Bus Repair and Maintenance Tips
Early diagnosis can help you avoid expensive bus repairs. Read the excerpt below to learn about the various problems your bus might develop, along with diagnosis and repair tips.
Engine Problems
Some common bus engine problems include:
Low Power
There is a myriad of issues that could cause the engine to have insufficient power. A disruption in the air-fuel supply system will affect the vehicle's performance. As such, worn out injectors, a faulty fuel pump, or a clogged fuel line or air filter may be some of the causes of inadequate power. The problem could also be caused by low engine compression or fuel contamination issues.
Oil Leaks
Worn out oil seals and gaskets are the leading causes of oil leaks in diesel engines. The valve cover gasket is your first culprit if you identify leakage from the top of the engine. If the leakage is significant, check the oil filter flange gasket and oil cooler seals. Crankshaft and camshaft seals should be replaced as you replace the crankshaft and camshaft.
Smoking
A poor air-fuel ratio will cause the engine to produce blue-black smoke. Therefore, check the injectors, air filter and injector pump. Your engine could also have excessive carbon build-up. Blue smoke is a sign of burning oil, caused by overheating. Overheating is caused by low coolant level, a clogged radiator or leaks in the cooling system. You could also be dealing with worn-out seals or a damaged piston.
If the bus cannot start at all, check the fuel delivery system and consider a compression test.
Transmission Problems
Similar to the engine, the transmission may also experience leakage problems. You'll want to regularly check the transmission fluids. Low transmission fluid levels could damage the clutches and cause the gears to slip. If you have trouble changing the gears or if the clutch feels too hard, you could be dealing with a worn-out clutch plate.
Braking
A public service bus makes many stops in a day. As such, the braking system works under intense stress. Always check the brake fluid levels. Squealing noises as you brake the bus are an indication that you need to change the brake pads. Also be sure to regularly inspect the air brake pressure system for leaks along the supply lines.
Tires
Buses that cover long distances experience a lot of tire wear. As such, you should use high-quality tires to ensure sufficient grip as you drive. Uneven tire wear indicates alignment and balance problems.
Remember to conduct preventive maintenance. Service your bus on time and replace the various parts before they totally wear out, and get bus repairs promptly.
