1987 International School Bus Manual

The 1987 International School Bus is a heavy-duty student transportation vehicle built on the International chassis with diesel engine options, air brake system, reinforced safety construction, emergency exits, and specialized school bus features. This manual covers operation, maintenance, safety procedures, and troubleshooting for school bus operators and maintenance personnel.

1. Vehicle Overview 2. Safety Features 3. Daily Pre-Trip Inspection 4. Operating Procedures 5. Specifications 6. Controls and Instruments 7. Emergency Procedures 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Cleaning and Care 10. Regulatory Compliance 11. Troubleshooting

Vehicle Overview

Key components: International chassis with diesel engine, air brake system, reinforced steel construction, emergency exits, stop arm, warning lights, and student seating.

Feature	Description
Chassis	International heavy-duty school bus chassis
Engine	Diesel engine options (DT466 common)
Braking System	Air brakes with dual circuit protection
Capacity	Up to 72 student passengers
Emergency Exits	Rear emergency door, roof hatches, side windows
Safety Equipment	Stop arm, warning lights, cross-view mirrors
Transmission	Manual or automatic options available
Fuel System	Diesel fuel tank with 50-60 gallon capacity
Electrical	12-volt system with alternator
Heating/Ventilation	Forced air system for passenger comfort

Safety Features

Federal motor vehicle safety standards compliance with reinforced construction and multiple safety systems.

Reinforced steel cage construction for rollover protection
Flashing amber/red warning light system
Stop arm with extended reach
Multiple emergency exits (rear door, roof hatches, side windows)
Cross-view mirrors for blind spot coverage
Fire extinguisher and first aid kit mounting
Student seating with high-back padded seats

WARNING! Always perform safety checks before operation. Never operate with malfunctioning safety equipment.

Daily Pre-Trip Inspection

Complete inspection required before each day's operation.

Walk-around inspection: Check for damage, fluid leaks, tire condition
Engine compartment: Check oil, coolant, belts, hoses
Brake system: Check air pressure, brake lining, warning devices
Safety equipment: Test lights, stop arm, emergency exits
Interior: Check seats, flooring, emergency equipment
Operational test: Start engine, check gauges, test brakes

CAUTION! Do not operate vehicle if any safety critical items fail inspection.

Operating Procedures

Starting Procedure: Ensure parking brake set, transmission neutral, start engine
Pre-departure: Check mirrors, secure all doors, activate warning lights
Student Loading: Stop completely, extend stop arm, monitor students
Student Unloading: Stop away from traffic, ensure safe crossing
Shutdown: Secure parking brake, turn off engine, perform post-trip inspection
Fueling: Use diesel fuel only, no smoking during fueling

Specifications

Chassis: International S-series school bus chassis
Engine: International DT466 diesel engine (common)
Horsepower: 180-210 HP depending on configuration
Transmission: 5-speed manual or Allison automatic
Brakes: Air brake system with anti-lock features
Length: 35-40 feet typical
Width: 96 inches standard
Height: 10-11 feet including roof
GVWR: 25,000-33,000 lbs depending on configuration
Fuel Capacity: 50-60 gallons diesel

Controls and Instruments

Driver's compartment with standard automotive controls and school bus specific equipment.

Primary Controls: Steering wheel, accelerator, brake pedal, clutch (manual), gear selector

Instruments: Speedometer, tachometer, air pressure gauges, coolant temperature, fuel level, warning lights

School Bus Controls: Warning light switches, stop arm control, interior lights, two-way radio, passenger door control

Safety Systems: Air brake system with low pressure warning, emergency brake, fire extinguisher, first aid kit

Emergency Procedures

Standard emergency response protocols for school bus operations.

Emergency evacuation: Use nearest safe exit, assist students
Fire emergency: Evacuate immediately, use fire extinguisher if safe
Accident procedure: Secure scene, provide first aid, contact authorities
Mechanical failure: Move to safe location, activate hazard lights
Student emergency: Provide first aid, contact dispatch for medical assistance

Tip: Practice emergency procedures regularly with students when possible.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance required for safe and reliable operation.

Daily: Pre-trip inspection, fluid checks, safety equipment test
Weekly: Tire pressure check, brake adjustment inspection
Monthly: Lubrication, battery check, electrical system inspection
Quarterly: Brake system service, engine tune-up, suspension check
Annually: Major inspection, certification renewal, safety equipment recertification
Engine Oil: Change every 5,000-7,500 miles or 3 months
Transmission: Service every 30,000 miles
Brakes: Inspect every 10,000 miles, reline as needed

WARNING! Maintenance must be performed by qualified technicians only.

Cleaning and Care

Regular cleaning maintains appearance and prevents corrosion.

Exterior: Wash with mild detergent, rinse thoroughly. Interior: Vacuum floors, wipe seats, clean windows. Mechanical: Keep engine compartment clean, check for fluid leaks.

CAUTION! Avoid high-pressure water near electrical components. Use only approved cleaning products.

Regulatory Compliance

FMVSS 217 - Bus emergency exits and window retention and release. FMVSS 220 - School bus rollover protection. FMVSS 221 - School bus body joint strength. FMVSS 222 - School bus passenger seating and crash protection. State-specific school bus regulations apply. Regular inspections required by certified facilities.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, fuel, starter	Check battery connections, fuel level, starter operation
Air pressure low	Compressor, leaks	Check compressor operation, inspect for air leaks
Brakes dragging	Adjustment, contamination	Check brake adjustment, inspect for oil contamination
Warning lights inoperative	Bulbs, switches, wiring	Check bulbs, switch operation, wiring connections
Overheating	Coolant, thermostat, radiator	Check coolant level, thermostat operation, radiator condition
Electrical problems	Alternator, battery, connections	Test alternator output, battery condition, clean connections

Service: Contact authorized International service center for major repairs.

Support: International Harvester dealer network for parts and service.