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Old 05-24-2019, 09:49 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by peteg59 View Post
As you are keenly aware, engine oil is a subject where everyone has their own opinion on and some stink, literally!

Without exception, , here's mine: I've been using Amsoil 100% synthetic lubricants in every vehicle I've owned for the past 30 years. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to save money, and get longer engine life from their vehicles.

While the initial cost to switch to synthetic is higher than conventional "Dino" oil, it has saved me so much $$ in the past 30+ years in not having the hassle of changing oil 3~4 times/year.

The Amsoil company has been manufacturing automotive oils longer than any other synthetic oil manufacturer in the world.
Not sure what type of oil you're using in your bus, but they carry every weight of automotive oil known for 99.9% of vehicles on the road today.

I'm glad to hear you have some time now to not have to rush into getting your bus's oil changed anytime soon.
Check this out in its entirety if/when you have a few minutes. The service life that is called out for diesel heavy duty on/off road might surprise you:https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...ullDescription
Thanks, I will! (And if you have a moment, check out my video...unless oyu already did, then thanks!)

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Old 05-24-2019, 11:01 PM   #22
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I would love to see some pics of your interior.
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Old 05-25-2019, 02:33 AM   #23
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Watch her videos, Steve ... firebuild takes you on a tour of the inside in one and the inside at night in anoher.
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Old 05-25-2019, 06:48 PM   #24
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Watch her videos, Steve ... firebuild takes you on a tour of the inside in one and the inside at night in anoher.
Here you go!

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Old 06-01-2019, 11:33 AM   #25
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And here's the latest:

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Old 06-05-2019, 11:16 PM   #26
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Oil

Quote:
Originally Posted by peteg59 View Post
That oil change video was funny.

All of the shops saying no, then Valvoline saying yes!
It looked like a Chinese fire drill when you pulled it into the bay there.
Glad they got it done for you.

You should reconsider synthetic oil though. The oil change interval can be extended from 3,000 miles to a minimum of 5,000 and up depending on brand and filter you choose.
This will save you money. Kind of a rhetorical question, pardon me I can't help it!: Don't you like to save money?
(I know I do!!!)
Do you recommend synthetic for gas buses or only diesel? Barbara
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Old 06-08-2019, 08:36 AM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by peteg59 View Post
Check this out in its entirety if/when you have a few minutes. The service life that is called out for diesel heavy duty on/off road might surprise you:https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...ullDescription
First of all, oops, sorry for asking you to check out the video, you obviously already did!

Second, thanks for that link, it was very helpful!
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Old 06-08-2019, 10:21 AM   #28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The bus stops here View Post
Do you recommend synthetic for gas buses or only diesel? Barbara
As long as the engine is "healthy" in good running condition with no leaks or oil usage issues, Yes.

The main reason is the extended oil change interval. Not having to do it every 3,000 or so miles is a game changer in my opinion!
In my long history of using synthetics, Amsoil in particular, I have saved lots of $$ over the years by not having to take time out to drop off my vehicles for oil changes as frequently as in the past with "Dino" oil usage.
20,000 miles is their recommended interval for the oil I use. If you put 20K miles on your vehicle in 12 months, that would be 6 conventional oil changes if done every 3,000 as some feel necessary. Even if one goes to 5,000 between changes, it still saves time and money over conventional/Dino oil changes.

You pay a bit more upfront for the oil and synthetic oil filter, but it pays me back in spades over the 20,000 mile range.

Another benefit for those who love the environment, there are 5 fewer oil and filter "dumps" taking place due to my synthetic use. Even if handled in a responsible way, the oil is hazardous to anyone handling it long term, and most of it gets filtered then burned eventually, down the road. Leading to polluted air, etc.

Hope I haven't bored you too much with my schpeel, but also hope you give it some consideration going forward!

Sorry for hijacking your thread. Mary.
Please return to your Firebuild/Buster Lewis/Max adventure, at your leisure!
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Old 06-17-2019, 09:31 PM   #29
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Sorry for hijacking your thread. Mary.
Please return to your Firebuild/Buster Lewis/Max adventure, at your leisure!
Your hijacks are always so useful, so I don't mind! But here is the latest video, anyway.

