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Old 03-19-2018, 02:52 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Florida
Posts: 26
Year: 1998
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Vista
Engine: T444e
Picked Up A Bus, Have Some ?'s

Hi everyone, brand new here. A friend and I just picked up a 1998 Thomas Vista International school bus with the T444e. We are very excited to start the process of fixing it up and converting it.

1. I am planning on doing an oil service on it but I'm not sure of the oil capacity and what type of oil would be best for it, only has 182k miles. Suggestions would be appreciated.

2. The transmission dipstick is also missing, anyone know of a good place to order or pull one? Im in North Florida.

3. What type of power steering fluid should I use? There are 3 suggested types on the reservoir but I can't actually find any of the suggested kinds for sale on line.

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Old 03-19-2018, 04:35 PM   #2
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Year: 1997
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Chassis: TC2000 FE
Engine: Cummins 5.9
Rated Cap: 72
My t444e vista takes 18 quarts of oil. Don't forget to pre-fill the filter before you put it on as wll.
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Old 03-19-2018, 04:48 PM   #3
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brokedown View Post
My t444e vista takes 18 quarts of oil. Don't forget to pre-fill the filter before you put it on as wll.
What kind of oil would you recommend?
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Old 03-19-2018, 04:51 PM   #4
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Rotella all the way.

Grab a couple of these at your local walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Shell-Rot...5-gal/54604946
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Old 03-19-2018, 04:59 PM   #5
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Florida
Posts: 26
Year: 1998
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Vista
Engine: T444e
Quote:
Originally Posted by brokedown View Post
Rotella all the way.

Grab a couple of these at your local walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Shell-Rot...5-gal/54604946
Thank you! Any suggestions on power steering fluid?
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Old 03-19-2018, 05:16 PM   #6
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Location: Owasso, OK
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Year: 1999
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Engine: Cummins 6CTA8.3 Mechanical MD3060
Rated Cap: 46 Coach Seats, 40 foot
Quote:
Originally Posted by e90bmw View Post
Thank you! Any suggestions on power steering fluid?
Depends on the bus.

Mine uses the same 20W40 Motor-oil that the engine uses.

Sam's, by the way, sells Rotella T4 for under $60 for 5 gallons.

I use it in my motorcycles too.
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Old 03-19-2018, 05:31 PM   #7
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Year: 1997
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Chassis: TC2000 FE
Engine: Cummins 5.9
Rated Cap: 72
I've bought the 5 gallon bucket before and as a Vista owner I can say that it's a lot easier to fill your oil with the 2.5 gallon jug!
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Old 03-19-2018, 05:36 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brokedown View Post
I've bought the 5 gallon bucket before and as a Vista owner I can say that it's a lot easier to fill your oil with the 2.5 gallon jug!
The Sam's stuff is a double-pack of 2.5 gallon jugs.
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Old 03-19-2018, 07:21 PM   #9
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Year: 1996
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Chassis: International
Engine: T444E 7.3L
I use Shell Rotella 15W40 and these engines take anywhere from 16-20 quarts depending on the chassis. Change the oil, oil filter, and fuel filter every 10,000 miles and grease the chassis every 5,000 miles. These grease fittings on the steering, suspension, driveline, and air brakes (if equipped) are easy to get to with a hand grease gun.

Probably be able to order a new dipstick through an International dealer.
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Old 03-19-2018, 07:35 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Twigg View Post
The Sam's stuff is a double-pack of 2.5 gallon jugs.
That's awesome then. The 5 gallon bucket I used was a real pain in the ass! I didn't have a better option so I was dipping a red solo cup to scoop oil out of the bucket and pour into the funnel. The jugs you can just pour!
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Old 03-19-2018, 07:36 PM   #11
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Brunswick, GA
Posts: 150
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Blue Bird
Chassis: TC2000
Engine: 5.9 Cummins
Rated Cap: 84
When I picked up my bus, I asked the mechanics what they used in their fleet. They use Delo 400, so I Googled "Rotella vs Delo" and found that in most of the forums and articles Delo rated at least as good as Rotella. Therefore, I have chosen to keep it on Delo.
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Old 03-19-2018, 07:38 PM   #12
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Tahoe
Posts: 513
Year: 1997
Coachwork: International
Chassis: 3000RE
Engine: T444E w/ MT643
Rated Cap: 84 pass, 40'
Quote:
Originally Posted by e90bmw View Post
Hi everyone, brand new here. A friend and I just picked up a 1998 Thomas Vista International school bus with the T444e. We are very excited to start the process of fixing it up and converting it.

1. I am planning on doing an oil service on it but I'm not sure of the oil capacity and what type of oil would be best for it, only has 182k miles. Suggestions would be appreciated.

2. The transmission dipstick is also missing, anyone know of a good place to order or pull one? Im in North Florida.

3. What type of power steering fluid should I use? There are 3 suggested types on the reservoir but I can't actually find any of the suggested kinds for sale on line.
Call your local International dealer with the last 8 of your VIN number and ask for your line set ticket. It will have all kinds of great info on your bus and they will be able to sell you a dip stick if you can't find one elsewhere and recommend what power steering fluid to use (if there is an acceptable one that isn't listed) or sell you what is recommended.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
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Old 03-19-2018, 07:44 PM   #13
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Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: TC2000 FE
Engine: Cummins 5.9
Rated Cap: 72
I'm sure Delo is just fine as well. THe important thing is to use a good Diesel oil, and it helps if it's easy to acquire.
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