Generator Could Have Fallen out of the Bus!! | 2005 American Eagle | Shots Life

What started out as a simple Oil Change on the Cat Generator in my 2005 American Eagle coach turned into removing the whole front of the Bus and the Generator!!! It was bad folks, rust, rust, rust! The tail pipe, then the muffler, then I realized the entire bottom of the generator was gone and the engine was only still in the bus because of the bus frame holding it!! the engine mounts were rusted through! The radiator had shaken to literal pieces! What a headache!
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[@mikeramsey9747]

One thing that I enjoy about your videos, you show your OOPS as well as the good.

[@shotslife]

That’s because I have so many that I wouldn’t have footage if I showed only the good! Hahahaha, no really I appreciate that, I feel the same way when I watch KZbin, how are there so many perfect people? Have a great week!

[@robertengster5643]

One stainless flex pipe of the flange of manifold, creating whatever turn you desire for straight pipe out , your golden.

[@Richard-C]

this project seems to be more complicated than the front porch, good luck my friend 👏👏👏👏👏👌👌👌👌👌👍👍👍👍👍

[@shotslife]

Thanks 👍

[@Texas4x]

If you ever decide to return to the work force, expert American Eagle mechanic should be listed in your resume... lol. Nicely done, Chief.

[@shotslife]

Hahahahaha, yeah I don’t think I could get away with that, I watch real mechanics on KZbin and it reminds me of how little I actually know! But will keep getting after it, the only way to get the knowledge for me… hands on!

[@robertengster5643]

Man this bus has required a ton of your attention. You stay vigilant and kick it's rear.. kudos to the master mechanic and it's great eyes.

[@shotslife]

Thanks buddy!

[@Overpar73]

It never fails you try to fix one small thing and it turns into allot of extra work! Good luck with the task, nice homemade cart!

[@shotslife]

So true, happens all the time, hope you fitting some rest in while you are building, it’s looking great!

[@TheAmmoDan]

If you have not already repaired and painted the framework and undercarriage, you may want to look at POR 15. I was looking for a temperature rated paint for a differential and axle. Wire brush (or screwdriver for the flakey stuff) the loose rust, clean, then apply. Looks to be great stuff for heated area. It stops the corrosion process by preventing oxygen from contacting the metal. Lots of videos on KZbin.

[@shotslife]

Hey Dan, I will talk about pour 15 in coming videos if I don’t edit it out but I have used it several times, started buying it when it first came out… I’ve had varied results… long term hasn’t been that great for me. Tends to crack and chip like powder coating, then water gets trapped under the paint layer… of course I cleaned to the metal and used there other prep-chemicals… followed there instructions to the letter… found rustoleum pro to work well for me.. its way cheaper and easy to touch up occasionally.. I do know a lot of people swear by pour 15.. but…

[@leesmith5419]

I love your attitude no sense complaining let's just get it done could have squeeze the fuel line with a pair of vise grips

[@shotslife]

Dang it, that’s a good idea, would have come in handy just didn’t think of it!

[@sgt.dinger4248]

OMG i laughed so hard at the wheels locked. Been there and done that so many times.

[@shotslife]

Hahahahaha! Yeah, how dumb… you would think all the pulling and pushing I would have figured it out!!

[@shitloveaduck]

My buddy has a Monaco Safari motorhome and his exhaust was rotted out. He bought it from out east!! The fool.😂😂. In the end we built a new “box” to slide in & out. Painted it with POR 15 rust protectant. A lot of guys use it for the frames on their frame off truck builds. (I have that &/or body paint protecting things on my builds.) In the end he took it to the local muffler shop and said “Do your best. I want it quiet!” He left it there for a week and the shop said it was done. They apparently liked that there was no mess like what you found. I can’t remember the cost, but I felt it was pricey until my buddy fired the generator up!! It was very quiet. I didn’t see the finished product, but my buddy called it artwork. Haha. Maybe an option for others or if you run into something similar again. You are a bit of a master at figuring things out for yourself there. A little help from some skilled friends & voila!! 😊. I bet you get it done in a month from when you started!! 😊

[@shotslife]

Yeah I thought about taking it to a muffler shop.. but just wait… more coming! It gets worse… Even though the camera is there I am a bit of a loaner when I’m working on my own stuff, I love helping others but hate asking for help.. I know it’s weird, just the way I’m wired.. Back to the generator, I’m getting held up as it is too cold to paint..

