School Bus Mechanic Videos, pictures on repairs and maintenance on Diesel Engines and School Bus components and systems. Lots of "How To" repair information from a Certified Commercial Transport Mechanic. Comments and Questions Welcome! Statistics Unique Visitors: Total Unique Visitors: Outgoing: Total Outgoing: 0 0 0 3580

Articles from School Bus Mechanic

Diesel Engine Repairing Troubleshooting 2007-09-03 01:07:00 Diesel Engine Repairing & Troubleshooting requires some common sense and basic fundamentals to find a problem whatever it may be. I have lots of experience in the "will not run" category, there is one thing you should do first, "always check the source!"Think about the source everytime you begin your search for a diesel engine fault. On a basic diesel engine without electronics the first thing you do for a "no run" condition is check the fuel tank, is there fuel? Check the fuel filter for the amount of fuel remaining in it, it should be high enough to reach the filter base pick-up [where it screws onto]If you've got fuel just move up the line to the Primary fuel filter and then to the Secondary filter, the Primary filter is on the vacuum side of the fuel transfer pump while the Secondary filter is on the pressure side of the transfer pump. If your fuel filters are primed and unrestricted crack a line on the pressure side of the fuel transfer pump and crank over the engine, check f ...

Cat 3116 Injector Timing Adjustment Tools 2007-08-15 23:37:00 Cat 3116 Diesel Engines [older models] use a mechanical unit injector meaning injection occurs by the mechanical force of the camshaft, pushrod and rocker arm commonly known as the valve train.This short video will show you where to place the timing tool on the injector and help you understand why that dimension on the injector has to be adjusted to factory specs. The rocker arm adjusted either way will advance or retard the injection timing for that particular cylinder. When #1 cylinder is on compression stroke adjust #3 #5 and #6 injector. Rotate engine 360 degrees [#6 cyl. on compression stroke] and adjust remaining 3 injectors. ***One thing to remember is don't try to move the injector rack unless the spring is slightly compressed [you could damage the injector], there are hold down tools that come with the tune up kit when setting injectors on the engine. ...

B20 Biodiesel Approved for use by Cummins 2007-08-03 01:46:00 {This is a from a recent article released by Cummins}B20 BiodieselOne reason for biodiesel’s popularity is its capability to reduce emissions. Biodiesel may also help to reduce reliance on imported oil, using renewable “homegrown” energy sources. Cummins has completed the necessary testing and evaluations to ensure that customers can reliably operate their equipment with confidence using any biodiesel blend from B2 to B20 biodiesel fuel.The popularity and use of biodiesel fuel continues to climb. Recent studies predict that, by 2008, 1.2 billion gallons of B100 biodiesel will be produced in the United States. One reason for biodiesel’s popularity is its capability to reduce emissions. Biodiesel may also help to reduce reliance on imported oil, using renewable “homegrown” energy sources.Pure 100% biodiesel contains no petroleum and is commonly referred to as B100. While it works in diesel engines, most manufacturers, including Cummins, recommend a blend with petroleum-based ...

Cummins Diesel Engine Running in a Thomas School Bus 2007-07-19 22:57:00 This Thomas [pusher] School Bus is powered by a Cummins "C" Model Diesel Engine. The displacement is 8.3 Litres with a inline 6 cylinder configuration. The fuel injection system is run by a Bosch injection pump with fuel nozzles installed in each cylinder. You can see the accessability at the front of the engine which houses the timing gears making engine disassembly [camshaft] a snap. The water pump is belt driven running just below the alternator. The cylinder liners are removable making engine repair very cost effective since everything can be done in the frame, hence the term [in-frame] This Diesel is very dependable with a 250 hp rating and well suited for medium duty use. ...

Thomas School Bus - Freightliner Conventional Charge Air Cooler Replacement 2007-07-07 01:47:00 Here's some quick shots, changing the air charge cooler on a conventional Freightliner School Bus.The air to air piping connects directly to the Turbo outlet which supplies boost pressure to the engine intake system. The turbo boost flows through the air charge cooler which cools the air before the intake increasing the density and in turn the total volume.The hood is easily removed from wiring harness and two pins on hinges. ...

Starting Up A Thomas School Bus With A Mercedes MBE 900 Diesel Engine 2007-06-28 21:49:00 This a quick clip starting up a Mercedes Diesel Engine in one of our Thomas C2 Model School Buses. I'm using my digital camera and have not perfected the video techniques yet [I'm no Steven Spielberg]The C2 has a much higher ceiling and greater visibility which our operators appreciate. The 3 position dual engine brake is very popular with Drivers [and Mechanics, since it will cut down on brake jobs.]The Multi-plex wiring is very unique on the C2, to give you an idea: dash switches can be inter-changed anywhere on the dash. Each switch has a different resistance amount so the computer can read that resistance and know which circuit is activated.The Thomas C2 also has a programmed pre-trip. With the flashers on and the signal switch pulled up, the ignition switch has to be cycled to the accessory side 3 times and then left on accessory. When the signal switch is released from the upward position the operator can do a walk-around and check all the regular lights and the loading lights. ...

Thomas School Bus-Checking erratic oil pressure guage 2007-06-22 00:39:00 TROUBLESHOOTING ENGINE OIL PRESSURE SYSTEMOriginally the oil pressure guage was jumping up and down but now it's reading below zero with the engine running. This indicates and "open circuit" that can be easily found with an ohm-meter.Unhook both ends of the wire from the "oil pressure guage" and the "sender" and ground one end, then with your ohm-meter, probe the other wire end and touch the second probe to a good ground. An infinity reading means no continuity at all which indicates a definite open circuit. Replacing the sender wire completely or using the ohm-meter to narrow down the open is the next step. TIP #1: Always check wiring closest to the environment first when looking for faults.TIP #2: If you ground the "sender" end of the wiring the dash guage will read full to the right with the ignition in the "run" position, this indicates the wiring is OK.MANUALLY CHECKING ENGINE OIL PRESSUREThis second clip has poor audio but it just shows a pressure guage hooked up to the oil pres ...

