BCM Community
Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Geoff on September 30, 2019, 03:53:54 PM
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I've seen some posts mentioning Grease Monkey, but now that I have Roku TV I can watch YouTube and many bus videos and RV stuff. Just who is Grease Monkey and what part of the country is he working from? He sure has a busy Detroit Diesel bus business going but I have yet to see his shop, mobile truck or even know his real name; but he sure makes a lot of videos.
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Bus Grease Monkey is Scott Crosby. He travels the entire country in his GM Silversides.
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Scott was in Blytheville with his son Tyler. He drives a Silversides.
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He said he carries his tools in the bays, packed every tool in every nook and cranny, lvmci...
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He is based in the Indianapolis Indiana area, appears to be self-taught, but has a lot of experience now. Uniquely, he allows the owners of the buses to assist him at a reduced rate.
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He fills a void left by Dallas that was a traveling bus repair guy,there are several out there besides him. Scott uses the social media well,you tube is a good revenue for him and he has a paid channel where you get 1st look at his videos or get help over the phone.I have watched a few of his videos some are ok some not so good
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OK, you can blame him for my presence on here(grin), as he is also the reason I wound up purchasing my bus and joining this community.
His YouTube channel is: https://www.youtube.com/user/avonpicturethis (https://www.youtube.com/user/avonpicturethis)
He was also at Blytheville and between him and his son who has a separate channel on YouTube did a number of videos about the buses at the Rally..
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If I may chime in here. We've owned our bus since 1979. Never belonged to any clubs nor forums. Did everything on our own w/o internet till we attended our 1st bus rally ever in 2015 in Arcadia Florida. When we pulled in we we're parked in a grassy field between two older busses. One of those busses was Scott Crosby's "Lenny" the other was Dave Evans "Dinahmoe" (which has been in a BCM issue). Both of these gentlemen were overwhelmingly friendly as they sat with us at our campfire multiple evenings. On the last day of the rally (Sunday) Scott approached me and asked if he could perform a complimentary tune up & rack adjustment on our IL 671 DD. It "needed" it as he put it after learning we had done nothing to the engine in 35 years. Gene Russell came in toward the end of the tune up to help final adjustment on a stubborn governor. IMHO these gentlemen are good Samaritans and have since helped bail us out of some bus breakdowns in far off places from home. They are the TRUE meaning of Bus Nuts. Tyler, Scott's son has dealership diesel credentials and when working as a father - son team they make awesome music together as mechanics to busses (among other things including Marine engines). Some of the finest people we've met in the bus world & ever... They are all personal friends of ours & have made owning an antique bus easier in recent times. Our hat is off to them & anyone like them... Rant over :)
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Not a rant at all. Just giving credit where credit is due. They must all be fine gentlemen.
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Sounds like a rave to me.
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I was just reflecting on everyone's comments and how much value I have received from this forum and Scott's Bus Monkey channel (I'm also a Patreon subscriber https://www.patreon.com/Busgreasemonkey/posts). Additionally Gene Russel has done some fine work on my coach! Enjoy the journey, it ain't cheap but it's a blast!!
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I can attest to Scott and Tyler's kindness and there "on the road skills."
In 2015 we were travelling to the BGM rally in Indianapolis Indiana.
We broke down in Carrington North Dakota, I had coach net Landol the bus to the Fargo ND Detroit Diesel dealer.
The dealer could not give me a quote on the repairs for lack of an ID plate on the engine.
So sitting in the Detroit dealers parking lot parked right up against the building (plugged in to power)
I asked The DD dealer if I could repair the engine enough to get it home in there parking lot. They agreed.
Tyler and Scott drove to Fargo in a small BMW car from Indianapolis Ind. trunk loaded with tools, This became the now famous "Fargo Bus Rescue"
In the " Parking Lot " of the Detroit dealer Scott removed the head and replaced 2 pistons and 2 sleeves with used ones from a old running engine.
When the job was done and the engine running the staff and management of the dealership could not believe there eyes as I drove off their parking lot with a running bus. :)
Not only did they fix it Scott and Tyler followed me to the Canadian border 2 hours away.
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Nice! Yes the "Fargo Bus Rescue" they are truly a rare breed. I like to refer to them as good Samaritans but they're "Our Brothers" REAL BUS NUTS - there I go again with my rave! 8)
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He fills a void left by Dallas that was a traveling bus repair guy,there are several out there besides him. Scott uses the social media well,you tube is a good revenue for him and he has a paid channel where you get 1st look at his videos or get help over the phone.I have watched a few of his videos some are ok some not so good
Clifford;
Know anyone on the west coast that works on our coaches?
Merle. :D
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Clifford;
Know anyone on the west coast that works on our coaches?
Merle. :D
Don Zimmerman is a classy operation on the west coast and Kevin Lonney (Arizona Diesel Man) in Az, there are others I was making a list to post but other things are more important to me right now
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Lets not forget about Ted Campbell in Williams California. We've dealt with him several times over several decades & one of the best. Scott Crosby isn't traveling much lately for obvious reasons but has been know to make stretches out west which in the future he may entertain as we're all getting antsy to do something farther away from where we've been hunkering down for a spell...
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I started watching Scott's videos faithfully about a year ago. He had just purchased some land near Nashville that he and his wife are developing.About that time Covid hit and his travels were curtailed but his videos showed the progress on his land. They still live in the bus but have built a pad(to eventually be a shop) and has had about a dozen buses come in for various services.
Ive seen video episodes when his subscribers on youtube have donated about a $1000 to help a bus owner where they found unexpected problems on the bus as Scott was working on it.
Ive also seen two episodes where he and his wife have gone to the checkout line at a local grocery store and paid for groceries for complete strangers. So to read some of the comments on here about his kindness/generosity doesn't surprise me. Ive also watched a video where a fellow bussnut had a quote for $9000 from a diesel repair shop that Scott
fixed for couple of hundred dollars.
I think his intension is to travel less(not completely quit) and do more work at his property as building his shop progresses.
