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Old 02-15-2009, 11:58 AM   #1
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Re: quick advice on a specific bus prospect

Greetings, and welcome!

I'm no mechanic so am not an expert on things, but from what I've picked up here that MT643 tranny is a good one. I think I've heard mixed reviews about the cat 3208. That is not a lot of mileage for a bus, but you'll want to verify that as it's a 22 year old bus!!! I'm sure someone more knowledgeable than I will be along shortly to tell you more.

One source for buses in Washington State is government surplus out of Auburn. They sell a lot of vehicles and I bought my bus there. here is a sample of vehicles for sale right now:

International/Bluebird 1993 Bus
DT360/MT643
Wheelchair Lift

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Inter...2986QQptZBuses

------------------------

Ford 1987 Bus

Larger van/nose style bus
V8 Diesel, blown engine
Wheelchair Lift

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-...4625QQptZBuses


-----------------------------

Chevrolet 1981 Stepvan Bookmobile

350 Gas Motor
New rear rims and tires, carburetor and transmission
430k miles

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevr...rcialQ5fTrucks

-----------------

Granted, their not all buses and they don't all run, but it gives you an idea of the variety of vehicles they sell. Sometimes they'll list a dozen buses at once, sometimes weeks go by without any.

Hope this helps!

-Ray

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Old 02-15-2009, 08:25 PM   #2
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Re: quick advice on a specific bus prospect

http://www.spacex.com
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Old 02-15-2009, 09:05 PM   #3
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Re: quick advice on a specific bus prospect

Wayne makes good buses. As pointed out and we discussed via e-mail, their bodies are really unique. They weren't so great for a company trying to compete in business, but they are tough.
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Old 02-16-2009, 05:05 PM   #4
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Re: quick advice on a specific bus prospect

I saw the ad for your bus- it looks very nice. My Gillig should be heavier, and pulls hills O.K. with a NA 3208/MT643 combo (after I changed the air filter). Your experience will vary depending on rear gear ratio. Where are you taking the bus?? If you're crossing the Mts immediately to the east, snow can be a problem into April. Make sure the radiator is full, trans fluid and motor oil are O.K. and CHANGE THE AIR FILTER!! If it's dirty, it'll kill your power fast. Find a flat road with little traffic, and run it to the governor in each gear manually. Record these speeds. For example, it does 45 mph in 3rd, when pulling a hill, shift to 3rd when you hit 46-47. By the time it shifts you'll be at 45-44 and right in the power. If you wait for the auto shift, it will tend to be a bit later, and you'll be a bit low in the power band after the shift. The 3208 makes it's best power between 2400-and the governor (it shouldn't be able to go over 3000 rpm). I try to keep mine at 2800 max. That motor is going to be noisy right next to you! Good luck with the purchase!
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Old 02-16-2009, 06:40 PM   #5
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Re: quick advice on a specific bus prospect

Quote:
Originally Posted by baby_on_board
i don't know if it is a lifestar or not. what i know is the year is '87 and it's a Wayne Asia chassis, whatever that does in fact mean. what are the distinguishing features of a lifestar? gush about your bus! i'd love to hear it. & where have you been using it?
If its a Wayne and its a Flat Front bus with the engine in the front its a "Lifestar". Wayne's are great buses.
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Old 02-26-2009, 07:06 PM   #6
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Re: quick advice on a specific bus prospect

Huh, never heard of a bus being being put on a dyno. That would be a sight. What kind of hp and torque did it put out?
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Old 02-26-2009, 11:51 PM   #7
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Re: quick advice on a specific bus prospect

Hopefully you've already read my e-mail, but I still suspect that the tranny cooler is at fault given the other radiator issues.
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