THE 39-year-old computer bus has been remarkably reliable in the 18+ years the Department of Education has owned it. Only rarely has it had a fault and owing to its age and (compared to modern vehicles) simplicity, is very inexpensive to repair.

Sadly on the way back from Peel the other day, the computer bus man noticed a high frequency ‘clacking’ noise coming from the area of the fuel pump. Investigation revealed the drive coupling was about to fail, and required six (cheap) replacement ‘shims’ which were starting to tear.

Investigation revealed that wear to this flange which joins onto the back of the fuel pump was probably responsible for the failure, and before the coupling could be refitted, the thread would need welding and re-threading.

A quick trip to the workshop resulted in a repair which will allow our friends at Outdoor Power and Plant to reassemble and refit the pump to the engine, and then retime to get the show back on the road.

All being well, the bus should be working again tomorrow lunchtime...

UPDATE: Bus NOW FIXED!