I have read some comments about how he makes money off utube and Patreon and my comment to that is "well he should". His videos are detailed and informative and he provides a service which has a value. I'm not sure how many subscribers he has on youtube but I think it's significant. It costs money to belong to Patreon so I don't belong to that but the youtube videos are free.
For me personally I am farily mechanically inclined but my experience has always been on
gasoline powered vehicles and ,for some reason feel intimidated by doing work on my own
bus. His videos have showed me that a bus is just a "bigger" vehicle and doing the work is
a matter first of all of what and how to do it and just as important "where" to get the parts.
While I have ordered parts in the past from Luke watching Scott make a comprehensive list of parts he needed for a repair,phoning Luke ,and receiving ALL the parts the next day makes me realize how extensive an inventory Luke has. Lots of times its not how to fix
something but where to get the parts.
His methods may not always be orthodox but often the way a lot of bus nuts have to do things because we don't have access to the tools a well equiped shop would have.Just one
example is removing a stubborn hub with a front end loader. Whatever it takes I guess.
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He does some crazy $#!% and gets away with it but it's only a matter of time before it bites him in the @$#
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He does some crazy $#!% and gets away with it but it's only a matter of time before it bites him in the
Discussing the topic of Scott reveals a wide range of opinion. He certainly was not a factory trained Detroit or bus mechanic, so he learned as anyone would and over time he has worked on a pretty decent number of engines and buses.
[/size]Just sticking with skills and experience and not delving into business practices, he offers a beneficial service to the busnut community suffering an existential lack of available, experienced service providers to keep these old gals in good running shape.As to business practices, that will just need to sort itself out. Many offer out accolades, a few hurl disparaging remarks. Maybe the best recommendation is to do your due diligence and make and live with any decisions that involve engaging his services. [size=78%]
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There's always a pack of dogs itching to bite you in the @$# for that one oh sheet!
Putting Scott's reputation in broader context - he is essentially a good samaritan that is willing to lend a helping hand. After owning, converting, maintaining, & traveling in the same vintage - IMO - jewel from 1979 through 2016. I have learned more since meeting Scott at our first ever bus rally @ Arcadia FL 2015 - 2016. Scott was instrumental in having me shed all the fear & unknowns of owning the beautiful beast. Since that 2016 acquaintance our antique 53 has seen every major component rebuilt &/or upgraded. He made our (wifey & I) 40 year old bucket list to visit Alaska a reality. Having hardly known Scott or Kelly when we rolled into their beautiful home in a deeded community with a really lame bus on the way from FL to AK. He pulled us up to his home - in less that 30 minutes he had the engine totally pressure cleaned took us down the street to his bus barn - pulled his bus out, pulled our in & we lived there for a week to come out with a partial rebuild that allowed us to complete that bucket list item - priceless. He's not heavy, he's our brother. Clifford it's in your awesome signature - "life is short, drink the good wine first"
For those of us that have met - we need another campfire to tell more lies...
For those of us that haven't met - we need a campfire to tell some lies...
:^
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For those of us that have met - we need another campfire to tell more lies...
For those of us that haven't met - we need a campfire to tell some lies...
:^
Amen brother....
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Don Zimmerman is a classy operation on the west coast and Kevin Lonney (Arizona Diesel Man) in Az, there are others I was making a list to post but other things are more important to me right now
Does anyone have contact info for Kevin? I'm also in AZ and it would be good to have a local resource. I did search his name, both on the web and here on the forum, but didn't find him.
Thanks!
Ross and Kara...just a bit West of Flagstaff
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Kevin's # 602-810 -1845 sharp guy and very honest,then you have Geoff Smith in Prescott Valley too
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But none of those good mechanics do videos!!??
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But none of those good mechanics do videos!!??
Because they don't have to?
The best have no need for advertising, and the total knowledge applied to the job won't fit on a video.
Apprenticeships are years long for a reason...
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
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Kevin's # 602-810 -1845 sharp guy and very honest,then you have Geoff Smith in Prescott Valley too
Thanks! And I'd appreciate contact info for Geoff, too, since we're just "up the hill" from PV. Or, feel free to pass my number on to him if that's preferred. 554-5219...Flagstaff area code should be the same as his...928
As to the video discussion...which I didn't mean to dredge up again...I actually appreciate the videos and have learned from them. But a video isn't the same as having local support, so I am glad to learn about Kevin and Geoff here in AZ.
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A lot of us on here have different levels of mechanical aptitude and can do "some" of the work ourselves and watching his videos can be a GREAT help to gives us the confidence to tackle the job ourselves not to mention where to get parts. Ive read some comments that infer he has had some "unsatisfactory" outcomes along the way.So tell me a shop that hasn't.We just had the local Ford dealer miss-diagnose a problem on our Ford Escape with the transfer case. They quoted 6k for a new one and it turns out it wasn't the transfer case at all.It was a wheel bearing which we had repaired at a different shop(privately owned). How far do think Id get with that Ford dealership or Ford themselves. As for his making money on Patreon or Youtube or even go fund me so what. Hes not forcing people to join, subscribe or donate. I would say that the pluses FAR outweigh the negatives.
Not everyone can afford to take their bus to a shop and just say"fix it" at $150/hr.
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He does some crazy $#!% and gets away with it but it's only a matter of time before it bites him in the @$#
Clifford -
You and I both know the Buffalo that bit Scott rather big time, but that's really the only one that I know of where that's happened. And, as usual, there's always three sides to a story, including a bunch of background info than never came to light, but we'll overlook that for the greater good.
Big picture - the bus community is grateful to have people like Scott, Ted, Geoff, Kevin, Don, Luke, JD, Stan, yourself and others who are willing and able to help those of us involved in this crazy hobby/lifestyle.
FWIW & HTH. . . ;)
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@RJ
@Fred Mc
THANKS! :^
Another thing worth mentioning is that a great percentage of parts that Scott Crosby purchases is from Luke @ US Coach.
GREATS like Luke & Gene Russell think very highly of Scott as I & many others.
I also think very highly of the knowledge contributing to this forum & this post.
