Portland, OR to Destin, Fl - maybe

[Sipapu]

I'm beginning to think I may not make it at all.  I started out today feeling pretty good.  The bus was running really well, just a little extra smoke that I assumed was the altitude.  I stopped for fuel, made about a 100 miles - really happy with things - then suddenly temp jumped to 200.  I shut if off - cooled it down and limped another 20 miles.  Bill Gerrie helped me troubleshoot - and looks like another piston gone - or worse.  Good Sam is towing me to Farmington, NM tomorrow - anyone know a good diesel mechanic in the area?

Thanks,
Rick

[John316]

Rick,

Let me be the first to extend my heart felt condolences! It sounds like you are having a real time of it. I don't know much about 2 strokes, but if I was in the area, I would sure help.

Other then heating up, what symptoms do you have?

Again, sorry it is working out like this.

John

[Sipapu]

I can't even start it now.  It ran really rough - and shut itself down as I pulled off to cool down the 2nd time.  Running rough with lots of gray smoke.  I pulled and filled the fuel filters and it ran for a few minutes, at a rough idle and no response from the throttle.  When it shut down - a lot of oil from the 'blowby' pipe? Used or threw out a gallon of oil - and hadn't been using hardly any.  It went from purring to disaster - I haven't even run it 1000 miles.

[luvrbus]

Stewart and Stevenson is your best bet in Farmington what a shame you probably lost a injector and it took a piston and head  out I was hoping you made it ? is that a 6v71 or 8v71 other 2 things it could have broke a liner or the blower came apart also.

Man I feel for you that's about all I can say

[Sipapu]

Thank you, I saw S&S in the phone book.  I'll call them tomorrow.  Just knowing someone can work on it is helpful - and that sounds exactly like what happened.

[luvrbus]

I can help with parts for 8v71 like a blower,crank,cams and heads not much I can do for you if it is a 6v71 sorry

good luck

[Sipapu]

It is an 8v71.  I called S&S and a guy named Art seems very knowledgeable.  They work on a lot of two-stroke diesels for the oil field industry.  I'll be towed there today. 

I asked for a flat bed tow truck - are there any dangers in towing that I should be aware of - not let them do?

[luvrbus]

If you ask most S&S locations will use aftermarket parts to help save you some bucks if not it will be genuine Detroit parts   

Stewart and Stevenson is a good out fit they kinda help developed and improve the 2 strokes over the years

good luck

[Melbo]

What did you find

Never fun when things go wrong

Melbo   

[Sipapu]

We got the motor apart today.  It 'dropped' another 2 pistons and pieces got thrown around in the blower and exhaust manifold.  Its been suggested to do an in frame overhaul.  If I understand correctly, this would be cylinder kits on all 8, replace the main and rod bearings (again, just to be safe), heads, injectors - maybe rework the blower.  The block is not cracked and the 'lower end' seems ok.  $7,000 - 9,000.  Luvrbus, does this sound like a good course of action?  Think I could end up with a good basic motor that I could depend on?

[luvrbus]

Depend on how much you like the bus the price is not bad

[Sipapu]

The rest of the bus is really nice.  Itside is very, very confortable - out side needs some paint and a few dings knocked out.  I want to keep it.  I just want this 'fix' to give me a motor I can trust.  This is at Stewart & Stephenson - I really like these guys.

[Sipapu]

And actually I'm feeling better about things than I have.  If I can get the motor right - I have begun to figure out the rest of this thing.  I think I can figure out how to maintain it - and do most of the future work myself.  I was not prepared for learning and repairing a diesel on this trip - but I can do this

[luvrbus]

It will be right when it leaves S/S or they will make it right go for it the rebuild it should last for a life time and be dependable with oil changes and TLC they run for ever it seems like  

When you get the final bill and there is something you don't agree with those guys will negotiate with you  

FWIW I been following you ever since you bought the bus and you are the only person I ever heard say that Smith in Salt Lake was a good deal lol you will find S/S is a good dealer if not the best      

good luck

[Brassman]

The '71 is actually pretty easy to overhaul, though you need the right tools. When I did those back in the '70's you would get a piston and rod, with new bearings, loaded in a liner for a hundred bucks with exchange. Drop the liner assemblies in, exchange the heads, pop in new unit injectors, and go fishing.

$7,000-9000 to have someone do the work, while on the road, in today's world, sounds good to this sixty year-old man.