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Blue Bird Q - BUS Owner's Manual

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Summary of Contents for Blue Bird Q - BUS

  • Page 1 Q - BUS Owner's Manual...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ..............2 Windshield Wipers ........... 32 Foreword ..............3 Tires, Wheels & Rims ..........33 Reporting Safety Defects ........... 3 Kneeling Feature ............34 Coach Identification ........... 3 Engine Compartment ..........35 Inspection ..............4 Engine Operating Instructions ........ 36 Operator's Compartment ...........

  • Page 3: Introduction

    It explains the various features and controls which should be familiar to the operator before he/she attempts to drive the unit and will help keep your Blue Bird Q-Bus in top operating condition and help extend its service life.

  • Page 4: Foreword

    This Operator’s Manual provides some general, as well as specific, information regarding safe operation and maintenance of your Blue Bird bus. It does not address all items or situations that may arise and is not a substitute for proper driver and mechanic training. The exercise of care, common sense and good driving and working practices are required for safe operation.

  • Page 5: Inspection

    The Body Serial and Service Number Plate is located on BLUE BIRD the front upper inner panel above the windshield. Refer to the data on this plate for registration purposes or for replace- BODY CO. ment part information. FORT VALLEY, GEORGIA BODY NO.

  • Page 6: Weekly Inspection

    Look inside the bus: • Seat, floor—housekeeping. Steps and aisle clear? • Emergency exits open & close. • Emergency equipment. • Fire extinguisher pressure. • First aid kit. • Driver’s area—windshield, windows clean? • Mirrors—clean and adjusted? Starting the engine: •...

  • Page 7: Operator's Compartment

    OPERATOR’S COMPARTMENT 1. Switch panel left. Page 8. 2. Shifter panel. Page 7. 3. Horn button—Sounds electric horn. 4. Instrument panel. Page 6. 5. Switch panel right. Page 8. 6. Driver’s seat. Page 10. 7. Tilt steering lever. Page 9. 8.

  • Page 8: Gauge Color Key

    19. Intake heater light—Indicates grid heaters are on. 20. Stop engine light—Indicates severe engine condition, stop as soon as safely possible. 21. Cruise SET/RESUME switch—When vehicle reaches desired cruise speed depressing the set switch sets the speed. When the vehicle drops below 30 MPH or brake pedal is depressed the cruise returns to standby mode.

  • Page 9: Right Switch Panel

    LEFT SWITCH PANEL 1. Brake override switch—Optional. The brake interlock system is a safety feature. The system does not allow the vehicle to be moved with the doors ajar. This switch over- WIPE WASH rides the system enabling the ve- ACCESSORY A/C FAN A/C TEMP...

  • Page 10: Tilt & Telescoping Steering

    HEATER CONTROL PANEL 1. Driver ’s heater fan switch—Allows driver’s heater fan to be turned on to hi or low position. 2. Main heater switch—Turns heater on or off. 3. Heater fan switch—Allows heater fan to be turned on to a hi, low, or optional maximum setting.

  • Page 11: Destination Signs

    DESTINATION SIGNS The optional roller destination sign with a lighted curtain is located EMPLOYEE PARKING in the front roof header. SIGN It has an electrical switch DOWN located on the interior surface of the header closeout panel above the driver’s side windshield. The switch operates the roller mechanism of the sign.

  • Page 12: Driver's Seat Lubrication

    4. To change the tilt of the seat back, rotate the large finger grip knob located to the rear left side of the seat cushion forward or rearward to tilt the back to the desired position. 5. For maximum driver comfort adjust the lum- bar support with the knob located at the cen- ter right side of the seat back.

  • Page 13: Electrical Systems

    Inspect seat belt assembly frequently. Anytime assembly does not operate properly, or if there are any defects in the webbing (i.e. torn or frayed), the seat belt must be replaced as soon as possible to ensure driver safety. Hand wash webbing with warm water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry in the shade. Do not bleach or redye, because such processing may severely weaken the assembly.

  • Page 14: Light Bulb Data

    F. Use rubber grommets whenever wires must pass through holes. G. Cover all full time hot or accessory and ignition hot wires with approved loom. H. Avoid routing wires in contact with fuel lines or plastic components. 6. Always be sure ground straps are replaced when any work is done on engine components. The alternator must have at least a six (6) gauge strap.

