1997 AmTran International DT466

[crazycal]

On the plane waiting to takeoff. Holy crap. More to follow.

OK. Back to finishing this post. I caught a red eye on untied. OMG! That was probably the worst flight I have ever been on. Every single seat was booked. The pilot said it was a 737-900. So that's a pretty new plane I imagine. If the seats were any closer together, you'd be standing up. I'm surprised they didn't charge me to breath on the plane. The flight worked out OK. I got to where I was going.

When I arrived in Nashville, GreyEagle picked me up. He is a super nice guy and I really appreciate what he did for me. I hope I can repay the favor if he comes to California.

I'm sure you're dying to hear about the bus. The bus is in good shape, not perfect but very well maintained. I asked for a copy of the maintanence records and was given a printout. The length is perfect. The wheelbase is short. A couple of things that I didn't know the bus had, rear air suspension and an air ride drivers seat. I have been doing noise abatement at a few stops. I'm going to have fun with this bus. One thing that I noticed, the fit and finish on the Bluebird is nicer, but who cares. I just need to get things in order and I will be a happy camper.

[mightybus]

Originally Posted by crazycal

On the plane waiting to takeoff. Holy crap. More to follow.

All aboard for fun!
What airline are you flying?
You're welcome to stop by in Texas.
Keep fuel logs.
Good luck.

[Collin Humble]

This adventure sounds a lot like my bus beginnings... I like the sound of it! Good luck!!

[crazycal]

I have a question about engine temp. It's about 200* and sometimes 210* if I am pulling a long grade. Does that seem high? Other diesels I've had we're always less. Oil is fine and fresh. Coolant level is fine.

The trans is running about 180*. Fluid is nice and red. I've never had a trans temp gauge that worked.

[bansil]

Not sure on that engine,what kind speed and rpms are you pushing?

You aren't pushing the old girl to hard are you?

When I first got mine the front louvers where 1/2 way closed...i opened them the whole way.

So maybe open the front grill and check for closed vents or maybe a cat or squirrel stuck to radiator

Hows it going?

[crazycal]

Originally Posted by bansil

Not sure on that engine,what kind speed and rpms are you pushing?

You aren't pushing the old girl to hard are you?

When I first got mine the front louvers where 1/2 way closed...i opened them the whole way.

So maybe open the front grill and check for closed vents or maybe a cat or squirrel stuck to radiator

Hows it going?

2000@ 50mph. I don't think I'm pushing her too hard. I've had 3 rabbits and one turtle pass me on the freeway. Front louvres are opened. I don't think it's dangerously high, just being cautious.

[bansil]

Originally Posted by crazycal

I've had 3 rabbits and one turtle pass me on the freeway. .

Who was in the lead?

Those temps aren't out of bounds I don't think

Do you have pressure on the radiator hoses when hot?If not maybe rad cap isn't holding pressure

My temp climbed to 195-ish when coming home up moderate hills any other time it was 180

and 180 is a good tranny temp,hot eenuf to get ride of moisture and cool enuf to not varnish fluid

[GreyEagle]

CrazyCal sure lives up to his handle.I placed a crazycal sign in the front window at the airport and this crazy guy waves me down.
We had a good chat on the way to Pulaski, The folks at the school garage where most helpful. I think he got everything he ask for, all his questions answered etc.
I last saw him at Wally World getting stocked up on water, food, fuel, tools, tape, paint and a few others items....... that I won't mention just kidding.
I rolled east on highway 64 and he was to roll west on 64 toward Memphis.....
Happy trails and have a safe trip home.
PS crazycal..... save the AC for the really hot days ahead. ... you'll need it.
Drop us line, or post and let us know where you are and how its going...

[bansil]

Greyeagle,one day our paths will cross and I'll have a cold one waiting for you,thankyou for helping him out.
Oh...and crazy one...how's it going?

[crazycal]

GreyEagle, thanks again. You rock! Don't forget to look me up when you come to Cali.

Bansil, it's going good but slow. The temps are close to a hundred and I'm worried about the tires. They are hot and so am I. When GOD was passing out insulation, I think International Bus overslept that day. OMFG!!! This bus is an oven. My Bluebird can sit in the sun all day and not be this hot. Yeah i know, bitch, bitch, bitch. This is a cool bus. A few things bug me but the positives are much more than negatives.

And for the news that you've all been waiting for...(drum roll please)... my first fill up to calculate mileage. 12.286 miles to the gallon. This is real numbers starting with tank topped off, not I started with a quarter tank(I think) and I did this and that. This is full tank to full tank. I'm sure it will change when I hit some serious hills.

Crazy signing off for now.

[chev49]

you should get good mileage cause your bus is so small its rated capacity is "0"

[GreyEagle]

Originally Posted by bansil

Greyeagle,one day our paths will cross and I'll have a cold one waiting for you,thankyou for helping him out.
Oh...and crazy one...how's it going?

I'm not waiting on that day to come, having my "cold one" right now.......
just in case we never cross paths...... but thanks for the beer....
I'll bet crazycal could use a cold one right now. Man it was hot when we picked up the bus but with the engine temps up to normal I'd bet it's near the 120 degrees in the bus.
going to be one memerable trip home for crazycal...

[bansil]

Amen,I finally got a day to work on "the skoolies personal microwave" it was 98 by the thermometer I dropped on the table...in the shade! Wtf? This is TN in June....
I had the ceiling fan on inthe bus as well as another fan and I had shiat sticking together that was just plain wrong...and hell my ice melted in the cooler,inside the bus but I still had 10 cold ones and several waters
So all was good....in a fire and brimstone kinda way
Crazycal!!!
I hope all is good for ya'...keep hydrated and make sure to eat,even if you don't "feel" like it.

[GreyEagle]

Yes drink uh? water...
The cold beer will need to wait until you get home to sunny Cal.
How are you and the AmTran holding up?
Need some salt too to keep you going... 109* today in Manchester, a new all time record for June...
Keep trucking, may the force be with you.

[Collin Humble]

Hit 108 degrees in Las Vegas today, and we are just getting warmed up! But I could never drive my bus around in weather like this...

[crazycal]

OK. Been drinking water like a fish. I can't believe how hot it is.

Mileage updates.

12.286
11.276
10.129. This one was not less than 21-2200 rpm including hills. Overall, I'm pretty happy with my mileage numbers. Too tired to write more right now. The heat is zapping the life out of me.

[crazycal]

I started this thread because I need ideas for locking my front door. If you have any pictures, please post them there.

http://www.skoolie.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=12799

[dirtygoat]

Good to hear things are going well...

That kind of mileage, I could live with...

Keep us posted and have a safe trip...

[bansil]

Originally Posted by crazycal

I started this thread because I need ideas for locking my front door. If you have any pictures, please post them there.

Sorry
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It's been hyjacked
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It's now the crazycal road trip report

So where are you on the journey?

You need to let us know...we are intreged

[Tango]

On the locks --- check with the manufacturer. I got a keyed locking handle that was available from Blue Bird for the rear on my old unit and they may have an option for the front as well. Many of the skoolies were also rigged at the factory for other applications that required locks. Just a thought in case you haven't tried there yet. If so, they will be an easy fit.