Junk 1952 Kenworth Pacific Bus, Will it Drive?

This bus was total junk when it was parked here back in 2003. It didn't get better since then. I need to move it, but that did not go well. I kept thinking that I found a solution, but many things went wrong. I did eventually get the Ford Superduty 534 V-8 running, but moving it was not easy.
Here's the website I found that has info on the engine: www.macsmotorcitygarage.com/a...

[@coinslotsandjoysticks2572]

My uncle got divorced and he and my dad build that bus for him to live in in the 70's. I remember playing with my hot wheels while they were putting all the woodwork in it and making it a bachelor pad. Lol it used to have shag carpet in it and the roof opened up when you flip a switch, it was awesome when they were done with it, he drove it from California to ky numerous times and we went a couple of em, when I seen it I instantly knew it was it. It's like a brother i haven't seen for 35 years lol, i still have pictures of it before and after he bought it and fixed it up and many from traveling in it as a kid, my uncle was going down i 64 and was sick and he got up and pushed me in the driver's seat and said push that, throttle. And hold this , the steering wheel and I would drive it on the open road, at 8 or maybe 9 years old lol. My uncle was a real 60's hippie and I miss him every day

[@albertogregory9678]

wait thats actually that bus? thats crazy!

[@coinslotsandjoysticks2572]

​@@albertogregory9678yep. It's the same one. I have a bunch of pictures of it i dug out a while back after seeing this video, i wish we could put pictures on here

[@mrlox9576]

​@coinslotsandjoysticks2572 Between this and the trucks your dad used to work on, it sounds like you had a very interesting childhood. You should make up a website about it and post lots of pictures as I'm sure plenty of people would find it interesting. 👍

[@albertogregory9678]

@@coinslotsandjoysticks2572 could you make an imgur album and post the link? I would love to see it.

[@antondnice]

Would be awesome to see some of the pictures, if you have time. Regardless, thanks for the story!

[@R.Sole88109]

A round of applause for the clutch during the bus move👏🏻😄

[@AllSortsOfStuff58]

Right, I was sure it was going to burn out...

[@nickpollay1681]

No kidding! A new clutch would have been screaming.

[@samholdsworth420]

😂

[@user-qp8jk5dj2e]

why you dont cut the tree?

[@TsubiFrans]

Çc bb n

[@FurlaniJr]

It fascinates me that there are still traces of life in engines in cars, buses, trucks and abandoned vehicles like this one.

[@mrwow1667]

they all await their revival

[@Chris-yy7qc]

This wont happen with new stuff with ECUs, tho. Those old V8 engines just need fuel and a 12V battery to run.

[@jeffbush7764]

Being a mechanic these days sucks ass....they make shit out of plastic to break on purpose, infested with electronics, sensors, computers....I was born in the wrong decade

[@ORBrunner]

These things were built to last and survive Before we had quality over quantity. More so these things were not fancy but very robust. And the best thing car could to is to drive from point A to point B with the least propabability of malfunctioning or breaking down. I feel it was the best ages of motor history

[@darrenmechen1136]

Did you not think to belt the front right wheel with a sledgehammer to free it off- would’ve made moving a lot easier.

[@GarfieldHiscock]

Your step-by-step fail-retry-fail-retry-pass process was a comfort for those who run into obstacles EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

[@daveapplequist4873]

The torque of that old engine seemed impressive.

[@Happy357mag]

Not much horsepower but plenty of torque.

[@bannedbycommieyoutube5time920]

Almost 500 ft lbs of torque from the factory.

[@BD-xz6te]

I own one in an old cabover. It makes about 260 hp but 500ft pounds of torque at 1800 rpm. Redline is at 3600. The compression ratio is only 7:1 so it will runs on low grade gasoline. There was a twin turbo marine version available under the "Sea Master" name.

[@daveapplequist4873]

@@BD-xz6te That's certainly pretty cool, I looked up some information and read up a bit. Thanks for that name to initiate my search...

[@david929190]

When I read 7:1 I immediately thought that needs boost, and so it was.

[@dustytrailscactusron]

Pretty impressive. I bet if you could have freed up that right front wheel it would have gone a lot easier.

[@DeanofMachines]

A lot less interesting however.

