Nearly 50yr old Prevost gets inspection before road trip to Alaska

This 1975 Prevost bus is going on a trip to Alaska so we are doing an in depth inspection. Lots of little issues but a few major ones too. Bad brake chamber, slack adjuster ready to fall off and bad king pins.
Video 1 • Prevost bus with major...
Video 2 • Prevost bus resurrecti...

[@guycobham4978]

When a person returns for additional work at the same shop, you know they were totally satisfied by the prior work.. The best recommendation a shop can ever get.

[@zubrickadvisors6742]

Unfortunately, the pandemic created so many issues and I am having difficulty finding a professional that I can trust. For me, it is always about communication and relationships. I have two diesel trucks and I am at my third service center in 4 years. There has been so much turnover it seems as though everyone is running by the seat of their pants. I feel like loaning them out to the local high school trade class to get them the love they deserve. The trucks AND the kids.

[@ChrisHarding-lk3jj]

The Alcan highway isn't like it used to be, the entire route is paved and fuel is readily available. The longest stretch between fuel stops is a little over 300 miles.

[@Chris_at_Home]

I’ve driven it twice both times Northbound. The first time was April of 1979 when I moved here and it mostly gravel. I drove it again in the summer of 2013 and except for sections undergoing improvements it was paved. I drove from WhiteCourt to Wasilla in 2 longs days with my son that wasn’t quite 3 yo in 1979.

[@13699111]

Your absolutely right about Alaska travel is no joke. These very nice people couldn't have come to a better shop to prepare the bus for the trip. Teaching people isn't something that everyone is willing to do sadly. Thank you for posting all the great videos on your KZbin channel

[@silasmarner7586]

A montage of heck. That king pin ain't the same part. Somebody is high, man. But YOU did good work Scott and crew.

[@user-kp2fc2dp8e]

I have been binge watching this channel. As a former automotive then heavy equipment mechanic in a previous life I can say Scott is probably the most honest and competent mechanic I have ever seen. I have also come to the conclusion any reasonable priced quality bus will be old. Parts availability and the complexity of these RV's is beyond what I want to deal with.

[@ptramma]

My thoughts exactly!

[@kcbeerslinger]

Iv'e been watching you guys for quite a while now and I must say that of all the "ride alongs" Iv'e watched over the years, I believe this was the smoothest ride I've seen yet. I'll bet your drive way is rougher than a cob since the rain but the Prevost barley rattled at all. What a testament for a fifty year old bus.

[@timwatson3879]

Lots of work! Don't ever forget your worth when it comes to saving lives. Impressive dip stick ya got there! lol...

[@runner4928]

Look at how much nicer it is when you put a muffler on it😊

[@curttuundra]

The drive to Alaska is not a big deal. There are a few 6% grades but very comparable to driving in the Rockies and out west. There's plenty of services available for his bus. Great video.

[@fastcoffee9878]

His Great Lakes trip sounded like a blast. And I'll take a nice old school any day over the new builds

[@jimrichards3916]

Good job Scott.

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

Miracle maintenance.

[@Vile-Flesh]

Nice work. I enjoy your videos and always learn something. Take care.

[@theunknownkeyboardist6154]

Say what you want, but the 60 Series was one of Detroit's best offerings.

[@jaysmith1408]

The last engine Daimler knew how to make properly. One of my favourite engines, loved when my bus for the day had the 60. Jakes were all but useless, but it ran brilliantly. Detroit 60, Volvo D13, and ISX are my personal favourites, in that order.

[@theunknownkeyboardist6154]

@@jaysmith1408 I believe the 60 series came out in the mid 80's, before Daimler entered the picture, so it was a strictly Detroit Diesel design, and it was excellent. Having said that, my favorite is still the 8V71 if for nothing else than the sound.

[@jaysmith1408]

@@theunknownkeyboardist6154 ahh yes, you are correct. For some reason I thought they went back to ‘80.

[@ChicagoItalian]

I think I just found a new hobby…something about big diesel busses…Detroit engines - really awesome. Thank you for posting all your videos.

