School Bus Mechanic Service Call

Almost 2 weeks into the new school year and there has already been a couple of service calls and the maintenance cycle is starting to build. A rare occurrence out of town late in the afternoon was one of our International buses that had a hot running rear wheel and the inability to build air… Continue reading School Bus Mechanic Service Call

DPF Replacement MaxxForce 7

Servicing a diesel particulate filter (DPF) is part of the maintenance involved with an emission controlled diesel engine. Our shop has to periodically clean or send the DPF out to be cleaned depending on it’s condition. Sending it out for cleaning runs around 500.00 and there’s no guarantee it’s going to pass the flow test… Continue reading DPF Replacement MaxxForce 7

IC School Bus Automatic Light Check

With both of our Thomas and International school buses having an automatic external light check drivers can check lights without assistance while walking around performing a pre-trip. With the ignition key on accessory and the push of a button anyone can do it. The software engineers were thinking when they developed this system. The drawbacks… Continue reading IC School Bus Automatic Light Check

School Bus J1939 Electrical Fault

We happened to have an electrical fault in one of our International buses. The dash registered a large yellow triangle which is supposed to get the driver’s attention and also a message on the dash panel which said “electrical fault”. If you get lucky like we did it was something to do with the ABS… Continue reading School Bus J1939 Electrical Fault

MaxxForce 7 Diesel Engine DPF Failure

The video shows all the damage to the DPF (diesel particulate filter) on one of our MaxxForce 7 International diesel engines. This is the second diesel particulate filter that has failed this way. It seems to me this DPF has a definite weak spot. Only three years old and this “catastrophic failure” as the dealer… Continue reading MaxxForce 7 Diesel Engine DPF Failure

3 Reasons to Become an Automotive Technician

If you enjoy fixing things and have a love of cars, then a career as an automotive technician could be a great option. It’s a flexible career: Choose to work in an auto repair shop where you can enjoy the challenge of solving a multitude of motor vehicle options—or opt to specialize in an area… Continue reading 3 Reasons to Become an Automotive Technician

Cummins ISC Running Check

The ever important running check on our fleet of buses is never compromised after a repair or checking out a complaint. This means a basic visual and listening session. The road test might tell the story under certain conditions if there is a noise or power complaint. It will also show fluid leaks if any.… Continue reading Cummins ISC Running Check

DT Diesel Engine Rear Seal

As I start this post I can’t help thinking of all the experienced mechanics around the world who don’t share their mechanical fixes and failures. If 1% of mechanics around the world turned into bloggers the internet would be totally packed with great content. The ‘how to’ information online is the biggest draw to the… Continue reading DT Diesel Engine Rear Seal

Sterling Bullet ISB Turbo Repair

The video is a quick over view of a repair we are completing on one of our white fleet trucks…It’s a Sterling Bullet with a 6.7 Liter ISB Cummins diesel engine. The Cummins code was P2262 which was a mechanical issue with the turbocharger. It would create a back pressure at random which caused a… Continue reading Sterling Bullet ISB Turbo Repair

School Bus Engine Overheating Solution

I’ve been asked several times over the last 20 years if we get the Summer off. I said no you’re thinking of the teachers and bus drivers. The Summer is like a breath of fresh air for us with 2 months to get caught up and have some time to find ways to prevent regular… Continue reading School Bus Engine Overheating Solution