| Subject: Re: Bluebird:: Strange new equipment?? |
Author:
Dan
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Date Posted: 05/ 19/ 02, 2:32pm
In reply to:
Jack Smith
's message, "Bluebird:: Strange new equipment??" on 05/ 19/ 02, 9:46am
Jack,
It depends on what year and model - gas, diesel, Front Control (FC), pusher, etc. I'll answer based on 1983 to 85 FCs CAT 3208 which is what I know best (I have 83 FC35). These are my opinions - so take with grain of salt. There are folks with much more knowledge and experience than me at : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Wanderlodge/messages .
1. How does the "Coach Air" (Dash Air) work? Some say it is charged with R22 and not R12. Is the compressor, (a York?) engine driven? Is this unit usually working? Who can do the repairs on these units?
My dash air is dead - haven't checked it out yet. It uses the older freon, not the newer. Compressor is driven by a fan belt. Best guess about 50% of older coaches have working coach air. Other folks decide not to fix when it breaks, just run the coach generator and the forward most roof air when going down the road. Some folks remove the compressor and put in a shorter fan belt. Some convert to the newer freon and fix the coach air.
2. On the units with Air Brakes--How are they operated? Where is the air source? Is there a storage tank that holds the air at all times?
Three air tanks, one front brakes, one rear brakes, one accessory air tank. Compressor engine driven on same belt that drives altenator. Air also supplies air bag suspension if not an older coach with springs (see history for years).
3. What is the transmission retarder, and how does it operate..
Is the Allison the normal transmission on the older 'Birds?
It seems that there are 5 speed & 6 speed Allisons..Any others...Are any auxillary transmissions used?
Lot's different answers depnding on years -- and I'm no expert. My 83 has allison 4 speed auto, 4 position retarder is on the driveshaft (a huge magnetic unit).
4. Finally, Engines. What are the main advantages or disadvantges between the Ford 390A gas engine and the Diesel, (non-turbo)? Is the 390A a reliable engine, and does it deliver adaquite power for the coach?
I considered buying a gas bird - now happy I did not. 391 industial engine came in older birds. Tough engine. Not as much torque as diesel, gas mileage lower, less longevity (if maintenance good on both) than diesel. More parts and service for cat 3208 than out of production ford industrial 391. Advantage to 391 is lower purchase price of coaches with them.
Dan
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