Maybe that's why our turtle likes the mountains - the high roads. :^
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If nothing else, the number of people Scott has brought into the hobby in recent years has been a tremendous boost. Sometimes it takes a personality like his, someone willing to get on YouTube and show the nitty gritty in ways that most can relate to, for people to decide to take the plunge and become a bus nut.
He's done quite a bit to help stop the sinking value of our old buses just by creating the interest, and we all benefit from that.
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What I don't like video's people take it as a gospel and don't research the problem, manuals were here 50 years before Utube
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I'm on the fence about it. I've laughed at a lot of vids by supposed experts but I've also gotten a lot of help. Even the worst can often show you the key to the situation, whether the maker recognized it or not. So I'm glad they are there and I suppose idiots getting paid for being stupid is the price we pay. With the right attitude it can be very entertaining though.
As students in the school of hard knocks it's sometime hard for us to give any credit to someone who didn't learn their trade the same way but knowledge is knowledge no matter how you get it. My son reminds me of that every day. He knows everything about everything. I just can't understand how he does it. But I guess he's learned to mine the internet very effectively and who am I to say there's anything wrong with that?
Jim
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manuals are great and good to have but to see a short video has the power to push you to TRY and do the job yourself . most times I have a guy that helps me with the coach and it is amazing helping him and just how fast he does things , but he works on big trucks and dirt moving equipment for a living
but on my wife's suv I was quoted a repair of $2200. to have her rear axels speed sensor rings replaced and I watched 4-5 videos on how the normal joe can do it and ordered the parts from the car manufacture ( $ 71 delivered to my door ) and after 4.5 hrs the car was all back together and now works great.
so now I can fix anything all I need is utube and all is good
ha ha
dave
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I did watch a UTube video on changing a lite bulb in our GE microwave not long ago ??? since GE left it out of the book
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Lol! If you watch enough u-tube videos on any one particular subject you will eventually figure out what not to do. ;) Experience is something you gain 10 seconds after you needed. :)
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Sometimes the benefit of the video is just getting to see the inside of what you are about to open.
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Hi all...in the video discussion, I don't want my local resource inquiry to get lost. Does anyone have contact info for Geoff Smith in Prescott Valley? I searched with my google-fu but didn't find him. Prescott Valley is just down the hill from us. :)
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This is his Website and he is in the members list under G on page 74 under Geoff
http://rts-bus-nuts.com/websites/geoff/
:)
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Hey the great thing about YouTube is that a lot of shade tree mechanics that are in obscure specialties as YouTube star's/personalities to learn from. I.E. Retired and headed for the old folks home knowledge that is passed along though repetition and documentation of oh shits like "Hey Lance!!!"...
As I mentioned earlier in this thread I wouldn't be doing/living in a bus with having been exposed to Scott which moved me from voyeur to owner hacking away on my version of livable bus. (your basic about to retire full blown computer nerd here).
Currently hanging out an hour and half northwest of Phoenix in the desert as I learn to efficiently boondock...
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Hi all...in the video discussion, I don't want my local resource inquiry to get lost. Does anyone have contact info for Geoff Smith in Prescott Valley? I searched with my google-fu but didn't find him. Prescott Valley is just down the hill from us. :)
Geoff owns General Diesel Service 1-928-771-0045 he is rebuilding from a fire that destroyed his shop so it make take a while,answer your phone Geoff you can send a PM from this board too
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This is his Website and he is in the members list under G on page 74 under Geoff
http://rts-bus-nuts.com/websites/geoff/
:)
Ah...live and learn! Thanks. I didn't know he was the BCM leader. So I'm sure my question really demonstrated my ignorance! :-)
I appreciate the pointer from you, here, and his phone number from Luvrbus in a follow-up.
Thanks all!
Ross
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Ah...live and learn! Thanks. I didn't know he was the BCM leader. So I'm sure my question really demonstrated my ignorance! :-)
I appreciate the pointer from you, here, and his phone number from Luvrbus in a follow-up.
Thanks all!
No its not his BCM website (Gary Hatt's is BCM) it was a link to Geoff's website I posted sorry. LOL
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No its not his BCM website (Gary Hatt's is BCM) it was a link to Geoff's website I posted sorry. LOL
No worries! I'm just doubling down on showing my newby status here. LOL for real.
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Most of us newbies (< 20 years exp) need all the help we can get. I count myself in that boat for sure. We have no one handy to turn to for questions or looking over our shoulders to keep us from doing something ridiculous.
Videos in conjunction with the manuals and occasional pleas for help is my main avenue.
The next major job on the 4106 are rear wheel brake and bearing inspection and possible replacement. Studying videos helps a lot.
At work we use stuff like zoom and webex to have conference calls. I wonder if that might be useful to share and preserve knowledge about these machines for future NUTS like ourselves.
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I have been finding YouTube very useful recently, but it is a good idea to watch several videos on the same subject. Some can be really silly, however after watching several you generally can sort out what will work. The videos are particularly useful in seeing how to disassemble something and learn where the secret screw is.
I saw one about repairing an exhaust pipe with muffler tape. The guy had a completely rusted out tail pipe. He repaired one rusted connection with the tape, but he said that stuff was no good because the exhaust was still leaking from other holes.
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It sure pays to watch several videos from different channels and be amazed how many different ways problems are solved. I think someone else said watch the videos to learn what not to do. What is left are the ways it makes sense to do it efficiently with fewer screwups and redos.
I just replaced the battery in the laptop and one video has the guy basically completely disassemble it to change batteries, the one I followed shows the guy take off the back, remove some cables from the battery then pry it up gently and done. Crazy how simple it was in that video.
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Straying slightly from the subject reading the various manuals concerning all the equipment needed to properly rebuild and calibrate injectors has me concerned about the future. I guess the marine world will help preserve this service for some period but eventually it will become a lost art. Like crush grinding (toolmakers art).
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When I had injector problems I was introduced to a local shop that did work on tugboats. One
BIG advantage is that they make"house calls"(kinda difficult to bring your tugboat to the shop).
So the guy did all the work at my place. Very convenient. Of course if you live in North Dakota those shops might be few and far between. :) :)
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Down here in Texas along the Gulf Coast there are sevearl mechanics that work on these 2 strokes. A ton of the shrimp boats still run them. They might not work in the crowded bay of the buses. Those boat engines are easier to get too.
