1979 California bus - cooling tin

[samwise]

I have a 1979 CA-spec bus that runs really hot, like 55 mph in summer (Utah) in 4th on the flat gets me 425-430 degrees...

I want to check what cooling tins I am missing, to assist with that, and can take pics from more angles as needed.

Here's what I have so far:

Passenger side underneath:

Driver's side underneath:

And is it me, or did a previous owner fit an earlier gearbox?

Looks like, if I read it right, it's a CA code 3-rib (002) gearbox, which looks to be from a 1700? Would that adversely affect temperatures?

Don't know how true, but seeing 5.375 (Ratwell) as the final drive in a CA, as opposed to a 4.57 in a real '79 091 gearbox.
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Ben
1979 7-passenger bus
Harvee the Wonder Bus' pics

[busdaddy]

You are missing the sled tin on the LH side, it may make a tiny bit of difference, but don't expect a miracle.
That's definitely an early trans, and the ratios are very likely low for your engine. It's perfect if you are considering lifting the bus and installing big tires though.

A couple cans of Gunk engine brite and a garden hose will make a difference on the temps, that's a dirty dirty engine, what's it look like up top?, and if any of that oilyness has gotten under the tins the cooling fins will be choked with a mixture of dust and oil. You can also borrow a AFR gauge from someone and play with the FI's air flow meter, 79's are set up very lean from the factory and run extra hot, a few notches on the cog often makes a big difference in temps.
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[samwise]

Good idea on the Gunk, I might try that, once we’re through our drought and can actually use water again lol

Luckily, just got Vintage registration here in UT, so no more emissions testing requirement, and can adjust to my heart’s content…
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Ben
1979 7-passenger bus
Harvee the Wonder Bus' pics

[SGKent]

one thing is that it looks like there is a huge gap between the heater box and the shroud. Lots of cooling air can escape there if that is a gap. Is the blocking plate even on the top?

I'd start looking for a good 091 if you can. Don't be in a hurry though.

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[aeromech]

Here's a 1979 Ca Bus

And another

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[Wildthings]

Get a mirror or a borescope and look down through the spark plug holes in your tin and see how much crap is sitting on top of your heads and cylinders. Your thermostat flaps MUST be in the correct position when hot as well.

Has this engine always run hot, or is this new?

FWIW, I am presently running an 002 tranny and 1800cc with 27x8.5R14 tires and its a good combo. Don't know my final drive ratio any more though.

[JaimeH]

[aeromech]

Gary, Just for clarity, the second bus pictured has manifolds & U pipes with triangle flanges. Is that really a '79?

Well, you're right. The bus is a 1979 CA but the owner decided to replace it with a 1978 as I remember. He's in the car business and is fully aware of the smog implications.

Here's some of the original engine

_________________
Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound