1 Mechanics of a School Bus 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice1

2 MECHANICS of a SCHOOL BUS Overview –Conducting Pre-Trip & Post-Trip Inspections. –Differences between buses. –Reporting mechanical defects. –New emission controls devices. 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice

3 PRE-TRIP INSPECTIONS Transportation—Operation Rules Pre and Post Trip Requirements. –WAC (2) –WAC (5) Other state recommended items. 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice

4 PRE-TRIP INSPECTIONS 1.Approach the bus. Look for vehicle problems. Check for fluids on the ground. Check for hoses or wires hanging. 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice

5 PRE-TRIP INSPECTIONS 2.Insert key. –Check engine compartment. Coolant Engine Oil Power Steering Fluid etc. 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice

6 PRE-TRIP INSPECTIONS 3.Check Suspension. Brake Condition. Wheel Condition. Rim Condition. 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice

7 PRE-TRIP INSPECTIONS 4.Start your Bus. Check and Read Gauges/Warning Buzzers. Check lights, oil pressure gauge, voltmeter, etc. 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice

8 PRE-TRIP INSPECTIONS 5.Check Outside of Bus. Right Side.  Glass/Body  Right Emergency Door  Air tank if on this side  Lights/Emergency Exit Rear.  Lights  Emergency Door 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice

PRE-TRIP INSPECTIONS 5.Check Outside of Bus (continued) Left.  Glass/Body  Left Emergency Door  Air tank – if on this side  Stop Sign Operation/Damage Front.  All Lights 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice9

10 PRE-TRIP INSPECTIONS 6.Check Bus Interior –Steps, aisles, seats for damage. –Side, top, and rear emergency doors. –First aid kit. –Reflectors. –Spare fuses. –Fire extinguisher. –Body fluid clean-up kit. 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice

REPORT DEFECTS Proper Pre-trip Means Proper Documentation. Clear. Clean. Legible. Accurate. Informative —11 Driver Trainer Inservice

122010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice12 KISS: Keep It Short and Simple Write clear, short explanations using key words to explain what you want to convey. REPORT DEFECTS

132010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice13 REPORT SYMPTOMS, NOT ASSUMPTIONS Report what you √See. √Smell. √Hear. √Not what you assume. REPORT DEFECTS

142010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice14 LOOK AHEAD Look for pre-breakdown defects: Dampness around hoses. Shiny spots. Loose clamps. Air gauges not reading equally. REPORT DEFECTS

152010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice15 Improper: My bus is dead, I need a spare. Alternative: My bus will not restart at the school, it turns over but will not fire or start. REPORT DEFECTS

162010—11 Driver Trainer In-service16 Never omit written report Inspect actual problem. Document clearly, describing specific symptoms. REPORT DEFECTS

Information can be Misinterpreted 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice17 REPORT DEFECTS

Know what to do… Know when to continue 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice18 REPORT DEFECTS

19 KNOW WHEN TO CONTINUE Example: Anti-lock light comes on, Braking system will continue operating. Safe to continue with proper documentation and reporting. REPORT DEFECTS 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice

20 KNOW WHEN TO CONTINUE Example: Low air warning, Warning comes on at 58 psi during inspection. Bus is drivable, but report immediately. Legal down to 55 psi by WSP inspection standards. REPORT DEFECTS 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice

21 KNOW WHEN TO CONTINUE Example: Coolant leaks, Can leak be isolated by shutting off heater hose valves? How much coolant lost? Risk of contamination to students or damage to bus? REPORT DEFECTS 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice

22 KNOW WHEN TO CONTINUE Example: Brake/tail/turn light not working, Buses may be legally driven if at least one turn/brake light operational on any corner of the vehicle. Follow your district’s policy. REPORT DEFECTS 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice

23 KNOW WHEN TO CONTINUE Example: Cracked engine belts, Small cracks are found on inside grooves of engine belts. The belt may be usable for a long time. Some cracking is normal. Have your maintenance personnel check and review what is acceptable. REPORT DEFECTS 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice

24 WAC (2) School bus drivers shall immediately report any suspected malfunction or needed repair of the school bus in their charge. REPORT DEFECTS 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice

DIFFERENCES IN EQUIPMENT Bus Interior Type of Bus. Control Location, i.e.,  Dash  Side panel  Overhead  Steering wheel 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice25

262010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice26 Brake and accelerator pedals  Location, height, distance DIFFERENCES IN EQUIPMENT Bus Interior

272010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice27 8-way sequencing system, 2 or 3 switch controls. Seat and steering column adjustments. Wiper control location. Gauge cycling upon start-up. Chain box. DIFFERENCES IN EQUIPMENT Bus Interior

282010—11 Driver Trainer In-service28 Locate noise suppression switch. Strobe switch—overhead/intensity. Child Check—electronic child monitor. Winter equipment—chains, sanders, retarders. DIFFERENCES IN EQUIPMENT Bus Interior

292010—11 Driver Trainer In-service29 Familiarize yourself before taking a bus. Utilize: Dispatcher. Trainer. Mechanic. DIFFERENCES IN EQUIPMENT Bus Interior

302010—11 Driver Trainer In-service30 Industry is required to reduce emissions. Harmful gasses, and Particulates are reduced by the new technology on our buses. EMISSION CONTROLS

Why are we concerned? Effects on children’s health. Detrimental to environment. Changes fuel use that affects, –Mileage –Bus operation –Maintenance of equipment 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice31 EMISSION CONTROLS

Past and Present 1994 – 2007Gasses Reduced 67% As of 2007 particulates reduced by 90% EPA now requires 83% reduction in NOx. 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice32

2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice33 EMISSION CONTROLS

342010—11 Driver Trainer In-service34 DOC—Diesel Oxidation Catalyst A muffler shaped device with a ceramic center. –Collects an extreme amount of heat from the engine exhaust system. –Burns unused gases. EMISSION CONTROLS

352010—11 Driver Trainer In-service35 EGR—Exhaust Gas Recirculation A process of rerouting exhaust gases through the engine More thoroughly burns unused fuel and gases EMISSION CONTROLS

36 SCR—Selective Catalytic Reduction Generally used in combination with EGR to reduce NOx gases. Utilizes an additional chemical to change the compound of gases in a catalyst. 2010—11 Driver Trainer In-service36 EMISSION CONTROLS

372010—11 Driver Trainer In-service37 DEF—Diesel Exhaust Fluid A chemical additive injected into the exhaust flow of a DOC or SCR catalyst. Changes gases into ammonia that when heated changes again into nitrogen and water. EMISSION CONTROLS

382010—11 Driver Trainer In-service38 Regeneration System Incorporates a particulate trap in the exhaust system, and Regenerates or cleans by means of computer control. EMISSION CONTROLS

392010—11 Driver Trainer In-service39 Crankcase Particulate Filtration System A fume collecting canister connected to the engine breathing apparatus. Separates large, mostly oil particulates by means of a filter and holding canister. Gases return to the engine to be re- burned. EMISSION CONTROLS

402010—11 Driver Trainer In-service40 Summary 1.Pre-Trip: –Conduct a thorough pre-trip. Know what items you should check. Check State requirements and recommendations. Follow district required pre-trip.

2.Document and Report Defects. Keep it Short and Simple (KISS). Be accurate and clear. Report immediately. Know if you can continue on. 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice41 Summary

3.Understand differences in equipment: Controls/Gauges. Pedals. Gauges. Winter Equipment. Familiarize yourself with location and operation 2010—11 Driver Trainer Inservice42 Summary

432010—11 Driver Trainer In-service43 4.Emission Control Devices: Emission controls are an integral part of our school buses. EPA has strict requirements that reduce gas and particulate levels. Report concerns and learn about how your equipment should operate. Summary

442010—11 Driver Trainer In-service44 EVALUATION 1.What items require checking during a pre-trip? 2.What items operate differently on buses in your fleet? 3.What is included in a proper report of faulty items? 4.Name three bus emission control devices.