Eagles International Forum

I got the stock diesel tanks drained, both were full to the top...
But got some pics of the inside, they seem to be in very good condition considering their age.
I did not realize they had baffles inside.

First pic that tube is the gage coming down from the top on the curb side.

They look great, especially if they are the originals from 1968!

I'm not sure how old they are, someone at sometime has been inside them because there is a small 8x12" access hole somebody cut in the top.

I know some people say that they never saw a working fuel gage on a bus, Is there a way I can check mine, I would like a working fuel gage, I know it can be done!

Well I torched and torched and I think I am ready to put new engine cradle rails in.
After seeing how far I already had it apart I just decided to replace them also.
What Jim has said is true, the engine compartment tubing truly does rust from the inside out.

Eagle obsessed wrote:I'm not sure how old they are, someone at sometime has been inside them because there is a small 8x12" access hole somebody cut in the top.

I know some people say that they never saw a working fuel gage on a bus, Is there a way I can check mine, I would like a working fuel gage, I know it can be done!

Well, the gauges can work, mine work on the 1975 Model 05, and the 1994 Model 15, but not on the 1982 or the 1984. Just having a relative reading of some kind is worthwhile, and once you get used to how far off it is, then you have something to work with. Some people say just fill it up each day you are traveling so you don't have to worry, but those people might have more cash on hand at the time. Most of us play it a little closer to the bone. Bad grounds and frayed wires are common culprits, but the gauges can go bad as well. While things are still open, you can insert a wooden rod and add known amounts of fuel, and mark the rod as you go up. Then you have something solid to check the gauge against. I robbed a second pickup tube of another bus to add to the tank at a higher level for the generator, so that I would always have a little more fuel left for running the engine if the generator had been on too long. The other way is to have a separate tank for the generator, which you could use off-road fuel in.

Your main problem now is fabricating a suitable frame for that heavier than previous engine, without adding too much weight. With all the previous additions along the frame, and now the Series 60, you might be up a ton from stock. You are not planning on granite counter tops, you say?

Here's some pics of the new engine rails.
Looks plenty strong to me, what are you guys thoughts?

Walter right now weight is the last thing on my mind, I am not worried at all about adding weight to the bus. Lifted the engine from the bus today and bus was sitting at 15 inches to bottom of baggage bays without a tire on the bogie.
So I have a ways weight wise to go...

Looks pretty good. There is no denying that you have a passion for cutting and welding. I trust you are checking the alignment angles of the engine, transmission, and the driveline. In trucks, at least, there are small angles involved. I used to have an engineering book that went into detail about that, but I have not seen it in 30 years. Is Eric Frodnew going to connect with you on his trip? I am sure he will be suitably impressed.

Walter i should end up with a 7 degree angle on the drive shaft, that is what Eric brown put his at and what the drive shaft shop guy said.
I sent Eric frodnew an email and pm with my phone #, so far I have not heard anything from him, I would love to meet him and check out his model 15...

Working late last night I completed the engine cradle, hooked it on the engine, and installed it in the bus.
Every thing fit!!!!
Now I will take it out and paint everything...
And then onto.... plumbing!!!!
What fun!!

You are going to have something to be very proud of when this is all done. All of this activity indicates that you must younger and more energetic than many of us, you have great fabricating skills, a good welding outfit, and lots of patience. I hope you have checked the access points for key maintenance functions, and that nothing important is blocked by framework. It looks like taking the engine out, if you had to, is something you can handle easily. Now, all you have to do is finish the rest of the coach.

Hi Mason,

I had to start from the beginning of your posts even though I've seen them a lot. I have a great memory it's just short so recapping helped me out.

Let me start by saying Mason, "MAN, you have some skillz!" The work is amazing as everyone has said and yes, I'm working on the calendar now to try and come up and visit. If I do, I want to be sure that we have plenty of time to show and tell. You obviously have more so let's make this work.

I'll be back at you later. The niece graduated high school on Sat and the nephew has his graduation on Thursday. He's heading to high school.
Knocking out goals one day at a time. Kansas, btw, is finally in spring mode and beautiful!!

Talk to ya'll soon!
Eric