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05-12-2021, 12:04 PM
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#1
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Montreal, Canada
Posts: 66
Chassis: Blue Bird
Engine: 6.7 Cummins
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Bus with a 237 Mack engine
Hey guys, I am looking at buying a Bus with a 237 Mack engine in it, with it's paired 15 speed fuller transmission and rear end. He says he rebuilt all the mechanics before putting it in. Does anyone have any feedback on this combo, what kind of mileage it should get and any other info that would be good to know, thanks!
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05-12-2021, 02:30 PM
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#2
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Central Tx.
Posts: 1,990
Year: 1999
Chassis: Amtran / International
Engine: DT466E HT 250HP - Md3060
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CompLexxx
Hey guys, I am looking at buying a Bus with a 237 Mack engine in it, with it's paired 15 speed fuller transmission and rear end. He says he rebuilt all the mechanics before putting it in. Does anyone have any feedback on this combo, what kind of mileage it should get and any other info that would be good to know, thanks!
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I used to own an '80's R model Mack with a 237 engine, 6 speed lo-hole tranny.
It was a solid running engine but it was a DOG, no power when pulling loads on the hills. That's why they called them puppy dogs...Lol.
If yours is backed to a 15 speed... !!! wow now that is interesting!
Your gonna be doing alot of shifting but on the highway...who cares. It the city that will drive me nuts!
got a pic of the bus???
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05-12-2021, 03:34 PM
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#3
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,764
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CompLexxx
Hey guys, I am looking at buying a Bus with a 237 Mack engine in it, with it's paired 15 speed fuller transmission and rear end. He says he rebuilt all the mechanics before putting it in. Does anyone have any feedback on this combo, what kind of mileage it should get and any other info that would be good to know, thanks!
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What kinda bus came with a Mack in it?
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05-12-2021, 04:25 PM
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#4
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Montreal, Canada
Posts: 66
Chassis: Blue Bird
Engine: 6.7 Cummins
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The bus has a raised roof and is not painted so it's multicolored and nothing special at the moment, but once fully finished there is tons of potential for it to be a really unique vehicle!
Quote:
Originally Posted by EastCoastCB
What kinda bus came with a Mack in it?
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It's not stock
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05-12-2021, 04:30 PM
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#5
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 7,000
Year: 2003
Coachwork: International
Chassis: CE 300
Engine: DT466e
Rated Cap: 65C-43A
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CompLexxx
The bus has a raised roof and is not painted so it's multicolored and nothing special at the moment, but once fully finished there is tons of potential for it to be a really unique vehicle!
It's not stock
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Can you do the mechanical work on this bus yourself?
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05-12-2021, 05:56 PM
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#6
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Montreal, Canada
Posts: 66
Chassis: Blue Bird
Engine: 6.7 Cummins
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Quote:
Originally Posted by musigenesis
Can you do the mechanical work on this bus yourself?
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I can learn, but currently have never touched diesels, why?
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05-12-2021, 07:16 PM
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#7
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 7,000
Year: 2003
Coachwork: International
Chassis: CE 300
Engine: DT466e
Rated Cap: 65C-43A
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CompLexxx
I can learn, but currently have never touched diesels, why?
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If you have to take the bus to a mechanic, I imagine a non-stock engine and transmission is going to cost you a lot more.
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05-12-2021, 07:57 PM
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#8
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Montreal, Canada
Posts: 66
Chassis: Blue Bird
Engine: 6.7 Cummins
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Quote:
Originally Posted by musigenesis
If you have to take the bus to a mechanic, I imagine a non-stock engine and transmission is going to cost you a lot more.
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Why's that? Is there something particular about the mack engine? From what I read it was a pretty easy engine to work on
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05-12-2021, 09:11 PM
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#9
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 1,222
Year: 1999
Coachwork: BlueBird
Chassis: TC1000 HandyBus
Engine: 5.9L 24V-L6 Cummins ISB
Rated Cap: 26 foot
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I don't think it would cost more. I wouldn't charge "more" unless it was shoehorned in like Ford does with its V8s in an (old) van, compared to an (old) Dodge. If it's a dognose bus, no difference to the mechanic, really.
Either way, though, it is going to cost you a lot more for any mechanic to work on any bus for you.
The maintenance is easy. Really. Basic repairs can be walked-through with someone here holding your hand (through the internet wires). Or watch any of a dozen U-tube videos.
Unless you just don't like getting dirty. To each his own. But if you want to own a bus, get ready to pay for it.....
__________________
Look at the Sky; look at the River. Isn't it Good?
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05-12-2021, 10:43 PM
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#10
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Montreal, Canada
Posts: 66
Chassis: Blue Bird
Engine: 6.7 Cummins
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No, basically that is what I was expecting and that I would find guides online to follow to get the job done. The age of information has it's perks
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05-13-2021, 05:50 AM
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#11
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Central Tx.
