Blue Bird announced that it is working with diesel engine manufacturer Cummins to fix V-Band clamp assemblies used to connect the inlet and outlet cone sections to diesel oxidations catalysts and diesel particulate filters installed on model-year 2011 and 2012 All Americans.
In its NHTSA recall notice, Blue Bird explained that the V-Band clamp assemblies (part numbers Q187685 and Q187686) include a T-Bolt that can fracture and fail when subjected to stress or load. Such a fracture or failure, Blue Bird continued, may cause the clamp to loosen and the inlet or outlet sections attached to the DOC/DPF housing to disconnect.
As a result, hot exhaust gases can vent prior to exiting the tailpipe, which can lead to a fire. If both clamps fail, the DOC/DPF housing could detach completely.
Blue Bird said it is working with Cummins to identify owners of the buses, which were manufactured from Oct. 13, 2010 through March 8 of this year. A total of 860 All Americans are thought to be affected by the recall.
Starting this month, all fixes will be performed free of charge by authorized Cummins dealers.
A related recall affects some 24 Blue Bird All American nonschool buses.
