Where is the battery in my '97 Chevy Blue Bird 38 ft?

[MichaelTromba]

I suspect my battery is low. Lights on the dash come on but the engine isn't turning over.
I started it the other day long enough to move the bus slightly in my driveway. I tried again right after and nothing happened. Too many buttons and switches!

The manual I have is big on electrical schematics but worthless when it comes to illustrations.

By the way, I know there is a serious engine problem. The seller said the manifold had been welded but it leaks. The thing is real loud. I shudder to think what a proper repair would cost!

Where exactly is the battery in case I need to jump it with my car? It's a 1997 Chevy Blue Bird AP65 about 38 feet long. See the pictures I have uploaded elsewhere here.

[Rwnielsen]

Should be a door, outside driver's side, just behind where your seat is.

[o1marc]

Under the drivers window outside.

Behind the door with 98 on it.


I would source a used manifold, shouldn't be too expensive. Definitely fix that though, leaky manifolds can lead to burned valves and other issues.

[MichaelTromba]

Thank you very much! Your kindness is appreciated. The battery looks new. I hooked up my car anyway but the bus still wouldn't start, not even turnover. THEN, I moved the automatic gearshift. I had it in R instead of N. The bus started up right away. I'm sure the neighbors heard it. My bus is LOUD. I was able to reposition it the way I want in my driveway. Now all I have to do is find a BMV location with a huge lot so I can get the title in my name and register the thing in Ohio.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by MichaelTromba

Thank you very much! Your kindness is appreciated. The battery looks new. I hooked up my car anyway but the bus still wouldn't start, not even turnover. THEN, I moved the automatic gearshift. I had it in R instead of N. The bus started up right away. I'm sure the neighbors heard it. My bus is LOUD. I was able to reposition it the way I want in my driveway. Now all I have to do is find a BMV location with a huge lot so I can get the title in my name and register the thing in Ohio.

Yep, there's no "park" on the shifter.

[MichaelTromba]

Yes, I discovered that! How does the parking brake work? Which position is "on?" Is it pulled UP or DOWN?

[Oscar1]

Originally Posted by MichaelTromba

Yes, I discovered that! How does the parking brake work? Which position is "on?" Is it pulled UP or DOWN?

Hi Michael
With air brakes up (pulling out on the yellow knob) is brakes engaged and pushed in is brake released, the reasoning here is that you will be less likely to accidently fall against the knob and engage the brake. Imaging travelling down the road at highway speed and something falls on the knob and locks up the brake. Would not be fun.
Glad you're working through things and figuring it all out.
Cheers

[MichaelTromba]

There's a yellow knob?

[Kentucky Dreaming]

If you have air brakes, there
is. It is usually on the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel. Yellow octagonal knob what sez PARKING BRAKE in big black letters.

[MichaelTromba]

Thank you kindly. It looks like I don't have air brakes. I have a lever. I wish I could post a photo here. Look in my picture collection. I'll make sure it's there.

[Kentucky Dreaming]

Yup, Looks like you have hydraulic brakes. Best way to tell is crawl under there and see if there are big air cylinders on the rear axles with levers and linkage to the brake drums.

Or brake lines like on a passenger vehicle.
Or open the hood and see if there are brake lines coming from a master cylinder. I'm not familiar with what a hydraulic system on a vehicle that large would look like..

[Oscar1]

Hi Michael
I just looked at your pics, yes you are correct you do NOT have air brakes. and you are also correct that the pic you indicated the lever is your park brake. In the straight locked position the brake is on and when you move the lever up so that its in 90* angle the brake is released.

[jimmythomas]

Pull the lever up to engage the brake. The knob on the end of the lever can adjust the cable slack. There should be a warning light to show the brake is on.

[cadillackid]

thats definitely hydraulic brake bus..



RE the manifold, do you know what engine is in the bus? Manifolds for most engines are still available or can be welded to repair..



these busses were made with typically CAT diesel 3116s (3126 in 98+) and with 454 Gasoline engines...