1995 8.3l l6 3116

[maverick20]

Newbie alert

Looked at this flat front bus today. Everything looked good, tires were nice. Only rust I saw was mostly on the steps going into the bus - is this something to be concerned about if we’re to redo the flooring?

Bus has 170k miles and 14 some hours. Needs a new alternator but that’s it. 2 new air conditioners installed and new battery. Air brakes. 72 seater but prolly only about 26 ft long... didn’t measure but did the window method estimate. Guy is selling for $3100, not sure how much a new alternator is (any advice would be helpful). Seems like a decent deal, we can probably offer a little less. What do you think? Best part is it’s located 30 mins from our home so it makes things easy.

Wondering about the engine mostly.. seems to have a good rep but possibly lacking on the power is what I hear?

Thanks in advance!!

[o1marc]

Miles and hours seem suspect for a bus that old. Price would be dependent on where the bus is from. If there is visible rust on the stairs, it will be worse under the floor. Offer $2500 if the rust isn't too bad. Does it have a Caterpiller 3116? It's only 6.6L. An 8.3 is not known for lack of power. What kind of bus is it? Flat nose, Front engine, Rear engine, dog nose? If it's not an RE it probably doesn't have a 8.3l

[Native]

The origial post states it is a flat nosed bus with a 3116 in it. Did not mention if it is front or rear engine.

[maverick20]

Originally Posted by o1marc

Miles and hours seem suspect for a bus that old. Price would be dependent on where the bus is from. If there is visible rust on the stairs, it will be worse under the floor. Offer $2500 if the rust isn't too bad. Does it have a Caterpiller 3116? It's only 6.6L. An 8.3 is not known for lack of power. What kind of bus is it? Flat nose, Front engine, Rear engine, dog nose? If it's not an RE it probably doesn't have a 8.3l

It is a cat 3116TA-215 with the engine in the rear so when we’re converting we will have to work around that a little bit as it takes about 2 feet in the back. It was a church bus.
The rust is definitely visible, it’s eating away at the corners of the stairs. The engine has a lot of surface rust on it but the guy was saying that’s just from sitting for awhile. We’re thinking about offering 2,200.
Only other issue is that the height of the bus is about 6’2” so with our conversion we might want to raise it, not sure yet. We’ve looked at some short busses with the roof being at 6’5” which is a little more do-able sense we’re tall.

[EastCoastCB]

I'd pass on this bus. Too many shortcomings. Needs work, has rust, low headroom.

[maverick20]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

I'd pass on this bus. Too many shortcomings. Needs work, has rust, low headroom.

Thanks for your input, is there a model or engine that you prefer in buses? Just trying to narrow down my search. We’re open to a short bus too.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by maverick20

Thanks for your input, is there a model or engine that you prefer in buses? Just trying to narrow down my search. We’re open to a short bus too.

cummins 5.9 or 8.3
Navistar 7.3/444E or DT466
Cat 3126

Those are the main, most common engines. The 3116 isn't a bad engine. The injectors are a pita and the injection timing is sort of a black art. The 3126 is electronically controlled but much more well-regarded engine.
If I found a real nice bus I wouldn't let the 3116 deter me, but this doesn't sound like any special bus.