Potential MCI 8 converted bus purchase

[BusNit]

So I have a skoolie under construction with a buyer who wants to take it and finish it to fit their family. Roof raise and basement is all welded and done as is grey tank and generator. So I found this really nicely built and I mean quality and pride built '76 MCI 8 with an 8v71 engine. This supposedly has had the engine rebuilt out of the coach 130k miles ago. It does have a 4 speed auto but not sure which one. My concern is the engine and would it even pass AZ emissions since I live in Mesa. Would it be hard to find someone to rebuild it or even swap it out when the time comes?

[TomC]

Are you sure a '76 bus registered as a motorhome (not an RV) would be subjected to smog inspections? My '77 AMGeneral with 8V-71 is exempt in California. Good Luck, TomC

[windtrader]

If there are valid receipts on the rebuild 130k miles ago, there should be less worry about the engine once getting it checked out before you buy it. If there isn't FULL credible documentation about the rebuild, just add some zeros as you have no idea how worn out it is. Then bid accordingly which will bring the price so low you may as well look elsewhere.


I've heard of buying a donor bus, one with a very solid engine, to transplant but not many will buy a bus with a bad motor, planning to fix it. But there are some who will buy a bus they have to dig out of the dirt that hasn't run in years, so have it your way, just depends on what you want.

[luvrbus]

Are you sure a '76 bus registered as a motorhome (not an RV) would be subjected to smog inspections? My '77 AMGeneral with 8V-71 is exempt in California. Good Luck, TomC

They are not exempt in AZ in 3 counties Maricopa ,Pinal and Coconino it will pass the AZ emissions unless it is in real bad shape. AZ emissions test on old diesels is not much. more about the fee so don't worry about.I don't think Idaho in certain counties like where you live TomC are exempt either now 

[Bus Lurker]

Don F,

FYI: there is a bill working its way through Sacramento that will ban small gasoline engines including generators.  Since Newson is safe now, you will see all kinds of radical things coming out of Sacramento.  So far I have not heard anything about two stokes.

Mike

https://justthenews.com/nation/states/california-lawmakers-send-newsom-bill-could-ban-gas-generators

[BusNit]

Well, the coach looks immaculate and the owners are done with their driving years. Paint work was done professionally and the stainless sides are all new. The interior is all oak with Pergo flooring. We would keep everything but paint the cabinets white since they already have the shaker look. Floor is too gold colored for our taste but thats about it. So as nicely built this is (inside of all cabinets are finished to a high degree too) the engine itself is painted red and peeling paint. There are several braided oil lines that have weeping connections and of course a dollar coin size oil spot on the ground with the pan exhibiting wetness but mostly around the lowest point which is the drain plug. One radiator has coolant sitting on the bottom but not enough to make it to the ground. They will not go less than 40k. Personally I do think its fair despite it needing tires. The tires have full tread, no sidewall cracking but are dated 2015. It was aired down so I didnt really see much underneath but what I did see, the front links did not have any protruding rubber and overall the bottom side was just showing flaking undercoating over what appeared to be stainless ribbed steel? It is listed as a 220 horse 8v71. I didn't think they were so detuned but perhaps they are running 50's injectors?

[BusNit]

If there are valid receipts on the rebuild 130k miles ago, there should be less worry about the engine once getting it checked out before you buy it.

That's another issue. I called a few places in Phoenix to see if they would look at it let alone work on this engine. No one called back even after I tried again with promises they would get back to me. Not sure if I am being blown off (offered to pay for mobile inspection at any cost) or if they are genuinely busy and do not want to bother.

I would have to take it for a test drive and make my own determination it seems.

[Melbo]

I'm not there and I havn't seen the bus BUT 40K??  Ask if they will write a warranty with that price.  Just askin
I mean it's an OLD bus.  I tell Billie if I die and you get 5 grand you did good.  They are only valuable if you are driving them.  When you quit driving they are a give away.

Good Luck

Melbo

[luvrbus]

That's another issue. I called a few places in Phoenix to see if they would look at it let alone work on this engine. No one called back even after I tried again with promises they would get back to me. Not sure if I am being blown off (offered to pay for mobile inspection at any cost) or if they are genuinely busy and do not want to bother.

I would have to take it for a test drive and make my own determination it seems.

