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Old 02-12-2006, 10:18 AM   #1
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Year: 1993
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Chassis: International
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Quieting a front-engine bus

Just some ideas...skoolies are noisy, but they can be quieted.

First, the universal stuff:
Seal all openings in the firewall & floor! They let in noise, dust, and engine heat. Don't forget the plases where the pedals & throttle cable pass through.
I added lots of sound deadening matting to the firewall (may require engine removal...I had to repower) and top of the bonnet, which made a HUGE difference.
Make sure the cab-area windows & the door seal properly.
Hunt down those squeaks & rattles...they can make a big difference.

Engine stuff:
Don't run headers. Manifolds are quieter & more durable.
Dump that big fixed-blade fan. Clutch fans are probably best, but I use a flex fan since there are no parts to wear out. An auxiliary electric can keep things cool (especially an automatic transmission) in traffic & climbing hills.
Turbos can actually help to quiet diesels.
Open-element air cleaners can be VERY loud...I use a dual-snorkel silencer with air intake ducts taking in air beside the radiator.
Check your engine mounts--worn out rubber can transmit lots of vibration.

Manual transmissions (like my Spicer) tend to whine in high gear...autos are quieter, but then you're stuck with a slushpump. The noise can't really be eliminated, but insulating the floor above the trans can at least keep it out of the bus.

Older buses on 9.00-20 or 10.00-20 tube tires are brutal...9.00 or 10.00R20 radials are a huge improvement. Tubeless 22.5 radialss are quieter & smoother, but pricey. For the quietest highway ride, run rib tires on all wheels...this makes traction on dirt pretty bad, though. I will run rib tires in front & traction Bandags in back (I have factory 22.5" Budds).

On flat-nose buses, engine noise is magnified. Insulate the inside cover, and make sure the gasket where it seals to the bus floor is in good shape.

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Old 02-13-2006, 09:46 AM   #2
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I think putting in Dynamat around the engine compartment and laying down carpet would help a lot too.
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Old 02-13-2006, 08:51 PM   #3
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carpet and pad definately helps a lot!
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Old 03-21-2006, 02:08 PM   #4
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Location: Rossland BC, Canada
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It's nice. I just did another 5000km's in our bus in Febuary in Canada and laid as much insulation and carpeting in the front as possible and it sure helped noise and heat. My problem was getting the carpeting to form around the transmission hump and the interior area around the pedals. Also a bit of a mess with mucky boots and dogs. So I will be going a full vinyl flooring this summer.

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