[@shitloveaduck]

@@shotslife - (a little long, sorry). - you have been having a cold winter down in a lot of the USA where it isn’t usually cold!! I watch a couple of channels from North Carolina, the southern part of the state, and it’s cold there too!! We have had a GREAT winter for warmth, but a serious drought is looming here if we don’t get a lot of snow in the next few months!! Haha. The cold is coming for a couple of weeks and not so cold that it doesn’t snow. The mountains should get some heavy snow then, but they will need heavy snow weekly and a couple of times each week to come close to catching up. I definitely understand the loner part when working on things. I used to be that way then something broke!! Hahaha. I retired and got bored! Before retiring I was more of a loner and would refuse more help. I had enough interactions with people with work, I didn’t feel too social after work. Now I have been missing that a bit so I say yes much more often. Thing is, I can still have the guys and a couple of gals that are as good as or better than the guys, over and still work on my own thing! The frame, once it’s on wheels gets rolled into my clean shop! No sanding or anything like that. It’s where things get put together. I do my frames, suspension, differentials, mount the transmission and motor, when at all possible, all on my own. I start the new wiring harness then and the rest can be worked on over in the dirty shop!! It’s not dirty per se, but it’s where the dirty work is done. It’s a nice luxury. Then pieces get sent off for paint, or if they are done and painted in the shop, they come on over to the clean shop. As the pieces get painted and released, they tie up one extra bay in my clean shop! We put that together jointly and often I barely touch a thing. Those guys have the installation of the cab, fenders and box figured out to a T! I also do the interior. I sometimes restore the seats with new foams and factory covers, refurbish the springs and frames if necessary. Definitely paint everything. I tear those parts down in the dirty shop and often someone is there working on something of theirs or mine. I don’t mind either way for most of the group. We visit and work together usually. Then I’m back to the clean shop! Coffee is at 10:00 and 15:00 every day that someone is there, and there’s a small lounge area in the clean shop for that! I supply the coffee and it’s not uncommon someone else supplies the baking!! Haha. It’s like a work optional site. The house is about 200 yards away from everything. My wife hangs out there, but since retiring comes to visit if the ladies are over. I haven’t been doing any projects for the past 6+ months as I’m slimming down the fleet. I want to be just trucks and this week I even flipped the other collectors Corvette I bought a short while ago! Was a deal I couldn’t refuse!! I got a 74 F100 shortbox as part of the deal. The truck is complete with only a couple of things I would do to personalize it. It’s otherwise completely done! Of course I received some cash as well,,, hahaha cha Ching!! That’s kinda how things go. I go to the cabin to get away from everyone!!! Except my wife of course. (I had other escapes but for now the nieces and nephews are managing them for themselves as their pre-inheritances.) No one comes out to the cabin yet. I can get back to the house and find that the frame I left suddenly has a cab and front fenders on it or something like that. Some of the guys haul my truck bodies off to the body shop for final paint when I’m gone even. There are 2 enclosed trailers they have access to. They always call or stop in to say hi to make sure, if I’m there or not, that it’s ok for them to be on the property. So far no thefts, the occasional addition as a gift tool we needed, or something for the wall in the lounge, that sort of stuff. I don’t always know who brought it, but I usually have a good idea. Haha. If you told me I would be that open to others 5 years ago I would have laughed so hard I would fall down!! Funny how things change, even within ourselves. I could stop it, but there are guys building vehicles they could never have done before without the lifts I have etc. I love that they can do that! They bring their kids to learn, their siblings or parents to work on them together. They have to haul everything away after 3 days, but then if they come back the next week, no problem!! That way no projects or junk gets left around. When someone takes advantage of that, I’m still pretty strict with them. They don’t do it twice and remain in this group at the house!! I haven’t helped anyone financially except I don’t charge for the use of anything. If you break a tool you fix it, but if it’s a drill that just wore out, for example, I got it!! I have had zero issues there. My insurance company figures they have everything covered,,, hopefully we never have to find out. I don’t want anyone hurt or their stuff damaged. I think I may do a couple of trucks this summer. I have both held and one is so nice as is, it will come apart, be fixed to perfection, but you will never know until you drive it. It will be my first patina/survivor build done fully! It’s just that nice, but worn out at the same time! The other truck doesn’t have a motor or transmission, but also has zero rust. It has sat since 1978!!! The mice got in, so that’s a mess,,, easy to fix on a truck with a steering wheel, radio and automatic shifter!! There’s not much to them really! Your V10 Ram is complex like a rocket in comparison!!! Haha. Sorry about the length. I know time matters for you a lot. Hoping 2024 treats you & yours as well as is possible!!!

