School Bus Conversion Break Down

After taking the new bus conversion on its first drive, I lost the power steering and brakes. Not the best way to start of your skoolie build.
Thanks to Badge for helping me out!
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[@robbaker336]

Dads and Badges are great, aren't they!!

[@Nonmotivated]

After diagnosing the problem, going through the process of removing the problem parts, then piecing the new parts back into place... when that baby finally turns over, that's got to be the greatest feeing in the world. Bring on the next issue!

[@tbonecooks9244]

Michael is cute and humble. When I say cute I mean his whole aura. He’s just damn cool.

[@lisacairns437]

Amazing! Very impressed! I love seeing the relationship you have with your dad. You're very blessed. Thank you for sharing your video! God Bless you all!

[@actionrobinson]

You're a blessed guy. My dad passed so I always had my grandpa. Now I live across the country from him and all his years of knowledge and I am missing it big time. Been saving up for my conversion and definitely wish I has a dad like yours around

[@clarkclarke]

I have to say ....your DAD ROCKS!!!! I think it's really wonderful to see parents and children working and communicating .... #ThePowerofGoodRelations #TheLoveofParents #Respect #ThanksDad #SistersRock

[@mrsqueenb6711]

Wow! What an ordeal. Glad that didn't happen to you far from home base. Great job family...

[@navigationnowhere]

Right, always lucky when it happens close to home.

[@johnbeckman8916]

YUUUUUUUUUP! Dry, paved, flat workspace with no fear of Meter Maids, thieves or traffic. Bathroom: Close, Hot & Cold Food:Close, Warm Bed: Close Dad and his "go get parts car", his help, his experience and problem solving skills and his sharing the "this sucks" experience with you. 😃

[@ginabrytowski3564]

LOL I was absolutely wondering why you hadn't called Badge yet and then, you called Badge haha! There amount of calm you had about it being broken was nice, LOL I am working on it but that was definitely not my reaction when I had issues haha. Super excited about this whole series. Also this was absolutely the first time I ever recognized anything mechanical wise! Yours is less messy, but looks exactly like mine in there haha.

[@NumberJuanBus]

Dang what a mess!!! So glad you fixed it, especially in the driveway. Nice work

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Awesome video well done 👍 good show exactly how to very good guys did was awesome job 👍👍👍 good I could help any time 👍🛠🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks Badge for your help. Can't wait to see you soon. Then its floor time

[@icedogsbustonowhere7178]

I think it’s really awesome that you’re working with your dad. He’s an amazing dad. I say this because...well mine wasn’t. He was a mechanic, he’s been gone now for 10yrs. Don’t worry about saying sorry for my loss, I ain’t. When I asked when I was younger if he wanted to build/restore an old car with me...he said flat out NO. Always made me feel guilty when asking any car maintenance problem, and refused to even help me fix anything. You’re lucky indeed.

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

IceDogs, Bus To Nowhere those to are awesome they got a relationship that is golden 👍🛠🇨🇦

[@icedogsbustonowhere7178]

I do however have that golden relationship with My son. 👍🏻

[@redpilllense7125]

@@icedogsbustonowhere7178 that's awesome that you do, brother. Good for you! Kids need fathers. Problem is, vindictive mothers don't think that.

[@icedogsbustonowhere7178]

Oh yes vindictive mothers yes his is one of them. Long battle which I won in the end when he was 13 and he realized he hated her. Oof

[@JacquelynRutchik]

I had similar feelings watching this. Their whole family is so good to one another. All of the problems that came up in this video would have led to screaming matches in my family. It was so refreshing to watch a family genuinely enjoy problem solving together, with patience & respect.

[@Raquel6470]

I loved watching this! Father son bonding. Saving a boat load of money. Acquainted with the motor. And a feeling of a huge accomplishment I bet! Thanks for sharing!