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All the Gulf coast states are still familiar with 2 stroke DD especially Louisiana. Florida's marine industry deals with them on a daily basis.
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I'm also a Patreon supporter of Scott. I think I easily learn $25/month worth of stuff...if even just to see what parts look like inside...or what to look for. Another new YouTube channel I've watched recently is Bus Nut Biker. He's not doing any engine work, but he certainly digs into the hubs and drivetrain of his 4104.
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Everybody is doing videos' people paying $300.00 a year to watch video's amazes me that is what I pay for a set of rebuilt injectors for a 8v Detroit
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Everybody is doing videos' people paying $300.00 a year to watch video's amazes me that is what I pay for a set of rebuilt injectors for a 8v Detroit
Paying for watching television is nothing new. I used to pay out the nose for cable and they got to select the stations/networks I could view. Now I spend about the same per month but I get to choose what's available to me, including some Patreon channels that I subscribe to.
Over time, I've modified my selection of Patreon and other channels I pay for as they become more or less valuable to me.
Those rebuilt injectors aren't worth much if you don't know how to install them, and for some they'll learn by watching YouTube or other similar outlets. I've learned lots from videos which has saved me quite a bit - both in labor saved and from not going down rabbit holes which would have been the wrong path.
Lots of ways to get the same result.
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So speaking of videos I plan on doing my first tuneup this spring but have not seen where to bar over the 4106 8v71. I think a breaker bar on the cam pulley is used (which would require moving the muffler back a few inches).
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Do you have an inspection hole on your bell housing where you can access the flywheel?
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So speaking of videos I plan on doing my first tuneup this spring but have not seen where to bar over the 4106 8v71. I think a breaker bar on the cam pulley is used (which would require moving the muffler back a few inches).
From the 1-1/2 nut on the cam is the best way if you doing it alone,I have a cheap H/F 1-1/2 in wrench I modified to keep from dealing with the muffler
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Sometimes the benefit of the video is just getting to see the inside of what you are about to open.
And how not to F it up as you open it LOL!
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Those rebuilt injectors aren't worth much if you don't know how to install them, and for some they'll learn by watching YouTube or other similar outlets. I've learned lots from videos which has saved me quite a bit - both in labor saved and from not going down rabbit holes which would have been the wrong path.
Lots of ways to get the same result.
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Yep but if you do Face Book there are a lot better avenues than the Grease Monkey on the Detroit pages lol and it doesn't cost a dime,
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There are so many little nuances on how to work on a Detroit 2 stroke (one of the many reasons mechanics don't work on them anymore) I am thankful for the likes of Scott and Clifford and others. But-this is one of the main reasons I'm switching to my Kenworth truck conversion with Caterpillar 3406B-everyone knows how to work on it and being a cabover-tilt the cab and the entire engine and transmission are exposed. Good Luck, TomC
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Do you have an inspection hole on your bell housing where you can access the flywheel?
It has an odd one that I can just see the back of the clutch cover but cannot get at flywheel teeth.
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Yep but if you do Face Book there are a lot better avenues than the Grease Monkey on the Detroit pages lol and it doesn't cost a dime,
Don't do Facebook - don't want to. Haven't heard the greatest things about some of the advice there either. Guess the same rule applies everywhere - do your own research.
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Don't do Facebook - don't want to. Haven't heard the greatest things about some of the advice there either. Guess the same rule applies everywhere - do your own research.
Like youtube a lot of BS to weed through on some pages LOL even the guru of GM buses "Luke " chimes in helping folks
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https://babylonbee.com/news/youtube-wins-2020-teacher-of-the-year-award
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Lin I guess that shows the level of our schools in today's world.
From a person that did not graduate from High School.
Spent my 12 years in 7 th grade. LOL
uncle ned
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Long time in the military, I can't sleep in. Up at 5 every morning but Rita sleeps until 8, so I go to the basement and watch the weather and then U Tube. Had two Winnys and an Allegro bus. But now...the bus. We got the "mini me" 35 foot Prevost in November. Cheered me up after the election. Spend many mornings learning about buses from watching Scott. I won't pull an engine or fix an air tank laying in the snow, but have at least learned what I am looking at. Can now name everything in the engine box that houses the 6V92. Know where it might leak and maybe why. Biggest observation is watching Scott in the heat, cold, rain, whatever - he always seems cheerfull!! (I hate people like that).Seriously though, he is so enthusiastic, I want to watch what he will do next. And carving a life for himself and family on a mountain in Tennessee. So I am just glad we have him to watch and glad there are people who like to help others.
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Youtube videos are great in many ways. I watch and learn myself from them, but, after seeing first hand how badly the Monkey screwed up the engine in that Buffalo GM, I would not let him anywhere close to my bus.
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I think there is more to the story on that one. Did Van want to spend the money on a full bore rebuild? Or did he just want a minor freshening. I've seen this type of thing over the years. Maybe dont want to spend more than necessary on repair, but when it doesnt last, are now ready to spend the big bucks to get it right. Was it run hot, lugged? Who knows, but I'm not going to put blame on bus monkey, since I don't know the intimate details.
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I think there is more to the story on that one. Did Van want to spend the money on a full bore rebuild? Or did he just want a minor freshening. I've seen this type of thing over the years. Maybe dont want to spend more than necessary on repair, but when it doesnt last, are now ready to spend the big bucks to get it right. Was it run hot, lugged? Who knows, but I'm not going to put blame on bus monkey, since I don't know the intimate details.
LOL everybody keeps saying there is more to the story on Yvans bus but no one tells it ,Van's engine was a roll of the dice and he knew it his 92 had been hot so many times even the deck was off plus the line bore and he wasn't into that engine big bucks either
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The Monkey screwed up Yvan's engine, not Van's.
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The Monkey screwed up Yvan's engine, not Van's.
Yeah lol not my engine The PO. screwed up my engine when he owned it not the G Monkey. No here is my new recently built engine filmed today during the first start up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Akus73JSNDw
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LOL still cannot figure how I screwed the cone up but the damper looks good now
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LOL still cannot figure how I screwed the cone up but the damper looks good now
No harm, no fowl Cliff, same almost happend to me today while taping the hub on but I was ready for it haha. ;) notice how smooth that belt is running? ;D
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Very nice looking silver, congratulation Van and Clifford...
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Long time in the military, I can't sleep in. Up at 5 every morning but Rita sleeps until 8, so I go to the basement and watch the weather and then U Tube. Had two Winnys and an Allegro bus. But now...the bus. We got the "mini me" 35 foot Prevost in November. Cheered me up after the election. Spend many mornings learning about buses from watching Scott. I won't pull an engine or fix an air tank laying in the snow, but have at least learned what I am looking at. Can now name everything in the engine box that houses the 6V92. Know where it might leak and maybe why. Biggest observation is watching Scott in the heat, cold, rain, whatever - he always seems cheerfull!! (I hate people like that).Seriously though, he is so enthusiastic, I want to watch what he will do next. And carving a life for himself and family on a mountain in Tennessee. So I am just glad we have him to watch and glad there are people who like to help others.
Nicely Said! :^
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Finally I get to hear the engine run. Congrats Van and Clifford. :) :^
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Yeah lol not my engine The PO. screwed up my engine when he owned it not the G Monkey. No here is my new recently built engine filmed today during the first start up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Akus73JSNDw
Van with the ddec engines it’s no fun, can’t grab the governor and rev it, lol ;D
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Van with the ddec engines it’s no fun, can’t grab the governor and rev it, lol ;D
Love the sound of the DDEC 2 strokes searching for the right timing for the fuel and air ratio
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Youtube videos are great in many ways. I watch and learn myself from them, but, after seeing first hand how badly the Monkey screwed up the engine in that Buffalo GM, I would not let him anywhere close to my bus.
Ivan videoed the damage as they rebuilt in Mohave Az, it was extensive. All those vids are now gone.
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Ivan videoed the damage as they rebuilt in Mohave Az, it was extensive. All those vids are now gone.
That was part of the hush money deal when Yvan got all his money they would come down the last I heard as they say money talks and BS walks
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I just watched them on YouTube. They were still up a week ago. Would be interesting to hear an explanation from Scott how this happened.
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I just watched them on YouTube. They were still up a week ago. Would be interesting to hear an explanation from Scott how this happened.
as mama say - always two sides to the story. can't deny he has a growing flock that even pays to watch the playground in action
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as mama say - always two sides to the story. can't deny he has a growing flock that even pays to watch the playground in action
I have question why would you pay to watch a video when they make their way to Utube later that puzzles me for some reason ,is it a revenue from both or what ?
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I have question why would you pay to watch a video when they make their way to Utube later that puzzles me for some reason ,is it a revenue from both or what ?
Lots of YouTube channels also have a Patreon setup. Usually it gives you access to videos early, but often also includes some videos and other content which is not available to YouTube. Some vloggers also hold Q&A events or other events specially for the Patreon subscribers which are usually much nicer due to the smaller crowds in attendance. Of course, there are also some that want to chip in and help out for a variety of reasons.
I subscribe to a number of Patreon channels for vloggers with weekly content. I'd put their work as valuable and as entertaining as the stuff people pay much more for through Google or other places people buy content. All depends on what interests you.
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Clifford
"Of course, there are also some that want to chip in and help out for a variety of reasons."
There you go - don't need a reason, just open up your pocketbook and "help out".
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Clifford
"Of course, there are also some that want to chip in and help out for a variety of reasons."
There you go - don't need a reason, just open up your pocketbook and "help out".
No thanks Don lol and I don't need love mugs,caps or shirts either
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In a lot of ways, people use YouTube like musicians use the street corner in a tourist area. If people feel they got enjoyment out of the music they can drop a few coins in the hat. No requirement for any one to contribute. There are some who produce content which others feel is valuable, and they are able to make a living with their content. Some have a large enough following to monetize their brand as well. To each his own in this regard.
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Clifford
"Of course, there are also some that want to chip in and help out for a variety of reasons."
There you go - don't need a reason, just open up your pocketbook and "help out".
Don Clifford's opened his wallet to help others more than you know, unlike other's he just won't talk about it.... :^
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what happened here? You taking it all off topic again - look at the subject. Maybe one day I will be offered the honor to drop in for a rebuild at Clifford's lol
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Have no idea how I got into this conversation lol ,but I can assure you my 1st and most important job is caring for my wife of 50 years, buses and engines can come and go she is first in my life the rest is just a fill in when I have time
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I know just how you feel Cliff,,, I've had mine for 59 years and counting.>>>Dan
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So what happened in regards to the bus grease monkey worked on?
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It's a sensitive subject with some hard feelings left over, but a certain grease monkey overhauled a 8V71 in a GM bus, and it did not turn out well, and he initially did not offer to make good on it. The couple involved took it to a highly esteemed mechanic who guided them into doing the work correctly. Many errors were found that leave doubts about the quality of the previous work, which were documented on video. The bus in question is safely up in Canada now, and apparently some arrangement was made for restitution that involved removing some sources of the videos, and a lack of public comments.
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I must be the old timer here. Will have had mine 60 years on June 1st.
Just had huggy for 20 some years.
uncle ned
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As I once heard someone say, "I've been married for 50 years and have not regretted one day of it. I just can't remember which day that was."
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Lin
Amen to that. LOL
uncle ned
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My wife says we've been married 47 years this year, but I'm positive it is much longer.😂
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My wife says we've been married 47 years this year, but I'm positive it is much longer.😂
I think they estimate about a hundred years low on that.
Jim
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😁
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huh. just watched a one of his vids, the one a bout the eagle loosing turbo boost, got about halfway through and he states that the 6v92 has more cubic inches then the 8v71. now i dont know too much about 2 strokes, but i dont think that is correct??? :o :o
oh well. he is what he is. ;)
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Cubic inch count is close on both, but I'd suspect the 8V71 has a few more. Perhaps he was thinking HP? We've all mis-stated things like this though so I'm not sure what this says or doesn't say.
