Well,we went back out today,and got the bus running/idling. Just needed some fine-tuning. Like I previously mentioned,bus is now equipped with a dual-reservoir,under-floor M.C.,(designed for a 1/2-ton). After pumping the brakes about 1,000 times,we finally got fresh fluid flowing from both rear bleeders. On to the front. We couldn't get fluid,air,anything,for about a 1/2-hour. We decided to replace the old bleeders,and,10-minutes later,we had good,solid pedal. Not taking into consideration,that the old bus hadn't been plated/driven, since 1975,we figured good pedal,good brakes=road test! It was all up-hill from the drive to the road,so no problem,there. There is about a block-square-drive across the road,so Ron drove around the block in "granny,and 2nd-no problem. We went to stop at the intersection,and Ron had to stand on the brake,and the bus slowly rolled out onto the roadway! NOT GOOD!! Instead of ending the test,and figuring out the problem,they,(Bill W.,the owner, and Ron),decided to drive over to Ron's brother's,(P.O.'s) farm,and show it off! Now,there's a windy,loose gravel 6% hill,about a mile-long,between where we were and the P.O.'s farm! I suggested that we proceed back to the parking spot,and pull the hubs. 2 votes no,one yes. At least they opted for the path less hilly,so we proceeded with caution. Then Ron tried to see what was behind him,and then realized-NO MIRRORS!! Luckily,this is a very rural area,with minimum traffic. We crept down the first hill,in 2nd,and then climbing the knoll,the bus took-on enough speed for 3rd. Ron pulled the 2-speed button ,let off the gas,then gave it some gas,and WOW!! The 2-speed works! We got to the bottom of the hill,and Ron pushed the button in,(Too soon for my liking),and GRRRIND-BANG!! Yeah,she went into "LO",but it wasn't healthy.NOTE: 2-speeds are usually shifted into "HI",going down-hill,and into "LO",going up-hill We made it to his brother's place,and back,with no major problem,but Ron decided to climb the 6% grade hill,(different route), in 2nd gear. (My truck,('Mo'Tater"),climbs it with ease in 3rd). The engine was wound-out to about 4,000 R.P.M,then it "popped"-out of gear! He had to pull the E-brake quick,then the engine died! Ron tried,with the engine off),to put it back in "granny",but it didn't want to go into any gear! I told him to start the engine,and then try it. No problem,then. By the time we topped the hill,"she" was in fourth,and doing fine. Only other shaky moment was when he had to pull it into the drive,(5%-grade,about 300 feet),then turn sharply to the right,in order to back it into its resting place. Thank God the "E" brake works better than the rest! I don't think that we'll be taking the bus for another drive,until it has complete brake surgery! Thanks for all of your help,guys!! Some people just don't listen,but I just had to go along for the ride!! It WAS a HOOT!! I think Bill W. just might opt for that correct M.C.,this time around. You don't get answers,if you don't ask questions! He bought and installed the unit,before I had a chance to post it here,in case you're wondering. Please don't be like us! SAFETY FIRST!! THANKS!!
Last edited by wetwilly5757; 07/12/2013 1:56 AM.