[@Chefsantatravels]

How you doing buddy sorry you're having problems but at least you got Badge and Dad to help . I may be getting a 1997Bus w/ 5.9 L6 Turbo diesel with an Allison Transmission already converted bus I'll know more today. I looked at this bus awhile back and got Jax's Austin & Badge approval lol couldn't find your Dean for your input . Stay safe stay strong stay healthy god bless and enjoy life brother👨‍🍳🎅🥩🚌

[@MzShugr]

I love that in your videos I see the same vehicle combination that i have. I have a big bus, a small bus, and a convertible beetle. All 3 of mine are manual transmission. The major difference is that i don’t know how to work on any of them. But i sure as heck am trying to learn.

[@lawli56]

Good job. Bolts can be really frustrating. 👍

[@Beirdo1]

I have nearly the same bus... but mine is MidBus (1999) and 4 window. I've found that most of the bolts (so far) are metric, which surprises me for a GM/Detrioit Diesel engine.

[@jeffsweeney2164]

your sister lololo at 15 seconds savage!

[@IO-zz2xy]

That's precisely why the metric system is so good. NO GUESSING ABOUT SIZES. AND nuts are mostly standard sizes.

[@ndiandy]

Great educational video. And, once again, I've got to say, you have the coolest dad:)

[@johnclamshellsp1969]

GM bolts: 5.5mm, 7mm, 8mm 10mm, 13mm, 15mm, 18mm, 19mm, #15 torx #20 torx and 11mm for rear differential joint caps.

[@ImprovisedExpletiveDevice]

Mike, jesus, get some nitril gloves from Harbor Freight.

[@richardsnow46]

Great job and what a great father/son relationship. That's refreshing to see in this day and age. Value him and go buy him dinner. :) It was nice meeting you both in Macon, GA last year at the Skoolie show. Do you have a new calendar for 2019? If so, how do I go about getting one? Thanks, Rick in Peachtree City, GA

[@watahyahknow]

the reason why they use hydroboost on both the brakes and the powersteering is because the diesel is not pulling enough vacuum / is a turbo diesel to operate the brakes through vacuum

[@allmomomosthomebus3895]

The answer to why vehicles are so aggravating to work on is because mechanical engineering students aren't required to spend a semester turning wrenches in a repair garage. And many of those academic brains are short on common sense. I can say this because I was a ME major.

[@cfh4201969]

Remember diesels have make no vacuum. They have vacuum pumps that are belt driven. And i believe the chevy has a hydroboost brake system. Which means the powers steering assists the the brakes booster.

[@drivingmylifeaway7149]

Cummins has a gear driven vaccum pump, with the power steering pump right behind it... also hydrostatic brakes are way better brakes. More stopping power. Medium duty trucks have them and if it's not hydro it air brakes, the king of brakes

[@cfh4201969]

@@drivingmylifeaway7149 I'm familiar with hydroboost brakes. All our E450s & F-series had them. I'll be upgrading my 94 E350 with 7.3 to hydroboost

[@rdwise4513]

The power steering pump went out at 70k miles? Is that normal or just GM? Looking forward to future build videos, a skoolie is on my short list of escape pods! (So you're not going sailing with Dean?)

[@EditorEssentials]

That seems like a horrible design flaw:( Power steering pump failures are not uncommon and when they happen you definitely want your brakes did this happen well you where driving? If so how did you stop?

[@herefishyfishy6907]

Your sister is hilarious.

[@1towmater1]

The reason why they use hydraulic brake booster is for one diesels don't have vacuum and the vacuum pumps they tried using where not reliable and 2 is that bus's are a cutaway chassis so it's considered hesvybduty and hydroboost gives more stopping power with less driver input. I'll take hydroboost vbrskes over vacuum boost brakes any Day! Seen alot of those pump shafts break

[@sxtn102]

So....prior to your dad removing the pulley, you indicate that, with Badge's expertise, y'all had determined the pump was indeed bad....even tho all previous tests looked like it was fine. What was the defining sign that the pump was bad? Thanks, Lynn

[@decastring]

Wow, and people complain about the Ford/International 7.3 diesel! Never had issues like that on my 2002 F-250.

[@jaimesillett118]

I have a 99 International 7.3 turbo with an Allison . 68k miles. My brakes lines all busted last week. Nice and easy to get to, but gonna have a mechanic look the entire thing over before we hit the road.