  • Page 15: Interior Strip Lighting

    INTERIOR STRIP LIGHTING Your QBRE may be equipped with 12 volt strip lights mounted on the ceiling. The specifications for these are listed below. A. DC input voltage (continuous) 8-16 VDC B. DC input voltage (peak) 20 VDC 30 sec. C.

  • Page 16: Mirrors & Mirror Adjustment

    MIRRORS & MIRROR ADJUSTMENT WARNING: The vehicle's mirror system has been designed to comply with all field of view requirements, but it is the owner's responsibility to adjust the mirrors properly before placing the vehicle in service and to maintain the adjustment during the service life of the vehicle. Mirrors provide additional driver vis- ibility on buses.

  • Page 17: Wiring Diagram

    Mirrors should be cleaned weekly or more often if conditions warrant. Cleaning should be done with an ammonia solution to ensure that mirrors are not obstructed. Be sure that mounting fasteners are kept tight so that mirrors will not vibrate. Check weekly and retighten, if necessary. MIRROR DEFROSTING Use the electric defrost switch to defrost outside mirrors for better visibility when conditions warrant.

  • Page 18: Emergency Equipment

    EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT Front The first aid kit and fire extin- Rear guisher is located in the front cen- ter emergency equipment compart- Approximately 40 Paces Approximately 40 Paces ment at the floor. Access can be 100 Feet 100 Feet gained by gripping the hand hole Disabled Start 10 Feet Unit...

  • Page 19: Transpec Safety Vent

    TRANSPEC SAFETY VENT The roof hatch serves as an important emergency exit and, therefore, it is crucial that it is always main- tained properly and instruction labels are in place and clearly visible. All emergency exits should be in- spected and operated daily to ensure that they are labeled and operate properly per the instructions pro- vided.

  • Page 20: Body Tie Down

    Tow hooks are designed to tow or pull with both hooks simultaneously. Do not pull or tow with an individual hook. CAUTION: Bumpers provided on Blue Bird buses are designed to protect the vehicle and occupants from front and rear collisions.

  • Page 21: Bode Doors

    TURN TO RELEASE GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Bode #2917 door system is designed specifically for the Blue Bird “Q” Bus. This is a two-panel push- out door system which includes the panels, single cylinder drive plate assembly, control valves, and attach- ing hardware.

  • Page 22: Component Operation

    CLOSE CUSHION OPEN CUSHION ADJUSTMENT ADJUSTMENT CLOSE CLOSE OPEN OPEN CLOSE SWITCH CLOSE SWITCH THROTTLE EMERGENCY OPEN SPEED VALVE VALVE CONTROL OPEN CLOSE CLOSE SPEED FAST SLOW CONTROL AIR CYLINDER CRANK ARM BELL CRANK SUPPORT TUBE ASSEMBLY CRANK ARM SUPPORT TUBE FIGURE 1 When the door is fully closed it is necessary for the right-hand sealing lip to close on top of the left-hand lip to avoid catching the air flow.

  • Page 23: System Installation

    SYSTEM INSTALLATION NOTE: In this installation procedure, left and right are referenced form outside the bus facing the door. There- fore, when working on the header drive, the right-hand end will be to your left. The door system consists of five main subassemblies. These are the base plate assembly, drive assembly, door panel assemblies (LH and RH) and the portal seals.
  • Page 24 DRIVE PLATE SET—UP AND ADJUSTMENT After completing the necessary electrical and pneumatic connections, the header drive plate can be adjusted for proper operation. The following procedure should be followed to ensure the correct operation of the drive system. CAUTION: The air cylinder is ca- pable of producing several hundred pounds of force, use extreme caution when test operating the door system.

  • Page 25: Mirage Lift

    MIRAGE LIFT To enable the lift, the lift door must be open and the dash lift switch must be on. This will light the dash switch. The pendant control is now active. The open lift door will engage the brake/throttle interlock. Ex- tracting the lift will open the gas spring controlled access door on which is mounted a mercury switch.

