60series help

[lonestar382]

Ok, after logging about 4k miles now on the bird, I have several problems that I need to address. First of all, the engine seems low on power at times. I have changed the fuel and air filters, and have not seen any improvement. The symptoms are at times, the engine will not build boost over 8lbs. This is very problematic on hills. Any suggestions on what the cause could be? I only found the Racor fuel filter, and the one filter mounted on the curbside of the engine under the bus.

Secondly, the muffler is in need of replacement. I dont even know where to begin on this venture. I know I have seen several threads relating to muffler replacement, but never saw any pricing info on the job. It appears on first inspection, that I may be able to do the job myself, but I have to dive in further to make that decision. Does anyone know of a reputable supplier of mufflers that will fit the bird?

A third problem i failed to mention is the tendency for the bedroom to get insanely hot while traveling duing the day time. I absolutely cant keep the bedroom cool even with all 3 a/c's on while driving.

[fxdwg]

Corey,
That's really low compared to mine. I can get 25# on the flat and I'm probably pushing 30# when pulling a good hill- like running the Arbuckles on I35. I'd be looking at the junctions on all the intake tubing looking for leaks. My truck had that problem.

The muffler is a fairly standard truck muffler, according to one of the Lone Star Bird guys. He recently did his. Most have changed the chrome tip to one that curves more to prevent water from getting into the muffler while it sits. Our models when kept outside will rust through the muffler pretty quickly, if not protected. He got the new tip from the factory. Needed just a touch of modification, but easily done when changing the muffler. The assembly pulls out from the top. Remove the screen around the outlet, remove the lower clamp and pull it up and out. reverse to replace.

[lonestar382]

Muffler replacement seems as easy as I thought it would be. Now, as far as the power goes, I dont have a clue what the problem is. At times, when I havent been driving long, I get 20-22psi, but sometimes after driving for awhile, I lose ability to build boost, and begin to "Watermelon Crawl" up the hills.

[fxdwg]

I haven't looked at mine to see how the intake is set up, but that sure sounds like one of 2 things happening, both intake related. Either there's a leak on the pressure side of the turbo that opens when it gets hot, or one of the flexible rubber boots that joins the metal pipes together is delaminating and closing off the pathway when it's hot.

What does your fuel filter gauge above your head indicate when you don't have any boost? It's also possible that there's heat related restriction in the fuel system someplace. Of course, taking that whole idea one step further, it's also possible that a sensor is getting wacky as it heats up and not letting boost build- given these are 'puter 'trolled engines!

Somethings certainly not right, I can increase speed pulling the Arbuckles. The cars have to get out of my way!!

[Somervillebus]

Corey,

In addition to what John has mentioned, there is a possibility of the charge air cooler being cracked along one of the welded seams. There has been an issue with this in the past. When climbing hills do you happen to notice excessive smoke?

Slim Somerville
99' LXi Kingston Springs Tn.

[Rob Robinson]

Corey, Peter Chin recently posted about his muffler/exhaust piping overhaul. Hopefully he'll chime in here with some info for but in the meantime I'll see if I can find some of his posts on the topic

[iamflagman]

Originally Posted by lonestar382

Muffler replacement seems as easy as I thought it would be. Now, as far as the power goes, I dont have a clue what the problem is. At times, when I havent been driving long, I get 20-22psi, but sometimes after driving for awhile, I lose ability to build boost, and begin to "Watermelon Crawl" up the hills.

Corey,

Check out Wanderlodge Owners Group > Links, Files, Database and Downloads > Links > Auto Jet Mufflers while they only list parts for a BlueBird school bus, a call to them may get you what you need, if you have the dimensions of what you need. If you can't get the elbow for the top of the exhaust stack, Auto Jet Mufflers may have that too.

Also follow the same path up to Wanderlodge Owners Group Forum FEATURE OF THE MONTH and take a look at the $100.00 Muffler, it all depends on your skill level.

Another source for the chrome elbow would be Iowa 80 Truckstop and Chrome Shop just click on EXHAUST in their tool bar near the top.

As far as the "Watermelon Crawl" effect, it is probably caused by a deep seated desire for your 'Bird to experience what an older FC with a CAT 3208NA experiences on a regular basis

[Stephen]

I never heard of it called the watermelon crawl
we call roadside inspection also known as looking for empties

[fxdwg]

Good country song that is the "Watermelon Crawl, refering to watermelon wine and a little drinking!

[Randy Dupree]

i have never seen the bedroom of a pusher get too hot for the AC to cool it.
they do get warm,but HOT is not good.
most of the time the muffler on a bird with a "through the roof exhaust" does not go bad,its the pipe from the muff to the turbo that rusts out.
be very careful,some engine fires have started from bad exhaust on birds.