Best engine to run ragged

[kidharris]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

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unkept coolant on any of the older Pre Extended-life-coolant diesels is an issue due to cavitation..

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-Christopher

Please explain

[Ronnie]

the older pre extended life coolants he is referring to are the old green stuff. With the green stuff you either change it every two years or test it and add if the test show it needs it SCA's. That is supplemental coolant additives.

Antifreeze is made with glycol . The additives are what gives protection, as well as determine whether it is extended life or not. When the additives are kept at proper levels it protects the cylinder liners from cavitation, as the levels of active additives falls the protection falls and leaves the liners vulnerable

[Mr4btTahoe]

For being able to take abuse and just keep going... My votes are DT360, DT466, 6BTA (5.9 Cummins)... ALL MECHANICAL. None of that electronic garbage... Bosch inline injection pump. A close 4th would be the 7.3 IDI but they are severely underpowered for a bus.


As long as they have oil, coolant, and fuel... they'll keep going. The 360 and 466 are built heavier so those would be my first choice.

[Mr4btTahoe]

Double Post.


I will second what others have said. Coolant maintenance is a big deal on the older engines. SCA levels need to be monitored or they need to be flushed and switched over to an ELC. If you don't monitor the SCAs, cavitation can wear holes through the liners, etc. Was a BIG issue with the 7.3 IDI.

[Doktari]

Can I test for SCA? How is that done? I don’t know what’s in the coolant system as I’ve only had it for 4 months and haven’t done anything except change the engine oil. Thanks

[Ronnie]

Originally Posted by Doktari

Can I test for SCA? How is that done? I don’t know what’s in the coolant system as I’ve only had it for 4 months and haven’t done anything except change the engine oil. Thanks

You can buy test strips that you dip into the antifreeze, and then add SCA's as needed