| Author |
Message |
Mark & Michele (Busnut_pd4106)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 28, 2005 - 8:55 am: | |
Hello Fellow Bus Enthusiasts,
The 4106 we recently purchased has a crack disc. From what I was told by the seller someone used the bus to pull a tree stump and some how damaged the clutch. The bus runs but require some maneuvering when moving off and changing gears.
We are having the toughest time getting a mechanic to committed to a specific cost of repairing the clutch . I have had several “guestimations” ranging from $800.00 to $1400.00 to replace a cracked disc, a part I was told only cost $350.00.
Yesterday we finally made contact with a mechanic in New England, he is willing to do the job. However, he still has not quoted us a figure. We should be hearing from him sometime today, hopefully with a reasonable figure.
In addition, the mechanic wanted to know if I am going to change the throw out bearings and pressure plate as well. Well I'll be damn! My first question was about the additional cost. He could not answer , but went on to say that he need to remove the clutch to see what is damaged. A fellow bus nut suggested changing these additional components while we have the clutch apart.
I do believe I understand what is involved. Jimmci9 was very thorough in explaining the different components that make up the clutch mechanism.
We plan to visit Luke in NJ once we get her rolling. In the mean time, we would appreciate some feed back from others with any or similar experience with a GM coach. Any information would be greatly appreciate.
Thank you.
Mark |
BrianMCI
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 28, 2005 - 10:15 am: | |
Well, as a diesel mechanic of 25 years, I don't have experience with GM coaches, but plenty enough experience in doing clutch jobs.
If you came to me, I'd strongly reccomend replacing everything involved, including the pilot bearing, the throwout bearing and depending on the condition of the flywheel, I'd probably reccomend having it surfaced.
To tell you the truth, I wouldn't take the job if you told me that the clutch disc was 'cracked' and it's the only part you want to replace.
The physical nature of doing a clutch job,the difficult procedure involved, not to mention the absolutly filthy environment of that particular task... combine it with the cramped quarters under a truck, much less a bus, dictates that you do the job right the first time.
Please understand, this is a job you do not want to have to do over again, I for one would hate to have you pulling away after finishing your clutch and have a finger on the old pressure plate break...
there are however plenty of mechanics that will do just as you ask if that is what you insist on, but you won't have a leg to stand on if it fails on you a couple miles down the road.
Lastly, without actually seeing inside your clutch a mechanic can ONLY guess-timate which is why the wide range of estimates, but I will bet you any money it will not be two hundred dollars
Brian |
BrainMCI
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 28, 2005 - 10:25 am: | |
Whoops, didn't wipe the sleep from my eyes thought the low estimate was $200. But to be brutally honest, if you don't do everything possible now, it will have to be torn apart sooner for something you failed to replace now.
That's not just my opinion, dats a fact Jack!
Having it fail within a few miles is a risk I'd rather not take.
Brian |
Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 28, 2005 - 10:42 am: | |
And how was anybody able to determine that it has a cracked disc as opposed to other items that could be causing the problem. And what really is a cracked disc?
Richard |
TWODOGS (Twodogs)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 28, 2005 - 11:33 am: | |
the whole thing sounds like a snow job...sounds like it was made up by a used car salesman...pulling a tree stump?....and how would he know if it's a cracked disc?...rather than a burnt-up disc....and how would you know the flywheel needed to be surfaced until you see it...the whole secret...is finding a mechanic that can make decisions after it is apart that you can trust |
Robert Pimentel
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 28, 2005 - 1:34 pm: | |
It could be as major as a cracked bulkhead.
Robert with silversport 4106-097 & 111 |
don (Bottomacher)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 28, 2005 - 2:11 pm: | |
If you're going there anyway, why not see Luke first? You won't find better. |
Mark & Michele (Busnut_pd4106)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 28, 2005 - 4:11 pm: | |
Thanks to everyone that responded.
Brian & Don
After reading all the postings, I contacted the seller. After I questioned him he volunteered to drive the bus down to luke's in NJ. He is in no way obligated. He is looking forward to meeting Luke. In return I offer to buy him dinner and pay his way home.
Richard,
The seller first used the term "spinning disc", then later described it as a "cracked disc".
TWODOGS,
I respect your postings DOGS, but I just dont see the snow job. The bus is already mine. What am I missing?
Robert,
I do believe the bulkhead is in good condition according to two previous owners. |
BrianMCI
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 29, 2005 - 12:23 am: | |
As well respected and competent as Luke is, do believe you have made a very wise decision Mark
Brian |
Ken Kushner (Kudu)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 29, 2005 - 12:24 am: | |
ANYTIME you have to delve into a clutch that has a fair amount of use its prudent to change it, the pressure plate and throw-out bearing. If for no other reason than it's just a pain in the a**. Only a foolish man would do otherwise! |
Bob Gallo
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 29, 2005 - 3:12 pm: | |
4106 transmission removal is not a difficult job. I've done it a couple of times. However, the extent of the damage is unknown until you're in there, thus the lack of an estimate. |