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Old 06-17-2019, 09:58 PM   #30
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Who say's "You can never go back"????
Beautiful weather, and cool pics of the WW Company!
Nice...
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Old 06-19-2019, 09:04 PM   #31
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Originally Posted by peteg59 View Post
Who say's "You can never go back"????
Beautiful weather, and cool pics of the WW Company!
Nice...
Thanks, Pete! I caught probably the only nice weather day we've had in ages. All it does here nowadays is rain rain rain.
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Old 06-23-2019, 08:25 PM   #32
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Here's the latest:

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Old 06-23-2019, 09:29 PM   #33
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Does your neat, new, compact, gennie plug into the electrical hookup on your bus, or are you simply running an extension cord from it to a 6 outlet power strip, Mary?
I'm looking at one too, but need it to plug into the 30A shore power outlet on the outside.
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Old 06-23-2019, 10:08 PM   #34
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Quote:
Originally Posted by peteg59 View Post
Does your neat, new, compact, gennie plug into the electrical hookup on your bus, or are you simply running an extension cord from it to a 6 outlet power strip, Mary?
I'm looking at one too, but need it to plug into the 30A shore power outlet on the outside.
Hey there! I'm in the unsophisticated extension cord family, but my friend just got a Predator 3500 at Harbor Freight that has the 30 amp hookup. It's more expensive but I guess there's a really good coupon, if it's still usable.

OH - also there's a video on YouTube where the couple has an adapter for this, I'll see if I can find it.
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Old 06-23-2019, 10:16 PM   #35
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Quote:
Originally Posted by peteg59 View Post
Does your neat, new, compact, gennie plug into the electrical hookup on your bus, or are you simply running an extension cord from it to a 6 outlet power strip, Mary?
I'm looking at one too, but need it to plug into the 30A shore power outlet on the outside.

Couldn't find the exact video I was looking for, but I think THIS is the adapter they had:

https://amzn.to/2Fnunfp
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Old 06-24-2019, 08:18 AM   #36
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Quote:
Originally Posted by firebuild View Post
Couldn't find the exact video I was looking for, but I think THIS is the adapter they had:

https://amzn.to/2Fnunfp
^...That adapter should work. Thanx for posting it!
Any luck on Max's transmission diagnosis?
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Old 06-24-2019, 02:11 PM   #37
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Originally Posted by peteg59 View Post
^...That adapter should work. Thanx for posting it!
Any luck on Max's transmission diagnosis?
Just now heard back from the shop. Initial diagnosis is cam sensor... but... the throttle cable broke on the test drive.

Both of these seem like cheap parts. This shouldn't be too over the top price wise, right?
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Old 06-24-2019, 02:21 PM   #38
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No, not without the labor charges...
__________________
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Old 06-24-2019, 02:30 PM   #39
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Cam sensor:
https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Ford-...gateway&sr=8-3
^double check vehicle fitment! There were other cheaper offerings, but this is a Motorcraft, (Ford), part.

Throttle cable is something you might need to source at a Ford dealer, or get a used one from a Vehicle Recycling Center, (AKA: the junkyard).
Either way, shouldn't be too expensive on parts side. If you are needing these parts installed at a shop though, it could get pricey.

Throttle cable breaking on the test drive is odd. Unfortunately this will likely need replacing immediately, so you can drive it home/away. When a cam position sensor goes bad, it usually leaves one stranded wherever it happens. If you trust this shop, probably just have them do the repairs and hope for the best...

Anyhoo, Good luck, and hopefully this gets the issue resolved!
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Old 06-24-2019, 03:07 PM   #40
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Quote:
Originally Posted by peteg59 View Post
Cam sensor:
https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Ford-...gateway&sr=8-3
^double check vehicle fitment! There were other cheaper offerings, but this is a Motorcraft, (Ford), part.

Throttle cable is something you might need to source at a Ford dealer, or get a used one from a Vehicle Recycling Center, (AKA: the junkyard).
Either way, shouldn't be too expensive on parts side. If you are needing these parts installed at a shop though, it could get pricey.

Throttle cable breaking on the test drive is odd. Unfortunately this will likely need replacing immediately, so you can drive it home/away. When a cam position sensor goes bad, it usually leaves one stranded wherever it happens. If you trust this shop, probably just have them do the repairs and hope for the best...

Anyhoo, Good luck, and hopefully this gets the issue resolved!
Like I said on the other thread I wonder if the throttle cable was the real culprit, and the cam sensor was more of a guess based on the sound. When the guy called me the person test driving it was still stranded up the street so they hadn't done actual diagnostics and I think he just THOUGHT it was the cam sensor. That would make the cable breaking on the test drive more understandnable.

I kinda trust the shop, but not form personal experience. It will be interesting to see the price quote
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