[@SimmyMetal]

The old detroit diesels in these buses were used for transit from the 60s to the late 90s, now they're mostly in Lodge buses, RV's and people who owns the old buses. You should be able to find your local old bus club or person who drives these old buses

[@ChicagoItalian]

@@SimmyMetal great advice, thank you. I hope you and your family are well.

[@enwri]

I actually made a noise at 16:04 thought that rag was going to whip through that pulley,

[@darrenbyrne4622]

Greatvid scott man you got a few buses around the place are they all next in line for work ?

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

The Wanderlodge group goes up every Sumer. The older coaches are tougher so the newer ones take their time

[@Moreno_Cubanito]

wow that rig rides so quiet. Compared to that Country Coach video with the rattles and sound when crossing the bridge.......the Prevost is like riding on clouds.

[@compactc9]

I was out to eat with a friend recently, and the people at a nearby table ended up on the subject of driving to Alaska, and this one rather clueless woman, with a certain stereotypical appearance said rather matter of factly, "No, no one has ever done that..." And I nearly choked on my food.

[@craigsowers8456]

Good job ... know it's an "older" video if you're still talking about "the Bug" but wow, quite the back log of buses on the lower 40 ~ good for you.

[@BusGreaseMonkey]

It’s a week old.

[@craigsowers8456]

@@BusGreaseMonkey Sorry ... my bad.

[@MikeLoveBuns]

Enjoy video! Mike from Missouri

[@timf6916]

Good job

[@dougnorton5143]

That bus has had an engine conversion, 1975 had the old V Detroit engine. Someone has spent some money on this one keeping it on the road.

[@carlbernard4197]

That one was born the same year I was. 😊

[@safetyvideos9866]

I think you guys should look out for a good heavy wrecker. Ones have been made from surplus Oshkosh M1070s which are excellent vehicles for this task.

[@irgski]

..prepare for a broken or cracked windshield if you head up to Alaska!

[@Chief351L]

I with that BGM should start taking the first drive after repairs or at least start taking some of these owners on an “Initiation Ride” just to show them how the bus should be run and what it’s capable of delivering. Some of these owners just seem scared to death of their bus and when they need to access the power, braking or other system they will know what they actually have available.

[@Torsee]

Definitely! I bet his insurance wouldn’t cover it! I’ve never seen an owner on this program ever show confidence. Certainly no hot rodders!

[@lloydrobinson7081]

keep the clips coming

[@EricaMTB]

That steering column u joint is stuffed.

[@oby-1607]

Interesting fan drive. One would think an idler pulley would help the belt flopping. That metal on the drain plug is worrisome.

[@natevanlandingham1945]

What is that annoying beep/alarm during the test drive!!!??? Edit: i spoke too soon! I heard you ask and him address the question in the video!😂

[@GarnettM]

No Doubt the Alaskan Hwy Is horrible Alaskan Glass on the road will eat the airlines and tires off the unit ,Reccomend garden hose the air lines to protect them ,The Dempster Hwy is the same hwy 5 hrs to Eagle plains first stop 10 hrs to Inuvik .

[@glennkneebone123]

As a person with no knowledge of heavy machinery like buses, please be kind as I ask a question. Why do these vehicles use air for so many things? Seems like there is a lot of repair work to air systems needed. Are hydraulics even worse? Why use air for the wipers? Isn’t an electric motor less complicated and more reliable? Just a person who wants to learn. Thanks! P.S. This channel is great to learn about these rigs and you guys seem to do a great and honest job. Kudos!

[@theunknownkeyboardist6154]

I will attempt to kindly respond that air systems make it much easier to use a trailer with brakes; a hydraulic connection would be a real hassle. Air accessories (such as wipers) are usually lighter weight than comparable electric. Air leaks are a nuisance, but they don't spray fluid all over the place as would hydraulic. Air ride suspensions are--for the most part--smoother riding than springs, and easier to maintain--you have an air bag and a levelling valve and that's about it. Compare that to changing out a spring pack or a Flxible Torsilastic system (Scott has done a video on that. Watch it and you'll come away shaking your head). Air brakes, when properly maintained and adjusted, are more powerful than hydraulics and don't require any vacuum boost which is a nuisance with a diesel because it doesn't make vacuum in the first place. As a retired tractor-trailer driver (46 years) I really don't care for driving a large vehicle with hydraulic brakes compared to air.

