Silver Eagle Checklist

[DoubleEagle]

I haven't dealt with the broker.  The owner though, doesn't know, or acts like he doesn't know much about it.
I do like the setup, the bunk however would be converted to shelving for products we sell at shows.  One of the most concerning things, is the air conditioning and generator.  From what I've gathered that would definitely have to be upgraded to 3 possibly 4. 
When I go back I want to run everything and see how cool it gets.  I'm sure you all are right though, especially in the summer in Texas.

One A/C might cool it just fine sitting still without the engine having been run. The only way to see how it goes cooling wise is to run it out on the highway on a sunny day with both A/C's on, and then see how many paper towels you need to wipe your brow with (I recommend Bounty, the quicker picker-upper). A lot of heat comes in through the windows, past gaps in the front area under the dash, and transfer through the floor from all the hot metal just below. If, and only if, the coach was well insulated and sealed, it might be passable in moderate temperatures. I would make every attempt to peak under any panel, light fixture, cabinet rear, dash panel (starting with that weird black snap-on thing in the center of the dash bottom), and try to determine just what exactly was used for insulation. I would smack every inside and outside panel with the palm of your hand as hard as you dare to see what shakes out, or whether the sound was consistent. You or the owner might not have the tools to take off the front bumper blade (it should have square head bolts, 13/16's, same size as the head of the rear axle wheel studs), but it would be desirable to take it off and look under the dash, you might discover some air leaks you can put your fist through. Don't forget to crawl underneath the bus wherever you can.

[richard5933]

Even with the OTR a/c on and running well, when the sun shines through the front windows in the afternoon it can be warm in the driver's seat. That's why they added the driver's fan, I'm sure.

Seems like it would be important to not only see that the units can cool the interior, but how much of the air can be directed towards the cockpit area. Those two roof top units would have to work pretty hard to try and match the performance of an OTR system, which is what they'll be trying to do driving down the highway.

If the a/c is not up to the task, would it be possible to add an engine-driven compressor and dash a/c unit to the bus? Might be less expensive than trying to upgrade the generator and adding more rooftop units.

[luvrbus]

One good thing is he can verify how many miles and how much fuel the engine has used and also what year the engine is,that is a good point on a electronic engine they don't lie.That was probably a 30 to $40,000.00 upgrade no one is going to spend that amount of dollars on a bus that is bad shape it doesn't happen
 

[akroyaleagle]

I'm not sure what you need, but hopefully this will help. If you need more, ask.

INSPECTING AN EAGLE

Walk up to the Bird and open the lower access door under the drivers window. If it is all rusted out close it and thank the owner for his time.This is a good indicator of things to come.

If it looks ok, open the upper access door above it. This is the forward electrical compartment. Have a good look at the wiring for corrosion and hopefully the Eagle wire numbers are still on the wiring which will make identifying the circuits easier. If you are real lucky the inside of the door will have a readable wiring diagram there.

Sight down both sides of the bus skin. Is it buckled or wavy?

Remove the front bumper and crawl up in the spare tire compartment. Look at the steering box and look for previous damage or rust.

Crawl under the bus and look at the metal under the drivers compartment.

Look at the front torsilastics.(BIG MONEY) Is the rubber hanging out of the ends of the tubes? How much thread (adjustment) is left on the adjusting rods? check the condition of the brake lines.

Look very carefully at the inside wheelwell, especially agaist the outer side above the tire for rust.

Open all of the bay doors. what is the condition of the bays? Are the tunnel covers there? Take them off and look at the things inside.

Look under the baggage bays. Are the longitudinal steel tubes in good shape? Is the tube under the door rusted out?

Is the fuel filler tube in good shape? Does it seal when closed?

Is the bogie out of alinement?

Check the rear torsilastics and wheel wells for the same things as the front.

Open the air compressor door. Is the bus air still there? If so I recommend you get it removed if you buy the coach.

Open the engine door and both corner doors. Hopefully the rear electrical compartment will still have the dust cover. It may also have a readable wiring diagram. Check the corner doors for operation and the wiring for condition. Look at everthing you can see. Does the engine or miter box leak?

Crawl under the bus and check the engine and transmission for leaks. Also check the cooler hoses from the engine and transmission for condition.

Open the radiator door. Does the radiator have corrosion? Damage?

Work your way up the left side checking the same things you checked on the right.

If the bus has an automatic, pull the dipstick. The fluid should be the color of transmission fluid and not have a burnt smell.

Go inside the bus and remove the access panel in the floor above the top step. Look at the stuff inside and evaluate.

Go to the inside rear of the bus and remove the engine access panels (both) and the panel just forward of them. Look at the blower and valve covers and everything else for leaks. Look at the fan hub and idler. Look at the power steering pump and air compressor and the rest of the hoses there.

Now start the bus, does it smoke? what color? does it clear up right away? Remove the oil filler tube cover. Hold your hand over the opening. Is there pressure (blowby)?

This is in no way a complete inspection but if you know the basics. tires, brakes, leaking shocks, steering wheel play, etc it may help

[chessie4905]

Excellent inspection recommendation.

[Lukis]

Yes, I saw this inspection.  Someone on here sent it to me last week.  Yes, I'll definitely use this when I look at it again.  I wish I could get a hold of scanner to check the engine out.  I may have a friend that has one, just have to see what his will do.  I'm still wanting to track the bus shop that did the work. I bet they remember it well if they did they did hat much work.

[luvrbus]

It looks like a Hercules entertainer conversion to me I think they were based out of Kentucky but are long gone and have been for several years 

[richard5933]

...I bet they remember it well if they did they did hat much work.

Not just remember it, most shops have computerized records. Not sure if they will claim some type of privacy issue, but if the shop is computerized you would be able to see every last detail. If you can find the shop. Look for a shop tag or other ID piece on the engine or transmission - it might give you a clue of who did the work.

[luvrbus]

I doubt he finds any computerized records other than what is stored in the ECM Hercules would rebuild Prevost,MCI and Eagles from the 70's and re title one as a 1996 model and so on,then the series 60 has been around for 30 years