays so cold it's pointless or something. Anyway I'm kinda hoping that's a sign of the times. It'd be pretty easy for me to justify a deal like that for something within say a few hundred miles.
Just the sort of purchase I'd like to make.

Jim