Stuck in first, literally and figuratively

[bansil]

read this and then call them and use this info below

also mention the modulator and it goes into reverse and 1st fine

Clarke Power Service in Antioch, TN (Nashville suburb SE of Nashville on I-24)
Is the local Allison Shop.

http://www.clarkepowerservices.com/loca ... shville-tn

Tell him to ask for Gary Davis and tell him Bryce from KY Lakeside Travel referred him.
(Gary will see that he gets treated right)
;D BK ;D

[crazycal]

Sorry to hear about the trans outcome. I think they are trying to stick you with a red hot poker in the you know what. I think a rebuilt AT545 is about $1800 all day long plus install. I got a quote for a rebuilt MT643 for $2500 using my AT545 as a core. This is from an Allison dealer. This doesn't include install but I was hoping to do that with the help of my BIL. This shop does work for tons of school districts and fire dept., etc.

For the shop to underestimate the cost by $1500 is pure BS. They know exactly how much an AT545 costs installed. Like they have never installed one in a school bus before?

[crazycal]

As far as you engine is concerned, I'm pretty sure it is an E. People were surprised when I told them I had a mechanical injection pump in a 1997. In California, I don't think you could get anything but a DT466E from 1995 on. When I open my engine cover, I'm looking at the injection pump, lines and injectors right there. I will try to post a picture later.

[profbrady]

Yup, the pricing seems pretty questionable to me too. For $4000, I'd hope to have an MT643 in there and a chocolate on my pillow. Going to give another call in the morning and see if I can find out what the deal is. Otherwise, I may have to track down a little shop that may not be authorized and hope for the best

True, I very well may have the 466E based on the year. If you get a chance, I'd be really curious to see what the top of your engine looks like, Crazycal. Let's see if I can figure out how to attach a shot of mine... see if it looks familiar....

[JakeC]

That is for sure NOT an "E". That is an NGD mechanical DT466A ("A" for aftercooled). You basically have the most desireable DT, in my opinion. It is mechanical, but it has the "P" pump, which can be adjusted quite a bit

[profbrady]

Dang, that's some good news about the engine at least! Thanks, I needed that!

Waiting on the shop to email me a breakdown of their estimate and whatever costs I've incurred during the diagnosis. Working on contingencies now... I found a diesel master mechanic the area who works for himself. Think I may see if that dude can pick up the bus and take a swing at it.

[syke]

And try your hardest for an mt643. You won't regret it.

And while the mechanic is in there have him add an exhaust brake and change the rear end gears to something nicer. Just sayin...

Good luck Bud

[crazycal]

That's definitely a P-pump motor, not electronic. To date, yours is the newest model year I have seen with a mechanical DT. The problem with doing a MT swap is the driveshaft will need to be shortened. If the place that has your bus now does it, you will probably have to sell your first born.

[opus]

Front engine bus....545, 643...NO! 10 spd Road Ranger!

[bansil]

Originally Posted by opus

Front engine bus....545, 643...NO! 10 spd Road Ranger!

Got to agree (1-1/2 years later) I will so go manual if I can find bell housing etc on the cheap down the road and thattranny is awesome (of course I have to learn to drive the ole girl)

[syke]

Originally Posted by opus

Front engine bus....545, 643...NO! 10 spd Road Ranger!

Oops I stand corrected. I gotta change my vote to the 10 speed. Or any real manual for that matter. Is an 18 spd possible?

[opus]

18 for sure. Better yet, do a 13 spd with a 4 spd brownie!

For real, I think the 10 would be a pretty cheap install.

[Malkieri]

Wouldn't a clutch pedal and such need to be added as well? How much fabbing would be needed for that? Or is it a pedal set that swaps out, like in old VW bugs? Please explain why you think the install would be cheap.

I have a AT545 in my bus and as a general rule I despise automatics, so please give me some info to convince HER that it would be better....

[opus]

You'd need to get hold of a pedal set. 10 spds are a dime a dozen. A bell housing should be too. These are a rather old setup. I guess if you could get the whole thing as a package, it would be the best buy. If you had to piece it together it might not be as cheap.

No, you aint gunna convince her that driving a 10 spd stick is going to be better. You could get a RTOO9510 which is a double overdrive. You could really tailor your rpms for economy.

[profbrady]

Man, hadn't even really thought about a manual! I've got 2 other cars here, both manuals - actually my clutch foot is killing me right now from sitting in LA traffic

I do like a good old fashioned manual transmission though. Food for thought.

The breakdown of costs I was promised via email today never showed up - guess they've gotta brainstorm how to explain it. In the meantime, I got in contact with a Nashville mechanic who's going to swing by and check out the bus tomorrow. Guy's been working on all kinds of diesels for 35 years, has done a number of transmission swaps, etc on school buses, AND sounds more than happy to work on thing. Fingers crossed that the pieces will come together soon. He's also going to check out the prospects of putting an MT643 in there. Whether it's a 643 or a manual, the consensus here seem to be NOT to put another AT545 in there. I'm right there with ya.

Sounds like it takes a bell housing, a cut down driveshaft, and 2 pints of unicorn blood. Shouldn't be a problem.

In the meantime, here she is in all her glory:



And in shame:

[bapos]

It makes me sick to hear about things like this. Where are the days when people who purchased something and it had a pretty immediate problem they would at least help?

I know the 545 is not the best tranny in the world but seems to me you should be able to find a used unit to get it home at least? I don't think I would want a shop doing a tranny swap doing shop rate? Say they get it in and something goes wrong... they wont come to you and fix it. So you may be in store for more money down the road on that gig.

I hope this horror story have a happier ending. I just really hate hearing about this.

Keep us informed.

[bansil]

Was in the bus today...with a manual the shifter would be behind me a couple feet unless I had a helluva linkage setup
Def. Need to look into it this winter

[Malkieri]

Originally Posted by bansil

Was in the bus today...with a manual the shifter would be behind me a couple feet unless I had a helluva linkage setup
Def. Need to look into it this winter

Or an assistant!
To help you plan I will offer this: If you want the position filled it MUST have a good title attached.... "shift Monkey" will not get many qualified or desirable applicants. "Master Shift Commander" may get a higher caliber.... or maybe "Turtle Gear Selection Specialist". I think you can take it from here! Please provide title choice and pics of applicants upon approval!

[bansil]

I like the last one....get my turtle gear selection specialist to shift lefty from her seat its 2 feet behind mine....

[bapos]

any updates on your status?