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Old 10-26-2018, 09:39 AM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Location: Mt. Tremper, NY
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5.9L Cummins

I noticed this bus on craigslist and it seems like a great bus barring any extensive rust issues. It has really low miles and seems to be an okay price. I know that many of you seem to really lke the DT466 and the 8.3L when it comes to engines, but what about this 5.9L 24 valve Turbo Diesel? It has an MD3060 for a transmission, which I have gathered is a good one? Would I end up being too low on power? I was thinking about going to check the bus out in person, but won't bother if I would end up cursing myself for getting a smaller engine.

Thomas Bus

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Old 10-26-2018, 10:47 AM   #2
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Year: 1999
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Engine: DT466/3060
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You didn't mention what year it is, A really low mileage is usually an indication the speedo has been replaced. If it's a N.Y. bus I would be concerned about rust more than anything else.
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Old 10-26-2018, 10:56 AM   #3
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Sorry, I had linked to the craigslist ad so I didn't mention but it is a 2002. It hasn't been used for school judging by the interior design of the bus. I'm not sure what it was used for in it's previous life but it has air conditioning and luggage racks. I would be concerned about rust being here in NY but just wanted to see if the engine would be something that I would regret later on and whether or not it is worth my time to look further into this bus. I don't want to get too small an engine and then later regret it. I saw that HP ranges all the way up to 275 but I was worried based on the size being under 6 liters.
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Old 10-26-2018, 11:14 AM   #4
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Year: 1999
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cleff413 View Post
I noticed this bus on craigslist and it seems like a great bus barring any extensive rust issues. It has really low miles and seems to be an okay price. I know that many of you seem to really lke the DT466 and the 8.3L when it comes to engines, but what about this 5.9L 24 valve Turbo Diesel? It has an MD3060 for a transmission, which I have gathered is a good one? Would I end up being too low on power? I was thinking about going to check the bus out in person, but won't bother if I would end up cursing myself for getting a smaller engine.

Thomas Bus
5.9 with a 3060 is a really nice combo.
Its probably the 230hp version of the 5.9 with that transmission. They usually are, but not always.

As long as its not a 53 block and the price is right I'd go for it if it isn't a rust bucket.
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Old 10-26-2018, 01:40 PM   #5
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I just heard back from the dealer and it was previously used as an employee shuttle which may account for the low mileage. He was unable to answer me whether it was a "53" block or not. From what I have been reading it seems like the 2002's came with a "56" block. Does anyone know if there is a way to tell from the VIN or from the information from the plate on the picture below?



Ok so apparently I'm not very good at linking to images. On the Engine line it says

Engine: EFISB245

If you follow the link above to the craigslist ad you can see the full plate image toward the end with the serial number and chassis information on it.
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Old 10-26-2018, 04:12 PM   #6
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Year: 2002
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Engine: Cummins ISC (8.3)
Rated Cap: 72
Looks like you have a 245hp ISB 5.9

With the MD-3060 that is a desirable drive train combo. There are several folks on here with similar setup that are very happy with it.

Low miles, good drive train, low miles and not-yellow. Sounds promising. Rust would be my big concern.

Good luck with your quest.

S.
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Old 10-26-2018, 04:44 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by PNW_Steve View Post
Looks like you have a 245hp ISB 5.9

With the MD-3060 that is a desirable drive train combo. There are several folks on here with similar setup that are very happy with it.

Low miles, good drive train, low miles and not-yellow. Sounds promising. Rust would be my big concern.

Good luck with your quest.

S.
Sounds like an AWESOME bus.
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Old 10-26-2018, 05:36 PM   #8
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Ok guys, please educate me. What is the difference between a 53 block and a 56 block??
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Old 10-26-2018, 05:43 PM   #9
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Year: 2002
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Engine: Cummins ISC (8.3)
Rated Cap: 72
Between 1999 and 2001, the Cummins 24v engine blocks with casting # 53 were manufactured by the Brazilian company, TUPY. The # 53 block casting has inherently thin water jacket walls that are susceptible to cracking

the 56 is supposed to be the toughest. 53 blocks were the only ones that had notable problems with the castings, the rest are just fine so you have nothing to worry about.
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Old 10-26-2018, 07:14 PM   #10
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Engine: T444E 7.3L
I would basically use any rust found as a bargaining chip unless it is really rotted out. Great size and power plant.
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Old 10-26-2018, 11:15 PM   #11
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Thanks PNW Steve. One more thing to keep in the back of my brain
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Old 10-27-2018, 08:41 AM   #12
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Year: 1990
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Saf-T-Liner 66 Pass
Engine: Cummins 5.9
Rated Cap: 66
12v

My 1990 Thomas has the 5.9 12v and I love it. Some simple upgrades boost the power and bang zoom its good to go. Now I don't tow anything and I'm not driving in the Rockies so ya know keep your conditions in mind.
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Old 10-31-2018, 07:04 PM   #13
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Year: 2002
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Chassis: CSFE
Engine: 5.9 Cummins ISB
Rated Cap: 25
I have a 2002 and it is a 54 block. You need to crawl under and look at the side of the block down near the oilpan. It is very obvious. The numbers are about 1-1 1/2 inches tall.
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