1973 Blue Bird

[somewhereinusa]

All I really understand is it shuts fuel off to the cylinders that are doing the pumping and instead of exploding fuel to create power it turns the cylinders into air compressors that slow things down.

My understanding is that it also keeps the exhaust valve from opening, or just opens it a little bit. Air comes in, but has no place to go out.

[Rudy]

Now on to the air tanks. I have on my list to drain the tanks. I have three tanks. Let's start with this pic.

This is looking towards the rear of the bus. You can't see the third one in this pic. It is horizontal to these two and is smaller. It is about two feet behind these and mounted higher in the chassis. You'll see it in forthcoming pics.

In this pic, the tank on the left has what appears to be a straightforward petcock. The tank on the right has some sort of "thing" on it. I don't know what it is.

How do I drain that tank?






OH! Notice the dual exhaust pipes that go to my cool stacks.

Every time I look at those things, I am enamored with their uniqueness and ultra cool style.

OH, what the hay! Here's a photo just for fun.

[somewhereinusa]

Is there an air line or wire going to the "thing"?

[Rudy]

Is there an air line or wire going to the "thing"?

Not on that thing






However there are two more things like that. They have fairly new looking lines attached.

[Dennis The Bus Dweller]

This is what I have in my front drivers side wheel well

[Rudy]

Dennis, you lucky dog. I have no such pretty valve.

[Rudy]

Those newer looking lines go to the brake actuating cannisters. It appears that a line from each thing goes to both sides of the rear brakes.

[Dennis The Bus Dweller]

I think it's because you can't get under my bus at all

[somewhereinusa]

Rudy, go here
http://www.mrsharkey.com/busbarn/PDFs/A ... ndbook.pdf

There is a link to an excellent handbook on air brakes.Has pictures and everything.

[Rudy]

I think it's because you can't get under my bus at all

That's a bummer. I can sit up under my bus in most places.

Yours will get better mileage though because it has low turbulence under the vehicle. (Think race car)

[Dennis The Bus Dweller]

Hmm

[Rudy]

Rudy, go here
http://www.mrsharkey.com/busbarn/PDFs/A ... ndbook.pdf

There is a link to an excellent handbook on air brakes.Has pictures and everything.

Dick, I have downloaded those PDFs. I most certainly will see what I can glean from those files. I think that will be a study project for early in the morning. Thanks

[Rudy]

Here's a pic of the third tank I mentioned earlier. It also has a weird end on it. Also, If I remember correctly, it does not have a drain petcock. I'll check for sure tomorrow.

[Rudy]

Here's another view of those weird things. What are they?






A view of the passenger side rear brake cannister and actuating rod.

[Rudy]

I am learning more about this beast of a machine I have every day.

I am gonna read about air brakes in the info that Sharkey posted a while back. I'll give you a report when I get more knowledgeable.

Until then, please tell me about the things you see in these photos.

Thanks, Rudy