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16 cubic inches different,they both have about 350 hp with the same turbo and after cooler LOL I heard the 2 stroke made twice the cubic inches as a 4 stroke because it fired on every stroke,I am not saying who made that dumb @$# statement
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It's a sensitive subject with some hard feelings left over, but a certain grease monkey overhauled a 8V71 in a GM bus, and it did not turn out well, and he initially did not offer to make good on it. The couple involved took it to a highly esteemed mechanic who guided them into doing the work correctly. Many errors were found that leave doubts about the quality of the previous work, which were documented on video. The bus in question is safely up in Canada now, and apparently some arrangement was made for restitution that involved removing some sources of the videos, and a lack of public comments.
My understand from a direct source was that it was recommended to be an out of bus rebuild. The owner was trying to save money and knew the risks. It is also an understanding that the block may not have been properly measured with the right tool.
Fact is this, Roomers are roomers. The only people that know the story is Scott and the owner. I do know the bus owner created a video and made a threat of releasing the video unless Scott paid him money back. I understand that Scott made no public statements about any details on how it was settled but did state there was an issue and the owner was putting statements out. It was also found with the statements out there that the bus owner is also well know in social media.
Fact is that any time you have anyone do work on you vehicle, make sure they have shop insurance. WE have this for issues just like this type of problem that would have been covered by a shop keepers policy.
I am not on one persons side. I look at it with an open mind as we are all human and make mistakes. It is how we correct them.
On a side note. I did have a person tell me that bus owner had that bus taken to another shop and the tow company damaged the bus in transport. In the end, I was told the insurance paid for either repairs or replacement of the bus.
Again, What I said is either third parts statements, Direct or personal.
But, do yourself a favor and make sure, your service provider has insurance and if needed verify it before work is done so that you can feel confident in the work performed.
I can say this first hand knowledge. For the amount of buses that Scott has worked on. He did learn from that event and has only has a small amount of set backs on the many buses he has worked on.
That alone is a better record than many if not most of the shops out there. He is very fair on prices from what I can see as well. Do not let this event create a judgement about this person as it was a rare issue. The fault may be with both parties in this case. I was not there. But, that is my two cents.
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On a side note. I did have a person tell me that bus owner had that bus taken to another shop and the tow company damaged the bus in transport. In the end, I was told the insurance paid for either repairs or replacement of the bus.
Don't know who started that rumor but Yvan drove the bus 3,000 miles to my shop in AZ and drove it back to Canada.LOL Scott called me a jerk when I told people he needed insurance on F/B and unfriend me,not that I cared anyways.Insurance cost a lot of money to protect your self and the owner It required in Az by law if your bill is over $250.00 me I would not open the doors without it
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It is hard to tell where things come from. When I get third person statements. The statements are just that. I told Scott the same thing. I told him what we have for our shop. The issue I think he has is that he is mobile in many states. I would think that it may be an issue to find a company?
Its good to hear he was able to drive it home. Yes, the think about the tow truck damage was from a third person and not directly stated to me.
Most people do not understand the importance of insurance. Just one problem can destroy what you created. I am glad the bus was not junked as it was implied to me. I remember the videos from then. I hope people take that event as a lesson to all. Even at a standard shop.
I think at the time, it may be possible that things were done by word of mouth with the understanding it was not a business but him helping? I do not know. I know I had reached out for help and he never made it to our bus and skipped over us as another bus owner a hour away had cancelled two years ago. At that time as they do now. He charges a travel fee then an hourly rate. He also makes money off the Youtube videos which is good money now that he is over 104k followers.
Scott has not really been on the road for a year now. but, he is back to working on buses. This bus motor issue is the only issue I know of at this point from the time I started following him some two years plus ago.
Shoot. I have been on this board and I am still new here as I do not post much. But, I read...lol
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He has had a few problems in his learning curve and people just let it slide
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This has been going on for some time now, even years. He keeps working on buses and gets more experience. He also shows what he is doing. I was skeptical in the early days but now with all his follower and open to see it all, my bet he is far better than someone who claims he or the shop has two stroke experience. He is developing a pretty solid reputation, like it or not. And I think it is super that he has really done well on the Youtube channel, lots of subscribers and the patreon too. I'd even venture to say his income is greater than many grease monkeys working in a pit in some old shop. apples to apples now - don't compare ECM and new coach mechanics, stay in the 2 stroke camp
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You are correct with your statement. Everyone starts somewhere. When you are not formally trained. You learn as you go. Scott has been upfront about that. He has done how many repairs now? of course when you do the same job many times. You will memorize measurements etc. He does refer to manuals. But, those manuals can have mistakes in them. I worked for GM and I found mistakes in every manual for each car. Cadillac, GMC, Chevrolet etc.
Because we were not there. Only those there know what happened and how it was ended.
But, he has been open in all the videos I have seen including talking with me on the phone. But, then again. I have formal training but, because of my physical health issues. It is hard to work on a bus at times when your legs don't work! I can see the man has been learning from the time I started watching him when he only had 20k followers. Now at 104k +
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LOL he can raise money like a TV preacher ,no way would I ask for money to pour a concrete slab or have a wish list on Amazon for people to buy jacks,hand cleaner,brake cleaner even a cover for his wife's car,you got to hand it to him he gets its
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LOL he can raise money like a TV preacher ,no way would I ask for money to pour a concrete slab or have a wish list on Amazon for people to buy jacks,hand cleaner,brake cleaner even a cover for his wife's car,you got to hand it to him he gets its
I didn't follow all the details; but I don't believe the idea originated with him, but a member of the community. I know that it came and went so fast. From idea advanced to fully funded was less than a day, so I didn't have a chance to contribute and I would have.
If he was a TV preacher he would be asking for funding for his shop (to continue preaching the good word or by the way the lord says I should get a jet) which he is not.
I think a more adequate indicator of his character was insisting on paying his neighbor for use of the tractor during an engine swap and the recent full service of it by himself and his son.
I do have the son is a better tractor/heavy machinery driver than he is, but hey his previous career was as photographer.
