need opinion on a bus

[jjhwick119]

So, randomly stumbled across a bus today, caught my interest, and im definitely considering it to purchase, once ive heard back about some details on it. ive seen others post not to directly link a bus you want so others dont get it, so is there anyone who is not looking to buy a bus who i can send the link to get an opinion based of the pictures and limited info given? i dont know much about busses, so id love the opinion of someone who knows more.

its early 90s bluebird. also, is there a way to check actual mileage on these things because the odometer reading is incorrect

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by jjhwick119

So, randomly stumbled across a bus today, caught my interest, and im definitely considering it to purchase, once ive heard back about some details on it. ive seen others post not to directly link a bus you want so others dont get it, so is there anyone who is not looking to buy a bus who i can send the link to get an opinion based of the pictures and limited info given? i dont know much about busses, so id love the opinion of someone who knows more.

its early 90s bluebird. also, is there a way to check actual mileage on these things because the odometer reading is incorrect

Tell us about the engine/trans combo. I doubt there is a engine computer to verify odometer, maybe maint records? When unsure of milage, I look at the wear items- brake pedal, drivers seat, dash wear.

Good luck in your hunt !!

[brokedown]

If you don't have an accurate odometer, ask for maintenance records. THey will have the mileage and date of each service.

[jjhwick119]

its a 91 bluebird, 7.3L, automatic, air brakes. about all the info i got, vin wasnt listed. waiting for e-mail reply with vin and condition of several things, or ill call them tomorrow when i get a chance between jobs or on lunch. limited pics, only close ups are on a couple tires so hard to tell about overall condition from pics for me. looks in alright shape, no dmg i can see, straight body, little dirty but nothing a pressure washer and paint couldnt fix

only way odometer is correct is if that 7.3 can roll over 1mil miles

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by jjhwick119

its a 91 bluebird, 7.3L, automatic, air brakes. about all the info i got, vin wasnt listed. waiting for e-mail reply with vin and condition of several things, or ill call them tomorrow when i get a chance between jobs or on lunch. limited pics, only close ups are on a couple tires so hard to tell about overall condition from pics for me. looks in alright shape, no dmg i can see, straight body, little dirty but nothing a pressure washer and paint couldnt fix

only way odometer is correct is if that 7.3 can roll over 1mil miles

Not unusual for these diesel motors to go a million miles.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by o1marc

Not unusual for these diesel motors to go a million miles.

Pretty unusual for any school bus to roll over a half million these days, let alone a million.
MAYBE some Crown with real class 8 gear might go a million, but regular school buses are pretty much pooped by 350k or so.
A million mile 7.3 in a school bus? I highly doubt it unless its had a couple engines.

[Twigg]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

Pretty unusual for any school bus to roll over a half million these days, let alone a million.
MAYBE some Crown with real class 8 gear might go a million, but regular school buses are pretty much pooped by 350k or so.
A million mile 7.3 in a school bus? I highly doubt it unless its had a couple engines.

This ^^^

The engines can go starship mileages, but not in a school bus.

The medium truck engines that go long distances are fitted in medium-duty trucks. They fire them up in the morning, and they get nice and warm, and run like that, all day.

School bus use is considered "severe-duty" and reduces the B50 figure quite a bit.

[cadillackid]

91 with a 7.3 IDI.. definitely not going to be a fast moving bus

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

Pretty unusual for any school bus to roll over a half million these days, let alone a million.
MAYBE some Crown with real class 8 gear might go a million, but regular school buses are pretty much pooped by 350k or so.
A million mile 7.3 in a school bus? I highly doubt it unless its had a couple engines.

My buddy is a diesel mechanic and rebuilds these all the time. Yes, a million miles without a rebuild is unusual, but with proper maintenance, and a rebuild when necessary, diesel engines will last that long.

[jjhwick119]

Got reply with pic of vin, found out good info on running condition / ok info about tires (about half meat left on em). Gonna do a bit of research and follow up again about service records and other stuff I think of

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by o1marc

My buddy is a diesel mechanic and rebuilds these all the time. Yes, a million miles without a rebuild is unusual, but with proper maintenance, and a rebuild when necessary, diesel engines will last that long.

Not in a school bus.
Not a 7.3.

[jjhwick119]

Decided I won't 've purchasing this one, because while I have enough to get the bus and get it home, i don't have a comfortable enough cushion yet in case of a breakdown so I'll be waiting a bit longer. Just getting excited and wanting one quickly. If anyone else is interested, it looks decent (little dirty), it's in good running condition, good shape, no known mechanical or electrical issues, no rust (i asked about body / interior / underside) and about 50% tread on tires - all info not in the posting, it was emailed to me.
https://www.mwmotorco.com/mobile/mde...px?vid=8742263

[jjhwick119]

1hvbazrn9mh384905 is the vin. Picture of vin was on title with odo reading 600 that they sent me

[o1marc]

I'd be very suspicious of that bus. 26 years old and only 2157 miles and wore off half the tread in that time, Not Buying It.
82 miles per year average. If it was in fact a school bus and went an average of 12 miles a day (hugely conservative) you would put that mileage on the bus in one full 180 day school year.

[Robin97396]

I think they just left the reversed drill connected to the speedo cable a bit to long.

[jjhwick119]

i know the mileage is wrong, but i did not inquire about any of the maintenance records, which could provide more accurate mileage information if available

[Robin97396]

I find it highly unlikely that the speedo would quit working at 600 on a bus. It wasn't even broke in when that speedo quit working, unless it was replaced.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by Robin97396

I find it highly unlikely that the speedo would quit working at 600 on a bus. It wasn't even broke in when that speedo quit working, unless it was replaced.

The description mentions it has 2157miles, not the indicated 600. Both of them are incorrect.

[PNW_Steve]

Being a 1991 7.3 I believe that would be the non-turbo IDI 7.3

That motor has a good rep for reliability and economy. When it comes to power..... It has a rep for reliability and economy.

Unless you are a driver with the patience of Job I would consider a bus with a few more ponies under the hood.

Good luck with your quest.