Updates on Comfort Bus

[OrionsComfortBus]

Getting the flexplate, shorter flywheel bolts, rear main seal (might as well since its accessible) and trans fluid (Royal Purple Max ATF). Getting the trans MT643 next month. Then the A/C systems will be on the fix-it list.

 

[cadillackid]

hey orion.. theres a couple threads here where i posted the dip switch settings for the 3800 speedometers that we have... im on the road so i dont have my DTA360 book with me.. but its an easy fix.. someone else recently geared theirs and needed the pages.. their tach was off too i think..

Id locve to find a 4.44 rear for mt DT360 bus.. I have 4.78 now and id like to tach just a few hundred less
-Christopher

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

Vanderhaags has the diffs for the Spicer 175N. All are same cost, about $650 plus core of $150. I'd recommend you get the 4.10 ratio. They have LOTS of those. Total cost for me was $4 less than a grand including shipping. I hope you can find one cheaper.

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

No rush for the dip settings. My phone works well enough for now.

 

[cadillackid]

4.10s with 11R? That seems pretty tall, I’m not sure I’d be able to climb a hill.. is that what you have 11R tires?

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

I was told by a tire guy (we both could be wrong) that the 10 or 11 r is the width of the tire.

I have 10r22.5. tire diameter is 41 inches. You may find as I have that your engine will pull the hills, perhaps a little slower but it will get there. The little engine that could. LOL

 

[cowlitzcoach]

I was told by a tire guy (we both could be wrong) that the 10 or 11 r is the width of the tire.

I have 10r22.5. tire diameter is 41 inches. You may find as I have that your engine will pull the hills, perhaps a little slower but it will get there. The little engine that could. LOL

It is true that the 10, 11, or 12 is the width of the tire. But as the tire got wider, in order to keep the same aspect ratio between tread and sidewall, the sidewall had to get larger as well.

 

[o1marc]

It is true that the 10, 11, or 12 is the width of the tire. But as the tire got wider, in order to keep the same aspect ratio between tread and sidewall, the sidewall had to get larger as well.

How do you define "width"? I have 11" x 22.5" tires on mine, the tread width on the drive tire is only 8", on the steer tires it is only 9".

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

For my Firestone FS560 tires there appears to be a 0.3" difference in diameter between the 10r and 11r tires. Both are rated at 503 rotations per mile.

Your tire make and model may be different.


Love the tape measure on the tire.

 

[cowlitzcoach]

Every tire maker makes their tires a bit differently. And while all of the sizes should be the same none of them are.


Tread design will make a big difference as to the width of the footprint. Position design can also make a difference in the width of the footprint. A traction tread design for a driven axle is going to be different in cross section to a highway tread design for a steer or trail axle.



Some tires have much deeper tread design which can result in a larger diameter or a different cross section.


All I do know is that most 10" tires are smaller with lower weight ratings than an 11" tire and considerably less than a 12" tire.

 

[geminusprime]

Heres some of the dip switch codes. Enjoy.

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

Thanks for that. Now how do I figure out which one?
On another note, During a trip this past Sunday I got the bus up to 75MPH, downhill, with a tailwind and oars out. STROKE! STROKE! STROKE! Lots of shaking like its tires are not balanced but its also barely loaded. I guess it bounces around like a empty trailer, Simply not enough weight on the rear axle. (Star Trek Scotty voice) I'm giving her all she can take, She's breaking up Capt! I actually looked for that in a bumper sticker. Only small ones and plenty of t-shirts.

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

Comfort Bus gets cooler

I am currently at Alignment Right in San Antonio,Tx.

Brought the bus here for brake check and A/C inspection. They started with the air con. So far they found one line has a leak and is plugged up. The compressor magnet clutch checks out good. I've taken a few photos. I might leave here with working A/C, hope so anyway. With summer creeping up, I don't want to sweat any more than I have to. Besides, ya gotta be comfortable in the Comfort Bus.

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

I have a question. What is y'all's opinion on air operated radiator louvers?

Yes, I could easily get a winter front, just seems easier if it opened as the engine warmed up.
Quicker warm up and no concern of overheat if the OAT (outside air temp) got too high.

 

[o1marc]

I have a question. What is y'all's opinion on air operated radiator louvers?

Yes, I could easily get a winter front, just seems easier if it opened as the engine warmed up.
Quicker warm up and no concern of overheat if the OAT (outside air temp) got too high.

They were standard on my 87 BBAA. The school had disabled them, notice the zip ties holding it in the open position. The air line was removed.

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

O1marc, have you thought about getting it functional again? I've seen the air cylinders get rebuilt. I think one converted to a stepper motor.

 

[o1marc]

O1marc, have you thought about getting it functional again? I've seen the air cylinders get rebuilt. I think one converted to a stepper motor.

I sold the bus while replacing the compressor and the buyer was taking to NO,La. said to leave it off as they and we don't get so cold that it's needed. It got thrown in the back of the bus when I sent it to scrap after not fixing the oil pressure problem.

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

some photos and information

Snapped a few pictures of my A/Compressor less engine, the condensers and air tank.

The c164 is the filter drier (flanged) used on my condensers, Not original as seen by the brackets holding them. What would be the easiest way to test the condenser fans?

Could it be as easy as to run a wire from battery positive and touch positive fan terminal?

The mounting bracket for both compressors had a single mounting ear that was unbroken. They removed it in attempt to fix it. I did some quick checking and found Bracketry Systems,Inc. They possibly made that bracket and seems they might have a replacement IF the old one cannot be fixed.

The air tank on my bus. Has a quick drain and two 1/4 turn valves. Not interesting, just thought I show it.

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

Went out with a set of booster cables, split the lines to double the length. Clamped to positive battery terminal on one end. Touched positive fan terminal and all 3 condenser fans spun up equally . . . On BOTH condensers. YAY!


One less thing to replace to get A/C.

 

[cadillackid]

Bracketry systems made a lot of the bracket sets for these busses and they are very proud of their work( pricey ). Red dot also made compressor brackets and often at a lot less money so it’s worth looking into them if you have to replace the bracket. For my dt360 bracketry wanted a grand for the set, the red dot was 250. And of course southern junkyards are worth calling to see if they have take offs .. northern yards like around me are worthless for AC parts as almost none of the northern busses had AC