[@warehousejo007]

​@@DeanofMachines 😄

[@chrispalmer3548]

Fixed the air leak in the front there

[@jeromebreeding3302]

With that engines massive torque, it just pushed the whole front of the bus"over hill and Dale"

[@saidijeh4019]

​@@warehousejo0070:53

[@Pyrinsomniac]

I wish I could've seen that bus when its camper conversion was still in good shape... the wreckage of it is very sad to see. Still, good for the bus- it was so mad you made a zombie of it and made it lurch out of its own grave! Excellent work; well done, the both of you.

[@snuffying]

the guy who drove that truck long ago has found this video and he has pictures of it too that he wants to upload! check the top comment!

[@3rdpig]

I'm not sure what I'm more impressed by, your perseverance, the torque of that big block Ford motor, the strength of the drivetrain, or your bright outlook for your next project in comparison. And you want to know something? My next project is going to be more fun after watching this video! Thanks for the giggles!

[@user-qp8jk5dj2e]

rusty box

[@justinharroun69]

Nice to see hank hill working on stuff that doesn't involve propane

[@electriccoconut]

Very impressed by your perseverance and no cussing. 😅

[@saturn580]

Well done! It was very satisfying to watch the old girl slowly being brought back to life. Also, I know little about engines and found your explanations of how its various systems function and interact fascinating.

[@kennethsonier1766]

That engine is a torque monster 💀 absolutely amazing that it drove on its own ,one wheel locked. You certainly bring some awesome content to KZbin. Keep up the great work and the cool videos 👍✌️🇺🇲

[@AremStefaniaK]

this is why cars tend to have multiple wheels. But i can imagine Tesla coming up with a 1-wheeler ev to confuse the market and to become another hate machine on the road

[@eero3516]

@@AremStefaniaK That make's no sense pal

[@sghsdhdkfh]

​​@@eero3516Are you blind it's front tires aren't spinning

[@mrclassic2284]

“Half the leaking we had before” You are a true legend!

[@braxtonnelson5375]

This channel is really growing on me... mainly because I have done so much sketchy stuff like this in my past! I like to call them "learning opportunities". It's amazing what you can do when you don't give a crap about something!

[@angiecarty5370]

Those old gas motors are unstoppable! I have So Very Much Enjoyed this video. I have a 1976 international Scout that was drove then parked in 2004. My husband doesn't want anything to do with it. Luckily it belongs to me. Bertha will be on the road again.

[@spitfires1979]

“You can’t beat the combination of pond water and Walmart for success!” This was a brilliant little film. Your pain was our gain, your persistence and iron will to get the impossible wreck running, the fascinating fault-finding and work-arounds and the dead-pan humour makes this one of the best I’ve seen. “Perfect” 😂

[@ericcranston8158]

A son that really loves his dad...

[@jlucasound]

That old Ford V8 has some serious torque, just like you said. That camper must have been awesome at its peak! Gas hog though. Wouldn't be good today. A casual (retiree) cruising pace through the states would probably be $10,000 + a year, just for fuel. (I'm guessing but it would be a lot. If you could afford it, though, it would be worth it).

[@mwilliamshs]

Gas prices today average $3.66 nationwide. Driving LA to NYC is 2,700 miles. Your guess of $10,000 would make that trip at 1 mpg. I bet the bus can beat that figure 😂

[@BD-xz6te]

I have a 534 in an old cabover. It makes right at 500 ft pounds of torque at 1800 rpm. It redlines at 3600. Believe it or not, but as long as I keep the revs low and stay under 50 I can get 9mpg out of the beast. Old timers who used to run them over the road said they got more like 2mph running flat out.

[@mwilliamshs]

I've driven a 534 a good bit. They're rated around 470 lb-ft of torque but it's around 1,800-2k rpm not 1,100. The one I run is healthy and stout but it'll get hot if you work down to 1,100 rpm. They're big gas engines, not diesels; they've gotta spin to breathe. 1,600-2,500 rpm is where ours lives.

[@RuralTowner]

@@BD-xz6te Ah the days when fuel was cheap...you could fill a tank on a pocket full of change...

[@hgj2019]

And I thought the 460 was a powerhouse. This thing is a BEAST! Dragging that right front all the way!

