1992 Ward Senator #52 - Mechanicals

[RevyRev]

I found out today from the mechanic that the bus has an oil leak at the rear seal of the transmission equaling 14 hours of labor. The exhaust manifold is leaking and has broken bolts, which requires someone special to get them at $300/bolt plus 10 hours labor. The labor is $130/hour. Labor estimate with no parts...$3,100. .

My preventive maintenance is $693. Not bad.
She needs all new tires in the back.

Somebody, anybody, tell me something...encouraging. This is a lot of money. Can this stuff wait until May? Can I drive it down south?

I am thankful they didn't say the engine is bad and to junk it. Not unless they didn't want to tell me.

 

[Njsurf73]

So an oil leak is never good, but how much is leaking? If it isn't pouring out... You would have to stop periodically and check/fill.
The exhaust leak/broken studs is a concern.. the gasses can enter the cabin. I don't think driving it will do any damage to the engine (provided you keep the oil level up)
If the oil is leaking badly, you may want to consider other drivers/riders and the hazard it could cause.. oil on windshield, oil on glasses, slippery road, etc...

 

[RevyRev]

So an oil leak is never good, but how much is leaking? If it isn't pouring out... You would have to stop periodically and check/fill.
The exhaust leak/broken studs is a concern.. the gasses can enter the cabin. I don't think driving it will do any damage to the engine (provided you keep the oil level up)
If the oil is leaking badly, you may want to consider other drivers/riders and the hazard it could cause.. oil on windshield, oil on glasses, slippery road, etc...

I remember seeing a small leak at the truck stop. Someone else had recommended when I drive to leave some windows open. Thank you for your response. I appreciate it.

 

[Njsurf73]

Remember, diesels "mark their territory"
Keep checking the fluids and watch to make sure the leak doesn't progress.

I remember seeing a small leak at the truck stop. Someone else had recommended when I drive to leave some windows open. Thank you for your response. I appreciate it.

 

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

I found out today from the mechanic that the bus has an oil leak at the rear seal of the transmission equaling 14 hours of labor. The exhaust manifold is leaking and has broken bolts, which requires someone special to get them at $300/bolt plus 10 hours labor. The labor is $130/hour. Labor estimate with no parts...$3,100. .

My preventive maintenance is $693. Not bad.
She needs all new tires in the back.

Somebody, anybody, tell me something...encouraging. This is a lot of money. Can this stuff wait until May? Can I drive it down south?

I am thankful they didn't say the engine is bad and to junk it. Not unless they didn't want to tell me.

Where are you at?
The labor hours are out of a manufacturers book for minimum charge rate?
The engine does not leak oil out of the rear main seal of the transmission?
The motor has a rear main seal that can be time consuming to replace depending on the exact setup/accessibility you have.
The transmission has its own rear shaft seal that could leak but don't take that long to replace depending on access restraints. But even a rear main in a school bus shouldn't take 14-hours.
If it's just a little leak then think about it as rust prevention on the under carriage if you add a quart at every fuel fill then it's time to address it.
The exhaust manifold studs are an issue but if a garage tells you that it takes a specialized company/person to do it then that means that they don't want to do it but if you pay the money they are asking then they will.
It doesn't take a specialized company or person it just takes someone that knows what,how, and willing to do it. In this day and age I guess someone like that is a specialized person.
Get a second opinion/price and then bring to me in NC.
Depending on a few things like dropping the entire oil pan or raising the motor if needed? I Don't know that I am set up for the rear main seal but I can do the manifold studs in a few hours.
That price is high?or I have cut myself short several times? But I ain't a garage either more like a mobile mechanic which in the business world cost more but for yourself it don't even compare.
Good luck

 

[EastCoastCB]

My local Navistar dealership only charges $700 for a rear main seal replacement.
I'd get a second opinion before shelling out that much money.

 

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

Quick search.
The rear main on your 466 can be done in frame by only separating the transmission from the engine and have the proper size 300$ seal tool for your year make of the 466 that you have. International played around with that seal size and install tool size for awhile. Can't be BS'ed unless you have done enough to know better? If it's a little drip every now and then then Run it and check the fluids.
But that still does not equal 14 hours of labor for a proper shop.

 

[RevyRev]

My local Navistar dealership only charges $700 for a rear main seal replacement.
I'd get a second opinion before shelling out that much money.

Hey brother! Is that including parts.

 

[RevyRev]

Hey brother! Is that including parts.

My local Navistar dealership only charges $700 for a rear main seal replacement.
I'd get a second opinion before shelling out that much money.

And I am not paying that!

 

[EastCoastCB]

And I am not paying that!

IDk Call em up. "Parts" are one seal and a new stud. I'd guess less than $75. Call around and ask.:wink1:

 

[RevyRev]

IDk Call em up. "Parts" are one seal and a new stud. I'd guess less than $75. Call around and ask.:wink1:

Called another mechanic today. He said the bolts are difficult to get out, but that price is ridiculous! The entire quote he said is over priced.

 

[EastCoastCB]

Called another mechanic today. He said the bolts are difficult to get out, but that price is ridiculous! The entire quote he said is over priced.

For a rear main seal and a stud I'd maybe expect to pay $1200 or so. $3000 is pretty steep.
These shops see us kinds of folks coming. Its best to be dirty and greasy when you go in. Speak with a strong southern accent lol.
Keep us updated!

 

[RevyRev]

For a rear main seal and a stud I'd maybe expect to pay $1200 or so. $3000 is pretty steep.
These shops see us kinds of folks coming. Its best to be dirty and greasy when you go in. Speak with a strong southern accent lol.
Keep us updated!

I am dying! I don't know if you have seen me, but the most I can pull off is the southern accent!! I will keep you posted!

 

[#1FordFan]

I had to fix 3 broken exh manifold bolts on mine last winter. Took me bit but I got it done. Mine was a 5.9L Cummins the manifold shrunk enough to break one bolt the other were stressed enough that they snapped when removed was tried.

If yours is the same they are 10MM X 1.5 metric thread.
They way I did mine was after removing all the engine parts you would expect I then
Removed the front tire and wheel, fender extension and shock. That gave much better access to the 2 bolts that were broken at the back of the head.
Do yourself a favor buy a multi piece manifold so this never happens again.
And make sure the exh is free flowing so there is less heat built up anywhere.

 

[lyleapgmc]

A rear transmission seal replacement is not a big job. I haven't worked on a bus but have r &r'd the transmission in my 3500 GMC van a few times. I takes about two hours to remove the transmission. This is not necessary to replace the seal on the output. Remove the drive shaft then the seal.



Some here have moved the seal failure to the engine rear main. I didn't read that in the OP. Still it isn't a huge job. Some rear engine seals do require a special tool to install, even some small block Chevys. Borrow one at the local auto parts store.



As for the exhaust manifold bolts, any rusty bolt or stud can be a real pain to remove. To suggest a specialist is ridiculous. Some experience with removing broken rusty bolts is sure handy. One method for removing broken studs is to weld a nut to the remaining stud and put a wrench on the nut. The heat from welding helps to loosen the stud.


Good luck.