Bus with a 237 Mack engine

[CompLexxx]

Hey guys, I am looking at buying a Bus with a 237 Mack engine in it, with it's paired 15 speed fuller transmission and rear end. He says he rebuilt all the mechanics before putting it in. Does anyone have any feedback on this combo, what kind of mileage it should get and any other info that would be good to know, thanks!

 

[ewo1]

Hey guys, I am looking at buying a Bus with a 237 Mack engine in it, with it's paired 15 speed fuller transmission and rear end. He says he rebuilt all the mechanics before putting it in. Does anyone have any feedback on this combo, what kind of mileage it should get and any other info that would be good to know, thanks!

I used to own an '80's R model Mack with a 237 engine, 6 speed lo-hole tranny.
It was a solid running engine but it was a DOG, no power when pulling loads on the hills. That's why they called them puppy dogs...Lol.

If yours is backed to a 15 speed... !!! wow now that is interesting!
Your gonna be doing alot of shifting but on the highway...who cares. It the city that will drive me nuts!

got a pic of the bus???

 

[EastCoastCB]

Hey guys, I am looking at buying a Bus with a 237 Mack engine in it, with it's paired 15 speed fuller transmission and rear end. He says he rebuilt all the mechanics before putting it in. Does anyone have any feedback on this combo, what kind of mileage it should get and any other info that would be good to know, thanks!

What kinda bus came with a Mack in it?

 

[CompLexxx]

The bus has a raised roof and is not painted so it's multicolored and nothing special at the moment, but once fully finished there is tons of potential for it to be a really unique vehicle!

What kinda bus came with a Mack in it?

It's not stock

 

[musigenesis]

The bus has a raised roof and is not painted so it's multicolored and nothing special at the moment, but once fully finished there is tons of potential for it to be a really unique vehicle!



It's not stock

Can you do the mechanical work on this bus yourself?

 

[CompLexxx]

Can you do the mechanical work on this bus yourself?

I can learn, but currently have never touched diesels, why?

 

[musigenesis]

I can learn, but currently have never touched diesels, why?

If you have to take the bus to a mechanic, I imagine a non-stock engine and transmission is going to cost you a lot more.

 

[CompLexxx]

If you have to take the bus to a mechanic, I imagine a non-stock engine and transmission is going to cost you a lot more.

Why's that? Is there something particular about the mack engine? From what I read it was a pretty easy engine to work on

 

[Mountain Gnome]

I don't think it would cost more. I wouldn't charge "more" unless it was shoehorned in like Ford does with its V8s in an (old) van, compared to an (old) Dodge. If it's a dognose bus, no difference to the mechanic, really.


Either way, though, it is going to cost you a lot more for any mechanic to work on any bus for you.


The maintenance is easy. Really. Basic repairs can be walked-through with someone here holding your hand (through the internet wires). Or watch any of a dozen U-tube videos.


Unless you just don't like getting dirty. To each his own. But if you want to own a bus, get ready to pay for it.....

 

[CompLexxx]

No, basically that is what I was expecting and that I would find guides online to follow to get the job done. The age of information has it's perks

 

[ewo1]

If you have to take the bus to a mechanic, I imagine a non-stock engine and transmission is going to cost you a lot more.

The good thing about a 237 engine, no computer. Easy to work on too!
My experience with them, back when I used to be an owner operator, good Solid engine!

 

[CompLexxx]

The good thing about a 237 engine, no computer. Easy to work on too!
My experience with them, back when I used to be an owner operator, good Solid engine!

Good to hear, thanks!

 

[musigenesis]

I don't think it would cost more. I wouldn't charge "more" unless it was shoehorned in like Ford does with its V8s in an (old) van, compared to an (old) Dodge. If it's a dognose bus, no difference to the mechanic, really.

Do you not have to spend some time figuring out what was actually done and what you have in front of you? As opposed to working on a bus with a standard engine and transmission setup?

 

[Mountain Gnome]

Do you not have to spend some time figuring out what was actually done and what you have in front of you? As opposed to working on a bus with a standard engine and transmission setup?

The bus is a platform. The motor is a component. I don't look to BlueBird for help with my motor. I look to Cummins.


An old motor like that would be fully documented. Just looking at it is enough to tell what is going on. Even if it was a newer bus with emissions, an alternator is an alternator. An air compressor an air compressor. A power steering pump is a power steering pump. A starter is a starter. I need very little, if any, specialized info to fix those things. A computer is a computer, just need the right setup and tech info for the one you are dealing with. I could look it up for a Cummins, International, or Mack. Same with diagnostic info. I can look it up for any motor. The platform does not matter.



Things might be a little different in a modern car with a motor swap. Bring your Toyota truck with a Chevy motor swap to the Toyota dealer, and you will be turned away. I had a Mercury Villager, built in the factory with a Nissan motor and running gear. Same as a Nissan Quest minivan. The original owners said neither Ford nor Nissan would work on it.

 

[100mpg]

15 speed?
10 forward, 5 reverse?
or i never heard of it.

 

[CompLexxx]

15 speed?
10 forward, 5 reverse?
or i never heard of it.

I am not a truck specialist, but I have seen 17 and 18 speed truck transmissions so I figure 15 is possible. The 18 speed has 3 reverse speeds. By truck I am speaking about 18 wheeler transport trucks from which the Mack came from.

 

[EastCoastCB]

Please post pics of this beastly creation when/if you can! This sounds like a dream.

 

[Oscar1]

I am not a truck specialist, but I have seen 17 and 18 speed truck transmissions so I figure 15 is possible. The 18 speed has 3 reverse speeds. By truck I am speaking about 18 wheeler transport trucks from which the Mack came from.

What are your intentions for this bus? Stationary home? Country cruiser or inner city?
Do you have any large truck driving experience with a standard transmission?
I’m not saying you can’t do it but it really sounds like it’s all new to you and throwing yourself all in could become very overwhelming.
Good luck

Oscar

 

[CompLexxx]

What are your intentions for this bus? Stationary home? Country cruiser or inner city?
Do you have any large truck driving experience with a standard transmission?
I’m not saying you can’t do it but it really sounds like it’s all new to you and throwing yourself all in could become very overwhelming.
Good luck

Oscar

I'm not the type to be overwhelmed easily. I'm a jack of all trades type and welcome learning new things. The truck drivetrain is very exciting and I love the idea of being able to tow a big boat or trailer behind her without any issue. She'll be used as a full-time living RV, and once covid restrictions are over she might be used to go cross country.