New Rules Concerning School Bus Emissions 2007-06-17 01:47:00 New laws state that excessive idling in front of schools will be stopped because of the harmful effects of exhaust gases on children. School bus operators will now have to shutdown the engine when waiting for students.IdlingUnnecessary school bus idling pollutes the air, wastes fuel, and causes excess engine wear. When idling, a typical school bus engine burns approximately half a gallon of fuel per hour. School districts that eliminate unnecessary idling can save significant dollars in fuel costs each year.DieselDiesel bus exhaust from excessive idling can be a health concern. School bus manufacturers also are making large investments in new diesel, natural-gas, electric hybrid and other engines to further reduce pollution. The National Idle-Reduction Campaign: Provides an opportunity for bus drivers, transportation managers, teachers, and children to learn about air quality and diesel emissions. A bus can burn approximately one gallon of diesel fuel for each hour it idles. Plan ...

Diesel Engine Cutaway Shows Moving Parts 2007-06-11 01:08:00 This video gives you a great side view of the moving parts of a diesel engine. A lot of work went into this demo and you can see how many moving parts there are that makes a diesel engine operate.Notice the 2 middle pistons move together[as does the 1st and 4th pistons], this is important when understanding the procedures for timing an injection pump or setting valves. As both cylinders reach "top dead center" one will be on the exhaust stroke while the other will be on it's compression stroke.I'm not sure what model diesel engine this is, the fuel injection system is hydraulic meaning that pressure fuel is distributed out of the injection pump under high pressure at the specified time [fuel injection timing is very important] feeding each cylinder injector, commonly known as a nozzle. ...

Make Your Own Biodiesel Video! 2007-05-31 23:23:00 Here's an interesting video on making your own biodiesel by a man who goes around collecting used cooking oil from restaurants. It looks like a dirty job but I'm thinking how beneficial it would be to set-up and how much better lubrication your diesel engine would get along with the fuel savings! There could be more detail in these videos but it gives a basic overview of the biodiesel making process.Here's Part 2 which gets more into the biodiesel making process.For more detailed biodiesel information go to: http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_make.html ...

Bio-Diesel...A Natural Alternative 2007-05-25 14:21:00 In 2002, 15 million gallons of biodiesel was consumed in the United States (The American Soybean Association)The National Biodiesel Board, a trade association for biodiesel producers, is a good source of additional informationThe primary advantages of biodiesel are:1) It has natural lubricating properties and thus eliminates the need for synthetic lubricating additives in ultra low sulfur diesel fuels2) It is essentially sulfur free and has a very high cetane number (a measure of diesel fuel quality).The other process for producing biodiesel is through a conventional petroleum refining process known as hydroprocessing. In Europe, the largest producer and user of biodiesel, the fuel is usually made from rapeseed (canola) oil.Recent environmental and economic concerns (Kyoto Protocol) have prompted resurgence in the use of biodiesel throughout the world. In 1991, the European Community, (EC) Proposed a 90% tax reduction for the use of biofuels, including biodiesel.There have been reports ...

Thomas Pusher School Bus - Removing Radiator 2007-03-17 15:35:00 This Thomas School Bus had a leaking radiator that required removal and repair. All the body panels must be removed to gain access to the radiator. The air charge cooler must be removed as well, it cools the turbocharged intake air to create more density/volume.Fortunately this radiator core was repairable being a 1999 model, This is the best way when running a fleet of 70 School buses. The Thomas Pushers have transversely mounted radiators since they have rear drive engines and transmissions. ...

Installing A Chevy 350 cu. in. Engine 2007-03-14 22:39:00 Replacing a 350 cubic inch engine in a Chevy Van at first sounds difficult but once the radiator and body parts are removed it makes for a much easier job.There was a bad connecting rod bearing which was confirmed by opening up the oil filter where there were lots of metal particles. To save time we ordered a "long block" which is a complete rebuild with the heads included. All that is required is to swap parts and perform running checks once the installation is complete. ...

Seat Belts On School Buses 2007-03-10 23:13:00 Seat belts on school buses has become a contentious issue, are they going to put seatbelts on school buses? Since the 1980s school buses have been fitted with a built-in "passive restraint system" meaning nothing has to be switched on to activate the system. Compartmentalization as it's called is the heavily padded seats and seat backs that protect the passenger from injury which has been rigorously tested and found to be 16 times safer {according to Transport Canada} than travelling in any other vehicle including the family car. If you're wondering why the bus driver has an over the shoulder 3 point seatbelt: The driver needs to be restrained in case of an accident because he has no padding to deflect the impact of an accident. There is nothing but glass and steel in the driver's compartment.Seat belts on school buses would require testing and monitoring by extra staff as well as a warning system [my guess]to indicate an unbuckled seatbelt. I wouldn't be surprised [just my opinion ...

The Biggest Diesel Engine In The World! You Gotta See This.. 2007-02-27 22:46:00 Believe it or not these are the crankshaft main bearings! Some facts on the 14 cylinder cyl. Total engine weight: 2300 tons Length: 89 feet Height: 44 feet Maximum power: 108,920 hp Check out the Website hereHere of course is the Crankshaft!It weighs 300 Tons. ...