Josh and Faith's 1978 Model 05 Entertainer

Hello Guys,

New to the forum, but have been stalking your forum for a few years. There is a lot of useful info that can be learned here for sure! Mainly to the younger generation.

We have had this bus for about 4 years and have done a lot to her. Shes a 1978 Model 05 converted to an entertainer I believe around 1986. 8v71NA with 4 speed spicer. My band uses her about 5 times a month here in Texas but me and the lady take about 4 trips a year to various locations in the region. These are the only pics I have on my phone for now but will post more later this week.

Josh and Faith, welcome to our forum.

What a great looking Eagle!!!

I look forward to more details and pictures!!!

Jim

That is one nice looking Eagle. Welcome to the board
Wayne

Guys here is my first question.

The 8v71 has all the usual symptoms of a 2 cycle detriot, leaks oil, uses oil, and hates the hills. But I drove an identical bus a few months back and was blown away at how much more power it had. I have changed fuel and air filters but no luck. There is some blue smoke on start up and black smoke when under load. Where else can I look to pull more power out of it?

Also either my spicer or drop box is leaking what type of fluids would these use?

Thank You

Josh,it looks like you have done the normal first step things to make sure you are getting the max HP out of your engine (fuel filter and air cleaner). I think the next step I would take is to run the rack. That requires some pretty decent skills. "The book" will tell you how to do it, but most of the experienced folks have little "tells" that help them know when they have the setting is correct.

You have black smoke which, if the rack/injectors are adjusted fairly closely, would suggest you have decent sized injectors. You will know what injectors you have when you or someone pulls the valve covers.

If the black smoke (or maybe gray) is seen most of the time, you might have a bad injector.

The dropbox and rear end have a common lube supply. You should be able to use standard 90wt rear end fluid. Make sure it has an EP rating.

Jim

If your dropbox is leaking find out where. If it is a gasket than not to bad. If it is on the input shaft that could be a little bigger problem as something could be lose and needs attention . Do not let that go as those dropboxes are expensive.

Wayne

Jim thanks for the advice.

The black smoke is only when climbing hills really. For the age of the coach it really doesn't smoke that much on start up and clears up fairly fast. The 8v71 does have grey hound tag on the front of the motor, I think it was transplanted around the time of the conversion.

Heck I've even considered 6v92TA swap, doesn't seem like much modifying. Ha but that is way down the list of things to do.

Welcome! Nice Coach!

Ok guys I have figured out where my drop box is leaking. Looks like its coming from the cover facing the front of the coach. In my manual it looks to just be a gasket between the cover and box. Would any one know where I could find this gasket by chance?

There were a good number of different size injectors for the 71 engines. Each have a number. The higher the number, the more fuel flowed through them and the more HP you got. Make sure all of yours have the same number.

Eagles mostly had the 285 HP version of this engine. The highest factory rating was 318 HP but a 400 HP turbo was a Detroit Diesel factory option, at least for a while and that may explain why the other Eagle you drove seemed more powerful. BTW, if you want a turbo on your present engine, you'll need lower compression pistons. In other words, an engine rebuild. And if you can find a five speed, get it. The only 'problem' is that it has a different shift pattern. First is to the left and DOWN. Second is where first is on the four speed and the rest follow that pattern.

For the gasket, try these...

Jefferson Truck, Trailer and Bus
Address: 1317 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Hours: 8 AM–5 PM
Phone: 1-405-272-0213

Jefferson seems to be closing down so I'm not sure what you'll find if you call them. All the same, try them first.

T & H Bus Repairs
I-45 Exit 264
Ferris, TX 75125
1-972 842-8901

If this is the old I 45 Bus, they should have some Eagle parts available.

Good luck!!!