  • Page 26: Heaters

    HEATERS GENERAL INFORMATION Blue Bird heaters are hot water type which depend on heat generated by the engine for their function. Heat from the engine is picked up by the engine coolant which is pumped through the heaters inside the body and back into the engine.

  • Page 27: Heater Access

    HEATING For maximum heating (with warmed engine), control should be as follows: 1. Driver’s heater fan switch—“Hi.” 2. Main (dash) fan switch—“Hi.” 3. Main (dash) heat lever—“On” (see DEFROSTING). 4. Heater booster pump—“On.” 5. Water regulating valve—max “red.” 6. Rear heater fan switches—“Hi.” 7.

  • Page 28: Heater Bleeding Instructions

    as on a charter or over-the-road activity trip. Each passenger continually adds to the moisture content of the air, and after a period of time, the humidity can become quite high. This condition can be improved by slightly opening the forward driver’s window, allowing the moist air to escape into the low pressure area outside the bus at that location.
  • Page 29 WARNING: Extreme care must be used when removing radiator cap. As coolant becomes hot, pressure is built up in the cooling system. Rapid venting and/or removal of radiator cap will cause coolant to boil up and spray out and can result in serious burns. Slowly vent off pressure before removing radiator cap. INSTRUCTIONS FOR BLEEDING HEATERS AND COOLING SYSTEM FOR QBRE 1.

  • Page 30: Hose Repair

    Hoses are installed with as few joints as possible so as to prevent the possibility of leaking joints. If a portion of hose becomes damaged, a new piece of hose can be spliced in by use of 4 inch brass tube (Blue Bird part #1701903), and hose clamps.

  • Page 31: Windows & Windshields

    HEATER WATER CAPACITY CHART Note: Water capacity of heaters includes tubing within heater enclosure. Description Capacity (Quarts) 78 Front Heater 3.06 12 Driver’s Heater 40 Front Underseat Heater 1.56 80 Rear Underseat Heater 2.34 1 Foot of Connecting Line Example: Unit with 190 HP Cummins 5.9TA Driver’s Heater Front Heater...

  • Page 32: Transit Window Maintenance

    TRANSIT WINDOW MAINTENANCE A. General Care The vinyl tracks on which the vent and screen slide must be kept clean and clear of dust and sand. Vacuum and wipe clean with a soft cloth or sponge occasionally. For easier sliding, spray or wipe with silicone.

  • Page 33: Windshield Wipers

    WINDSHIELD WIPERS WIPER ARM REMOVAL & INSTALLATION To replace the wiper arm assembly if damaged, follow the procedure outlined below. NOTE: Before removing any wiper arm, it is first necessary to operate the wipers briefly, stopping the blades in the normal park position.

  • Page 34: Tires, Wheels & Rims

    WIPER REFILL REPLACEMENT To remove wiper refills, follow the procedure outlined below. 1. Lift end clip with screwdriver as shown in. This releases locking indentations (A) and allows end clip retainers (B), to be removed through blade claw. 2. Repeat procedure to remove retainer clip on opposite end of wiper. 3.

  • Page 35: Kneeling Feature

    • Note that taking off and putting tires on bus wheels requires proper tools, safety equipment and special training. A person can be badly injured and/or damage can result from using the wrong ser- vice methods. Bus tires and wheels should be serviced only by trained people using the proper equip- ment.

  • Page 36: Engine Compartment

    The return to normal body height is also very rapid. This is selected by placing the switch in the up position. At this point the horn sounds and the dash light remains illuminated. Careful attention should be given to proximity of boarding passengers feet before using the kneeling system.

  • Page 37: Engine Operating Instructions

    ENGINE COMPARTMENT INSTRUMENT PANEL 1. Engine compartment light switch. 2. Engine start switch. (See Page 37) 3. Front-Off-Rear selector switch—Allows engine to be started from front ENGINE START START ENGINE or rear of vehicle. COMPT LIGHTS REAR 4. Engine oil pressure gauge. SIDE ENGINE COMPARTMENT GRILLE Access to the side of the engine compartment can be gained through the grilles which are opened by key locks.