Posts: 1,990
Year: 1999
Chassis: Amtran / International
Engine: DT466E HT 250HP - Md3060
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Quote:
Originally Posted by musigenesis
If you have to take the bus to a mechanic, I imagine a non-stock engine and transmission is going to cost you a lot more.
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The good thing about a 237 engine, no computer. Easy to work on too!
My experience with them, back when I used to be an owner operator, good Solid engine!
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05-13-2021, 08:40 AM
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#12
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Montreal, Canada
Posts: 66
Chassis: Blue Bird
Engine: 6.7 Cummins
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ewo1
The good thing about a 237 engine, no computer. Easy to work on too!
My experience with them, back when I used to be an owner operator, good Solid engine!
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Good to hear, thanks!
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05-13-2021, 03:12 PM
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#13
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 7,000
Year: 2003
Coachwork: International
Chassis: CE 300
Engine: DT466e
Rated Cap: 65C-43A
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mountain Gnome
I don't think it would cost more. I wouldn't charge "more" unless it was shoehorned in like Ford does with its V8s in an (old) van, compared to an (old) Dodge. If it's a dognose bus, no difference to the mechanic, really.
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Do you not have to spend some time figuring out what was actually done and what you have in front of you? As opposed to working on a bus with a standard engine and transmission setup?
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05-13-2021, 03:37 PM
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#14
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 1,222
Year: 1999
Coachwork: BlueBird
Chassis: TC1000 HandyBus
Engine: 5.9L 24V-L6 Cummins ISB
Rated Cap: 26 foot
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Quote:
Originally Posted by musigenesis
Do you not have to spend some time figuring out what was actually done and what you have in front of you? As opposed to working on a bus with a standard engine and transmission setup?
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The bus is a platform. The motor is a component. I don't look to BlueBird for help with my motor. I look to Cummins.
An old motor like that would be fully documented. Just looking at it is enough to tell what is going on. Even if it was a newer bus with emissions, an alternator is an alternator. An air compressor an air compressor. A power steering pump is a power steering pump. A starter is a starter. I need very little, if any, specialized info to fix those things. A computer is a computer, just need the right setup and tech info for the one you are dealing with. I could look it up for a Cummins, International, or Mack. Same with diagnostic info. I can look it up for any motor. The platform does not matter.
Things might be a little different in a modern car with a motor swap. Bring your Toyota truck with a Chevy motor swap to the Toyota dealer, and you will be turned away. I had a Mercury Villager, built in the factory with a Nissan motor and running gear. Same as a Nissan Quest minivan. The original owners said neither Ford nor Nissan would work on it.
__________________
Look at the Sky; look at the River. Isn't it Good?
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05-19-2021, 06:40 PM
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#15
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Skoolie
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Long Island NY
Posts: 162
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15 speed?
10 forward, 5 reverse?
or i never heard of it.
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05-19-2021, 08:41 PM
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#16
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Montreal, Canada
Posts: 66
Chassis: Blue Bird
Engine: 6.7 Cummins
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 100MPG
15 speed?
10 forward, 5 reverse?
or i never heard of it.
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I am not a truck specialist, but I have seen 17 and 18 speed truck transmissions so I figure 15 is possible. The 18 speed has 3 reverse speeds. By truck I am speaking about 18 wheeler transport trucks from which the Mack came from.
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05-19-2021, 09:32 PM
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#17
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,764
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
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Please post pics of this beastly creation when/if you can! This sounds like a dream.
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05-19-2021, 10:08 PM
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#18
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Fraser Valley British Columbia
Posts: 1,043
Year: 2007
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freightliner
Engine: C7 Cat
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CompLexxx
I am not a truck specialist, but I have seen 17 and 18 speed truck transmissions so I figure 15 is possible. The 18 speed has 3 reverse speeds. By truck I am speaking about 18 wheeler transport trucks from which the Mack came from.
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What are your intentions for this bus? Stationary home? Country cruiser or inner city?
Do you have any large truck driving experience with a standard transmission?
I’m not saying you can’t do it but it really sounds like it’s all new to you and throwing yourself all in could become very overwhelming.
Good luck
Oscar
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05-19-2021, 10:10 PM
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#19
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Montreal, Canada
Posts: 66
Chassis: Blue Bird
Engine: 6.7 Cummins
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Oscar1
What are your intentions for this bus? Stationary home? Country cruiser or inner city?
Do you have any large truck driving experience with a standard transmission?
I’m not saying you can’t do it but it really sounds like it’s all new to you and throwing yourself all in could become very overwhelming.
Good luck
Oscar
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I'm not the type to be overwhelmed easily. I'm a jack of all trades type and welcome learning new things. The truck drivetrain is very exciting and I love the idea of being able to tow a big boat or trailer behind her without any issue. She'll be used as a full-time living RV, and once covid restrictions are over she might be used to go cross country.
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