[@MagicHandDrawingandElse]

This guy will for sure survive any apocalyptic situation. Great video, it's like art for my view, really enjoyed.

[@nunyabusiness4651]

Proof that they built them better back in the day! You would never get away with that with modern equipment!

[@johnhall235]

I actually laughed out loud at the coolant and stop leak, thank you for that

[@JesusThineBeTheGlory]

I love this guy, always make me laugh and honestly would trust him to start any engine. Brilliant channel

[@josephlacy9397]

I've met him few times he helped me on side of road once

[@William_Van_Landingham_III]

I loved the line about rust being a good thread sealant 😄

[@FFcossag]

Excellent presentation! I appreciate how you methodically approached the problems and finally accomplished the task. Your humour is on point!

[@derbydriver]

You may have mentioned it and I may have skipped over it, but you can manually release air brakes by inserting a bolt called a “cage bolt” and tightening it. It physically forces the brake shoes to retract.

[@The_DuMont_Network]

They weren't safety brakes. Nothing to cage. The shoes were stuck to the drums.

[@williambradford1467]

Your episodes never disappoint! I love Grandpa's Backyard; I'm sure there are still many treasures yet to discover there, and I hope you'll have the opportunity to do so. Safe travels and I look forward to seeing your next adventures. BTW, I really do use your mantra about having fun to align my own workshop projects -- sometimes I'm in the shop for minutes, sometimes hours, but now I always know when it's time to stop. It's always the right call because it allows my subconscious to incubate the correct next steps. Thanks for the tip!

[@terrywarner8657]

You have been a diligent grandson! Clearing his collection yard one piece at a time was a lot of work, and you can bet the viewers recognize the effort you're putting into the old yard.

[@stanley2004]

What a great video. Thank you Mr. Bernard Fox for all the work done to this awesome bus. It was great to see it running again one more time.

[@sreed8570]

Would've been much faster and easier to just install the air/brake can release bolts and dragged it there with your dozer, but it still was fun to see you get it going. If not for the right front wheel staying locked up the whole way would've rolled nicely.

[@johnfox3845]

@sreed8570 Absolutely. With four or maybe even two cage bolts (as it might only have spring brakes on the rear) and some light persuasion with a sledge hammer, he'd have been good to go.

[@thatoneguy9437]

Came looking for this comment. That's exactly what I was thinking.

[@RODALCO2007]

Fantastic determination to get that engine going and the bus moving. Brilliant work. That clutch in that bus is a good one. That V8 engine has some amazing torque.

[@jlucasound]

This is the first Bus I have EVER seen, that has "Skid" steer. 😁

[@XForgottenxAngle]

I love your patience! It truly puts into perspective my upbringing. It is wonderful to see your humor and sarcasm in the face of a truly daunting situation. Wish my dad was 1/4 as patient and humoris as you are!

[@allenbass4714]

Great job getting the old girl into her new resting spot. I also own a Kenworth Pacific, a 1958 that I picked up at an auction in 2001 and finished the conversion in 2003 and moved in. Living in it now for 20 years.

[@dustcommander100]

That was a lot of fun - for me! I really liked he style of the old bus's rear - that kind of flare thing was stylish! I wonder if it was for speed or to keep people from trying to sit on the rear bumper..... I sure would love to see the transmission and rear axle layout! Keep up the good work!

[@nunyabuziness8421]

This guy can fix anything

[@jerryb1234]

He can, he just don't.😆

[@davidpawson7393]

Odd how the video library says otherwise. Maybe fix your reply.

[@nunyabuziness8421]

​@@jerryb1234eventually he does tho

[@avit24]

He's pretty wild tho!

[@mrwow1667]

@@davidpawson7393bruh

[@FacesintheStone]

Fantastic work, I think it’s really neat that the child of the guy who had that bus commented seven months ago. Super neat It’s a small world for smart individuals

[@OfficialUSKRprogram]

Well I'm happy to say that you have a functioning front-right brake!

[@animalactivist7820]

An interesting and innovative repair! You are a logical, and intelligent person with excellent mechanical aptitude! Great video! Thanks!

[@MrBilldo426]

Just a tip on the air breaks. You can use an external air compressor to air them up to release them. It’s a little bit of a hassle but it does work. At least it would allow you to move it and test for leaks 👍

[@Wildstar40]

Or he could cage the brakes to get it rolling. It won't have brakes but it will roll.

