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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Seangie on May 29, 2013, 09:51:41 AM

Title: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: Seangie on May 29, 2013, 09:51:41 AM
Hey All -

The turtles are on the road here still in Boston.  Trying to troubleshoot a "clacking" sound in the engine.  I've uploaded a video down the bottom so you can hear it.  It seems to be coming from the drivers side of the engine.

It doesn't make the noise upon first start. The noise seems only to appear after turning on the high idle.

I have thoughts on what it might be but don't want to complicate the issue.  Let me know what you think.  We were hoping to be headed back by Friday but would like to get this figured out before I drive anywhere else.

Thanks for your help.

-Sean

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xsnqHYSz5c
 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xsnqHYSz5c)

 www.herdofturtles.org  (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
1984 Eagle Model 10S
Title: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: Len Silva on May 29, 2013, 10:08:35 AM
Does the noise change when the compressor is loaded?  Have someone pump the brakes until the compressor kicks and listen to it..
Title: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: gus on May 29, 2013, 11:43:14 AM
Make sure the unused pulley on the left side (Driver) is not loose.

It takes a huge amount of tightening torque and often loosens.
Title: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: OneLapper on May 29, 2013, 11:45:52 AM
Where abouts in Boston are you?   I might be able to lend an ear.  

Edit:  sounds like the compressor. I have good spare compressor that should work.  It came off a 8V71.  Maybe someone can confirm it'll fit.  
Title: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: TomC on May 29, 2013, 12:07:54 PM
Sounds like the compressor. Take a long screw driver and use it like a stethescope. Put the screw driver on the compressor then put the handle up to your ear.

Funny thing about air compressors-they can make noises for years, and still pump oil free air. Or they can make no noise and come apart. Is it pumping oil? Good Luck, TomC
Title: Re: Re: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: Seangie on May 29, 2013, 12:28:09 PM
Does the noise change when the compressor is loaded?  Have someone pump the brakes until the compressor kicks and listen to it..

Len,

Good question.  I let the bus run for about 15 minutes on high idle and the bus never aired over 110 lbs or so and I've got it set to kick out at about 125 I think (its never taken more than 10 minutes to air up on high idle).  Hard to tell if the pressure gauge is correct as its analog and labeled at 100 and 150 with a mark in between.  I figured that was the 125 mark and set the governer to kick there but the safety relief valve(rated at 150psi) that is on the air dryer was releasing before the air dryer during our trip.  I was going to adjust the governer and address the clacking today but now the air only goes up to just above the 100 mark.  I'm going to try and turn the governor way down later to see if I can get it to kick at 85 and see if that turns off the compressor and stops the noise.  

Quote
Where abouts in Boston are you?   I might be able to lend an ear.  

Edit: I have good spare compressor that should work.  It came off a 8V71.  Maybe someone can confirm it'll fit.  
Mark - we are in Foxboro right next to the stadium.  Ill pm u my phone number.  Thanks for the offer...huge help.

-Sean


 www.herdofturtles.org  (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
1984 Eagle Model 10S


 www.herdofturtles.org  (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
1984 Eagle Model 10S
Title: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: OneLapper on May 29, 2013, 12:45:44 PM
The stadium is a few miles from my grandparents!  I know the area well. 
Title: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: luvrbus on May 29, 2013, 01:12:32 PM
Have someone turn the steering and you listen if it stops you have lost the fiber coupling between the pump and the drive could be several things including a blower I hope not for your sake

good luck
Title: Re: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: Seangie on May 29, 2013, 03:02:06 PM
Clifford -  I am praying its not the blower...  I started the bus again to take another listen.  It was a slow draggy start almost like something was stuck.  It did start up though and I ran it for a few minutes.  The clacking is with the engine,  I just don't know enough to figure out where its coming from.  I turned the wheel left and right and it didnt make a difference.  I did notice on the drive up that in the morning after driving all night it was tough to steer and made a wining noise...and I thought it was the tranny cause of the cold or maybe the steering.  Anyways - I stopped the engine and let it sit for a few minutes and now it won't start at all.  No smoke either.

Here is a video of the start if it helps...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8guu-xVOCtU

We are truly grateful for all of your help and input.  We are praying and trust that everything will work out.  We are blessed that we are with family, and the location we are in is right off the highway with no less than 3 truck repair places less than a mile away.  Will keep you posted.

-Sean


 www.herdofturtles.org  (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
1984 Eagle Model 10S
Title: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: robertglines1 on May 29, 2013, 03:15:02 PM
ck oil;note color and level and post.
Title: Re: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: Seangie on May 29, 2013, 03:52:07 PM
Nix the engine not starting....I think I have a bad Skinner valve....nothing to do with the engine running.

Bob-  oil looks good.  There is a full mark and a needs more oil mark.  I'm assuming a gallon between the 2 marks.  We were at the full mark when we left, went about 1000 miles and we are still closer to the full mark (I'd guess 2 quarts short)  oil is black.  Just had an oil change about 1500 miles ago.  (This past spring)

-Sean


 www.herdofturtles.org  (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
1984 Eagle Model 10S
Title: One Loose Exhaust Valve Tappet?
Post by: HB of CJ on May 29, 2013, 04:41:42 PM
Or...a wandering rocker arm?  Maybe a reach here.  HB of CJ (old coot)
Title: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: RickB on May 29, 2013, 05:08:14 PM
Sounds like an exhaust manifold leak to me but the audio is nothing like being there


Rick
Title: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: robertglines1 on May 29, 2013, 05:27:49 PM
Like Rick said look for Black carbon exhaust tracks around exhaust. I blew one on 8V92TA couple years ago --dropped 300 rpm top end rite away. Would get it figured out for sure before it cost big$$$$.  Exhaust gasket's under $30
Title: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: luvrbus on May 29, 2013, 06:53:10 PM
Only way you will find the problem is what is called the elimination process may take while a good nut turner will chase it down could be anything if is it not the compressor or blower then eliminate the valve train one cylinder at a time do you have Jakes ?
Title: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: Scott & Heather on May 29, 2013, 06:58:16 PM
Man I wish we were there and could help Sean...So to confirm, she's starting right up no problem now that you eliminated the bad skinner issue right? And you're sure it's not the compressor at this point?

