When is engine access from cab needed (conventional bus)

[cdrobbins77]

I am almost done rebuilding my entire dash area, HATED the brown vinyl. Also since I relocated my entry door it just made sense to redo it. My current design has the wood dash extending down and partially covering the engine “hump” access point. My question is, how often is that access point used/needed? I would assume its not used for regular maintenance but I’m no diesel mechanic. I can make that section of the dash removable, but would like to know just how often I’ll be needing to remove it. Thanks.

 

[Booyah45828]

What bus? If it's a transit style bus, that hatch should be opened every day you drive to check oil levels and for leaks.

 

[cdrobbins77]

37’ Conventional International AmTran

 

[Sehnsucht-SKO]

Are you talking about a hump in the floor or up on the firewall? Is it screwed closed or quick access? What is behind it on the engine or transmission? If it's not for daily inspection it might still be for mechanical access to avoid having to pull the entire powertrain just to access some semi-frequently or predictably failing component.

 

[cdrobbins77]

There is a hump, mostly on the firewall but it does extend onto the floor a little ways, it's bolted on with probably 10- 12 bolts. Not sure exactly what is behind it. I can't imagine it would be for regular use since it's bolted on
Edit: see photo in my original post, where the plywood extends to the floor in the center of the bus if you look closely it's obscuring half of that hump

 

[Booyah45828]

Looks like you added a picture to your original post.

It appears you have a conventional nosed school bus, and that hump really shouldn't have to be removed in those. So you're dash design will work. Looking good too btw.

 

[somewhereinusa]

Why take the chance. You say you can make it removable. It would not be good to make it so you would have to remove the whole dash to get at something. Depending on what engine you have, some things would be nearly impossible to do without getting at the back of the engine.
As an example, there is a LOT of room around and above my engine, I had to remove the hatch above the rear of the engine to properly adjust the valves.

 

[EastCoastCB]

Make it removable.

 

[solleks]

+1 removable. essential imo