[@es2061]

It's so much fun fixing things like that. Use some black rustoleum brush paint on the frame and will look really nice when you're done.

[@shotslife]

That’s what I do actually!

[@phillaird1091]

I just picked up practically the same Coach , 2005 40j in November. I found your channel just doing a search. I’ve been working on it for about 60 days now and used it for 2 👍. Half the fun ,,,sorta. They’re an awesome bus for those looking for one!

[@phillaird1091]

The amount of rust is crazy, wondering if water is sitting with no way to drain? Or your part of the country sees way more rain and humidity than we do. Running it in those conditions may be pulling in moisture and it practically turns the engine compartment into a steam bath. In the commercial A/C world we use SS moisture eliminator screens to help ring out moisture from outside air. Look up 2” moisture eliminator screens/filters. Maybe retrofit one in front of radiator to keep some moisture out🤷🏼‍♂️. May be other ways but that’s a thought.

[@shotslife]

That’s awesome, I love her regardless of her faults! They are great coaches for sure!

[@shotslife]

Ok so as for the rust, I think the original owner lived it up, I believe he was boondocking on the beach, or at least camping there a lot. The second owner didn’t use it much, I think he was over his head and wallet (he had to pay people to do the work)… those are my thoughts anyway…

[@phillaird1091]

Even newer coaches can get you overwhelmed pretty fast, much less a 19 year bus. Just the generator repair alone would be in the 5 to 10k range. Gotta have some skills or very deep pockets for sure. Curious what you come up with on this one. Good luck on that repair.. Flushing the cooling system today and I’m just about over this bus 😂,, till tomorrow.

[@user-nh1vb6xf9z]

lookin' good, routine maintenance can often be full of surprises...have a great week and keep safe...Bob

[@shotslife]

Hey Bob, yes Sir, crazy but glad I found it when I did!

[@tjjewell4115]

Another great Video Chief, it's a shame what the previous owner left for you. Keep up the fantastic work.

[@shotslife]

Yeah, but hey we wouldn’t be having all this fun! 😂

[@77RB77]

Maybe you should think about an aluminum pan. I know you will figure it out you always do 👍

[@robertengster5643]

Honestly I would get that to a qualified muffler shop, A skilled artist. And build out of stainless steel. One Shot , lifetime deal. Same with the pan for the floor of it

[@shotslife]

Well, wait till the next bus episode! Fun project

[@RMDCreations]

Keep the variety coming, I know what it takes to make these videos, thanks for keeping at it.

[@shotslife]

Hey brother, same to you.. I was going to tell you I just went through a streak of losing what I was gaining, just like your channel.

[@robertklasson5885]

Your American Eagle Will be the best maintained in the country when you are done 👍

[@shotslife]

lol, well there are some really nice ones out there but I hope I rate in the top 10% anyway… hope your many projects are coming along!

[@robertklasson5885]

@@shotslife a bit. The smallblock inte boat need to come out to be renovated, but its wintertime so its below-25 degree celsius. The car in the barn (BMW) Will be taken back to our house to start dissassemble and renovated. The car in the garage starts and runs but now its the cosmetics left.

[@timconklin8489]

Great video and a lot of work hopefully you can get part’s for it. Thanks Tim

[@shotslife]

Yeah parts were interesting, had to buy “close” to original as they have changed things…

[@denisbeaulieu958]

Chief - you once again showed us that it always good to look at the whole assembly when there’s a small issue. Your discovery as to the extent of the mess is significant and could have led to catastrophic results. As usual you take it with a grain of salt and tackled it like a pro. Bravo Zulu for the on site manufacturing of a cart as well as your perseverance in getting it done. 👍🇨🇦

[@shotslife]

Thank you brother, I am soooo glad we caught it before something really bad happened for sure! We will getter done!

[@jefferyholland]

The joys of owning a motor coach. Look on the bright side, you have a really nice garage to do the work in.

[@shotslife]

Soooo true, I am thankful for the building for sure!!

[@chrisbayus5189]

Hey Chief! Chris from M&M RV Electronics here. I THINK the motor in those CAT generators is either a Perkins or a Kohler unit. The kind of shenanigans we have seen over the years from previous “repairs”… I could make your skin crawl with the horror stories…

[@shotslife]

What’s happening brother! Yes Sir, I discover more in the next episode but it’s a Perkins, so you are correct! I’ll bet you have seen some wild stuff in your line of work… this is no surprise though as you saw my crazy wiring situation! Thanks for checking in!

