Hello I'm new here and in need of some help

[Terrapin]

Hello I'm new to the forms I live in Colorado. I'm looking at a Transit bus for rafting company that has a 5.9 Cummins engine and in Allison 545 transmission.the person selling the bus says the turbo needs work it has 188,000 mi on it no rust and he's asking 6,000 I was wondering if this is worth buying. Me and my wife plan on converting it and living in it for the next 5 years. Any info would be great.

Thank you

[CHEESE_WAGON]

Too much $$$ for a bus that needs a turbo, especially with the AT545 trans. Turbo will cost $1000 or more to replace and the AT545 is bottom of the barrel transmission.

[Terrapin]

What do you think would be a reasonable price

[CHEESE_WAGON]

Considering the miles, $1500-$2000 max. And I would go over it with a fine-tooth comb for other mechanical and safety issues. See my pre-trip safety inspection thread. Any other problems, all bets are off. Colorado bus is likely to have rust.

[gussboy]

Originally Posted by Terrapin

Hello I'm new to the forms I live in Colorado. I'm looking at a Transit bus for rafting company that has a 5.9 Cummins engine and in Allison 545 transmission.the person selling the bus says the turbo needs work it has 188,000 mi on it no rust and he's asking 6,000 I was wondering if this is worth buying. Me and my wife plan on converting it and living in it for the next 5 years. Any info would be great.

Thank you

too much money what is compression

[Terrapin]

I'm not sure what you mean by compression

[CHEESE_WAGON]

Originally Posted by Terrapin

I'm not sure what you mean by compression

Engine cylinder static compression readings. A worn-out diesel can limp along with turbo boost pressure. A bad turbo will cause smoking.

[Terrapin]

Okay I wasn't able to start it up. He wasn't home when I went by to look at it. And no key in ignition. If I get a second chance I will ask about compression. I'm thinking he won't budge past 5000 so maybe a lost cause

[BamaBus]

Originally Posted by Terrapin

Okay I wasn't able to start it up. He wasn't home when I went by to look at it. And no key in ignition. If I get a second chance I will ask about compression. I'm thinking he won't budge past 5000 so maybe a lost cause

Maybe it was your lucky day. There are many buses for less, without any problems up front.

[Terrapin]

Where can one find said buses. For I will jump with glee

[gussboy]

engine cylinder compression ,does this motor make a lot of blow by
smoke oil coming out of breather hose ,if engine does not run how can you know if it is just a turbo
how to destroy a turbo ,climb tehchipi grade and shut of engine mwith out time
to cool down motor or blockage in oil linr to turbo or low oil press ,
my opinion is , pay exp mechanic {diesel} to look at motor,have you checkecd forum on bus resource ,chek New mexico bus sale ,person bought a bus there they got busses,and I am a heavy truck driver ,5.9 cummins is overworked in bus service ,go 8.3 os small bus 28 ft for little six engine if it does not run good and drives aaaaah
thunk twice I know I should have

[CHEESE_WAGON]

I know where 100 or so buses are available near me in VA if you are willing to travel for a good one. Some have rust, but not near as bad as other places. Lots of T444E, 3126, DT466E. Some with MD3060s.

[WalterNY]

Originally Posted by CHEESE_WAGON

I know where 100 or so buses are available near me in VA if you are willing to travel for a good one. Some have rust, but not near as bad as other places. Lots of T444E, 3126, DT466E. Some with MD3060s.

We are looking for a bus and would be willing to travel to VA, if there was minimal rust. We are looking for a flat nose FE 30-35'. No Allison 545 obviously. Know of any like that? TIA.

[CHEESE_WAGON]

Originally Posted by WalterNY

We are looking for a bus and would be willing to travel to VA, if there was minimal rust. We are looking for a flat nose FE 30-35'. No Allison 545 obviously. Know of any like that? TIA.

I think most of their flatnose are RE, if not all. The one FE I know of is an AT545, sadly. The REs have mostly T444Es and 3126s with MD3060s. Most are in the 30-38 range, a couple are banging on 40. Some have minor bumps and bruises, some have some rust around the front floorboards, presumably from a leaking heater core. I think this would be an easy fix. These will probably be in the $3500-$5000 range.

[NovaTRON]

Rust free buses at https://www.aaabussales.com

[cadillackid]

I definitely wouldnt pay $6000 for a broken bus! not sure why you cant travel? I have known people selling and buying really decent busses for much cheaper pricies in VA like mentioned.. upstate new york is the rust belt and gonna mean that if someone brought a non rusty bus up there they will charfe a premium like this guy is..



if the turbo exploded it can do damage to the engine.. or if it leaked oil it couldve run the engine out of oil and caused damage.. or is could just be turbo boots..



whyen someone says bad turbno I wouldnt want to ask how they came to the conclusion..



-Christopher

[CattyMoons]

Originally Posted by CHEESE_WAGON

I know where 100 or so buses are available near me in VA if you are willing to travel for a good one. Some have rust, but not near as bad as other places. Lots of T444E, 3126, DT466E. Some with MD3060s.

I’m willing to travel! What’s the place? Do you know if they have an online inventory?

[CHEESE_WAGON]

Originally Posted by CattyMoons

I’m willing to travel! What’s the place? Do you know if they have an online inventory?

Sent you a PM with a link.

[Terrapin]

Cheese wagon
I have family in va. Where about are theses buses I can have some family go take a look at it for me. And I am totally willing to travel. If there is anyway that you can send me that link too I would be appreciative.

[skoontz]

I don't know if this is where CHEES_WAGON was refering to, but I purchased my bus at M & M Salvage in Ruckersville, VA. They have posted a Google Sheets with inventory and links to pictures:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...CDY/edit#gid=0

I got the link from one of the postings they had put on Craigslist.