This Simple Test Could Save You Thousands On A Mechanically Powered Skoolie Bus Conversion

This simple test could save you thousands of dollars before you buy your bus for a skoolie conversion. Most people think that because an engine is running it is good to go. NOT TRUE. Schools sell busses because their age but also because there are issues they are not willing to fix!
Learn more at bit.ly/skoolieacademyhomepage
Contribute To The Build ~ / theoffgridskoolie
Thanks to Anthony Gatson, Jeff Chancey, Dave Robaska, Hebard's Travels, Jerguy, Jon King, Mike Manning, Roy Gardiner, Linda Lemoi, Nickolas Pranger, Sam Billingsley, Shannon Woody, Tom, Michael Ralston & ZeroFlame for supporting this build!
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[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Tony well done 👍 so simple. If you are thinking about a skoolie buy this course it will make you a lot smarter and save a ton of money. Well done Chris and Wess 👍👍🇨🇦

[@cleiagrubb]

where can we find Tony? I would like hire him.

[@samuelcaine8961]

Hello I need your help please my INSTRUMENTATION BuS

[@dhyde9207]

That guy is a fountain of diesel information. Cool.

[@luckylucy12lucky]

Tony's a keeper. Hard to find a mechanic that 1, knows what they're doing and 2, you can trust.

[@tryduck5571]

No its not. Plenty of them all over usa , its people trying to pay nothing to have it checked by a qualified technician and looking for mechanic rates of 20hr so they dont have to pay for real work.Its easy to find great mechanics , they dont hide.

[@theclintified]

Nice! My bus was cheap because it wasn't making the power it should. It was a .99 cent fix because the turbo waste gate clip rusted away and the turbo wasn't making any boost. The kid spent $500 at International and they couldn't figure it out. They sold him a new air filter and told him he needed to change the oil. I figured it out when I looked at the turbo and I am just a farmer/rancher that keeps my tractors and such running. They ripped him off so bad. This is such good info for the masses.

[@NellzM60]

It’s rare to find mechanics who takes full pride in their trade and you can tell this man has a phenomenal skill set on that big brain of his.

[@user-fg8hc2km1o]

You're a rare breed Sir; you exude hope and truth, keep being you.

[@U20E27]

Guys like Tony are rare gems in the Automotive world. Hearing him share his knowledge to help not just Schoolie folks but schools is fantastic!

[@saguarotreker]

This is the information that keeps me coming back to the buslife. Skoolies all seem willing to lend a hand. Thank for the video Chris.

[@MrTonyharrell]

A lot of mechanics are simply parts replacers. That’s a common problem everywhere.

[@jsb5188]

@Tony Harrell, I know !!!, ...I'm one of those.

[@scottmaschino1927]

I've known certified master techs that are simple parts changers. And I've seen guys with no certifications at all that could fix absolutely anything they got ahold of. The difference is is it just a job, or is it something they are passionate about and enjoy doing.

[@markiefufu]

I bought my bus from Tony last month. Great guy and knows his buses. I highly recommend buying from him and/or using him for any repairs you need!

[@sambulate]

If I may ask: Which year/model bus did you buy, mileage, and price? I'll be shopping for one soon, and Tony doesn't appear to have prices on his website. Thanks, and good luck with your conversion!

[@JohnS-zq8ks]

A video that delivers value! Good work Chris. If I bought a bus, I'd fly this guy in to look at it, or buy from him.

[@larrym6019]

Great to see a video with Tony. Wish I bought my bus from him. The bus whisperer.

[@COO415]

Tony, the Master Mechanic, knows his trade and craft. Will track you down before buying. Cheers.

[@eastside0434]

Honest man and a knowledgeable mechanic.

[@keithlance1]

Great video, would love to see more content along these lines. I spoke to Tony for about 20 minutes about a month ago when starting our bus purchase journey. I would love to buy our bus from him and AAA Bus. He seems like an all around great guy and business owner.

[@user-cp4jb5oz4c]

Very wise mechanic. This guy knows his trade👍

[@jimrodda]

It puts faith back into humanity to hear a mechanic tell the truth, honest and sincere, that's the way to build a business.

[@NomadicHooker]

Hat's off my man. I always like the guys who are willing to teach the underdogs some tips to keep from getting screwed. I see way to many peeps who buy a bus to build it out, then when they start traveling their dreams are broken due to the need of a $20,000 engine. I consider myself fortunate to have the basic knowledge needed and I share all I can, and try to learn even more every day.

[@yankey4]

Love it. We did the same on the 18 wheelers I worked on as a kid. Growing up my gramps had a trucking co and when the fram work was slow I would work on the trucks. Funny how you miss things. Thanks for sharing. God Bless.

