Lurking

[Tryonis]

Been lurking for a while, going to look at a bus tomorrow near me. Had a few questions regarding this bus in particular. First if i decide to buy the bus it needs batteries. What can i throw in there just to get it home? Second it has had the outer rear wheels removed so its sitting on singles in the rear, can i limp it home that way (about 30 miles) or do i need to get some used wheels and tires to slap on it? Probably a dumb question but I don't know whats legal or not.

Thanks

 

[EastCoastCB]

Been lurking for a while, going to look at a bus tomorrow near me. Had a few questions regarding this bus in particular. First if i decide to buy the bus it needs batteries. What can i throw in there just to get it home? Second it has had the outer rear wheels removed so its sitting on singles in the rear, can i limp it home that way (about 30 miles) or do i need to get some used wheels in tires to slap on it? Probably a dumb question but I don't know whats legal or not.

Thanks

Sounds like a borderline "parts bus" from that description. If it isn't in amazing shape I'd probably pass.
Any decent 12v battery should start it.

 

[Tryonis]

I asked the maintenance lead guy and he said all that has been removed is batts, tires and flasher lights. Of course i will know more tomorrow. I scheduled a day off to really give it a once over inside and out. It has a 8.3 cummins and a Allison 3060 which i am looking for. It supposedly runs with a boost charge so we shall see. I don't even know if i can test drive it with rear singles.

 

[EastCoastCB]

I asked the maintenance lead guy and he said all that has been removed is batts, tires and flasher lights. Of course i will know more tomorrow. I scheduled a day off to really give it a once over inside and out. It has a 8.3 cummins and a Allison 3060 which i am looking for. It supposedly runs with a boost charge so we shall see. I don't even know if i can test drive it with rear singles.

The singles will be ok. Not for long term, but short term low speeds should be ok. Check their condition and pressure.

 

[Tryonis]

Thanks for replying, so you think i can test drive it or actually get it 30 miles home on singles?

 

[EastCoastCB]

Thanks for replying, so you think i can test drive it or actually get it 30 miles home on singles?

If the singles aren't dry rotted to hell and they're properly inflated I'd go for it if the rest of the bus is NICE.
You know its got a great engine trans combo. But eye everything on it with a lot of scrutiny.

Good luck, and have fun!!!!!!

 

[Tryonis]

I will! Its kinda scary to think of driving the bus for the first time in traffic, kinda like when i bought my first Harley 90 miles from my house and had to drive it home never having driven a street bike before. Thank you again for the advice!

 

[Twigg-SKO]

You can drive it with singles on the rear.

You will probably be close to the load index of the tires, but that's okay.

The reason for duals is to cope with the rear axle at full axle weight ... in my case around 24000 lb. The actual unladen weight on my rear axle is 12400.

I think most full size buses have similar numbers ... I too have your drivetrain, rear engine.

 

[EastCoastCB]

I will! Its kinda scary to think of driving the bus for the first time in traffic, kinda like when i bought my first Harley 90 miles from my house and had to drive it home never having driven a street bike before. Thank you again for the advice!

My first FAST bike was a ZRX1200. Bought it 200+ miles from home. FUN ride back though.

 

[Tryonis]

You can drive it with singles on the rear.

You will probably be close to the load index of the tires, but that's okay.

The reason for duals is to cope with the rear axle at full axle weight ... in my case around 24000 lb. The actual unladen weight on my rear axle is 12400.

I think most full size buses have similar numbers ... I too have your drivetrain, rear engine.

well ok then ill drive it home like that if i can slow and steady, im digging this bus based on the drive train based on what i have read from all of you guys and i really appreciate all of the insight yall have dropped from what i have read.

 

[cowlitzcoach]

Running on singles for 30 miles shouldn't be a problem as long as all of the lug nuts are there and that they are on tight.

Proper inflation is going to be very important as well.

While any 12-volt battery might work, since you are going to be needing a battery it wouldn't be a bad idea to get a proper sized battery. Yes they are a lot more expensive than a little one but a starter on a diesel engine takes a LOT of juice to turn.

 

[Tryonis]

Running on singles for 30 miles shouldn't be a problem as long as all of the lug nuts are there and that they are on tight.

Proper inflation is going to be very important as well.

While any 12-volt battery might work, since you are going to be needing a battery it wouldn't be a bad idea to get a proper sized battery. Yes they are a lot more expensive than a little one but a starter on a diesel engine takes a LOT of juice to turn.

Well that is a good thing because i won the auction! Now i got to get it home.

 

[EastCoastCB]

Well that is a good thing because i won the auction! Now i got to get it home.

30 miles is nothing!

My last bus came all the way from north of Houston to Apopka Fl. At 50 mph the whole way!

Congrats and show us pics of this beast!

 

[Twigg-SKO]

30 miles is nothing!

My last bus came all the way from north of Houston to Apopka Fl. At 50 mph the whole way!

Congrats and show us pics of this beast!

Yup. Mine came 500 miles. Others have gone much further.

If it's a diesel, and it's running, the chances of not making it home are low.

 

[EastCoastCB]

Yup. Mine came 500 miles. Others have gone much further.

If it's a diesel, and it's running, the chances of not making it home are low.

Absolutely.
My 98 shorty had 200k++ miles and 16k hours on it and still made the 1800 mile trip home with no issues at all.

 

[Tryonis]

I will post some pics once i go get it. Still can't believe i just won a bus.

 

[cadillackid]

maybe when you pick it up you can talk nicely to the school lot and get them to toss a set of outers on it.. sometimes they do things liek that for people.

-Christopher

 

[Tryonis]

Ok well the plan is to get up at the crack of dawn tomorrow and go pick up the bus. I have a big ol AGM tractor battery charging right now and hope its enough to crank her. Wish me luck!

 

[EastCoastCB]

Ok well the plan is to get up at the crack of dawn tomorrow and go pick up the bus. I have a big ol AGM tractor battery charging right now and hope its enough to crank her. Wish me luck!

A regular old car battery will get it started usually, unless its a BIG, tired old engine.
You'll be fine with that tractor battery!

 

[Tryonis]

Been sitting a year but we got it turned over with a booster when i went to go look at it last week and i checked all the fluids and etc. Maybe i should bring a can of starter fluid just in case. I know i am probably over thinking this but i want to be prepared as much as possible. Honestly im more worried about not taking out other cars when making turns, LOL.