[@guyfrom8654]

I have a 2003 7.3L E450 and I have a fuel leak . Hope it's a line and not something more major . I'm full-time in mine

[@BlackRVer]

You should of did the timing chain also!

[@kevoodiazz2903]

Hey Michael! Is that a Diesel engine bus or gas?

[@bobchiro1]

“It’s easier to fix it in the driveway than on the highway!”

[@ToConnect2000s]

It's true I'm still converting mine and so far had to replace the fuel line (dry rotted), the fuel return line (dry rotted), the fuel pump (mechanical pump), and the fuel sender (fell apart in the tank)

[@guyfrom8654]

@@ToConnect2000s damn !!! Hope you have better luck . I just completed. Winter trip to Florida in my bus , almost 4000 miles and since I've been back to start converting my bus I've noticed a fuel leak too .. it has me bumming my plans for the next few months

[@theadventureawaits]

Hi Michael, where did Dean go? I love to see you guy's working on stuff together. Nevertheless, I love seeing you too

[@navigationnowhere]

I’ll be meeting back up with dean in a few weeks

[@JB91710]

Why not get a Shuttle Bus that doesn't Have to be painted, it doesn't Look Like a school bus, it's taller, has better windows and rear heat and air? "We did that!"

[@tbonecooks9244]

JB91710 he’s a Skoolie dude...

[@kenttremblay1708]

you are the best, I like your video a lot.

[@joestreiff9401]

if that is a 6.5, relocate your PDM, and carry a spare. It'll save you a lot of headaches.

[@atx-cvpi_99]

And delete the vacuum pump and buy a belt for a early 90’s 6.5. Also buy a 180 degree thermostat and get a Duramax fan clutch. And put a marine grade lift pump too.

[@joestreiff9401]

@@atx-cvpi_99 true, as long as you put in a mechanical wastegate. It's the only reason for the vacuum pump.

[@ecostudio1044]

Well, not fun in the driveway or the side of the road, BUT a Chevy or a Ford will have parts available :) Rich

[@paulacampbell6069]

First problem is it is Chevy. So sorry you are having these problems.

[@glennroach3337]

They did not build them to be worked on without taking everything in the road to get to it

[@jaminjummie]

Are you a Pisces ♓️?

[@davefroman4700]

Should have bought a real bus, not a van conversion.

[@navigationnowhere]

Nah, been there done that. Need to keep learning new things. Mini bus !

[@mikeknight5322]

First LOL

[@hollyslaughter5505]

Your dad is amazing!

[@critterkarma]

Why not get a bolt gage? Congrats on getting ‘er up and running again. True to your word, you do have some mechanic skills in your pocket!

[@UncoolDean]

It’s always best to have these problems in the beginning stages. Get that Jr running like a champ!

[@allmomomosthomebus3895]

In retrospect I'm actually glad I had to replace my whole engine, radiator, and rebuilt the transmission in the beginning of my skoolie build. I'll feel way more confident when we hit the road that any issue should be minor. It was expensive, but less costly than having a catastrophic failure somewhere like near Denali or the middle of a Nevada desert.

[@vincentrvlife2393]

Hey Mike, your Dad is Awesome! It reminded me of working on projects with my dad many years ago. Badge is awesome! You had two great role models in that video young man. Nice job! 🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌

[@ChrisSeliga]

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!

[@EditorEssentials]

When life gives you a bus make a home lol😁

[@herefishyfishy6907]

When life gives you lemons, make a KZbin video of you making lemonade.

[@janina8559]

Babdge and Dad👍👍👍

[@davidgualdoni6018]

Better check your oil cooler lines they are prone to failure very crappy design. If one goes Its almost instant death for your engine.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks for the tip. That will be next on the list

[@MsDawn0113]

Badge, everybody needs one.

[@frankpichardo5299]

That’s what I do for a living; power steering parts. Haha!!! -The bad news: If the guys at AutoZone notice your pump shaft is gone you won’t get the core deposit back. That core is junk. ...unless they’re nice.