[@jaysmith1408]

Excellent question. I must agree, it just seems convoluted. Like the ten air bags, I thought the rear axles were trailing link. Pneumatic belt tensioners offer shock absorption, but naturally are another source of leakage. Really the only thing air should be doing are the brakes, the suspension, and the transmission (if automated). I wouldn’t use hydraulics since that is yet another system that would need to be installed and maintained, but electricity should be more common than it is.

[@turbo8454]

That steering seems awfully loose.

[@williemoore2167]

Great video very informative.Where are you located?

[@BusGreaseMonkey]

Tennessee

[@robertpeters9438]

Those extreme temps will break anything not pristine.

[@c.a.mcneil7599]

My only concern long run and working the wheel so much. Hope this person 6 hour drive time to stop till tomorrow.

[@gumbootcloggers8330]

The steering u joint where its mounted on the splines looks to have play. Was the pinch bolt loose?

[@BusGreaseMonkey]

We tightened it

[@rickharper1497]

Steering play would be too much for me.

[@rvfinder7997]

Where is this shop located? You guys ever come work on rigs in California?

[@mitchrenee]

Tennessee

[@GlennBalent]

Don’t believe he travels anymore..

[@NoOneFPV]

Is it just me, or was the bolt missing in the crank pulley at around the 16:00 mark?

[@BusGreaseMonkey]

Watch it when it’s not spinning. 6 bolts around the outside.

[@NoOneFPV]

@@BusGreaseMonkey Okie! :) It just looked odd. Thanks for answering and enlightening me! ^.^

[@CanizaM]

Did you say kingpins were $1500 each? I suspect any machinist with a lathe could turn a new one for less.

[@BusGreaseMonkey]

Parts and labor

[@webslinger67]

what do you do with the old king pins? do they get remachined , or do you donate them to machinists? or throw them away?

[@zaddy83]

Speed limit up here is 65, hope that old bus can keep up. Get tired of being stuck behind tourists in Class A's and converted busses like this doing 10-15 under during the summer.

[@adam1885282]

You poor thing, people always using your road 😂

[@atinshed]

What price safety? He should keep both hands on the steering wheel, and keep his dashboard free of unsecured items.

[@natevanlandingham1945]

Was this yalls first time getting Corona'd?

[@BusGreaseMonkey]

Yes 1st timers

[@bus-fun-addict]

Leave the turnbuckle.

[@davidowen888]

That covids the worst sickness I've ever had 🤢🤮

[@adotintheshark4848]

What engine is in this? It doesn't sound like one of the bigger Detroit diesels.

[@uliwehner]

its a series 60. It is the one you want.

[@isaacsims6203]

There shouldnt be more than 2 inches of free play in the steering wheel turing🙂

[@AB-xw8sn]

Engineering paper!

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

Weight

[@Island-Born-Man]

Why isn't there a guard around the motor fan belt?

[@BusGreaseMonkey]

That is very rare to see on a bus.

[@Torsee]

OSHA did not exist. Don’t be stupid, keep your fingers away!

[@c.a.mcneil7599]

That’s like why don’t we have lawn darts now? And fan belts say make sure engine is off when replacing. This was built before your time I would say.

[@Island-Born-Man]

@@c.a.mcneil7599 That's quite a derogatory response to a practical question.

[@glenruginski4812]

Where are you out of?

[@BusGreaseMonkey]

Nashville tn area. 45min sw

[@patzke]

If he was in for suspension 2 years ago and you brought everything up to snuff why all the wear now? How many miles in 2 years? ABSOLUTELY NO CRITICISM IMPLIED!

[@BusGreaseMonkey]

We knew it needed more maintenance and we just deferred it. Replacing all the air bags, wheel seals and servicing everything before the big trip.

[@patzke]

@@BusGreaseMonkey thanks for the response. Having worked and retired from an airline I know what you mean about deferred maintenance. We always measured things relative to our “least broke airplane.”

[@ducthman4737]

5000 miles That's nothing for a vehicle like that.

[@carlbernard4197]

Especially a Series 60 Detroit😊

[@imfloridano5448]

With that cough wear a mask while working on the diesel engine's. Those exhaust fumes aren't gud for your lungs now