Articles Archives

The Basics and Keeping Up With Technology

Staying On Top of Your Field Finding ways to analyze problems more efficiently that don’t take up a lot of time is like gold to me. The one thing that always wins over mechanical and electrical problems is experience. Once you’ve been through the “stumbling around” phase the second time around is always easier. Going… Continue reading The Basics and Keeping Up With Technology

4L80E GM Transmission TCC Failure

We recently had a 2006 one ton cube van with a slipping/shuddering transmission (4L80E). The transmission code indicated a torque convertor problem. The first step was to remove the transmission oil pan and check the filter. It was advised by one of the transmission shops to tear open the filter and see what’s inside. We… Continue reading 4L80E GM Transmission TCC Failure

School Bus Conference Vancouver

School Bus Conference in Vancouver In the first week of July myself and 2 other Mechanics went down to Vancouver to attend the annual ASTSBC (association of school bus transportation services of BC) conference. It attracts managers and support people from school districts throughout the province to find out the latest and greatest technical and… Continue reading School Bus Conference Vancouver

School Bus Wiring Problem – RH Signal/Marker Lights

The video explains what is going on with the right hand side signal and marker lights on this Thomas C2 school bus. It just happened out of the blue as with all electrical faults so we needed to find out where the wiring originated and see if there was any output from the source. I… Continue reading School Bus Wiring Problem – RH Signal/Marker Lights

Multiplex Wiring Troubleshooting on a School Bus

Whenever we had wiring problems it was a hunt down from the beginning but once you find good information showing you how to carry out a step by step process it’s much easier to be successful to find the fault. We were working on a Thomas C2 conventional school bus at the time and what… Continue reading Multiplex Wiring Troubleshooting on a School Bus

School Bus Vandalock No Start Possibility

I can talk from experience that I had a few service calls that involved the vandalock system. When engaged the bus will not start which is the main reason they were installed. They interrupt the starting circuit until they are unlatched at either the side door or rear emergency window. This pertains to the pusher… Continue reading School Bus Vandalock No Start Possibility

The DT466 Electronic Diesel Engine

The DT466E Diesel Engine Memories The DT466E International diesel is no more mainly because it could not meet emission standards. It’s one engine that performed only as good as the oil pressure that supplied the HEUI (hydraulic electronic unit injectors). They had a tendency to run rough when cold because of the lack of supply… Continue reading The DT466 Electronic Diesel Engine

School Bus Mechanic – Kayaking and Upcoming Summer Schedule

The video below is my kayaking adventure on Canada Day. I’m pretty sure one of the bird chirps you hear is a bald eagle. I saw him roaming the skies later on that morning and the wing span must have been 5 or 6 feet. So I’m not doing too much talking during the shoot… Continue reading School Bus Mechanic – Kayaking and Upcoming Summer Schedule

Summer Maintenance and Repairs Begin

The end of June means school’s out for summer and this year it ended with a twist. The teachers in BC who are in the middle of contract talks with the government decided to take action and picket all of the schools and maintenance yards starting on Jun 15th so we had to honour the… Continue reading Summer Maintenance and Repairs Begin

Cummins CAPS Assembly Repair

We had a 1999 Cummins ISC diesel engine quit on us while trying to leave town. It had to be towed back after having an initial look at it. The first thing was to scan for codes and at first we had no engine position and engine speed signals. So that was where we started… Continue reading Cummins CAPS Assembly Repair