[@cynhanrahan4012]

Yep, better at home, but still. I'm looking at small buses, large vans, and tbo now I'll second guess a chevy. I used to be able to work on my own vehicles & appliances, but I'm an old lady now and I just don't see me changing out a power steering/brake pump. What a dumb idea to have them be the same system. Thanks Dad & Badge!

[@sarawoods7874]

At 12:20 ish dads pant are unzipped lol!

[@katarinaandsam]

Best day of demo- engine awareness day! Lucky to have a Badge in your corner!

[@navigationnowhere]

Badge is the best life saver. Such a good guy and has amazing knowledge

[@MrKnotWright]

Please tell me you remembered to get a new belt and installed it before you put all the other stuff back in place ;-D

[@Santastops09]

What year is your new short bus and is it a 6.6 dura-max ?

[@jessecarst2093]

Good luck Mike. I'm 68 and I haven't figured it out yet. I'm better at guessing metric than SAE, and it really pisses me off.

[@navigationnowhere]

One day ! Badge when he was on the phone with me was calling out sizes. I was amazed haha

[@linnaellis212]

You & your Dad are awesome! I really admire anyone with mechanical abilities.

[@RvDavy]

Can i buy your large bus

[@GoRichGo]

No job too hard, no job too easy... Great job Mike and Badge and Mike's dad and sister.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks guys. Hope your enjoying the warm weather for us !

[@jaimesillett118]

I think it's awesome that you have your dad and sister to help you. My husband learned to do things on his own because he didn't have that. And I've always grown up around all male uncles and cousins who were almost all mechanics. So I was always that tomboy and I can help my husband with just about anything. But I just really like seeing your family come together to help one another. Great job!!!

[@ToConnect2000s]

The majority of your bolt sizes will be a 10mm socket that you've lost

[@IO-zz2xy]

Or 12 lol

[@CMCrockett]

Such a tough job that even dads zipper got tired. 3 cheers for Badge. That guy has saved all you nomads tons of money.

[@ib516]

With it being a 6.5L diesel, there will be MANY repairs

[@atx-cvpi_99]

And it’s a pre 2004 engine.

[@briandavis9975]

Good job

[@wasblind4835]

Lol Love your dad is helping. When I was 15 my dad gave me a older pinto. Lol showing my age here. But my point is. He gave it to me and told me, before I can drive it I had to rebuild the motor. He would be around for questions but would not do the work. Well When I finished. I had a half of can full of bolts and had no clue where they came from. Lol even a small bracket. Lol. But the car ran great when I finished. Loved working on cars since then. My dad taught me this because as a women he did not want me to ever get stuck when my cars break down. I worked on a lot of my friends cars as a teen. 😜

[@iambeeman1]

Power steering problems in order of frequency in non-rack and pinion system: 1, pressure hose/hoses 2, return hose/hoses 3, pump/pump seal 4, steering box seal 5, steering box/hydra boost (almost never)

[@davidowen888]

Ouch

[@opossumgrylls3275]

THIS is exactly what worries me about doing a conversion. The last thing I want is to break down while on a journey.

[@CharlieBrown-pb9xn]

I dont think losening the altermator is needed

[@navigationnowhere]

He meant to say tensioner haha.

[@karenriggle5435]

My son-in-law was in a diesel mechanic says that Chevy's are job security ,hope you don't have that luck

[@navigationnowhere]

I hope not. I really got into the engine this week so hopefully took care or major issues and some random stuff.

[@commanderklank]

As a fellow 6.5 Diesel owner. I need to recommend a site that will help you keep the ole 6.5 Diesel running like a champ . quadstartuning.com They carry performance parts, upgrade, and standard durability parts. Give them a call if you need something. They are based out of Pennsylvania, so not to from your parent in NJ.

[@lorrainedeveau7706]

Can I borrow your Dad! Mine passed away in 2004...He was a mechanic and I totally miss his help. I am going to be converting a handicapped shuttle bus. I am 100% handicapped and could really use the help.

