| Author | Message | ||
| Rick Cribbins (Rc38)
Registered Member Username: Rc38 Post Number: 20 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 97.120.176.215  Rating: N/A |
YEAH!!! We leave Friday to retrive our baby. Picking her up in Bethel Island CA. Going to swing through Sac. and then a stop to see Ted @ Coach Maintenance and work our way back here. About 800 miles. Bringing the wife, the kids and the dogs. Should be a blast! | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 2161 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.71.157  Rating: N/A |
carry a pair of fuel filters, the tools to change them and a gallon of spare fuel to refill them.Should also carry some spare oil, maybe two gallons.Good luck, and don't try to run flat out; take it easy. | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1845 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.195.124.20  Rating: |
Rick - Don't know if you've ever driven a bus before, but, if nothing else, remember this: When making turns, EVERYTHING IS BEHIND YOU! Use your mirrors, and remember that the RH curb bites harder than the LH. When in doubt - STOP! Get out and check, or wait patiently for the 4-wheelers to figure out how to get around YOU. Read/print out, take with and utilize these: http://www.busnut.com/bbs/messages/12262/16204.html?1167073154 http://www.busnut.com/bbs/messages/12262/16203.html?1167072614 More than anything else, have fun!! FWIW & HTH. . .  | ||
| Jim Wilke (Jim Bob) (Pd41044039)
Registered Member Username: Pd41044039 Post Number: 688 Registered: 2-2001 Posted From: 184.0.13.120  Rating: |
Rick, Don't know if you've driven a GM stick bus before but RJ's articles are gospel. You can not rush the shift on these. When we bought ours, I asked the previous owner if he would teach me to drive it. He said "I can't teach you how, but the bus will teach you how to drive her". I didn't understand but later came to understand that she won't shift if it's not the right gear & speed. If you've ever driven a big old unsychronized truck before you know what I mean. And John's suggestion to have the correct lube oil plus AT LEAST two changes of fuel filters plus a gallon or two of diesel plus tools, rags, bucket, etc to change them on the road is dead on. You don't know what kind of nasties may have grown in the tank if it has not been regularly on the road. Last year we jumped in our 4104 in the Spring after it sat all year and headed out only to have to change the filters every 400 miles because our last tank of diesel had "algae" in it. If this happens you will know it because the engine will lose speed gradually 'till you can't get over an overpass or small hill. If so, stop, change the filters making sure to fill them from your jug of diesel, reinstall & you should be on your way at top speed again. Make sure your family understands that if the bus has been sitting there could be little stops along the way to fix stuff but fortunatly you will have your kitchen, bathroom, toys, etc right with you. If the bus has been sitting a lot, it might be a good idea to have someone who knows busses or big trucks come along on the "bring home" trip. Some stuff I would add are jumper cables, a strong battery charger if the bus has a genset, tarp & coveralls, hand cleaner, etc. Tools go without saying. There's nothing worse than knowing what needs to be done but not having the tool to do it. Oh, and bring a big credit card! Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. When you come "loaded for bear", the bears don't show! | ||
| Mike Everard (Meverard)
Registered Member Username: Meverard Post Number: 36 Registered: 1-2011 Posted From: 174.253.238.167  Rating: N/A |
When are you picking it up?I live in Antioch, about 20 minutes away. I own a 4104 and would be happy to meet you there if you like. Let me know. If not, no worries and Good Luck with your baby. Mike | ||
| Cable (Fe2_o3)
Registered Member Username: Fe2_o3 Post Number: 81 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 50.46.185.136  Rating: N/A |
Above All Enjoy...This is your only first trip...Cable | ||
| Dave Walker (Chrome_dome)
Registered Member Username: Chrome_dome Post Number: 392 Registered: 3-2010 Posted From: 69.99.179.176  Rating: N/A |
Rick that's out by Frank's Tract. We live in our bus at Snug harbor just north west of there. only way to get here though is 84 through West Sacramento . Good Luck with your trip. Mike we are also neighbors but can't take the ferries too big. Chromie | ||
| Rick Cribbins (Rc38)
Registered Member Username: Rc38 Post Number: 21 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 97.120.176.215 Rating: N/A |
Thanks for all the great info everyone! In addition to everything suggested here, we are also bringing all of you via this laptop! All of you at my finger tips! What power! Slow and easy does it! Mike, I'll try and look you up on Saturday. It wouls be great to meet a fellow bus nut and another 4104 to boot! RJ, I have driven a few big things and studying everything I can lay my hands on. Thanks for the links. I think I read through them both before, but I am reading them aqain, just in case. Don't want to damage our baby or scare the kids ;) Cross your fingers, say a prayer and give everything a wide berth! | ||
| David Evans (Dmd)
Registered Member Username: Dmd Post Number: 625 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 69.114.3.22  Rating: N/A |
i want a window seat please. i nice thing to have is 40' 14or 16 guage wire with alligator clips to supplament your multimeter. If it has a hold or beeeper for continuity all the better. Have a fun safe trip. | ||
| Jim Wilke (Jim Bob) (Pd41044039)
