OOSC, Part II, Item 15. Buses, Motorcoaches, Passenger Vans or Other Passenger-Carrying Vehicles, b. (5) - Visual Leaking Lubricant

Clarification is required for the Bus OOS condition related to any visual leaking of lubricant (i.e., engine supplied oil pressure) from electrical component such as alternator, auxiliary heater, etc.

There were two motorcoaches placed OOS for conditions where there was wetness on the alternator and the question was asked if the OOS should apply. The industry questioned the PCC committee in 2012 and received information that in order for the OOS to apply, there should be a dripping leak. I further requested clarification from motorcoach instructors and inspectors throughout Canada and they do not feel that a dripping leak is required to place the vehicle OOS. I received further info from industry that most Delco oil-cooled alternators weep to some extent. Officers interpret the words in the OOS, "any leaking" to mean "any presence" of oil (even oily moisture), whereas to other officers, "any leaking" is interpreted as oil that forms a drip and falls. Industry forwarded information to me that PCC told him that the intent of the OOS when it comes to alternator leaks is to only treat dripping oil leaks as OOS. He further checked with a motor coach fire investigator who is a vehicle engineer (and who also operates a fleet of motor coaches in Chicago) and he says the OOS requires clarification as to what constitutes "leaking". He says oil-cooled alternators typically leak/weep slightly and a leaking oil-cooled alternator has never caused a bus fire, the surface temp is not high enough to ignite the oil. Further information was received from FMCSA indicating that the drip was likely an applicable quantity for the leak.

Clarification is required and if a "dripping leak" is required to meet the OOS, then the OOS should be amended to state that. If it is not required to be leaking, then the clarification of any wetness or active leak (regardless of quantity) is OOS. I have attached some pics for consideration.