[@JBF-GST-Tanda]

Will a CO2 extinguisher work?

[@vincentbender962]

@@JBF-GST-Tanda I'd like to see that, but I guess it would as long as you get it gastight before the ext. is empty.

[@JONNIE8OY]

BRAKES not breaks Dork

[@pewmcgrew5226]

@@JONNIE8OY ok karen

[@honza8tube]

Wow, its so inspiring to see these old vehicles to wake up. You are great mechanic who knows how things (should) work !! Thanks for entertaining clip.

[@roundgarage]

Excellent video. You show exactly how to troubleshoot the engine and we love your dry humor. I don't see others sharing this info on camera. Thank you.

[@mikeconner5119]

i cant believe you got that running and moved unreal you get an A for effort your knowledge of these old engines is most impressive i love watching your channel i even learn something new every time keep up the good work ill keep watching looking forward to the next video thank you this is good entertainment

[@chrispalmer3548]

Not easy but they’re old engines they don’t require a lot to get them going- my point is with perseverance and practice if you’re determined enough anyone can get the hang of it

[@MsJon52]

I totally agree with the appreciation of this channel, never fails to make me laugh and impress me how he gets around obstacle's even though it should be dead in the water, lol

[@drsmithfield1267]

Your ingenuity (engine-u-ity) is impressive. Enjoyed every minute of working through this problem and solution.

[@ZovkoJoseph-wq8pd]

You Have More Persistence and Determination Than Most People. God Bless You

[@corydriver7634]

You) sure got a lot of mileage out of this series, thanks for taking us along. Whatever that noise was at the end was spooky for sure. Coyotes maybe?

[@jlucasound]

That air compressor loves you now! It had a Burrito twenty years ago and it is just now getting relief! 🌯🌋 🤣😂

[@flyguy5941]

Lmao,,,I thought the same thing💨

[@goldinator]

thing about this bus is, the panels are so simple to recreate, that you can tear all the bad ones off and make new ones. i would have so much fun tearing it down and rebuilding everything back the exact same

[@Indrakusuma_a]

I don't have the slightest idea of how things work here, but it's still fun to watch the whole video.

[@phillipfritz7014]

Whole new meaning to skid steer

[@VanWinger]

That engine is torquey. Even after all this time it looked like it was able to get some real low end oomph to move that regardless of the stuck front right wheel.

[@BD-xz6te]

I have an old truck with the same engine. It's heavy, slow, and likes fuel more than it should. Having said that, I've yet to bog it down. It has no trouble climbing a steep grade at 15mph in 5th gear turning 900 rpm.

[@hambone9444]

When you showed the 'over the shoulder' view out of the windshield @ 42:40, I started to white-knuckle it thinking you were going to launch that ol' KW into the pond, seeing how that front wheel was locked up and all. Good stuff, thanks for the great info.

[@paulgumper]

I picked up a 534 this summer for a project I've been dreaming up for years. Great to see you working on one. Thanks for the info and link, I can use all the help I can find!

[@BD-xz6te]

Fellow 534 lover here. I have one in an old cabover, and a 17k mile spare out of a fire truck. I'm dying to know what sort of project you have in mind. I kinda want to put some old luxury barge on a big truck frame and put the 534 out front where it's visible through the wheel wells. There are a few vids on youtube where some guy put one in a rat rod.

[@paulgumper]

@@BD-xz6te I'm collecting parts for a rat rod wrecker. My engine came out of a C cab fire truck. I'm currently hunting for a trans to fit the SAE #2 clutch and bellhousing.

[@hendo337]

​@@paulgumperthe ZF-5 S42 or S47 behind a 7.3idi or Powerstroke is SAE #2, you may need an adaptor or modifications but the bolt pattern is close.

[@jonathantatler]

All hail the algorithm 👍👍👍

[@bobruder6392]

You're a very clever, determined and funny guy! You've got a ton of skills and knowledge. Thank you!

[@rossridings4282]

Just stumbled on this and so glad i did. Really enjoyed the upload and my only complaint is i want more of it! That old bus needs its own show. Love this guy! 🇬🇧

[@hashprompt]

Nothing says lightweight economy like stonework in your RV.

