Oil Sample Reports Valuable

It’s true oil samples can find an issue way ahead of the obvious which means it’s usually too late to save an engine from catastrophic failure. If the driver comes to me with an engine noise complaint I always hope it’s a loose charge air clamp or fan belt. The difference between finding engine wear… Continue reading Oil Sample Reports Valuable

Allison Auto Trans Stuck in First Gear

This Allison automatic transmission is a 2009 model in a Thomas school bus that was running around on it’s route when all of a sudden the transmission became stuck in first gear. Past experience with this condition told me that there was something wrong with either the output speed sensor, the connection or the wiring.… Continue reading Allison Auto Trans Stuck in First Gear

Park Brake Not Releasing C2 Bus

This is a 2006 Thomas C2 school bus that had a park brake that would not release. The video shows the AMU air management unit that controls the PB circuit. When releasing the park brake the switch sends a signal to the bulk head module which is the brains of the operation allowing the PB… Continue reading Park Brake Not Releasing C2 Bus

Mechanic Confessions and Tips

It’s true I’m being totally transparent and confessing right here right now. I can sum it up in one statement “I don’t know everything.” Even after 37 years of working in the heavy duty mechanic trade it would be a huge lie to say I know it all. First of all why would any mechanic… Continue reading Mechanic Confessions and Tips

Milwaukee Impact Review

We recently acquired a Milwaukee impact rechargeable 1/2 inch drive for the shop. I strongly believe it was a good move  because of the convenience of not having to rely on an air compressor and air lines required for a typical air operated impact. The torque it delivers is more than adequate which you can… Continue reading Milwaukee Impact Review

School Bus Module Corrosion

Modules have been part of the mechanical world for many years. The technology has advanced in leaps and bounds with more monitoring and control of multiple circuits reducing wiring, switches and connections. Most school bus modules are sealed from the environment however if moisture and oxygen are allowed to enter it’s inevitable a failure will… Continue reading School Bus Module Corrosion

Diesel Engine Code Elimination

It’s a great feeling to find a problem on a diesel engine and repair it without any comebacks. In the mechanic’s trade a comeback is a dirty word. Sometimes it can’t be helped but it still happens. However when you get a win it makes up for any negative occurrences. The diesel engine in this… Continue reading Diesel Engine Code Elimination

Diesel EGR System Cleaning

I phoned the representative for this mobile EGR system cleaning machine called the DFS 910. At first I wasn’t interested but thought about the actual labor involved to remove EGR system parts just for cleaning purposes. When adding everything up it was worth a try to get hooked up with this machine and see if… Continue reading Diesel EGR System Cleaning

Telematics Mechanic Super Tool

Who doesn’t love WiFi these days…. it makes any kind of technology so much easier with wireless communication. In regards to mechanics and working with diesel engines WiFi mixed in with telematics is the best tool going for reading engine codes on a vehicle regardless of it’s location. Telematics rules and if you have used… Continue reading Telematics Mechanic Super Tool

Diesel Engine DPF Replacement

If you have ever worked on a diesel engine with emissions you’ll recognize the part featured in the photo. It’s a sooted up DPF (diesel particulate filter) cartridge. This one was giving us some trouble with an engine code that pops up when the turbo boost is not at the proper level. The cause of… Continue reading Diesel Engine DPF Replacement