Waiting For The Wrecker

Jim,

My engine failure was caused by a broken o-ring on a cylinder liner, my engine had just over 189000 miles on it. Up to that point it didn't really use oil and ran great until that o-ring let go. With regards to the Beaver I'd try to read the engine codes (if it has an electronic engine) and pull an oil sample to see if there is anything in the crankcase that shouldn't be there. There's nothing wrong with 8V92 - it's a reliable proven engine. I put some 30000 miles on that engine since the rebuild and it runs great - better than before. It was probably due for a tune up anyway just a little more expensive the way it worked out.

We blew the engine in our 92 XL at 208k miles. The culprit was a radiator that was severely restricted. We had an in-frame done and replaced the radiator with a brand new one. It ran great after the in-frame and is still running great (or at least I haven't been told it isn't). I recommend to anyone with an 8V to thoroughly inspect the radiator and cooling system. I had the bus checked by two mechanics and both gave it a clean bill of health at purchase. Neither could have checked the radiator even though the cooling system was a specific item on my checklist. I think the restriction was caused by the prior owner using automotive antifreeze instead of the required low-silica diesel engine type.

If you have to be hauled in, who better than the "3" wrecker. This guy was meticulous in every step. Over two hours getting her ready to go. The last of the antifreeze that came out was about 1/3 oil.
Thanks to Orren Zook for the info on his rebuild.
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i1...orme1/tow1.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i1...lorme1/tow.jpg

Jim & Chris,

Don't let this scare you off on a bus you like! Ted's not even sure what is needed at this point, but sounds like he is in good hands.

If you get the 8V and have checked it for codes, all you have to do is change and flush the cooling system and make sure it's in good condition and start from scratch. Like I said before, heat is the enemy of the 8V. If you understand how to run the 8V, watch the Pyro's and temperature, you'll love the engine. I'm sending you a PM...

Ted,

We will miss you and Jan this weekend. I was looking forward to seeing the new paint and attending your egg flipping seminar. I hope all goes well for you on the rebuild. Yell at me, if you come back out this way hunting.

Ted, Sounds like you're making all the right decisions without even sleeping on it, am impressed. :) We're very familiar with that horrible sinking feeling you get when the rear view mirror fills up with white smoke. It made me want to pull out the trusty 9mm and put her out of her misery. After all was said and done however our overhaul was a huge success. The 8V is a wonderful engine and once you know that it doesn't have a questionable "history", it will last a lifetime and beat most 60's to the top of the hill.

Ain't POG the cats?

Thanks Everyone.

Jon did pull the engine codes and there were none active. Such codes as low coolant, low oil, a total of 5 inactive codes. I think we will do a radiator flush and DO the extenede life coolant. So, we are still a "GO"!

Wow Ted - sorry to hear about your trouble. Good to hear Paul is helping you out. Always nice to buy from someone who gives a sh!t down the road(Steve Bennett will soon put my cell on the do not accept list:))

And how can you not feel good when "Skeeter" shows up to tow you in.

Hey ColoradoBus, not that I want to rain on your parade, but there are tons of 8V92 owners out there who have had to do overhauls for one reason or another. Often coolant related. And you live in the high country where you will be pulling grades a lot.

I am sure I have not heard of all the 8V92 overhaul projects that have happened, but I have become aware of many. On the other hand, I have never heard of anyone tearing into a Series 60 ( except for a few early warranty ones back in 1995).

I think owning a coach with an 8V is perfectly fine, BUT, one should set aside $20k for the overhaul to avoid disappointments. If you never have to spend it, and eventually sell the coach, gee, you have a $20k bonus to deal with.

Good luck!

Ted, sorry to hear about the breakdown, hope everything works out for you. Let me know if I can help. I'm headed thu Dallas going hunting myself, but thank goodness I don't have to go via Ranger Hill....James