PS. If I had enough followers I would put a wish list out there also.
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The whole Go Fund me thing is a generational invention. Old country culture is do for yourself and not be a begger looking for handouts. These past few generations see nothing negative to broadcast everywhere they are doing something and ask for money to help. Just the way of the times.
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"I think a more adequate indicator of his character was insisting on paying his neighbor for use of the tractor during an engine swap and the recent full service of it by himself and his son."
Ive seen people DONATE everything from portable tire mover to a golf cart. I assume they do it because they like whats hes doing and the service he provides.
After he received the golf cart he said that they had put away money to buy one so the took some of that money and went to the supermarket where they paid" for other peoples groceries. I mean, who does that?
Also we keep reading about how he screwed up "someones" motor. It would be nice to know who "someone" is.
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This is an interesting conversation. After busing around in our 53 4104 for 35 years we attended our 1st ever bus rally in Arcadia - 2015 -16 & they parked us between Scott Crosby & Dave Evans - two of the most down to earth people I have ever met. Before departing the three day event Scott had performed a voluntary tune up - rack adjustment, injector timing, governor adjustment, etc on our 671 - 1st time it had been touched in that many years - when he admitted to the very old style governor kicking his butt - he wandered across the grassy field & returned with Gene Russell - by that time getting to know the back grounds of some who were getting involved - I thought I died & went to heaven! Needless to say when. we drove our bus out of there - it was SWELL... All complementary... at Scott's request. By the way Scott & Gene have been saviors while in route from FL to AK & rescue to get us out of AK back to FL. From cylinder head replacement to disintegrated blower replacement & since then in-frame rebuild & failed rad fan replacement.
Yours truly is recipient of nothing but non expected good starting with the king Grease Monkey & some of his admirers such as the likes of Gene Russell & Luke @ US Coach - end of rant - carry on - I'm on the high road of this one & like reading others that are too. All good here...
Oh & almost forgot to mention being a master carpenter by trade the conversion house section was my expertise, major mechanical not so much - then but now - ain't afraid of none of it thanks to Scott...
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I do have the son is a better tractor/heavy machinery driver than he is, but hey his previous career was as photographer.
Note sure where my brain was going on this; as I dropped some words between my brain and the keyboard.
Other than to say that his son had the tractor singing with expert control and economy of motion; just clearing snow from the driveway.
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Buying people groceries and paying your neighbor for the use of his tractor who would even tell about a thing like that or put it on Utube .Being such a good guy he could pay Kevin I would think
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Clifford - now be nice. We all know blasting one's personal charity work on video around the world is good for business. Makes his subscribers fell all nice and warm their donations are going to good causes. And ka-ching, in comes more "donations'. nice business model. you not jealous are you? :P
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Clifford - now be nice. We all know blasting one's personal charity work on video around the world is good for business. Makes his subscribers fell all nice and warm their donations are going to good causes. And ka-ching, in comes more "donations'. nice business model. you not jealous are you? :P
No way !!!!
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Clifford is a good and great person, who has helped most of the people on this board and now on Facebook. His charity and giving nature is famous through out the international bus nut world. Just the incredible knowledge and muscle memory he has, is a gift to all that run across his helpful gift of conversing with the guru of Detroit Diesel engines. To question his motivation, in such a way speaks more to a novice, questioning a master, that knows not what they speak of...
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Sorry - I get the concern about a repair that may have gone off the rails and the subsequent problems from that episode, but why are some so intent on making another bus nut out to be such a horrible person?
We all do business with many other companies with far worse practices that don't give a crap about their customers. Maybe it's time to let this thread fade away and for people to deal with their personal grievances about another bus nut privately?
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Clifford is a good and great person, who has helped most of the people on this board and now on Facebook. His charity and giving nature is famous through out the international bus nut world. Just the incredible knowledge and muscle memory he has, is a gift to all that run across his helpful gift of conversing with the guru of Detroit Diesel engines. To question his motivation, in such a way speaks more to a novice, questioning a master, that knows not what they speak of...
OMG. it was a joke and taken that way. Chill pill anyone?
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I lurk here to sprinkle good on the bad. Always did like the high road and what Richard said and it's got nothing to do with his buffalo! Lol.
I also agree what was said about Clifford. Never met the man but feel his knowledge & has helped immensely with his feed back. The one that helped the most was when he told me I had the port side of a Grey Marine block when getting into ordering parts for it. What an awakening! See how much I like to talk good about people - but don't believe all you hear cause I'm still an asshole... Humble too! ??? Lol
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I think some of the more verbose, should take some chilling, speaking of taking things past their natural ending...
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I personally know Clifford and Scott which is why I have stayed out of this thread as I have watched it get bashed and blasted all along!
Both Scott and Clifford are good mechanics and while Clifford has likely forgotten more than I will ever know about many things, he never lets me down when it comes to helping figure out a problem. Scott is a lot like me he is a self learner and not had formal training. I haven't had any formal training since I got out of high school in 1984. But I have continued to learn as I go. (I take that back when dad an I went way into dept and bought 2 Setra S417's, Setra invited our mechanic an I to a training school for 2 weeks all we had to do was get to Salt Lake City, UT and home and Setra picked up the tab for everything else)
But anyway the point is that some people like Clifford, some people like Scott & a couple of us including myself like both.
Some people dislike Clifford, some dislike Scott and I am sure somewhere out there is some arrogant dumbass that doesn't like either one!
So can we let this thread go and get on with buses and not bashing?
;D BK ;D
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Well personally, I like lasagna.
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;D :^
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Have no idea how I got into this conversation lol ,but I can assure you my 1st and most important job is caring for my wife of 50 years, buses and engines can come and go she is first in my life the rest is just a fill in when I have time
We got married about the same time. 52 years in June for us. Best thing that ever happened to me except Jesus.
TOM
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We got married about the same time. 52 years in June for us. Best thing that ever happened to me except Jesus.
TOM
:^ your values are awesome!
