When it comes to school buses and commercial transport vehicles, Blue Bird Corporation stands as one of the most recognized and reliable names in the industry. Knowing the correct engine oil capacity for your Blue Bird vehicle is essential for engine longevity and performance.
Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive oil capacity chart for various Blue Bird models, covering different engines and years.
Blue Bird Engine Oil Capacity Chart
| Model | Year | Engine Type | Oil Capacity (Quarts) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Bird All American (T3FE) | 1992–1996 | Cummins 5.9L ISB | 12 |
| Blue Bird All American (T3FE) | 1997–2001 | Cummins ISC 8.3L | 22 |
| Blue Bird All American (T3FE) | 2002–2004 | Detroit Diesel Series 40 (DT466) | 26 |
| Blue Bird All American (T3FE) | 2003–2006 | John Deere 8.1L | 21 |
| Blue Bird All American (T3FE) | 2005–2007 | Caterpillar C7 7.2L | 19 |
| Blue Bird All American (T3FE) | 2008–2011 | Cummins ISB 6.7L | 15 |
| Blue Bird All American (T3FE) | 2012–2017 | Cummins ISB 6.7L | 16 |
| Blue Bird All American (T3FE) | 2018–2025 | Cummins B6.7 | 16 |
| Blue Bird All American (T3RE) | 1992–1996 | Cummins 5.9L ISB | 12 |
| Blue Bird All American (T3RE) | 1997–2001 | Cummins ISC 8.3L | 22 |
| Blue Bird All American (T3RE) | 2002–2004 | Detroit Diesel Series 40 (DT466) | 26 |
| Blue Bird All American (T3RE) | 2003–2006 | John Deere 8.1L | 21 |
| Blue Bird All American (T3RE) | 2005–2007 | Caterpillar C7 7.2L | 19 |
| Blue Bird All American (T3RE) | 2008–2011 | Cummins ISB 6.7L | 15 |
| Blue Bird All American (T3RE) | 2010–2016 | Cummins ISL 8.9L | 24 |
| Blue Bird All American (T3RE) | 2012–2017 | Cummins ISB 6.7L | 16 |
| Blue Bird All American (T3RE) | 2017–2025 | Cummins L9 | 24 |
| Blue Bird All American (T3RE) | 2018–2025 | Cummins B6.7 | 16 |
| Blue Bird Vision | 2003–2007 | Caterpillar C7 7.2L | 19 |
| Blue Bird Vision | 2008–2012 | Cummins ISB 6.7L | 15 |
| Blue Bird Vision | 2013–2017 | Cummins ISB 6.7L | 16 |
| Blue Bird Vision | 2018–2025 | Cummins B6.7 | 16 |
| Blue Bird Vision | 2015–2020 | Ford 6.8L V10 Gasoline | 7 |
| Blue Bird Vision | 2016–2022 | ROUSH CleanTech 6.8L Propane V10 | 7 |
| Blue Bird Vision | 2021–2025 | Ford 7.3L V8 Gasoline | 8 |
| Blue Bird Vision Electric | 2018–2025 | Electric (no engine oil) | 0 |
| Blue Bird Micro Bird G5 | 2012–2015 | GM Vortec 6.0L V8 Gasoline | 6 |
| Blue Bird Micro Bird G5 | 2016–2020 | Ford 6.2L V8 Gasoline | 6.8 |
| Blue Bird Micro Bird G5 | 2021–2025 | Ford 7.3L V8 Gasoline | 8 |
| Blue Bird Micro Bird MB-II | 2012–2019 | Ford 6.2L V8 Gasoline | 6.8 |
| Blue Bird Micro Bird MB-II | 2020–2025 | Ford E-450 7.3L V8 Gasoline | 8 |
| Blue Bird Micro Bird Electric | 2022–2025 | Electric (no engine oil) | 0 |
| Blue Bird TC/2000 FE | 1988–1996 | Cummins 5.9L ISB | 12 |
| Blue Bird TC/2000 FE | 1997–2003 | Cummins ISC 8.3L | 22 |
| Blue Bird TC/2000 RE | 1988–1996 | Cummins 5.9L ISB | 12 |
| Blue Bird TC/2000 RE | 1994–2001 | Cummins ISC 8.3L | 22 |
| Blue Bird Mini Bird | 1977–1990 | Chevrolet 366 V8 Gasoline | 5 |
| Blue Bird Wanderlodge XL | 1990–1997 | Detroit Diesel 8V92TA | 40 |
| Blue Bird Wanderlodge M380 | 2003–2005 | Cummins ISL 400 | 24 |
| Blue Bird Wanderlodge LXi | 1998–2003 | Detroit Diesel Series 60 12.7L | 38 |
| Blue Bird Wanderlodge LXi | 2004–2005 | Cummins ISM 500 | 36 |
| Blue Bird Wanderlodge M450 | 2006–2009 | Cummins ISM 450 | 36 |
| Blue Bird Q-Bus | 2002–2007 | Cummins ISC 8.3L | 22 |
| Blue Bird LTC-40 | 1992–1996 | Detroit Diesel 6V92TA | 36 |
| Blue Bird CSRE | 1990–1996 | Cummins 5.9L ISB | 12 |
| Blue Bird CSFE | 1990–1996 | Cummins 5.9L ISB | 12 |
| Blue Bird TC/1000 | 1991–1996 | Cummins 5.9L ISB | 12 |
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Guide on Blue Bird Engine Types
- Cummins B6.7 / ISB 6.7L: One of the most popular engines in Blue Bird’s mid-size to large buses. The oil capacity generally ranges from 15 to 16 quarts depending on model year and configuration.
- Cummins L9 / ISL 8.9L: These engines are heavy-duty and demand higher oil volumes, typically around 24 quarts.
- Caterpillar C7: Though no longer in production, this engine was once common in earlier Blue Bird models.
- Ford Gasoline V8s (6.8L, 7.3L): Increasingly used in recent years for both propane and gasoline-powered Blue Bird Visions and Micro Birds.
- Electric Vision: As fully electric buses gain popularity, it’s worth noting they do not require traditional engine oil.
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Tips for Oil Changes
- Always check the dipstick after refilling and idling the engine.
- Replace oil filters with every oil change.
- For propane and gasoline models, ensure API SN or newer spec oil is used.
- Use 15W-40 for most diesel engines unless operating in extremely cold climates.
- Consult the owner’s manual or placard under the hood for model-specific recommendations.
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FAQs
How often should I change oil in my Blue Bird bus?
Most diesel engines (like Cummins) require oil changes every 15,000 to 25,000 miles, depending on use and oil quality. Gasoline engines often require changes every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.
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Can I use synthetic oil in a Blue Bird diesel engine?
Yes, synthetic oil is compatible with most Cummins and Caterpillar engines, and it can help in extreme weather conditions or for extended oil change intervals.
What kind of oil does the Blue Bird Vision use?
For diesel engines like the Cummins B6.7, 15W-40 API CK-4 is standard. For gasoline and propane engines, check Ford or ROUSH CleanTech recommendations, typically 5W-20 or 5W-30.
Related Cummins Engine Oil Capacity Chart(A to Z Models)
Final Thoughts
Blue Bird buses are engineered for performance and longevity. Staying on top of your oil changes using the correct oil capacity is critical to keeping your fleet running smoothly. Use this chart as a reference to avoid underfilling or overfilling and extend the life of your engine.