Registered Member Username: Pd41044039 Post Number: 690 Registered: 2-2001 Posted From: 184.0.13.120 Rating: N/A |
The computer / aircard idea is perfect. We should have said that but overlooked that most powerful tool. We list all the things to take & give you cautions but you are looking at the distilled experience of many miles. One of the neat things about a 4104 is that it is SO basic that they are legendary for getting you where you are going. There are lots of stories similar to the guys who were brought home by shot up B-17s. As you first said, "have a blast". Tell us about the fun you guys have on the way. | ||
| Mike Everard (Meverard)
Registered Member Username: Meverard Post Number: 37 Registered: 1-2011 Posted From: 98.210.8.135 Rating: N/A |
Hey Rick, If you get the chance give me a call. My number is in my profile. Dave, I knew you were in the Sacramento area but Snug Harbor is very close. We will have to hook up one day. | ||
| Jim Sanders (Sandy)
Registered Member Username: Sandy Post Number: 104 Registered: 1-2011 Posted From: 69.199.96.250  Rating: N/A |
Rick How about an up date. Every thing ok. You made the trip ok? Jim | ||
| Jack Fids (Jack_fids)
Registered Member Username: Jack_fids Post Number: 945 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 72.211.145.15  Rating: N/A |
It was just after Midnight 5 long days ago, when we last heard from the intrepid adventurer known in these parts as Rick Rc38. With the responsibility of 2 worlds & his family teetering on his inexperienced shoulders, mean while the Antique GM Coach carried the whole lot as if it had never left revenue service. By the 100 mile mark Rick was probably feeling more relaxed than he had imagined, smooth ride, driver input equaled performance response expectations...everything going along smoothly. After an American made vehicle has sat for awhile without attention or scenery flying by, once they are up & stretching their legs for a bit again they get to thinking about the new component they were needing before they went to sleep...... We can't hold our collective breath forever Rick, we wanna know if you were towed into Dog Breath Forks behind a '49 Shivey Pickem Up or if you rolled thru & smiled at the dust you stirred up... | ||
| Mike Everard (Meverard)
Registered Member Username: Meverard Post Number: 38 Registered: 1-2011 Posted From: 98.210.8.135 Rating: N/A |
Rick, We haven't heard from you in a week. You made the comment that we were coming with you via your laptop during the trip. We would like to know if you made it home safely or are stranded somewhere in need of help. Just a little update would be nice. Mike | ||
| Patrick levenson (Zubzub)
Registered Member Username: Zubzub Post Number: 300 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 174.91.218.41  Rating: N/A |
I like to think he is so dirty and greasy from running down little repairs etc as he goes down the road that he has had no time to get online. No worries though, it's a 4104, he will get home, but then he will need to sleep for a few days to recover, and then a day or two to write up the saga (with pics, nudge nudge). Happy Busin. | ||
| Jim Wilke (Jim Bob) (Pd41044039)
Registered Member Username: Pd41044039 Post Number: 701 Registered: 2-2001 Posted From: 184.0.13.120 Rating: N/A |
Maybe things went to well & the family was having such a blast (kids not asking "when will we get home" every 4 miles, etc.) that when they got near home they didn't get off at their exit. Yep just kept on a goin. "Thataway". Maybe. | ||
| Jack Fids (Jack_fids)
Registered Member Username: Jack_fids Post Number: 954 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 72.211.145.15 Rating: N/A |
Does anyone know if Ricks '04 was Turbo'ed enough to reach "escape velocity" ? Maybe he's headed "OUT" for a really long vacation.... Who has a telescope & can do some rudimentary sky scanning...? ...just sayin... | ||
| Jim Sanders (Sandy)
Registered Member Username: Sandy Post Number: 109 Registered: 1-2011 Posted From: 69.199.96.250 Rating: N/A |
Hey I thought i was the only BN Thinking of Rick Luv youse guys & Girls JIM | ||
| Rick Cribbins (Rc38)
Registered Member Username: Rc38 Post Number: 22 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 97.120.127.173 Rating: N/A |
Hello Everyone! Thanks for everything! Sorry to leave everyone hanging. We had a good trip with only a few problems: We traveled 896 miles and burned 77 gallons of fuel and went through two fuel filters. That's 11.6 mpg. Not too shabby, eh? I had to use my GPS to track speed and distance (tachometer wire broke from alternator and speedo cable needs replaced). But the GPS should be correct. We rolled over the scales at 23500 lbs. The alternator/accessory drive cover started leaking within our first 10 miles. Tightened up the bolts and that slowed it down, but we leaked or burned 6 quarts of oil getting home. I think she’s just territorial. The power steering reservoir leaks from the cover too, but that is an easy fix as well. We blew the seal (so I thought) on the right front shock between Fairfield and Sac. Wonderful bit of road. (I pulled it off last night to get the part number and discovered the lower housing is separated from the body. No signs of damage, just popped off...I suspect it bottomed out in one of the unmarked tank traps that passes for roadway down there). I will try to drive more in the daylight and less in the dark in the future (ground sensing radar might help too). I also noted a fair amount of play and wanderlust in the steering. I'll adjust the box and replace the front bushings in the not too distant future. The king pins were replaced in 2004 and haven't had but a few hundred miles