  • Page 38: Diesel Engine Starting Procedure

    DIESEL ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURE 1. Apply parking brake. 2. Place transmission shift lever in park position . 3. See appropriate engine manufacturers operating manual for proper starting procedures. Starting pro- cedures vary from different engine manufacturers and also varies with temperature. 4.

  • Page 39: Fuel & Lubricant Requirements

    ENGINE WARNING SYSTEM This unit is equipped with an alarm system to signal low oil pressure and high engine temperature. If the engine temperature exceeds 210 degrees, or if the oil pressure drops below 6 PSI, a buzzer sounds and an indicator light glows.

  • Page 40: Compressed Natural Gas

    (Compressed Natural Gas) must be inspected every three (3) years in accordance with NGV-2 specifications. The owner/operator should be aware that cylinder expiration date is fifteen (15) years after date of cylinder manufacture and that cylinders must be replaced. This testing and certification is not covered by Blue Bird warranty.

  • Page 41: Fuel System Description

    CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS #49 states In addition to the requirements of this paragraph, cylinders marked DOT-3HT must be requalified in accordance with CGA pamphlet C-8 and must comply with the following: Cylinders built prior to implementation of FMVSS 304 must be subjected, at least once in three years, to a test by hydrostatic pressure in a water jacket, for the determination of the expansion of the cylinder.
  • Page 42 WARNING: Handle natural gas with care. Compressed natural gas is a volatile fuel stored under high pressure. If fuel storage or delivery components are installed, serviced or operated improperly, fire, ex- plosion and/or serious injury could result. Do NOT smoke while working on or around natural gas equip- ment.

  • Page 43: Compressed Natural Gas Fuel

    COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS FILTERS Particulate and coalescer type filters are installed in Blue Bird CNG fuel systems. The primary filter is of stainless steel construction and is located at the fill point. This filter can be checked for contamination by closing main shutoff valve on frame and then relieving pressure which is trapped between the check valve in the fill nozzle and the main system check valve.

  • Page 44: Fuel Composition

    FUEL COMPOSITION Natural gas composition varies throughout the country, depending on original gas composition and pro- cessing. Pipeline quality natural gas is composed of several different gases, of which methane typically accounts for 85 to 99%. Other hydrocarbons present in natural gas include ethane, propane, some butanes, and trace amounts of other hydrocarbons.

  • Page 45: Specific Gravity

    NOTE: The tanks are full at 3000 psi or 3600 psi and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The pressure will vary with temperature. Decreasing with lower temperature and increasing with higher temperatures. Filling appara- tus compensates for the temperature effect. WARNING: Never fill to more than permissible pressure. Contact the manufacturer if an accidental overfill occurs.

  • Page 46: Antiknock Properties

    ANTIKNOCK PROPERTIES Natural gas has a research octane rating of about 130, making it relatively resistant to engine knock. The antiknock property is a result of the high ignition temperature, resistance to autoignition, and the relatively low flame speed of natural gas. Antiknock properties allow the use of engine compression ratios in the range of 15:1 (compared to 8:1 to 10:1 for gasoline).

  • Page 47: Allison Automatic Transmission

    MAINTENANCE Service manuals supplied by converters and installers should be consulted for maintenance of NGV-specific parts. Components such as the pressure regulator/reducer can be checked with a pressure gauge to deter- mine if the unit is operating properly. Measurements with an EGA can indicate proper air/fuel mixtures and ignition timing.

  • Page 48: Transmission Oil Temperature

    Adjust the mechanical modulator per the following procedure: 1. With the modulator cable disconnected at the engine, rotate fuel control lever on the engine to full throttle position. 2. Adjust modulator slip joint to push cable until the cable comes within 1/8 inch of bottoming, when throttle is wide open.

  • Page 49: Engine High Idle Switch

    If excessive temperature is indicated by the transmission oil temperature gauge, check the oil level in transmission. (Refer to the Oil Check Procedure in your Allison Transmission operators manual). Stop the vehicle and shift to neutral. Accelerate the engine to 1200-1500 RPM. The temperature should return to normal within two or three minutes before the vehicle resumes operation.

