Post by Jonathan Smith on Nov 11, 2005 8:36:27 GMT
I often get asked about maintaining my bus. What tools do I need etc etc.
Basically to keep a bus running you need 3 things:
Fuel, clean and free from water or solid debris. To ensure the fuel is clean keep your tank topped up above half capacity at all times to prevent solid debris being sent through your injectors. The filters also catch solids but also water which can be drained off.
Oil, Check the oil level EVERYTIME you start the engine from cold. Keep it just below the max and replace it regularly along with the filters.
Water, Check the coolant level EVERYTIME you start the engine from cold and also whenever you set off after a long run. Keep the system topped up and use antifreeze / summer coolant. Unlike modern cars older buses drink coolant.
If you keep a diesel engine Fed, watered and lubricated it will look after itself. If you provide these 3 things it reduces the wear and tear on the engine and it is less likely that a serious fault will occur.
Be sympathetic when you drive the vehicle. Let the engine warm through, don't abuse it. A diesel engine doesnt like operating at idle for long periods, it does like to be opened up, but let her warm through first! If you have a turbo fitted don't over rev on start up, let the lubrication reach the turbo.
Smoke Older buses smoke, they always did, the depot on a frosty morning in 1980 was full of smoke. They should however run clear when warmed through. If you leave a vehicle to idle for a prolonged period of time the exhaust gets lined with carbon and this is ejected when you subsequently rev the engine to pull away. Just be considerate check your mirror and try not to do it as a car drives past with the window open or a mother walks past with their child.
So what tools do I need?
Basic tools, a good socket set is essential, Just a small set is adequate for most roadside repairs.
A set of screwdrivers, pliers, wire snips, mallet and hammer. Stanley knife and hacksaw.
WD 40
Spares:
Jubilee clips or different sizes for air and coolant hoses.
Spare air hose
Spare coolant hose
Electrical wire
Insulation tape, Cable connectors.
String!
Rope!!
Binding wire. (or coat hanger)
TORCH and street cones or beacons. Warning triangle.
Spare bulbs for all lights
Changing a wheel?
Most coaches carry spare wheels, buses don't. I have a spare wheel but have never carried it with me.
I have a jack but don't have a spanner big enough to take off the wheel nuts. I will be getting one at some stage but have not intention of changing a wheel on my own!
Basically to keep a bus running you need 3 things:
Fuel, clean and free from water or solid debris. To ensure the fuel is clean keep your tank topped up above half capacity at all times to prevent solid debris being sent through your injectors. The filters also catch solids but also water which can be drained off.
Oil, Check the oil level EVERYTIME you start the engine from cold. Keep it just below the max and replace it regularly along with the filters.
Water, Check the coolant level EVERYTIME you start the engine from cold and also whenever you set off after a long run. Keep the system topped up and use antifreeze / summer coolant. Unlike modern cars older buses drink coolant.
If you keep a diesel engine Fed, watered and lubricated it will look after itself. If you provide these 3 things it reduces the wear and tear on the engine and it is less likely that a serious fault will occur.
Be sympathetic when you drive the vehicle. Let the engine warm through, don't abuse it. A diesel engine doesnt like operating at idle for long periods, it does like to be opened up, but let her warm through first! If you have a turbo fitted don't over rev on start up, let the lubrication reach the turbo.
Smoke Older buses smoke, they always did, the depot on a frosty morning in 1980 was full of smoke. They should however run clear when warmed through. If you leave a vehicle to idle for a prolonged period of time the exhaust gets lined with carbon and this is ejected when you subsequently rev the engine to pull away. Just be considerate check your mirror and try not to do it as a car drives past with the window open or a mother walks past with their child.
So what tools do I need?
Basic tools, a good socket set is essential, Just a small set is adequate for most roadside repairs.
A set of screwdrivers, pliers, wire snips, mallet and hammer. Stanley knife and hacksaw.
WD 40
Spares:
Jubilee clips or different sizes for air and coolant hoses.
Spare air hose
Spare coolant hose
Electrical wire
Insulation tape, Cable connectors.
String!
Rope!!
Binding wire. (or coat hanger)
TORCH and street cones or beacons. Warning triangle.
Spare bulbs for all lights
Changing a wheel?
Most coaches carry spare wheels, buses don't. I have a spare wheel but have never carried it with me.
I have a jack but don't have a spanner big enough to take off the wheel nuts. I will be getting one at some stage but have not intention of changing a wheel on my own!