since. It has mostly new airbags and air valves. Air boxes have been by-passed at some point, might not be the ride that Greyhound was famous for, but still rides nice on good road. HWY 97 is a very nice drive, I-5 could stand a little work... It has new front brakes and drums and it has oil bath hubs. All brake air pods are updated, rears include the parking brake. I love the sound and the looks that you get when you pull in and set the brakes after parking. Reminds me of opening an ice cold beverage! KSSSTT!!! Awe, that's nice. Air Chief Air-Ride seat is nice too, as long as the road is nice. Some of those Cali bumps would set the front end bouncing (after they broke the shock) and that in turn would set the seat a bouncing, and then my foot would start bouncing on the air throttle and that would increase the bus bouncing, which would set the seat off, which would set my foot off...Hey! I discovered a perpetual motion machine! The Kubota gen set was installed in 1995 by Wirco Int. I called and spoke with Dick there (Great guy too!), I was concerned about the fact that the hour meter said it only had 191 hours when we picked it up (it's now at 260). He said it should be correct, it's the same one they installed (he's worked there a very long time!). He said it should be good for 10-20K hours, if it's maintained and kept dry and clean. WOW! I pulled into a service station in Bend OR. It was on a bit of an incline and although I took it at an angle, I discovered that there was (lol, was...) a petcock attached to a tank, attached to a support under the transmission by two large hose clamps. The tank has a small rubber hose that connects to a "T" fitting and two more rubber hoses that attach to both ends of the engine. They look like they might attach to oil galleys, but, IDK. When the petcock parted company with the tank, it promptly dumped approximately 2 quarts of the blackest oil I've ever seen on the ground. The tank has no vents either. It does not appear to have pressure in the line. I plugged the line, checked the engine oil level, it was fine (still clean with just a hint of grey), and cleaned up the mess. Anybody have thoughts on this one? Surge/purge tank? Reserve oil pressure tank? Noobie trap for new bus owners? Maybe it’s the Black oil separator; the oil is getting blacker now, but still clear. I know I ran across this awhile back, but I can't find it now. Rear end level is good, but it makes a slight noise under throttle, but not coast. Might have been there all along, but I didn't notice it till we hit Oregon (nice, smooth asphalt gives you a chance to sort out all those little noises, don't you think?). It runs real nice up to 62 mph, and then it picks up a pronounced vibration. Suspect tires. They are new, but date-wise, they need to be replaced. May just be a combination of everything. No signs of separation or weather-checking. No lumps. Tire PSI set at 110 cold. Found a major water leak after getting home, right above the drivers area. Suspected the old mirror mount. Plugged and sealed all suspected areas. All dry for now. Currently repairing a little dry rot in front of the right front tire and trying to restore some of its former glory in the entrance area. Someone stuck contact cement and carpet to the stainless steel around the stairs and removed the tread. Why? They also punched a hole through the area forward of the shifter and passed some wiring through it. It just makes my butt chew bubble gum! I have to admit though; I'm having a blast crawling all over her, fixing whatever I can and making a list of what all needs to be done as well as sorting out everything. I'll try and get some pictures soon. Thanks again for all the support and encouragement! I'm a firm believer in safety in numbers ;) Rick | ||
| Bill Gerrie (Bill_gerrie)
Registered Member Username: Bill_gerrie Post Number: 561 Registered: 3-2006 Posted From: 216.198.139.38  Rating: N/A |
Rick I thought you might be from Canada when you said "not to shabby, EH?" Must live close to the border. The tank you refer to is most likely a catch tank for the air box drains. Most guys use them so the toad or rear of the bus stays clean. The perpetual motion you mention is unnerving if it gets out of hand. I put new Delco shocks on my bus years ago and they were a bad batch. Caused the same effect. I now use Gabrial shocks. Cheaper and better. The oil will go jet black on use but normal. Use a straight grade 40 weight. It is a non-detergent oil but the only grade recomended for DD 2 stroke engines. (Lots of posts on this one.) The vibration could be a universal joint or tire. Isn't this world of busnuts great. Bill | ||
| Rick Cribbins (Rc38)
Registered Member Username: Rc38 Post Number: 24 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 97.120.127.173 Rating: N/A |
Hi Bill! Great bunch of nuts here in this basket! We are in Astoria Oregon, but close enough to Canada, eh ;) By the way, I love your fish-bowl:0) Thanks for the info, I'll go check the u-joints right now. Any excuse to play with it, is a good one! Rick | ||
| David Evans (Dmd)
Registered Member Username: Dmd Post Number: 633 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 69.114.3.22 Rating: N/A |
great post, congratulations! | ||
| Bill Gerrie (Bill_gerrie)
Registered Member Username: Bill_gerrie Post Number: 562 Registered: 3-2006 Posted From: 216.198.139.38 Rating: N/A |
Rick Thanks for the comments. We have had the 5303 since 1984 and still playing with it. Great hobby. This winter I am going to pull the tranny just to see how my homemade overdrive unit is standing up. It operates flawlessly but it has approx 5 years on it now and my curiousity has got to me. Bill |
