(14 Aug 2023, 6:36 pm)morritt89 wrote Before I left GNE I regularly had 3942/3943 allocated on my scholars run (I actually chose them on a few occasions). 3942 remains one of the best buses I've ever driven despite its age and Euro 6 modifications. It sat at 62 on the A1 and only the coaches could match it in that respect. I admit it wasn't the best on hills however it was better than alot of other buses at Deptford. 3943 however, despite being the same age and used on the same Newcastle to Middlesbrough route when new was noticeably different. Whether this was due to the Euro 6 mods or an unrelated issue I have no idea (it did drink oil and often more oil than diesel). It wouldn't pull away on hills at all (the accelerator simply didn't respond) and it wouldn't rev in gear with the handbrake on in order to pull out at busy junctions. I'm sure I read (maybe on here) that it was off the road recently needing a new engine/engine work? I cannot comment on 3941.
I think this is the perfect illustration of 2 vehicles of the same specification and age (as well as used on the same routes) being completely different. Another example of mine would be 6356 and 6357. 7132 was also very temperamental but its sister vehicles were fine. Is it down to maintenance or how the parts have worn down over time? Preventative or reactive maintenance seems to be a common debate. How much TLC would you give an 18 year old vehicle? Would you keep a car from new with sky high mileage at 18 years old? I'd hazard a guess that the Euro 6 modifications on the B7's are probably worth more than the vehicles themselves.
I was in Kent recently, following one of their 54 reg Alx400's.
No plumes of smoke. No plumes diesel.
Plenty of acceleration. Genuinely astounded at how quickly it pulled away from me in our 2l diesel sports spec SUV (granted, I wasn't racing back to the depot).
Maintenance is a key player, but I'm pretty sure that counts as routine, preventative, reactive and routine.
Budget has to be a factor. Bodge jobs to get it back on the road or proper investment?
I'd love to know the apparant cost savings of a quick fix and the inevitable recovery* vs proper, preventative maintenance.
* repeat ad infinatum