PD-4501 Technical Questions

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PD-4501 Technical Questions

Home > Discussion Forum > Bus Conversions - Intercity

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All Messages in Thread	Author	Date
PD-4501 Technical Questions	Wondering	11-11-01
I have the opportunity to purchase a PD-4501. It's been parked since 1990, started intermittantly between 1900-1997, dormant since 1998. What do I need to do to prepare it for starting? What types of problems can I expect to encounter with it having sat so long? What would be the reccomended course of action to get it road ready? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Re: PD-4501 Technical Questions	Slow Freddie	11-14-01
Dear Wondering: Your diamond in the rough may be a lump of coal. The previous owner, when faithfully starting the engine every three months or more, this is what happens Every drop of oil migrates to the sump area. Then when you start the engine, you have fantastic wear, as the parts are not lubricated. This can go on until the cylinders are severly tapered. There are two options available to you: 1. Hang around a diesel repair station, and convince one of the mechanics to assist you in evaluating the engine. 2. Do the work yourself. Check to see if the engine is not frozen, and turns over easily, 35 to 55 foot pound torque with the fuel injectors removed. If it is severly stiff, I have found Marvel Mystery Oil, a very fine oil. Inject one ounce into each cylinder. Wait a week or ten days. Repeat this process until the engine turns over freely. Once the engine turns over freely, at your neighborhood parts house they sell an air conditioning flush unit, for about $40.00. By changing the fitting to an 1/8" pipe you can remove the oil sending unit and pre lubbricate the engine. This puts fresh oil on the bearings, lifters, rocker arm, and etc. Be sure you end up putting oil in and not air. You are now ready to do a wet and dry compression test. From these readings you can tell if the rings are bad or the valves, and make a decision. With the fuel injectors out you should be able to turn the engine over fast enough to check for fuel pressure. Note Fuel injectors are very expensive, the nozzle is very pricey. Handle with care. This is a grand old bus, and I understand your enthusiasm towards it. You asked about the other systems on the bus. The hydraulic system (power steering), leaking hoses, weeping seals, air system, (brakes), same fault, and etc. These will all need to be repaired, or reworked. Tires stored for eleven years Check for weather checking -small hairline cracks in the sidewalls of the tires. Had the previous owners driven the bus and flexed the rubber parts, they would have held up. New Jersey transit has flooded the market with buses from 8,000 to 15,000. These are ones you can jump into and drive home. They also have the maintenance records with them. I'm looking for a 4501 with a weak engine, and would like to replace it with a Detroit diesel 60 engine, which would give new life to this old bus. I have the opportunity to purchase a PD-4501. It's been parked since 1990, started intermittantly between 1900-1997, dormant since 1998. What do I need to do to prepare it for starting? What types of problems can I expect to encounter with it having sat so long? What would be the reccomended course of action to get it road ready? Any help would be greatly appreciated!