  • Page 50: Md3060 World Transmission

    MD3060 WORLD TRANSMISSION The Allison electronic world transmission provides five forward speeds and one reverse. Fourth gear is a 1 to 1 ratio while the fifth gear is an overdrive with a .75 to 1 ratio. The push-button shift selector is located on the right area of the dash. The trans- SELECT MONITOR mission and selector must be in “N”...

  • Page 51: Check Transmission Light

    Occasionally, the road conditions, load, or traffic conditions will make it desirable to restrict the automatic shifting to a lower gear. Positions 2, 3, 4, 5, provide progressively greater engine braking for going down grades (the lower the gear, the greater the braking effect). The push-button selector utilizes arrow buttons. Push the Up or Down arrow to the desired gear.

  • Page 52: Air Brakes

    AIR BRAKES A coach equipped with a dual air brake system consists of separate complete systems for the front and rear service brakes. A separate reservoir and air gauge is provided for each of these systems. A dual treadle valve is provided for operating the service brake system. In addition to providing excellent service brake performance, this dual brake system is equipped with safety features which allow the driver to use the emer- gency stopping system through the service brake treadle valve.

  • Page 53: Door/Brake Interlock

    MGM SERVICE AND PARKING BRAKE Releasing Spring Brake Manually: If air pressure fails in the piston chamber, the power spring applies the brakes and, unless pressure can be reestablished, the service brakes must be released as follows in order to move the coach.

  • Page 54: Hydraulic System Troubleshooting

    uses a portion of the vehicle’s hydraulic service brake system to provide additional brake holding action. WARNING: If a system leak develops, discontinue use of the Door/Brake Interlock until the cause of the malfunction is diagnosed and corrected WARNING: Brake lock and warning circuits are disabled if battery power is lost or disconnected. WARNING WARNING Read Warnings and Operating...

  • Page 55: Cooling System

    F. If after adjusting the pressure relief screw the pressure does not come up to specification, the pump may be at fault, repair or replace pump. NOTE: If pump is faulty it is also likely the power steering will show signs of low pressure. 2.

  • Page 56: Front Axle Stop Adjustments

    5. When the boss is spread, slide the pitman arm off the steering gear shaft. 6. If vendor supplied mark does not line up with mark on the steering gear output shaft; cross out vendor supplied mark on pitman arm with a small chisel or punch and hammer. 7.

  • Page 57: Wheelbearing Adjustments

    1. Set axle stops for correct turn. 2. Turn new adjusting poppet screw #1469261 into jam nut until flush with end of screw. 3. With bus unloaded and engine off and axle straight ahead, remove and discard fixed poppet screw at bottom of steering gear.

  • Page 58: Rear Axle Vent

    7. On heavy (I-90 through I-132) axles, FLAT Install lock against adjusting nut, with locking portion positioned on either the flat side of adjusting nut or peak of adjusting nut, as PEAK shown. If lock does not align with adjusting nut, tighten nut to first position of alignment and install lock.
  • Page 59 It is also recommended that the same maintenance steps be performed during pre-delivery and every 180 days, thereafter. 1. Check 1" nuts at front spring beam pivots to assure that 500 to 550 ft. lbs. torque is maintained. 2. Check air spring mounting bolts to assure the following torque values are maintained; top mounting bolts (1/2"...
  • Page 60 25.50 SHOCK LENGTH 7.25 RIDE HT. (REF) Fastener Torque Values: Description 1" Torque Arm Nuts: 500 - 550 ft.lb. 3/4" Shock absorber Nuts: 150 - 175 ft.lb. 1/2" and 3/4" Air Spring Mounting Fasteners: (4 PLACES) 40 - 60 ft.lb. 7/8"...

  • Page 61: Scheduled Maintenance

    19.81 SHOCK LENGTH 9.12 RIDE Fastener Torque Values: Description 1" Nuts: 500 - 550 ft.lb. with axle at ride height and aligned. 7/8" Spring Axle Attachment Bolt: 400 - 425 ft.lb. 3/4" Axle Connection Nuts: 250 - 300 ft.lb. Snug tighten nuts. Then apply proper torque in a criss cross sequence to load bolts evenly.
  • Page 62 • Clean all rubber door seals and lubricate with rubber lubricant. • All rear and side emergency door latch slide bars to be lubricated with light grease to reduce friction. • Tighten all tie down bolts to 37-41 foot pounds torque at 1,000 miles, 2,000 miles, and quarterly there- after.