Praying for an easy fix...
Title: Re: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: Seangie on May 29, 2013, 07:36:19 PM
Hey All,

Mark (One Lapper) came out for a visit. 1st thing we checked was the power steering fluid and it was dry.  Grabbed some dexron from Wally World and filled that up.  We started up the bus and with his stethiscope he had it narrowed down to the compressor in a minute.  So I've got to get a compressor tomorrow and hopefully before the weekend is over we will be on our way home. 

Huge thanks to Mark.  Sharp guy.  Very sharp. I can't thank him enough. Thanks to all for your help and prayers.

-Sean


 www.herdofturtles.org  (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
1984 Eagle Model 10S
Title: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: luvrbus on May 29, 2013, 07:43:14 PM
You will probably have to get the compressor from Jefferson in OKC Eagles don't use a standard truck compressor O tilt and the discharge line is on the opposite side of a normal compressor fwiw I hope you get lucky and find one local you can make a standard work with some piping changes not easy to do but doable to get you on the road faster
Title: Re: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: Seangie on May 29, 2013, 08:00:26 PM
Cliff,

Is it possible to unbolt and turn the top end of the compressor around 180  to make it work?

-Sean


 www.herdofturtles.org  (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
1984 Eagle Model 10S
Title: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: Seangie on June 05, 2013, 10:37:51 AM
Hello Everyone - We made it back to NC safe and sound.

Here is a quick brief -

1. Compressor was clacking loudly.  Mark (OneLapper) came out and confirmed.
2. Tried to find a compressor - Checked 4 places online out of state and 4 places locally.  I was looking for a Tu-flo 500 compressor as that was the one that was on the engine.  Later after finding and ordering the only one place that had the 500 and had to overnight it (for an arm and a leg) I found out that the Tu-Flo 501 compressor was made to replace this one.  These 501s ended up being more widely available.
3. Fixing your bus on the road is expensive.  
4. Pulled the old compressor - was fairly easy and cleaned up what I could while parked in my brothers driveway without making a big mess.
5. Started the new compressor install and had trouble getting the nut for the drive gear lined up with the cotter pin hole on the drive gear shaft.  Mark had brought an airgun (he came back out on Saturday to help with the install) and that was a huge help.  If he hadn't been there with that, it would have taken me a while to figure out.
6. New compressor on and started up no problems.  About 7 minutes to air up which is the same amount of time as before.  
7. Real tough to find gaskets for the compressor.  Possibly an exact part number from gasket company but none of the Bendix part numbers xrefrenced.
8.  The head can be spun around but not suggested if the compressor has been running for any amount of time (Mark mentioned this) due to wear in.

as Always...it didn't really happen unless you got some pics to show for it -

Old compressor naked and ready to come out
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/06/davuqumy.jpg)

Rebuilt in box - Bendix blue
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/06/y2utygeq.jpg)

 drive wheel on old compressor
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/06/mu7ugaba.jpg)

Cotter pin hole on drive shaft
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/06/gepy2ure.jpg)

Mark wrenching some finishing touches
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/06/a4ahejup.jpg)

All prettied up and ready to roll
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/06/ademaju3.jpg)

While initially scary, it was an unexpected blessing being able to spend the extra days with my family.

Bus ran great on the drive back.  Huge thanks to Mark who only asked that I pay it forward if anyone else ever needs the help which I certainly will do.

Ain't Nuttin Beats a Bus Nut.

-Sean
Title: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: lvmci on June 05, 2013, 11:48:24 AM
Hi Sean, so good to hear evrything came out ok, it is nice to unexpectedly have time with the family, best wishes, tom, lvmci...
Title: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: Van on June 05, 2013, 05:47:07 PM
Glad to hear you guys got it goin and made it home ;)
Title: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: luvrbus on June 05, 2013, 06:10:02 PM
Hind sight now but I would have changed to the Tu-Flo 750 it bolts right up where the 501 sets then instead of 7 minutes it would less than 5 minutes plus they last longer and about the same price

good luck
Title: Re: Re: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: Seangie on June 05, 2013, 07:21:35 PM
Hind sight now but I would have changed to the Tu-Flo 750 it bolts right up where the 501 sets then instead of 7 minutes it would less than 5 minutes plus they last longer and about the same price

good luck

Good stuff Clifford.  If I only knew then... Luke from US Coach didn't even know and went out of his way to call Bendix support for me and find out about the 501.  Unfortunately I was up against the clock a d had no room for errors.

Thanks guys!

-Sean


 www.herdofturtles.org  (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
1984 Eagle Model 10S
Title: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: Scott & Heather on June 05, 2013, 07:46:38 PM
So relieved to read this. We are at a bed and breakfast overlooking the ohio river and I will now actually sleep good knowing you guys are back on the road. This club once again proves invaluable. Mark and Luke deserve angel wings


Sent from iPhone via Tapatalk
Title: Re: Clacking Noise in the engine
Post by: luvrbus on June 05, 2013, 07:54:44 PM
I don't have the book on the 10S but the 650 and 750 were standard issue on most Eagles Luke gets a little lost on Eagles sometimes GM and MCI he is the man Ed at Jefferson is sharp on both he was Jefferson's GM guy before taking over for Norris on the Eagles   
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