Bus sounds like it will explode

[drozda44]

We have run into an issue with our 2001 bluebird skoolie. It ran fine when we first got it, then the battery was disconnected while we were working on interior. We have had reason to move it lately and when we reconnected the battery, the bus turned over quickly and ran while idle for about 5min before it starting getting louder to the point where it sounded like it was about to explode. We turned off the ignition. At first we thought it might just be overheating but those sounds are described differently than what we heard. Mechanical changes that have been done included gutting some wiring (but we made sure the bus ran after we gutted) and redirecting the coolant from the interior bus heater that we gutted back to itself (so it forms a closed connection instead of going through the old heater).

Haven't been able to find any info related to this issue and honestly might be a thing that makes us scrap the project if we can't figure it out. Any tips would be appreciated!

[bluebird90]

We need more info on the bus, engine , trans ect. also a better description of the noises. Can't help without details. check all fluids.

[nikitis]

Perhaps an audio recording too of the engine up close about to explode?

[Timeline]

A on/off fan clutch can make a large sound when it turns on. Is the coolant level right?

[BamaBus]

If it's a T444 this maybe helpful
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f37/2...ion-40868.html

[nikitis]

Originally Posted by BamaBus

If it's a T444 this maybe helpful
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f37/2...ion-40868.html

Interesting, never knew about CAP.

Just read the thread there. My T444E has not done this to me yet. In fact it's an extremely steady paced engine on startup. Idle doesn't fluctuate at all, and seems more stable than my car and truck in idle.

I'd probably have a heart attack if it just ramped up on me like that. Was the CAP system implemented in 94-97 3box T444E's?

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by nikitis

Interesting, never knew about CAP.

Just read the thread there. My T444E has not done this to me yet. In fact it's an extremely steady paced engine on startup. Idle doesn't fluctuate at all, and seems more stable than my car and truck in idle.

I'd probably have a heart attack if it just ramped up on me like that. Was the CAP system implemented in 94-97 3box T444E's?

if its in your 3 box it will be a parameter calld cold ambient protection and you can turn it on or off.. in cold weather i use it along with my webasto to arm the bus up nicely

[Omnibot2000]

I wonder if he is hearing the engine ramp up with the exhaust back pressure valve closing. He needs to make a you tube video.

Timing is about right. After 5 min. of idling my engine starts to idle up but I have my EBP valve turned off.

[Ronnie]

Sounds like it will explode? as in revving very high, or knocking loudly? Which one or both?

[Omnibot2000]

Yeah.

Big knocking and banging sounds=Bad

High RPM after 5 min. idle and sounds like a jet engine=Not bad.

[UFO pilot]

Is there any chance its a cold idle "ramp up" to warm a sitting engine?

Back in 2005 I helped a friend drive a nearly new moving truck cross-country from CA to IL, an International box truck from Penske. Truck ran fine the entire time. On cold days if she sat after starting and idling (about 5 minutes-ish) the engine would build revs on its own to a fast idle and stay there until we either drove the truck or it warmed up enough to make the computer happy.

So, any chance its a fast idle sounding sus from age?

[Omnibot2000]

Originally Posted by UFO pilot

Is there any chance its a cold idle "ramp up" to warm a sitting engine?

Back in 2005 I helped a friend drive a nearly new moving truck cross-country from CA to IL, an International box truck from Penske. Truck ran fine the entire time. On cold days if she sat after starting and idling (about 5 minutes-ish) the engine would build revs on its own to a fast idle and stay there until we either drove the truck or it warmed up enough to make the computer happy.

So, any chance its a fast idle sounding sus from age?

That's kinda what we are suspecting.

Unfortunately we get a few more people then we should that signs up to ask. Read comments and disappears to really follow up on or they figure it out on there own and don't come back.

Kinda sucks cause people come and give the time to answer and does not follow back up on it even for giving answers for others let's say a couple years from now with same problem.

[Drew Bru]

Originally Posted by Omnibot2000

That's kinda what we are suspecting.

Unfortunately we get a few more people then we should that signs up to ask. Read comments and disappears to really follow up on or they figure it out on there own and don't come back.

Kinda sucks cause people come and give the time to answer and does not follow back up on it even for giving answers for others let's say a couple years from now with same problem.

Maybe it really did explode after all?

[Omnibot2000]

Originally Posted by Drew Bru

Maybe it really did explode after all?

Oh my.....

Maybe it did and the OP is not with us anymore.

[nikitis]

Just as a pre emptive measure, if I ever stop posting here without telling y’all, then I died.

[cadillackid]

sometimes its a busthey havent even bought yet... so when they read the responses here they steer clear and maybe dont buy a bus for minths years or never...

[Tin Roadtube Vagrant]

Rest in peace brother, but what a way to go. Engine-block-claymore is real, those pieces hit hard. Hoping it's the Night Train that seals the deal on eternity for me some day and not some stranger's bus.