[@nickclayton2517]

I had a guy like this. Helped me get my Cdl B he was s Ford engineer. For the commercial trucks. And a master mechanic. He retired. And became a school bus driver he just loved

[@Gusinabus]

very useful info. I have a friend in vancouver who helps me with the same logic. I have a ford powerstroke in a short bus, and has remained reliable so far.

[@jaboostedhf]

Very nice would love to see more of these videos that help skoolie families

[@roygardiner4002]

Great video Chris from a proper professional mechanic - more please !

[@14mtaylor]

I am glad I live in AZ because I am going to Tony for my bus when I get one!

[@mikiejohnson7118]

We need more people like Tony who have this kind of knowledge & know exactly what they're doing. He also hit the nail right on the head about how technology is taking over more than ever before. Especially how things are moving/shifting away from real true mechanical machine engines & moving/shifting toward computers & the computer accessory types. This is definitely a video to learn from. Great job Tony. I appreciate this tutorial & the expertise 👍👍☺️❤️🚍🚌🛠️🔧🧰👨‍🔧.

[@swaterman08]

Great Video. I would also like to see someone build the back of the bus keeping in mind they may need to remove the bed for someone to access the engine and what the build would look like.

[@reddevil258]

Great info!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for the steps.

[@johnclamshellsp1969]

Absolutely great information. Thank you

[@angrytwizzlers4039]

That’s some good info. Thanks Chris!!

[@randybarentine5762]

Great video, hard to find guys like him....

[@Martin-gg1up]

Learned some essentials. Great job. I appreciate, thank you very much from Germany.

[@sallyfenney429]

Wow! He knows his stuff!

[@thoughtsinpassing2968]

"The more you know the further your money will go" in this case, your money and your bus ! Thank you for sharing !

[@jimmydeen58]

Great Video.. That guy knows his business...

[@vixrobinshood]

thank you so much this was awesome

[@keithbanks9294]

Great show!!

[@lawrenceconstantine7735]

Nice job Chris very informative for the non-knowing that alone is worth the course folks I am not always this easy, but right on the nail head

[@boitoiful]

Hey Chris. This guy Tony is a must for all skoolie people. Gr8 idea of yours to go to school and learn about them and to pass this along to others. J

[@garymathews4042]

first remove the oil filler cap and check for piston-ring blow by into the crankcase .if you feel no pulsing of air coming out ,you probably got a good motor

[@marshallcollins8634]

Great info thanks for taking time to educate people

[@c.i.m.1600]

Howdy, thanks for sharing. Excellent advice, definitely can save someone from a bad bus purchase. Liked and subscribed

[@gFog3]

Chris, first off, congrats. I too got bit hard after buying a six-figure new Class A motorhome that now has a new engine, new leveling system, new in dash unit, new toilet, need I go on? It is only 2 years old and only has 33,000 miles on it. I’m advertising it as BETTER than new, because new it was, and still is in my opinion, a true POS. Thank you Thor. Having followed you since Zep I, I’m earnestly looking at following your lead and heading skoolie. I’ll enroll in the academy shortly, as long as my POS doesn’t keep raping me of my income. Thanks for putting all this together for those of us who want to live the lifestyle, not pay rent/mortgages and explore! I’ll see you at the academy and hopefully on the road.

[@IvyRosethebus]

Tony is the best! Thank you Tony!!

[@Wayoutthere]

What a great guy. I would like to see more tech vids like this.

[@RunsWithKnives]

Good video Chris.

[@phmiii]

Thank you!

[@iderryan]

I don't know Tony personally, but he's an honorary homie, and really, the only good reason to go to Phoenix.

[@hedatguy]

This guy is trying to give good information, and look at the haters!!!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!

[@fairpassage260]

Great content! Love straight shooting, OG mechanics😎

[@kirktruman6707]

Wow thank you that was really awesome I was a gas mechanic at one time and I even understand how to do that trust me when I buy my bus I will be doing that thank you will appreciated

[@belowfray5251]

Mr., you are awesome.

[@we_unite3146]

Good info, thanks for sharing!

[@favorflavor707]

Skoolie Academy, lots of good information, thanks.✌👍

[@soillife1]

Very good Thanks Keep it simple I like

[@nomadrvmontreal2733]

cool, makes me more confident with my Cummins engine now ;) Thanks !

[@robertllawrencejr5503]

THANKS!

[@JoelPit]

I so need to met Tony sometime soon.

[@14mtaylor]

I am definitely going to Tony when I buy mine! Good think I live in AZ!

[@bloodybonescomic]

Another quick test is start the engine cold and start shooting exhaust port temps. That dead cylinder will give itself away. Put in a test injecter if you like. Just to see if it makes a difference.

[@writertaylorleecooper9357]

Excellent.

[@hectorjimenez3440]

Thanks for the great info!!! Question: Are all DT466 "Wet Sleeve Engines"? Im looking at a Mid-90's International 3800 with the DT466 and Allison Trans... Would that be a good purchase?

[@StinkyPeteThePirate]

Did you ever think about making a documentary about Americans like the diesel mechanic in this video. Good stuff!

[@kingofthepod5169]

This works on smaller diesels too, so long as they have the mechanical injection pump. So if its a Kubota powered skid steer or a 4BT in a woodchipper, this test will work too.

[@Eduarditooo]

T H A N K Y O U ! ! ! I don't have a Cummins or anything like it but is a great thing have the knowledge how to check a motor, when I get mi own first Cummins en the next years to came I will know something very important and then I will remember you and I will said again THANKYOU!!!

[@joseortiz5965]

Awesome

[@tryduck5571]

I think best solution is if your not mechanically inclined then hire a shop to look over ANYTHING you thinking about buying.Dont need everyone thinking they are mechanics and cracking high pressure lines. Just makes more sense just pay to have it pulled into a shop of ur choice look over whatever vehicle u plan to buy.

[@Psalm91ArmorUp]

Chris please get Tony to start making more videos on the AAA channel!

[@pwhallon]

That's great info. Does he sell busses?

[@HealthSupercharger]

Thank you very much for this tip. huge tip. Would you also say that ta cold start after it was sitting all night would be a good idea to see how fast it starts is and excellent way to test.

[@hannahtanner514]

This is very helpful! I was wondering if you could tell me the best diesel motor/transmission for a mini or short bus?

[@charlotte97838]

Can you boost the power on an 8.3? Without hurting it? Great video.

[@Bontzy]

I would work with a guy like him, you can see it's his passion,

[@gracecallowayable]

Awesome!!!👠🚌👠

[@ramvanbobby3889]

I like that bus what r those international buses going for chris

[@BlackRVer]

Awesome video and yes I still love my Cat 3126 engine. I also noted that he don't say anything about sending out a oil sample.

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Reverend TCJ Williams you got a dead hole you dont need a oil sample 🇨🇦👍

[@BlackRVer]

Hey Badge I really need your help but I know you are on the other side of the map right now. However do you know the proper fitting size and type for a 2001 BlueBird Rear engine, with a Cat 3126 Power Steering both lines

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Not sure but i think it is number 8 or10 JIC

[@BlackRVer]

Thank you Badge

[@arthurperrea3714]

Nice informative i have a step van I'm turning to a RV . could you be so kind to tell me if their any advantage to put larger tires on it .I have 16 inch on it would I get better gas mileage if I put 19 inch tires . Thank you .Best Regards Arthur

[@georgewashington1106]

Subscribed to this channel just based on the comments. Looking forward to some great info. -- edit -- What the hell? I thought I was subscribing to this guys channel, and looking forward to lots of info on various mechanical issues and fixes. All the videos are just other people's travel vlogs. Millions of those. Very few good tech videos though. Kinda disappointing

[@AlejandroHernandez-so8lt]

This guy went OFF.

[@sandys3767]

Hi. Where are you located? Do you do pre-purchase inspections? Do you sell buses?

[@MrJim0823]

You do the same thing with a heat gun if one cyl has low temp you better check it

[@lakesideinc]

will this tip work with any diesel engine ?

[@willi542]

Great information and explained perfectly 👌

[@stac_y_with_no_e]

Thank you for sharing this information. I have sent you an email to request your advice, and possibly, your services.

[@krystlejanuary-beatcancern3885]

What is your opinion on the dt360?

[@scott6607]

I love university of KZbin!

[@foreverkeepwaiting]

So a wet sleeve engine is the better engine to buy?

[@ronrenfros4757]

I was looking at a 93 international bus online, big one, are those known to be reliable? thinking of living in one, think they want 15 g's but its converted into livable

[@thevacuumtubejunky9774]

Your experience is insurpassable. Are Detroit's 6v's 8v's the same???

[@beajbrow4230]

👍

[@m.sm.1159]

Where is this man's shop located?

[@premierrealty80]

How can I contact you to get information on your bus sales

[@nathanmikel5902]

Great info!

[@billycook5688]

Can you do a compression test on a diesel?

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Billy Cook yes but it dont meen nothing you got a dead hole 🇨🇦

[@gormauslander]

Dang, I'm getting pretty sold on the 8.3

[@morningscout]

What's his website if any?

[@foreverkeepwaiting]

So a wet sleeve engine is a better engine to buy initially

[@sylvainbonhomme1409]

I dont know this guy, however I would trust him with any school bus purchase. I wish I leaved in the USA.

[@jimcarter4929]

Why didn"t you find problem when new injectors where installed? Why were they changed in the first place? I will always bleed and crack test after installation.

[@watahyahknow]

we installed drysleeves by shrinking them in dry ice had a tool at hand to give it the last bit if it got stuck ,you need towork fast , taking the cilinder out is harder

[@norse7god]

The engine sounds awesome through AirPods.