Glow plugs

[MarySmiles]

hi everyone, can someone tell me what are glow plugs? And how much would it cost to replace them if all of them were blown?

Found a promising price on a school bus. But the current owner says it would have to be plugged in all winter because the glow plugs are blown.

I am new to school buses so I have absolutely no clue what he's talking about.

Thanks in advance for all of your help!

MarySmiles

[Booyah45828]

Glow plugs heat up the air in a diesel engine when it is being started. This helps with starting and running when the outside temps are cold.

What engine are you looking at?

[MarySmiles]

Actually the description doesn't say what size engine it has. I am pasting the description here perhaps you can help me figure that out.


CL

philadelphia > cars & trucks - by owner...

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favorite this post*This is a GREAT little Bus*-*$2250*(Glenolden, PA)*hide this posting

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1990 International*

condition:*good*
cylinders:*8 cylinders*
drive:*rwd*
fuel:*diesel*
paint color:*yellow*
size:*mid-size*
title status:*clean*
transmission:*automatic*
type:*bus*

This is a 54 passenger 1990 International church bus. It runs very well. The steering is tight. The tires have lots of tread and it is inspected until October. It is a little shorter than a full size school bus, which makes it really nice for driving in town. We took it to Washington D.C. in April and it ran great. All of the seats are in good condition and have working seat belts. I have had it for about 5 years. I have kept up with the oil changes and inspections, it has continued to run great and has not needed any mechanical work. It has no rust holes and very little surface rust. The body is under-coated and solid. The only problem with it, is that the glow plugs do not work, but the heater core does. So, it will have to be plugged in in the winter.

[PNW_Steve]

1990 model International with an 8 cylinder diesel. ....

I would suspect that you are looking at the old IDI 7.3.

With the exception of chronic glow plug issues they were very reliable engines.

Unfortunately they are also quite underpowered in a bus applicationl. If you plan on much highway driving or mountain driving, I would keep looking.

The replacement for that engine in 1994 (?) was the T444e. A much better choice but not my first choice in a full size bus.

Brokedown successfuly traveled the country in a T444e powered, mid-sized, AT545 equipped Vista. It can be done. Personally, I don't have the patience...... Give me a gob of torque, 235 horsepower and an overdrive transmission..

If you watch the auction sites you will see well equipped buses for $1700-$4000 if you have a little patience. I found my 2002 Bluebird with 8.3& overdrive transmission for $3800 including auction fees.

Good luck with your quest.

[o1marc]

His reference to "plugging it in for the winter" is referring to a factory block heater that heats the block or oil, making it easier to start. You'll see a corded plug coming out the front bumper area to plug your extension cord into. Diesel engines don't have spark plugs, they use heat and compression to make the explosion. The glow plugs supply the heat and when the fuel is compressed into the intake charge of air it ignites the mixture.

[PNW_Steve]

The 6.9 & 7.3 IDI's were notorious for glow plug issues. If I recall correctly, the common point of failure Was The glow plug relay.

If your budget allows and you want a little bit of a head start you may want to take a look at:

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f9/wha...tml#post287916

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

1990 model International with an 8 cylinder diesel. ....

I would suspect that you are looking at the old IDI 7.3.

With the exception of chronic glow plug issues they were very reliable engines.

Unfortunately they are also quite underpowered in a bus applicationl. If you plan on much highway driving or mountain driving, I would keep looking.

The replacement for that engine in 1994 (?) was the T444e. A much better choice but not my first choice in a full size bus.

Brokedown successfuly traveled the country in a T444e powered, mid-sized, AT545 equipped Vista. It can be done. Personally, I don't have the patience...... Give me a gob of torque, 235 horsepower and an overdrive transmission..

If you watch the auction sites you will see well equipped buses for $1700-$4000 if you have a little patience. I found my 2002 Bluebird with 8.3& overdrive transmission for $3800 including auction fees.

Good luck with your quest.

PNW: I drove a 40 year old gasser /AT540 across the cascades and rockies LOL... last time ill do that!! I got that transmission good N warm... my steaks woulda been well done on top of that..
-Christopher

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

PNW: I drove a 40 year old gasser /AT540 across the cascades and rockies LOL... last time ill do that!! I got that transmission good N warm... my steaks woulda been well done on top of that..
-Christopher

And you didn't stop and visit....

What have Josh & Hillary been telling you about us?

I have done my share of driving in the slow lane with my 4-ways on. I very much prefer not being the slowest rig going up the pass.

My motto: There is no replacement for displacement! 8.3!

[MarySmiles]

Thanks so much for sharing your time and information. We will keep watching. I registered for a couple of auction sites. Keep us in your prayers.