[@allansr100]

Great video. I like your no nonsense common sense approach backed up, with a great practical knowledge. I’m looking forward already to your next video.

[@tomemody6685]

That bus is obviously being held in place with a very strong magical spell. 22:15

[@metrovic]

Great stuff. Enjoy watching your channel from a bus depot in the UK where we have some really old stuff too. Pity you didn't have a sledgehammer to persuade the passenger side front wheel to maybe play ball a little. Keep up the good work, cheers !!

[@almirria6753]

You got to love junkyard engineers

[@nicerisu]

I'm somehow so entertained with this. His voice, demeanor, and humor are just a perfect blend

[@althejazzman]

This is the first one of your videos that I have watched, and I really enjoyed the style. The dark humour and acceptance of bodges for the purpose of quickly getting the job done were very entertaining.

[@operaatio5117]

It would be really cool if someone went through the effort and restored the whole buss.

[@hendo337]

Probably too rusty

[@Neubis2008]

I 2nd this notion, but the engine is gonna need a whole lot of tlc, and structurally a lot has to happen, and its gonna have to have its front right tire fixed so it can actually move.

[@JohnZombi88]

It would prob cost thousands and tbh it's not worth it. Maybe if it still looked as nice as when whoever did the conversion did it but truth be told everything in it would need gutted and would take hundreds of hours of body work once you got the thick layer of nature off of it.

[@htownblue11]

I gotta say I wasn’t believing he would get that thing started. Impressive he got it running even with the ignition change. Much less not even knowing the engine it had to start. I’m switching to performance pond water for my cooling needs I think…..😂😂

[@lieutenantcubic]

turning an old piece of forgotten history and restoring it to its prime and glory is amazing and its just fascinating looking at all these old rusty vehicles and getting them back up and running. I would imagine it would take quite an excessive amount of time to repair an old bus like that and finding the right parts for it. for a bus from the 1950s its still in great condition.

[@staninjapan07]

Just when I thought there could not be any more great "Can I Fix It" channels left for me to find on YT, I found this one! Enjoyed every minute, and more than that, I am so impressed with your patience. It must make a person more patient, working on troublesome vehicles for a few years, because I never see you guys swearing and screaming at machines that won't work... the way I do. Oh! And no pleas to like and subscribe, though of course I did both, and I almost never do that on my first visit toa channel. With thanks from Japan.

[@jimellison3358]

I remember my father had five Kenworth school buses in his bus fleet he purchased them brand new in Seattle in the early 50s

[@adulaney2004]

That engine definitely needs a round of applause. Definitely made you work for it, though. And I have been eyeing that w123 Merc up every time I see it in the background.

[@larryp106]

I am thoroughly amazed! Wow, what a collection of stuff!

[@interpinto]

Very cool project. Your methodical approach is inspiring.

[@jeffrippe6559]

LBG is quickly becoming my favorite channel. Keep up the good work!

[@timheilman2089]

20:35 Ford cylinder head (6090), fourth (D), design (E), for a 1963 (C3), truck (T).

[@RumblerGaming]

Have to say, your sense of humour is absolutely great, love it

[@josieraider]

wow that is impressive to even attempt to start this thing up, hats off for your knowledge and attitude towards getting it running! amazing stuff, so impressed!!!

[@TheOtherBill]

It looks like only one wheel was not turning. My guess is that the brakes weren't locked by air, but rather that the R front wheel had the brakes seized up by rust.

[@Jasonrotfl]

Assuming it was converted to spring brakes, that may have been the only wheel with working brakes and why his dad said it didnt stop well when he drove it there. And thats assuming it even has front brakes so coult be a frozen wheel bearing...

[@jerryb1234]

That old bus is rougher than a night in jail, but that Ford engine is strong af,😉👍, how do you find-n-buy seven spark-plugs?, lol, awesome video, and thanks for sharing.

[@dddevildogg]

Come on,you're having real fun the whole time ! Great video of a forgotten mode of transportation that so many people depended on.Thumb up.

