Re: Checking a new Bus t444e Turbo Seals?
Hi, thanks for the advice. That runaway diesel business makes me definitely think a chunky CO2 extinguisher would be a nice cuddly travelling companion. The bus is a Thomas, 1995, with the low roof (one strike against it). I got a chance to look at it today and am not sure what to think. I'm going to go back to drive it on Tuesday to see how it handles, shifts etc. The frame looks good (not that I'm an expert) but there wasn't any serious rust and it appeared to be straight. It has hydraulic brakes which also seemed ok. I think it may have it's original tires on it. Is this possible @ 80,000? - They didn't have deep tread, but they weren't bald and they weren't gouged either.
Smoke-wise I couldn't tell whether it was oil or fuel - mostly whitish not that thick, maybe a bit of a blue hue in there too, almost mor of a haze than something puffy. There was some smoke coming out of the breather and a little from the dipstick as well. Unfortunately the bus is at a scrapyard and they don't seem to have any information about its background. While I like air brakes (inherently trust them more) the fact that it's hydraulic and under CDL weight makes me think that it would be hard getting in too much trouble with the 5-oh driving it to a diesel shop etc. pre-conversion. I mean you either have 50 kids, humans, or labrador retrievers on there or not right?
Anyway without having driven it yet, the bus seems like it might be an ok deal? They're asking $2800. If you have any advice whether this is a good deal or not I am completely all ears. And very much appreciate it. Very glad to know about the runaway diesel thing too - that's new to me. I'll file it next to "dread-fear of widow-maker tires!" Which the bus has as well.
anyway thanks! -Benjamin
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