[@sesolar5854]

Mike you crack me up. You can't guess the size of a bolt but you know how to gut and build your home. I would change places with you in a minute! Love your build videos. I'm not 25 or 30 anymore but if I had your help I'd tear my conversion van apart tomorrow just for the practice before I get a bus. You are doing terrific stuff and we are the beneficiaries! Great videos!

[@frederickharron5217]

Definitely the worst part about working on those van type vehicles and the doghouse is another P.I.T.A. LMAO... I think a lot of things end up getting neglected because of the design...LOL...! I hope you replaced the belt tensioner while you were at it they suck too...

[@marionbrown5651]

you give great advice! I’m doing a bus in Australia 🇦🇺 i’m at the check everything out before I travel.... cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

[@PromasterHOF]

GM and some other manufacturers use power steering to run the power brakes simply because it does not rob power from the engine. Vacuum assisted power breaks obviously use engine vacuum to operate the power break system. Taking vacuum from the engine causes a loss of power, the vacuum assist pulls vacuum anytime the engine is running. Hydraulic assisted power breaks do not use vacuum and the extremely small power loss turning the power steering pump is better. Lots of people who build hot rods go through junk yards looking for small GM vans like safaris and such just to get the hydraulic brake systems. If you are not pulling vacuum from the engine you can get awesome power when you start modifying the engine.

[@tomaustin4526]

Wow very cool stuff thanks Mike and Chris and Badge 😊👍🌎🚌🎥🎶😂 thanks for sharing and safe travels

[@retiredammo4617]

Nice watching a father & son work so well together. Reminds me of my son & I. We have plenty of “oops” moments & lots of laughs, but we usually get the job done. And we both learn as we go along. Wouldn’t trade those times for anything. Life is too short. Hope you have more memories to make for years to come!

[@jimc5624]

So since you're playing in the brakes look inside at the brake pedal rod and see if it's seeping oil if so replace the booster. And a good hint gm most popular sizes are 8,10,13,15,18 mm

[@gregnugent9096]

be advised that why they (GM) uses a hydroboost for diesel engine braking and power steering because diesel engines don't have vacuum for a standard hydraulic booster...jst saying

[@PromasterHOF]

Word of advice keep a power steering pump and the tools in the bus you will need it again. They have a tendency to go bad. Just as “Badge” said the pumps work with very low pressure. That is how they are intended to operate, but when used in this system the constant need for high pressure when stooping wears them out. Keep one handy.

[@calebmjw5675]

this is one thing I absolutely hated about having our short bus, hard to get to engine. (@Buslifestyle) It was a great shortie though, moving on to a bigger bus as of now, wife, kid, two doggs, need a little more space.

[@marionbrown5651]

You have an amazing Dad!! wish mine was still alive “we traveled as kids”, and I’m doing my bus on my own I ask what would dad do!!! your blessed 🥲

[@Hawk-qn2zk]

Those wooden steps are a wonderful idea! Plus being able to find tje parts you need at an AutoZone woild make more comfortable driving it cross country compared to the larger bus.

[@JaxAustin]

Excellent video

[@grayeagleswolves]

Way to go Mike and dad bonding time with Badge to the Rescue great bonding time doing it right the 1st time way to go so proud of y'all

[@cfh4201969]

consider yourself lucky you dont have a ford with 6.0 diesel. P/S pump is allot harder to do.

[@herefishyfishy6907]

Knowing the size of the bolts is a curse, not a blessing. It means you've been in there way too much 😂

[@ilikebigbus9782]

Another entertaining video! Sorry your misery is my entertainment 😅🤣😂 at least your getting it done now

[@guycobham4978]

By now you have figured out that your Chevy has metric nuts and bolts not sae old school.

[@joejaber276]

Michael you should have changed the thermostat why you were at that point

[@artoftheflatlands]

you have an awsome family.

[@studentsofthedream1751]

What year is that? I have a 2004 but yours looks newer...

[@ImprovisedExpletiveDevice]

Badge knows what's up. GM = PIA

[@david2284180]

"look at all that space!" love the sarcasm :-)

[@xavierpendrag0n]

@ 9:00 "well here's your problem..."

[@gardenboots7464]

VERRY helpful. And fun! THX :)