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Post by mikehypercube on Aug 13, 2008 16:14:43 GMT
Hi there, I've got a Leyland Atlantean with O.380 engine (assume it's model AN68 from what's fitted), with semi-automatic transmission. Transmission worked fine in January but bus has been sitting since then, and when I tried to put it in gear it would not go.
The gear does seem to engage, since it rocks forward by about an inch, and drops back when the accelerator is disengaged.
Could it be a stuck wheel, or could there be some transmission fluid that might have leaked out during this time? I don't have any manuals for anything, and there is at least one filler cap I don't know the function of.
Also the people at the yard where it is kept, said they tried to move it once and could not engage the gears, so they towed it. I guess that rules out a locked wheel?
Is there any other way that the transmission can simply fail while nothing is happening? I want to get it moving again and get a new MOT (it's currently SORNed).
Many thanks if anyone can give me even basic pointers of things to look for,
Mike
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Post by Jonathan Smith on Aug 14, 2008 5:57:44 GMT
I would start at the front and work back.
What method is used to select the gears?
Is it electrically operated or pneumatic?
In the case of electrically operated I would be looking for a dirty contact on the gear selector, possibly a blown fuse. Low battery power, lack of charge from the alternator.
The standard fix for this situation is to turn off the engine, close the battery isolator for a few seconds, then restart the engine, (bit like switching a computer off and on to clear a fault).
In the case of pneumatic I would be looking for an air leak or blockage.
If the gears are engaging I would try selecting a different gear to move off or try going back wards. As you say the brakes may be binding, if they towed it they may have simply dragged it with the wheel not turning properly.
If none of that works then I would be looking at the gear box. But thats a job I wouldnt take on myself.
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Post by mikehypercube on Aug 19, 2008 0:55:23 GMT
Hi Jonathan, thanks for getting back to me so quickly. Unfortunately I didn't manage to get to the bus at the weekend to try any of that.
The hard reboot sounds a good idea. I always have to run up the engine for about 20 minutes as the left hand compressed air reservoir is leaky. I presume the gear selection is electrical, there's a sort of ball shape with an odd metal layer above that. I've tried second (exactly the same) but not dared to try reverse as I have no room back there unless I can get back out.
It could also be that the leaky air means that it's not completely releasing one of the brakes on that side.
I'll let let you know what I find next time I get there.
Many thanks,
Mike
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Post by Jonathan Smith on Aug 19, 2008 7:31:47 GMT
The air leak may be part of the problem.
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Post by mikehypercube on Sept 2, 2008 2:38:46 GMT
Thanks Jonathan. I managed to try the reboot, no change but I was glad to do a complete start-up sequence without trouble. The left (leaky) reservoir gets up to 110psi (compared to 120 on the right). The place where the air leaks out somehow leaks much less air when it is at full pressure (based on feeling the air coming out).
I was able to get the bus moving very slowly, and eventually reversed a foot and took a run-up to where it gets stuck. After a few goes, it got past that point OK and I was able to move it a few meters, though not always repeatably. It seems the traction is very low, but when the brake is released the bus is on a slight incline and rolls back with nothing obstructing it. So the brakes seem to be above suspicion for now, I think.
Is there something like fluid that might have leaked out? Bearing in mind I know nothing at this point, and there must be some kind of fluid that must need to exist, and must be able to leak out over a period of months? The sense I get is of something with very little traction, trying to work against the slight incline and stiff wheels / softening tyres.
I should mention that there is a lot more weight in the bus than there was when it was last moved, but not so much as to stop it moving completely I wouldn't have thought.
Thanks again,
Mike
PS do you know of any suitable driving schools in the Thames Valley area?
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Post by Jonathan Smith on Sept 2, 2008 17:53:36 GMT
The gear box should have some form of hydraulic fluid inside.
Can't help with training in the Thames Valley area.
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Post by mikehypercube on Sept 3, 2008 23:46:40 GMT
Thanks Jonathan, I figured that must be the case. Would its absence give these sort of symptoms, do you think?
If anyone knows where I can get hold of any kind of manual or diagrams that show where to check and / or fill up said fluid, that would be great. I have not yet identified which piece of metal is the gearbox / transmission assembly.
Mike
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Post by Jonathan Smith on Sept 4, 2008 17:54:11 GMT
If you open the engine bay the gear box is on your right.
There should be a cap on top of it to top up the oil.
Probably worth going to see the local bus company and have a word with the mechanics.
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Post by mikehypercube on Sept 5, 2008 21:15:02 GMT
Thanks Jonathan. It looks like a big metal cube, with no obvious filler cap, however there is an oily looking recessed cap half way down, which might be it.
As you say, I need to find someone who would know - I hadn't thought of trying the bus garage - thanks.
Mike
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Post by wofforduk on Sept 17, 2008 20:48:34 GMT
hey ill put a link to the original atlantean manual if you like, but give me some time to work out how to do it!!
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Post by wofforduk on Sept 19, 2008 22:12:30 GMT
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Post by BruceH on Sept 24, 2008 14:06:03 GMT
__. I couldn't un-zip either of these files. Did others have the same problem? Thanks, BH, NC USA |
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Post by dainesedave on Mar 29, 2017 20:39:15 GMT
Hi there, I see your post is many years ago but I am just experiencing exactly the same issue, again with an Atlantean AN68 - did you find the fault please ?
I live in hope !!!
David
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