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We have been "hitched" 59 years and I've been wondering lately if the ball and socket in that hitch is being underutilized,,,,,I may be 80 but not dead!.>>>Dan
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I personally know Clifford and Scott which is why I have stayed out of this thread as I have watched it get bashed and blasted all along!
Both Scott and Clifford are good mechanics and while Clifford has likely forgotten more than I will ever know about many things, he never lets me down when it comes to helping figure out a problem. Scott is a lot like me he is a self learner and not had formal training. I haven't had any formal training since I got out of high school in 1984. But I have continued to learn as I go. (I take that back when dad an I went way into dept and bought 2 Setra S417's, Setra invited our mechanic an I to a training school for 2 weeks all we had to do was get to Salt Lake City, UT and home and Setra picked up the tab for everything else)
But anyway the point is that some people like Clifford, some people like Scott & a couple of us including myself like both.
Some people dislike Clifford, some dislike Scott and I am sure somewhere out there is some arrogant dumbass that doesn't like either one!
So can we let this thread go and get on with buses and not bashing?
;D BK ;D
Years ago I was in the tool maker trade working with old guys who's knowledge was truly vast. Sadly that work was outsourced to cheaper offshore shops and a lot of that knowledge has been forgotten.
There is no substitute for working in a shop learning the trade but many (most ?) of us don't even has access to an experienced GM/Detroit mechanic. Scott's videos are a lifesaver for guys like me who get to see the actual thing the manual is referencing before starting to mess(up) with it.
Usually Ill post a question in one of the forums before proceeding if its something (like wheel bearings) that could have very unpleasant consequences .
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I can say that my view of Scott and Tyler has diminished in the last few months.
I booked a rescue then got skipped two years ago and lost my deposit on that bus because I was relying on Scott's help. Turns out that it was for the better in the long run.
I purchased another bus three months ago and did book through Tyler. Now it seems he is to busy to return calls. I booked based on both him and his father doing this rescue under 500 miles from their new home just outside of Nashville. Tyler said he will call me. Two months latter still nothing.
I canceled my patron membership with them. It was a requirement to be a member of 25 or higher in order to get work done. I even planned to tow this bus to their place if needed.
I have now shifted to plan B. And take it a place where the person has all the tools and Years of experience.
I think the YouTube has gone to their heads now. I understand they charge $120 per hour is what one person told me.
They make over 100k on youtube plus patreon. They do quite well. Then the cherry on top is the direct marketing they are now doing.
I love vintage buses but, right now it seems we have been taken advantage of.
We needed the help and got promised things that never happened. They could not even uphold the membership benifits.
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Selling membership like Costco and Sams Club ? what's next
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Growing pains IMHO
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When compared to nearly any mainstream RV repair shop, he's still heads and shoulders above.
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The poster is pissed about a different deal that cost
him,
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"think the YouTube has gone to their heads now. I understand they charge $120 per hour is what one person told me.
They make over 100k on youtube plus patreon. They do quite well. Then the cherry on top is the direct marketing they are now doing."
Don't most shops charge 120 per hour?And most of them have NO experience with DD 2 strokes.
I just watched his latest U-tube video for free. The ONLY ad I saw on there was a U-tube ad( like you now see at the beginning and partway thru the videos). Can't imagine they make ANY money from that.As for paying for Patreon its not like taxes.You can stop anytime you want.
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Hey - this is America - where anyone can grab onto an idea and make as much of it as possible. It is the dream that still burns in many around the world that America is the place to come and maximize their potential, grit, perseverance, and belief that one can make as much of oneself as possible. Still the greatest country in the world.
Honestly, it feels like some here are jealous about his humble, know nothing beginnings then seeing him take advantage of opportunities to make money and provide the bus nut world another source of advise, knowledge, confidence, and support to join the club.
All that said, I'ver never been a BGM fan but do admire how he's leveraged the digialt and social media to his benefit. Go Scott and anyone else who jumps on!
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It's so cool seeing several buses under the sky in the middle of nature being worked on by their owners & each other with Scott & Tyler in the mix. Even a spouse getting greasy & gritty doing uninstalls & cleaning prior to the mechanics getting on it. It don't get any better than that. They have a grand thing going for the bus community. Just ask the country's guru - Luke! Keep on keeping on. What the world needs now is love sweet love. :^
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LOL pay 25 bucks a month and you watch the movies there too,happens here too but we don't do movies and popcorn just BQ ,the poster has a gripe and voiced his feeling,I could tell another story about a bus here in the shop but not going too :^
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LOL pay 25 bucks a month and you watch the movies there too,happens here too but we don't do movies and popcorn just BQ ,the poster has a gripe and voiced his feeling,I could tell another story but not going too :^
Yes, I had a gripe. They make lots of income from the videos which is fantastic. That's not the real issue.
Issue is when you have been on their waiting list. Then follow their requirements in order to get work done. They book you then don't follow through.
Part of the requirements was you had to join patreon at the 25.oo level minimum.
You don't book a job and not show up. In our case we relied on Scott to fix our first bus in PA. He chose while he was on the way to skip us and continue on to Ohio. We lost our 1k deposit on that bus. By the way we did find another better bus. It was still a lot of money to loose.
Now we spent over 400 more to be on patron just to get work done on our other bus but covid stopped his travel. That is understandable. Now we have a bus that we were able to move to their property that is near them. Tyler did book this job two months plus ago. Now they say they are booked out and still no follow ups from them. At one time you could talk with them. Then you can't as they don't answer.
They have taken a bit of our money. We have not watch many of their videos in the past year as they had nothing to do with vintage buses.
I have learned that there are many shops our there that yes charge 96.00 per hour
Such as gene russel NC or Ted up in Williams California. There are guys in other parts of the country that have tools that scot don't have. He has a long way to build a shop with proper tools and is working on it.
But, to burn the bridges with people who have supported you for three years. I can only wonder how many more feel taken advantage of. I found more than 5 people in my travels who developed a bad taste.
I try to stay neutral but, I need to post our experience. Just be aware.
I will not speak about engine rebuilds here either
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Airing dirty laundry smells bad. The only one good at ever doing that was Don Henley 8)
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We need to know the bad, for our protection, and the good, for our benefit.