PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - Crazy purchase of the year award......

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Wow thats a real buss. 35' you said?

Yep. 35' and 25,000 pounds.

Very nice. What a bargain. The early 8.2's had headgasket problems. There was an updated headbolt for it as I recall. But if it's gone that far, it should be fine. Is it the turbo or non-turbo version?

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry (Post 2410829)

Yeah, thats what I was reading as well. This is the turbo version. It an 83 model, and I found reference to the updates in the paperwork. Seems the owner knew of the problem early on, so hopefully measures were taken (see below). There really appeared to be no corners cut on this thing and I take that as a good indication that all is well.

Actually, there is a nifty compressed air/water misting system installed in the radiator housing that is supposed to automatically come on when the temperature hits a certain point.

Funny though, since in the paperwork there are brochures from the same 84 time period for a Cummins and a Detroit 60 series. Would have been nice if they had gone with the Cummins, but not everyone owns a crystal ball....

Klaus

Quote:

Originally Posted by klaus kallas (Post 2410822)

Ok, here are a few pics. One is from when the bus was originally converted in 1984. The other was taken on my cell phone, so forgive the poor quality.

Anyway, went by last week with a couple new batteries and installed in the bus. This thing has been off the road four years, and not started in two. Went in and turned the key and it took half a second and it started and hummed like it had been running all day. No B.S., no coughing, no shudders, just a bit of smoke for 30 seconds. It runs PERFECT :shocked: !

Waited a few minutes and the air suspension came up, and pumped the brakes and they work. So, put it in gear and it moved it back and forth. Hmmm... ground looks dry. Backed it out on the road, gave the owner a check, and we drove it home!!!!!!!

Now, it ain't perfect. Lots of TLC to be done (electrical, air leaks, LOTS of bodywork, etc.) but it is one hell of a starting point. We will slowly get it back in mechanically sound shape and hopefully the first road trip will be this summer:D !

Engine is not the 8v-71 Detroit I thought at first, but turns out to be an 8.2T "Fuel Miser". Kind of a mixed review on this from what I've read, but with 167,000 on the clock it seems to have proved itself. Allison automatic shifts great and don't anticipate any problems there.

Stay tuned!

Klaus

Awesome. Sweet score. I'm still waiting to find my gem sitting in someone's garage/backyard.

I drove an old Bluebird bus with the NA 8.2 in it, and while it was capable of eventually getting that vehicle to the other side of 55, it really needed a turbo. The Allisons they used behind the 8.2 were intended for much larger engines, so no worries there.
Interesting side note, there actually was a manual transmission/transaxle option in the 8.2 power package. I rode on a tour bus with one, it was odd. IIRC, it was only a four speed too.

The Cummins engine of that vintage typically put in motorhomes was the 555. I've got a Bluebird Wanderlodge with a 210hp NA3208 with an aftermarket turbo. It weighs 30+k so you'll be better off. It's not speedster but perfectly adequate on flatland.

Cool that it was done by an Engineer. It will probably all be overdone....I mean done really well....like an old mercedes!

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry (Post 2410883)

Haven't driven it far, but felt quite powerful (well, by bus standards) on the 3 mile trip home. Tranny is an Allison 545. Looking at a dyno set up from when it was installed, looks like top-gear shift comes at 50.49 mph. Seller stated he had driven up to 60 mph on the road by his house and felt it had plenty more.

Mind you, the gentleman we bought it from was allowing the last real owner (his neighbor) to store it on his property and hadn't ever used it himself. He is a great guy and does know a good bit about it from what was told to him, though.

BTW, if anyone else happens to own one of these beasts or has an 8.2 there is a ton of info and workshop stuff here I can scan if needed.