Day -2 problems!

[GhostOutlaw]

Okay, so I bought a bus...I haven't even picked it up and we already have problem #1. Hence, day negative 2. Not day 0, 2 days before hand, we've got an issue!

Seller represented the bus as runs with a jump. Cool, needs new batteries but I can get it home and deal with it.

Except 'their mechanic is off' and the battery pack they used 'isn't big enough to get it started'. My guess is they didn't even attempt to jump it.

Anyway, I anticipated it would need at least some batteries, nbd.

It's a 2002 Chevrolet 3500 with the 6.5L Diesel.

It's close enough where I can stop by prior to to confirm any details but their pickup hours are very inconvenient so here's my plan.

1) Get 2 fresh batteries for this truck. Is this the right size battery? https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...000%7CL3*15597

2) Show up with a voltmeter, attempt a jump with my battery pack.

If success: Drive home
If fail: replace batteries

3)Replace batteries

If fail: refuse delivery
If success: drive home

Any other thoughts?

Most importantly, is that the right battery size? I'm more worried about size than brand. I'll be getting Interstate, if Interstate makes batteries for that size!

Also, are there any other steps I should take?

TYIA!

[brokedown]

I'd ask (demand) they give you a part number off the existing battery, match it up to a standard size (group 27, 31, etc), and buy a pair of them (deep cycle of course) from Tractor Supply/Rural King for about $200 total after tax. Guessing the sizes is error prone... But that's me.

[GhostOutlaw]

Great advice,

I already asked for a part number and they declined stating their 'mechanic is out for the week' and unfortunately waiting a week doesn't fit my timetables.

[HazMatt]

Seem to remember reading, more than once, not to use deep cycles for starting batteries in a bus, but I'm not 100% certain...
Sounds sketchily coincidental their mech just happens to be gonzo. And wtf is stopping them from popping the hood to tell you? Not stellar customer service.
Google your rig's batt requirements.

[brokedown]

I'd be surprised if any of these buses came from the factory with start batteries that weren't deep cycle.

OP, a seller that won't even pop the hood to read the battery label sounds like a seller I'd be inclined to avoid. Ask them how much they're willing to take off the price now that the bus won't start.

[GhostOutlaw]

Originally Posted by brokedown

OP, a seller that won't even pop the hood to read the battery label sounds like a seller I'd be inclined to avoid. Ask them how much they're willing to take off the price now that the bus won't start.

I'm dealing with the state/local government. You might want to set the bar low. Then lower it a bit further. Then remove the floor and lower it again. That's about what to expect. Lol.

[GhostOutlaw]

Originally Posted by HazMatt

Seem to remember reading, more than once, not to use deep cycles for starting batteries in a bus, but I'm not 100% certain...
Sounds sketchily coincidental their mech just happens to be gonzo. And wtf is stopping them from popping the hood to tell you? Not stellar customer service.
Google your rig's batt requirements.

It's summer time, it's believable enough. I am dealing with the state here.

I did a google and I want to confirm said result. That's all. Whoever mentioned calling the local farm and tractor, that was great advice.

Thanks!

[ol trunt]

I'd go with HazMatt on the batteries. Deep cycle batteries are not the proper batteries for a start bank. Start batteries must be able to withstand fast draw downs (while cranking) and fast high amperage recharging. Deep cycle batteries function in just the opposite fashion and will soon fail in a start application.
Jack

[Brad_SwiftFur]

Over the years I've bought name brand batteries, and I've bought "Blems" (blemished) batteries from the El Cheapo battery shop. I've had about the same life expectancy from both but with significant price differences. I would only buy a battery from a big chain store if I was on the road and wasn't in a position to deal with hunting for a discount.

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by ol trunt

I'd go with HazMatt on the batteries. Deep cycle batteries are not the proper batteries for a start bank. Start batteries must be able to withstand fast draw downs (while cranking) and fast high amperage recharging. Deep cycle batteries function in just the opposite fashion and will soon fail in a start application.
Jack

That's how I understand it.

Starting batteries have a greater number of thinner plates and Deep Cycle have fewer thicker plates.

In full size buses I have seen plenty of group 31's, 4D's and 8D's and not much else.

When replacing batteries I look at voltage, CCA, physical size and connection details. If I can match those details I am fine regardless of which specific battery group you pick.

On my first bus, the prior owner had switched from 8D to three group 31's. When it came time to service or replace the batteries I was soooooo thankful. I'm a whopping 140# and lifting a 130# battery nearly 4' off the ground doesn't play for me.....

I never had any issues with the group 31's. Always plenty of juice to spin the 8v71 up.

[HazMatt]

Whaddya know?! I thought I was wrong,
But I was mistaken...

[HazMatt]

Day 2, Plan B..?
https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...73&acctid=4751

[brokedown]

Originally Posted by HazMatt

Day 2, Plan B..?
https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...73&acctid=4751

That will be the 7.3 IDI which is completely different from the 7.3 T444E that replaced it. It is a fine engine, dull by today's standards but mechanically simple. Presumably no turbo, and not particularly powerful. They are very sensitive to a good working glow plug system and will refuse to start in cool weather without it. Like the t444e, Ford also sold this engine in their trucks for many years, so parts availability is still very good from normal auto parts stores.

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by HazMatt

Day 2, Plan B..?
https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...73&acctid=4751

I hope you have plenty of patience......... 7.3 idi in a large bus is going to be SLOW.....

[peteg59]

Originally Posted by HazMatt

Day 2, Plan B..?
https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...73&acctid=4751

NJ and no rust?
Gotta plan "C"???

[HazMatt]

Not strongly advocating, just thought a contigency plan mightn't hurt, given all the agita with that other one.
And at $1k, fits the stated budget.
Just not as cool as the other Dragon Bus I've seen pix of at Burning Man!

[HazMatt]

Originally Posted by peteg59

NJ and no rust?
Gotta plan "C"???

Nawp, I've run clean outta letters!

[brokedown]

Bluebird Vantage has no info on the bus but you should ask about the rear axle ratio. That will let you calculate its ability to operate at highway speeds. I assume their transmission response was a typo and it's a AT545 rather than a non-existent model so you know 4th gear is a 1:1 ratio.

As Steve mentioned, you won't win any races with it. If you intend to race your bus you should look elsewhere!

[TheHubbardBus]

We just went through the same thing. I wanted to have batteries on hand ahead of time as I had a lot to do in a short period of time picking him up, but since there was no way I could know FOR SURE what batteries were in it, what types of posts the battery cables fit, how many batteries there were, etc, so...

I waited until I saw them & checked their condition before going out to buy new ones.
Then just ran down to the auto parts store and bought a couple. 1/2 hr. round trip if I hadn't had to wait for the store to open.

Bring wire brushes to clean cable terminations, and of course a well-sorted tool kit for fasteners.

I don't know how far you have to go, but if it's not just a quick trip across town, I personally wouldn't feel comfortable in a bus I couldn't restart w/o a jump. Our new batteries are now sitting for however long it takes to do the conversion, which is less than ideal, but I'm keeping them hooked up to a trickle charger so our investment in batteries doesn't go to waste.

[HazMatt]

So long as they aren't sitting on concrete, they should ought be OK.