Ford B700 problems
The Ford B series is a bus chassis that was manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. Produced across six generations from 1948 to 1998, the B series was a variant of the medium-duty Ford F series. As a cowled-chassis design, the B series was a bare chassis aft of the firewall, intended for bodywork from a second-stage manufacturer. While primarily used for school bus applications in the United States and Canada, the chassis was exported worldwide to manufacturers to construct bus bodies for various uses.
Prior to 1969, Lincoln-Mercury dealers in Canada marketed the B series as part of the Mercury M-series truck line. At the time, rural Canadian communities were serviced by either a Ford or a Lincoln-Mercury dealer network, but not both networks concurrently.
Coinciding with the late 1996 sale of the Louisville/AeroMax heavy-truck line to Sterling Trucks, Ford phased out the medium-duty F series and the B series following the 1998 model year. For 2000, Ford re-entered the medium-duty segment with the F-650/F-750 Super Duty. As of the 2019 model year, Ford has not developed a cowled-chassis derivative of the F series, instead concentrating on cutaway chassis vehicles. In the cowled-chassis segment, the role and market share of the B series was largely superseded by the Blue Bird Vision (introduced in late 2000's).
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Ford B700 model years
Common Ford B700 problems
Based on the information from the sources provided, here are common problems reported by owners of Ford B700 buses:
- Starter Issues: Complaints have been made about slow starters in Ford B700 buses. If the starter seems slower than in other buses, it could indicate a problem with the starter itself. Owners have suggested checking the battery charge and looking for corrosion on the batteries as potential causes for slow starting.
- Fuel Efficiency: Expectations of fuel efficiency around 10 MPG on the highway may be optimistic for Ford B700 buses. Owners have reported more realistic figures of 8-9 MPG based on their experiences with these buses. Factors like engine size and condition can affect fuel mileage, so it's essential to consider these when estimating fuel efficiency.
- Mechanical Issues: While some owners have praised the reliability of their Ford B700 buses, others have encountered common mechanical issues. Problems like belt breakages, water pump failures, and issues with the 7.8 liter engine have been reported. Regular maintenance and carrying spare parts like belts are recommended to address these common mechanical issues.
These problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and thorough inspections to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of Ford B700 buses.
Are you having problems with your Ford B700?
