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Old 04-04-2016, 10:27 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
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871 Diesel Detroit 317hp

Hello,

I am considering looking at an RV in person (a 1964 MCIa5). It has a diesel Detroit engine. Does anyone here know anything I should ask or be concerned about with this type of engine?

In the ad they say:

"Runs and drives like a top! In frame rebuilt 871 Diesel Detroit 317hp, Tie Rods, Clutch, Compressor air conditioner."

Is this the kind of engine that needs to be rebuilt often? Would I just be better off replacing it with a new engine?

I am thinking of test driving it to be looked at by a service station but I'm not even sure who where to bring it- does a regular car shop work on these?

Thanks in advance

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Old 04-04-2016, 10:54 PM   #2
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Location: Black Rock City
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Year: 198x
Coachwork: Crown & MCI
Chassis: 40ft Tandem/40ft MC-9 Tag
Engine: Cummins 855 BCT/6V92TA, RTO-910/HT-740
Rated Cap: 47,000lb/38,000lb GVWR
If it's been rebuilt properly that engine will last another 500K+ before needing anything, even if you treat it like crap.
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Old 04-04-2016, 11:30 PM   #3
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Find a heavy-truck mechanic in the area. Call to make sure they're able to inspect it —*and be prepared to pay quite a lot for the inspection.
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Old 04-04-2016, 11:38 PM   #4
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Year: 1999
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: TC 2000
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Rated Cap: 83
Ask what kind of mileage it gets. I would guess 4 mpg.
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Old 04-04-2016, 11:43 PM   #5
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Location: Black Rock City
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Year: 198x
Coachwork: Crown & MCI
Chassis: 40ft Tandem/40ft MC-9 Tag
Engine: Cummins 855 BCT/6V92TA, RTO-910/HT-740
Rated Cap: 47,000lb/38,000lb GVWR
C'mon. I've seen 8v92's that get 5mpg w/automatics. Surely this thing get's 6? ;)
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Old 04-05-2016, 11:33 AM   #6
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It will be a 8v71 and it actually producing 317hp would mean it's turboed along with supercharged. It's a two cycle engine so it requires the supercharger. It's getting harder and harder to find mechanics that know how to work on these. They can be a high maintenance engine. You should be mechanically inclined to own one. The will run forever if taken care of.

If you still proceed then ask who did the rebuild? How long ago was the rack run? What oil is being used in it? If they don't know they should be using a straight non detergent 40w oil then turn around and walk away!
Learn a lot about these engines on the internet. Bus monkey and bus conversion magazine are some great boards for buses with these engines.

Eric
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Old 04-05-2016, 01:51 PM   #7
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Thanks for the info. This sounds like too much hassle to worry about having it serviced and the poor mileage. We are looking for something more reliable I think.
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Old 04-05-2016, 02:11 PM   #8
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That sounds nice if you can afford the fuel to travel in it. I don't understand why you think this would be unreliable. It's had an in frame rebuild and the front end worked on.
That is kind of old though if you're looking for reliability. Things just go wrong with older rigs so you'd better be able to tinker.
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Old 04-05-2016, 02:16 PM   #9
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Engine: Cat 3208t/10 speed transmission
Don't be afraid of a two stroke Detroit. Just educate yourself on their proper care and feeding.
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Old 04-05-2016, 02:21 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by serpent View Post
If it's been rebuilt properly that engine will last another 500K+ before needing anything, even if you treat it like crap.

I wish I could find a girlfriend like that.
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Old 04-05-2016, 07:36 PM   #11
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8V71 Detriot is also known as a 318 Detroit as that was the most common HP rating and the majority of them do not have turbo's, the "supercharger" is called the scavenging blower on a Detroit and does very little supercharging, if treated right and not overheated, they are damm near indestructable
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Old 04-05-2016, 08:43 PM   #12
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Year: 1999
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Robin97396 View Post
That sounds nice if you can afford the fuel to travel in it. I don't understand why you think this would be unreliable. It's had an in frame rebuild and the front end worked on.
That is kind of old though if you're looking for reliability. Things just go wrong with ALL rigs so you'd better be able to tinker.
I fixed that one
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Old 04-05-2016, 09:42 PM   #13
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Thanks CB. Very true. But if you're getting a '64 you'd better enjoy restoring.
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Old 04-05-2016, 10:58 PM   #14
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Fair enough.
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Old 04-06-2016, 11:28 AM   #15
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Few things:

1) Be sure you find a knowledgeable 2 stroke mechanic before you buy it. If you know nothing about 2 strokes, or diesels, I would suggest passing.

2) Be sure you can find a good supply of the correct 40w oil for this engine.

3) Parts are getting scarce, and expensive.
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Old 04-06-2016, 01:08 PM   #16
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Two stroke diesels are still being use in the logging industry. They're not gone.
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Old 04-06-2016, 01:54 PM   #17
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Year: 95
Coachwork: Amtran ss-33
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Rated Cap: 29,000
and in fire trucks, although the newer ones are going to derated cummins n14's
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Old 04-06-2016, 02:04 PM   #18
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Engine: 6.9 International
Rated Cap: 65
I'm with opus.

Although they might not be extinct. They are rare, with the last ones being installed 20 years ago. The only ones that are in use around here are on gensets and the oddball truck.

I'm not so sure about the 500k mile engine statement. Although I'm sure some have hit that mark, most that I've seen are substantially less then that. They are pretty unique in the way they operate, and I've always found them to be somewhat finicky.

So unless you're pretty well mechanically inclined, or know somebody that is knowledgeable about them, I'd avoid them.

There is a very knowledgeable community regarding the two strokes over on 4bt forums that can help you out if you still desire the undertaking.
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Old 04-06-2016, 02:06 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Robin97396 View Post
Two stroke diesels are still being use in the logging industry. They're not gone.
I deal with people and 2 strokes almost daily. Parts [older road use] are getting hard to find, and actually 2 stroke mechanics are even harder to find.
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Old 04-06-2016, 03:51 PM   #20
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Year: 1946
Coachwork: Chevrolet/Wayne
Chassis: 1- 1/2 ton
Engine: Cummins 4BT
Rated Cap: 15
I'm with Opus...they were great in their day...but their day is just about over.
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