[@darploin5071]

Even though this came out Friday this is been the first time I had a chance to sit down and watch this video. I like your videos so I do like to give it my undivided attention and be able to sit down and enjoy it you have an excellent day hope you had a great weekend

[@alangordon3283]

I was expecting you to decapitate the body from the chassis 🤣

[@stebishopnomad1838]

You have me in stitches laughing 😂😅, thanks for making my day 🎉

[@scottcol23]

Kids now adays thinking they invented bus/van conversions. When I was a teenager in the mid 90's a friends father had a 1956 GM Scenicruiser greyhound bus that was converted. I loved that thing. Sadly, it got parked over some minor part issue and is now part of the trees ready for its next rescue.

[@DeanofMachines]

Gotta love that old bus just chugging along. Recently found the channel. Love the old iron!

[@bryancooper2699]

Great video. Those Kenworth’s are very very rare. I wonder how many were made. I also wonder if any were made with diesel engines. Keep up the great work

[@IanFrancisco-CAPianoman]

Bonus points for the glitter show while testing the solenoid! Oh yeah, it's magnetic isn't it? Also it seems like there could be a way to pressurize the brakes and get them released...? otoh it was fun forcing the bus to plow its way down the road, so you must have been doing it right!

[@HODGEPODGEDODGEGARAGE]

The property looks like a nice secluded spot, beautiful pond too! 🙂👍 Enjoyed the video James. Glad you could get the bus moved. Take care and happy wrenching 🔧🔩

[@KingJamesIX]

That bus is actually really cool looking.

[@RexCars1]

Really Surprised you didn't bend something in the driveline.. Hope you are able to do more with that bus someday

[@Chr.U.Cas2216]

Hope that some of the Mercedes cars are worth saving. If not at least the engines, gearboxes and differentials should be. Best regards, luck and health in particular.

[@jeremyoboe]

Insane that you got this bus working! I wouldn't have believed it!

[@rodrigofilho1996]

Please give that V8 some love, the thing just refuses to die!!!

[@jackrichards1863]

Not much fun for you but it was a hoot to watch man. I had a few deep chuckles during this one. But no mistake, at the beginning I was really sensing the pain. I could predict the points and condenser were a sore spot after so long? Or the coincidence was you fixedit with the electronic bit. You worked pretty hard for this episode so Thank you because it was pretty humorous watching that 534 cube monster just chugging along the trail pushing one locked wheel at an idle. About 600 hp & 800 NM torque I suppose

[@NewBeRVer]

That poor old girl. R.I.P.

[@zoidberg444]

That is amazing that you were able to shift that turd. I just cannot believe the clutch survived that ordeal.

[@johnathanw2565]

Dude....next time I go on a road trip, I am taking you.... we'll be UNSTOPPABLE!!

[@hotpuppy1]

You don't need air pressure to release the brakes if they are spring brakes. you can usually crank the spring back with a socket to release. Looks more like the shoes are rusted to the drums in this case.

[@dbcallender6757]

Yep you can cage the brakes mechanically or pressurize the air system with a separate compressor (shop air as it were).

[@The_DuMont_Network]

@@dbcallender6757 Plus 10 points for "as it were"!

[@davids6533]

With the pulling you do sometimes, maybe you should check into a "Yankum" rope. They're not cheap, but they work. Another idea is to chain an old tire somewhere between the vehicles so as to not stress your chain. You get almost the same kinetic results, but a lot cheaper. It's hard to explain, but it's worth looking into. I definitely learned some stuff here. I've never even heard of a 534, but it's good to know. : )

[@The_DuMont_Network]

The 534 was intended for single peed pumping etc. Scads of torque at slow speeds. I had one. Vaporlockingest son of a bitch ever, but it had heart.

[@rondj1965]

I happened upon this video and somehow was transfixed. Great job, brother. I never thought that thing would run.

[@pilierofq]

I LOVE WATCHING OLD DISCARDED VEHICLES THAT LOOK HOPELESS BEING BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE. MY GRANDFATHER, MY FATHER MY BROTHERS WERE AND ARE MASTER MECHANICS. I'M A MASTER ARTIST SO I'M TOLD SO I REALLY LOVE WATCHING VIDEOS LIKE THIS BRAVO TO YOU!!!

[@Cougracer67]

A C3TE-6090-D casting number is for a 1963 Ford engine, likely a 477 or 534 big truck engine. Plus the distributor looks just like every other Ford V8 of that era.

[@parklife4130]

Hank Hill says "All you need is some Propane"