Advice on bus purchase?

[thewildsomewhere]

We are looking at a 1994 GMC Bluebird with a CAT 3116 engine with 130k. We've heard mixed reviews on the CAT engine. Anybody have experience? They're asking 4k.

[jhagan]

Where is the bus from / located? If it's a southern state, it may be okay with the lack of salt / rust.

Cats do require maintenance, but they are dependable motors when cared for.

I'd be more concerned with the transmission.

Which transmission does it have?

[WIbluebird]

3116 isn’t the best CAT motor around. Get one of the late 90s or newer with the updated 3126.

Sounds like a fairly run of the mill bus. You can be prettty picky here especially if you’re looking for a full size. I recommend getting something with an Allison MT643 or a 2000 at the bare minimum.

[Danjo]

That price sure is right. Any rust? Really only 130K? Seems way low for a ‘94.

Send pics!

[Truthseeker4449]

I would avoid a 3116, the general manager at my local Thomas dealer used to work for the county when they had both the mechanical 3116 and the computerized 3126. He told me that the 3116 buses were always in the shop vs the 3126s that rarely had issues until they got to much later in life. The 3116 has a complicated mechanical fuel system under the valve cover. I suspect finding a mechanic who is familiar with the 3116 would be rather difficult.