How close is the bus to Cave Creek ? I doubt the engine is set at 220 hp, Call Kevin @ 602 810 1845 he is in Goodyear,I will be in Camp Verde Fri and Sat and Scottsdale Mon and Tue if the bus is close I maybe could help a little

[Busted Knuckle]

How close is the bus to Cave Creek ? I doubt the engine is set at 220 hp, Call Kevin @ 602 810 1845 he is in Goodyear,I will be in Camp Verde Fri and Sat and Scottsdale Mon and Tue if the bus is close I maybe could help a little

Busnit trust me when I say this!
If Clifford helps you with an inspection take his advice 100% with out a doubt!
Clifford is the Yoda of buses and steer you in the right direction. (even iof it ain't the direction you want to go!)
  BK 

[BusNit]

Thanks guys! It is in SunCity. I live in East Mesa. They accepted an offer I gave them but of course, the seller being that he agreed to my number said "as-is". Probably since I put in stipulations in my email with the final outcome of what this vehicle may need. I was going to go there on Saturday around 11 with my wife. I am very mechanically inclined and once I learn a system, more than likely, I can do any repairs. The first being oil lines and radiator re-cores. (once I remove and transport them to a radiator shop, that is!)

[chessie4905]

don't  even waste the time with an MC8. Too old anymore. And much older after conversion is done. Lots of good deals on newer models. Just be patient and do more searching. Remember, many campgrounds are restricting bus conversions older than 10 years or so. Look at different conversions here and on other sites of same age to get an idea of what they would be ultimately worth. Keep in mind owners ask more than they eventually sell for. Ones reduced in price show some reality on this, or how long they have been listed. Being as the rv and bus conversion market is pretty hot currently, people are willing to pay much more than they should. They don't consider insurance costs, finance ability, or maintenance and especially fuel costs. Figure on 6 to 7 miles per gallon. At least, interest rates are low yet.

[belfert]

That's another issue. I called a few places in Phoenix to see if they would look at it let alone work on this engine. No one called back even after I tried again with promises they would get back to me. Not sure if I am being blown off (offered to pay for mobile inspection at any cost) or if they are genuinely busy and do not want to bother.

Shops here in the Minneapolis area that work on heavy vehicles are swamped right now.  Nearly a month ago I called around about getting some basic service work done on my bus and everyone was booked out a month or more.  I imagine with some of the work loads as high as they are right now that shops wouldn't bother with a two stroke engine not being used to make money.

Mine has a Series 60 and is a fair bit newer than an MC-8 so nobody has flat out said they won't work on my bus other than one shop that doesn't do buses period as they take up too much room in the shop.

[buswarrior]

Shops are getting swamped in units needing repair, and no parts available.

New trucks are half built, no parts available for the assembly line, fields full of half built units, maybe 15k of Class 8 alone...!

None of the heavy manufacturers are taking 2022 orders yet, because they have no idea how to price them, or whether they can build them. Steel continues to be a very hot commodity.

The supply chain is seriously unblanaced and is going to take a long time to correct.

Shipping container rental more than trippled to get goods here from overseas, and the price just keeps climbing. Bribes to shipping companies to put their stuff on the ship first...

The "invisible" part of goods movement around the world is getting uncomfortably more visible...

More than ever, choose a bus that is ready to go, and does not require extensive work, if you want to use it anytime soon.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[luvrbus]

Shops are getting swamped in units needing repair, and no parts available.

New trucks are half built, no parts available for the assembly line, fields full of half built units, maybe 15k of Class 8 alone...!

None of the heavy manufacturers are taking 2022 orders yet, because they have no idea how to price them, or whether they can build them. Steel continues to be a very hot commodity.

The supply chain is seriously unblanaced and is going to take a long time to correct.

Shipping container rental more than trippled to get goods here from overseas, and the price just keeps climbing. Bribes to shipping companies to put their stuff on the ship first...

The "invisible" part of goods movement around the world is getting uncomfortably more visible...

More than ever, choose a bus that is ready to go, and does not require extensive work, if you want to use it anytime soon.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

Forget about parts from Detroit Diesel I been waiting 6 months for sleeve kits when they do come the price is going to be  a 25% increase ,the after market is cashing in too