speed

putterspitt · 01-23-2009, 12:22 AM

Am now the proud owner of a 89 thomas short bus, has handicap lift and then 4 windows behind it. My question is does anybody have experience with this model? Drove it home at max of 55, didnt have alot of power but am going to change filters and such. Is this about the max speed I can expect? Sure it has a gov on it but will adjust, just looking for any suggestions, there are alot of cool subjects here on this forum, tks

Ray_WA · 01-23-2009, 02:18 AM

Another Shortie!!!! Welcome aboard!!!

-Ray

Jarlaxle · 01-23-2009, 08:52 PM

Well, what RPM is the engine turning at 55? The 7.3 tops out around 2500 for sustained running. If it's around there (not at all unusual on a skoolie), 55 is about it unless you change gears.

Check for coolant additive--a test kit is cheap at NAPA or an IH (or Ford) dealer. This engine REQUIRES adding SAC to it or the engine will eat itself! With the additive (about $20, as I recall), it's a 300,000+ mile engine.

putterspitt · 01-23-2009, 09:35 PM

how hard is it to find gears for this thing? any ideas

Jarlaxle · 12-13-2009, 08:35 PM

Hit the nearest big-truck junkyard.

putterspitt · 12-13-2009, 09:55 PM

WOW 11 MONTHS AND I GOT A RESPONCE
just kidding, I have a post with this bus on it now. Rebuilt the injector pump and new injectors and it has alot more power. Had the tech bump it up 10% for a little extra.
Havent had it on the real open road since but it will hbit 60 real quick. No tach but look into it. Putter out

GoldenGate · 12-13-2009, 10:39 PM

EDIT: Damn, I should really pay attention
-------
My E-350 bus with the 7.3 will hit 70+ if I floor it, or if I'm going down a hill...not that I ever cruise at any more than 65. Unfortunately, I don't have a tach, but with a 7.3 it is definitely possible to get up faster than 55. You can adjust the fuel pump to deliver fuel to the cylinders a little early (somewhat like advancing ignition on a gas powered car), that should give you a bit more power.

putterspitt · 12-13-2009, 11:30 PM

I have a 2000 7.3 f250 also, from what I understand the e350 is like a pickup or van type engine, the buses are a little different, the injector pump calibration that is.
good luck

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