  • Page 63: Maintenance Service Key

    • Inspect steering gear. • Lubricate steering column. • Check front and rear suspension U-bolt torque. • Inspect suspension system and components. • Inspect shocks. • Inspect suspension hanger bracket to frame fastener torque. • Inspect radiator hoses. • Pressure test engine cooling system. •...

  • Page 64: Quick Reference Maintenance Charts

    QUICK REFERENCE MAINTENANCE CHARTS NOTE: For engine service, operation and maintenance, see the Engine Operator's Manual supplied in the owner's packet provided with this vehicle. SUSPENSION MAINTENANCE CHART Service Intervals * Months / Miles Whichever Occurs First *Service Intervals to be performed on a continuing basis. Example: 1 / 3,000 means every month or every 3,000 miles.

  • Page 65: Brake Maintenance Chart

    BRAKE MAINTENANCE CHART Service Intervals * Months / Miles Whichever Occurs First *Service Intervals to be performed on a continuing basis. Example: 1 / 3,000 means every month or every 3,000 miles. Operation General Instructions AIR BRAKE SYSTEM Air Brake Operation See page 51.

  • Page 66: Axle Maintenance Chart

    AXLE MAINTENANCE CHART Service Intervals * Months / Miles Whichever Occurs First *Service Intervals to be performed on a continuing basis. Example: 1 / 3,000 means every month or every 3,000 miles. Operation General Instructions REAR AXLE Check Lubricant See Spicer Maintenance Manuals on J190S, J210S, & J230SB Axles. Keep oil to level of filler plug.

  • Page 67: Chassis Component Maintenance Chart

    CHASSIS COMPONENT MAINTENANCE CHART Service Intervals * Months / Miles Whichever Occurs First *Service Intervals to be performed on a continuing basis. Example: 1 / 3,000 means every month or every 3,000 miles. Operation General Instructions ACCELERATOR SYSTEM See Williams Control Service Bulletin S-051. Refer to the diagram Air Throttle Control, Clean &...

  • Page 68: Body Component Maintenance Chart

    BODY COMPONENT MAINTENANCE CHART Service Intervals * Months / Miles Whichever Occurs First *Service Intervals to be performed on a continuing basis. Example: 1 / 3,000 means every month or every 3,000 miles. Operation General Instructions BUS BODY CARE As required See page 24.

  • Page 69: General Data

    GENERAL DATA DIMENSIONS: Headroom—77" Exterior width—96" mirrors not included. Exterior height—approximately 120" to 121" Exterior length—approximately Interior width—90 3/4" wall to wall. 352" with 151" wheelbase or 449" with a 249" wheelbase, bumpers not included. FLUID CAPACITIES Engine Engine Transmission Crankcase Oil Coolant Fluid...

  • Page 70: Index

    INDEX Air Brakes ..............51 Body Tie Down ............19 Air Brake Adjustment ..........51 Draining Air Tanks ..........51 Brake Maintenance Chart ........64 Front & Rear Shop Air Connections ....51 Air Brake System ............ 64 MGM Service & Parking Brake ......52 Shoe-Type Brakes (Air) ..........
  • Page 71 Heating ..............26 Electrical Systems ............ 12 Hose Repair ............. 29 Outlet Locations ............. 25 Emergency Equipment ........... 17 Preventive Maintenance ........29 Recommended Warning Device Positioning ..17 Hydraulic System Troubleshooting ..... 53 Emergency Exit ............17 Inspection ..............4 Engine Compartment ..........
  • Page 72 QBRE Pitman Arm ..........54 Tilt & Telescoping Steering ........9 Quick Reference Maintenance Charts .... 63-67 Tires, Wheels & Rims ..........33 Damaged Tires ............33 Wheel & Rim Safety ..........34 Rear Axle Vent ............57 Towing or Pushing ..........19 Reporting Safety Defects .........
  • Page 73 Part Number: 0002750 Blue Bird Corporation • P.O. Box 937 • Fort Valley, GA 31030...

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