[@chrisbayus5189]

@@shotslifeas a side note, we actually have another Air Force E9’s motorhome in the shop now. Also a Fleetwood! What are the odds???

[@shotslife]

@@chrisbayus5189 well that’s crazy, tell him/her I said hello!

[@CrazyMooseManor]

This bus is still a work of art. It's amazing how a little TLC helps. I was behind one at the dump station waiting Thursday and kept thinking about yours. Just something else for someone to check out that you wouldn't think about when looking at one or any RV.

[@shotslife]

Well your huge fifth wheel is really nice too! So you know working on them is just part of ownership.. fun project though, glad I found it before it hurt itself..

[@CrazyMooseManor]

@@shotslife Thank you. It only looks huge 35'. Lol never a trip without an issue. I keep waiting for a gem like yours though. That's the best time to find one is when your not wanting one.

[@Royboy1785]

“Crazy stupid things” not really, good start chief, can’t wait to see the rest.

[@shotslife]

lol, thanks brother!

[@Grady252]

Wow, lots of work for sure but I know you don't mind tackling it! I do wonder though if a compression check is in order to see if the motor is work keeping with all the parts you are having to throw at it? I know they aren't cheap, but would guess neither is a replacement generator! Standing by for next video!

[@shotslife]

Yeah a new one is $13,500ish, she runs like a top except for the front bearings… lol a lot more to come!

[@AeRoSpaceman-1]

I was screaming at my phone saying some of the casters are locked LoL 😆

[@shotslife]

Hahahaha, well thanks for helping, I must have heard you, lol!! 😂

[@onenuttybuddy]

Hey Chief, It's been a while since I last tuned in. Nice job getting the Gen. out. Some sketchy repairs done by the previous owner. I hope you can find the actual Gen. muffler section made out of commercial pipe. Yeah, the radiator is shot, no pun intended. I wonder if the damage came from a long ride down a gravel road. I am also surprised you never had any problems with the generator over heating. After you clean her up, maybe you can find something more than Rust Oleum to protect the new pan. You could buy a bed liner kit and use some of the liner from the kit to coat the gen. pan, top, bottom, flanges, and sides. The coating will protect the bottom from road debris and top will be protected long standing condensation drips that my eventually turn into rust. At least the idea gives you a direction to look for similar, more affordable. products. Can't wait to see the next installment. Take care, I hope everyone is well at home. Alan from NC

[@shotslife]

Hey Alan, it is interesting what was done, I’m am just so fortunate that the generator didn’t hurt itself… or worse we didn’t have a fire!! NC is a beautiful place, my grandparents lived there, used to visit every summer… Have a great week brother!

[@mrbill8542]

Good thing you caught it when you did--could have gone real bad real fast !! Nice catch !

[@shotslife]

Soo true… big man was looking out for me!

[@robertengster5643]

Look at that? A quick pick of the ten dollar boat with No Motors. Might it float and run in 2024

[@shotslife]

lol, we shall see!

[@robertklasson5885]

Shot, it looks a little bit crunchy 😮

[@shotslife]

lol! Fact

[@funtyes1970]

wonder his garage is finished or he is going do more work inside.

[@shotslife]

The garage will get more work done eventually… need to save up a little cash first.

[@77RB77]

If you're not a good welder you just have to be a good grinder lol Watch some KZbin videos on welding you'll do great. It's a lot of fun when you get the hang of it 👍

[@shotslife]

😂 true

[@markmccauley7597]

Interesting video Shot. I hope you stole this bus because it's kind of looking like a money pit! But I guess they all can be. Wife and I found a 2017 Jayco MoHo last summer that was barely used (

[@shotslife]

lol, yeah I got a steal on it but knew mostly what I was walking into… I however totally missed any issues with the generator! I have had a motorhome before and believe they all have issues, most get them spend a while fixing them and they are good for years.. definitely have to have a heart for it. I am really truly fortunate to have the Taj Garage for sure! Totally grateful to be able to have it.. Have a great week my brother!

[@andrewread8370]

I hope it don't become a 10.00$ boat

[@shotslife]

lol, me too!!

[@77RB77]

Shot you need to learn how to weld buddy. It will change your life. Then you can make anything. I know you can do it.

[@shotslife]

lol, Yeah I can weld ok, just not great.