Updates on Comfort Bus

[OrionsComfortBus]

OK!
I think I found the formula for figuring out the International Speedometer DiP switch settings.

Tire diameter multiplied by 3.14 to get circumference. divide that by 12 to get feet. 5280 feet per mile divided by tire circumference. multiply that by the rear axle ratio and use that final number to cross reference the dip switch settings.
HERES MINE
40 X 3.14=125.6
125.6 / 12=10.4
10.4 / 5280=507.69
507.69 X 3.91=1985
1985 = 1001000010

Going to check this tomorrow.

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

Here I am, back at Alignment Right to get the bus front A/C finished. I've brought 2 new filter driers (sporlan c-164). They have repaired the dual compressor mount. Now I wait for them to install the mount, compressor and new high pressure hose, vacuum the system down and see if it holds. I will take pictures of the completed work. I did dust off the evaporator cover and vents so that is ready to be put back on.

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

The front AC is functional. It's great, putting out loads of cold air . . . Unless the bus is moving more than 25 MPH. Then any cold air that was in there is lost due to the draft.

I'm happy it works but now it needs additional sealing and insulating to keep it cool.

 

[Native-SKO]

If it ain't one thing, it's another!

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

That's true. At least it's not a boat. I'd hate to be tossing money in a hole in the water.HaHa.
I actually wouldn't mind having a 150-200' boat. I simply haven't found one in my price range. Seen a used 120 ft science vessel for sale once, would you believe they wanted over 4 million$ for it? It was sold the following month.

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

Got tired of the auxiliary heater in the bus making noise. Dry bushing squeak and discovered one of the fan brackets (it has two small fans) was broken causing it to flop around a bit. I used some WD40 on the fan motor bushings and the squeak is gone. Getting the broken bracket welded and it should be ready for next winter. Total cost was a few hours of my time.I did pick up a couple tubes of silicone for the windows. Also plan to add a strip of generic mud flap to the bottom of my jack-knife door, try to keep the cold air in while driving.

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

After dropping off my Dad, I got busy applying aluminum colored silicone to the bus windows. One small tube did 3 3/4 windows. I'm going to need A LOT more silicone. As far as the door, I'm thinking of laying down some plastic wrap and fill the gap between it and the door. That way it won't stick to the step well. OR I use some other method to reduce the air gap to near zero. I've included a few pictures of my excellent novice caulking work.

 

[Sleddgracer]

After dropping off my Dad, I got busy applying aluminum colored silicone to the bus windows. One small tube did 3 3/4 windows. I'm going to need A LOT more silicone. As far as the door, I'm thinking of laying down some plastic wrap and fill the gap between it and the door. That way it won't stick to the step well. OR I use some other method to reduce the air gap to near zero. I've included a few pictures of my excellent novice caulking work.

a little tip for neat caulking - tape with masking tape on either side of where you want to caulk - run your bead of caulk, then smooth it with your finger ( rubber gloves optional ) then immediately remove the masking tape - looks very professional when you're done

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

Thank You for the tip. I realized I needed a glove far too late. I finished unclogging the evaporator drain lines. Water was splashing out of the condensate tray every time I slowed down.

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

Got some lunch with Dad in the bus. Along the way, the alternator started squawking so now I'm replacing it before it seizes up. 160 amp $302 from oreillys. Waiting on them to get the pulley off the old one.

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

The awesome that is Seafoam

After watching a few youtube videos about Seafoam (channels Project Farm and Seafoam) I finally went and got some. I picked up a gallon and two 16oz cans. Put the gallon in the fuel tank with 1/4 tank of fuel remaining and the 16 ouncers in the crankcase. Then drove about 30 miles before filling the tank and driving to Austin and back. That trip normally burns a half a tank. This last time it only burned a little over a quarter of a tank. About near as I can figure, my mileage has almost doubled.

Ive bought new oil filters and fresh oil. Going to replace the filter tomorrow and fill it up. Its draining tonight.

I hope this trend continues. I plan on dosing the crankcase again with another quart of seafoam with the fresh oil. Seems to have taken care of a rattle I was hearing at about 2200-2300 RPM. It idles better as well.

Lastly There is a belt squeak still. I got the alternator as tight as I can with a pry bar before tightening the adjusting nut. We think it might be the new A/C belt. Might need adjusting to stop the slip. Ill check the tension. New alternator is performing great. Volt meter goes up to 14 volts at idle and stays there with all lights on and A/C on high. The old one couldnt do that.

Next month The Transmission. AT545 to MT643

 

[Native-SKO]

Do you have your 643 lined up?

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

Do you have your 643 lined up?

Not yet. I'm assured they will be available when I'm ready. Ive already got the shorter crank bolts, a new rear seal and the flexplate.

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

Do you have your 643 lined up?

I called LKQ an hour ago. They have at least 10 of the renewed MT643's left at $645.00
Get em while you can.

 

[EastCoastCB]

I called LKQ an hour ago. They have at least 10 of the renewed MT643's left at $645.00
Get em while you can.

I'll see if they have any left when I get some more bus money!

 

[cadillackid]

Been driving on my LKQ 643 now.. finally got my floor and doghouse properly mated.. got about 500 miles on the 643 now.. huge difference.. they work great.. though my Speedo doesn’t work.. not yet sure if it’s just my crappy gauge cluster or if these 643s have a speedo gear instead of a tone wheel.. I need to run a wire into my cab and measure for AC volts coming from the VSS to be sure.
It was a’uch worthwhile upgrade for my DT360...
EC imagine your FS with one!!
Christopher

 

[cadillackid]

Hey Orion. Do you have 2 compressors on your dt360? If so can you take pics of how the brackets and belts are set up. I really want 2 on mine.

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

The only pictures I have are already posted. Basically the compressors are staggered, using a single belt each on the outer two V-belt grooves of the fan pulley. I didn't get many pics of when it was being worked on.


First picture is what it used to be. The next three are what it is now.


Looks like both compressors are mounted to bracket by the lower left ears. The left compressor is tensioned off the right one. The right one is tensioned off a bar mount.

 

[cadillackid]

super thanks!! I see what they did... mine has 2 belts around the engine, fan, and alternator.. and another belt around the engine, fan, and air brakes compressor.. and then I used the outer groove on my fan for my single AC.. looks like I could pretty much bolt one compressor to the other and pull that redundant belt.. use my 2nd fan groove for the other A/C..

 

[OrionsComfortBus]

super thanks!! I see what they did... mine has 2 belts around the engine, fan, and alternator.. and another belt around the engine, fan, and air brakes compressor.. and then I used the outer groove on my fan for my single AC.. looks like I could pretty much bolt one compressor to the other and pull that redundant belt.. use my 2nd fan groove for the other A/C..

Glad to be of help to you.

Now if I could just get a great quote to paint the bus roof white and insulate the interior, I'd have a project for after the transmission swap.