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Old 08-06-2017, 09:01 AM   #1
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I think that I found my bus! 1 last question

After looking at countless buses I came up with a list of what I thought the perfect bus would be. Now I found a bus that has 2 points that differ from my list. I am looking for some input on the following:

1. I had pretty much decided that I wanted a DT466 but I found a place with 3 IC RE 84 pass. with a DT530. We are a family of 8 that are planning on seeing the sights of the country while pulling van. Pretty sure we could the extra power but is it a good engine? The listing doesn't state what transmission it has so I will not know that until tomorrow. They have between 183k and 206k.

2. I really wanted a bus where the back opened wide to be able to easily service the engine. The ones I found have the radiator in the rear with engine access on the sides. Some mechanics I have spoken with say that it is a real pain. Has anyone had any experience with this?

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Old 08-06-2017, 09:28 AM   #2
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If I am not mistaken, that bus and motor will have emissions equipment... Not cost friendly when it needs to be serviced.
I also believe that if those 530 overheat, there are plastic parts INSIDE the engine that will render it useless. I have never heard good things about this engine.
Just what I have heard, not from experience.

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Old 08-06-2017, 10:33 AM   #3
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I don't see where the OP mentioned the year model. That would give us a better idea of what emissions gear it may or may not have.

I don't have any first hand experience with the DT530 but my understanding is that they are nearly identical to the DT466 except for the bore. I have heard that they are prone to oil leaks at the valve cover. Otherwise a great motor.
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Old 08-06-2017, 10:34 AM   #4
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It's a 2004-05 model I believe.

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Old 08-06-2017, 10:39 AM   #5
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Another note: I don't think that they put AT545s behind DT530s. I would expect to see 2000/3000 series transmissions in those.
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Old 08-06-2017, 10:51 AM   #6
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I just did some searching, you are correct. It was the 530maxforce that had the issues. Thanks Steve.

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Old 08-06-2017, 10:51 AM   #7
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All 3 are 2004 and prices from $3200-$4300
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Old 08-06-2017, 11:32 AM   #8
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Do you have the opportunity to inspect them?

IMHO: $3500 for a DT530/MD3060 equipped RE with 200k miles is a good buy IF the bus has been taken care of.
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Old 08-06-2017, 12:47 PM   #9
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Another note: I don't think that they put AT545s behind DT530s. I would expect to see 2000/3000 series transmissions in those.
Theres literally no chance of it being a 545.
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Old 08-06-2017, 12:48 PM   #10
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All 3 are 2004 and prices from $3200-$4300
Unless theyre rusty go buy one before someone beats you to it. At that price I'd expect em to sell fast.
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Old 08-06-2017, 06:24 PM   #11
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Unless theyre rusty go buy one before someone beats you to it. At that price I'd expect em to sell fast.
I agree, unless they have rust jump on one FAST!!!!!!!!
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Old 08-07-2017, 01:40 AM   #12
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I agree, unless they have rust jump on one FAST!!!!!!!!
I am on the wagon as well. Plenty of perks to being a diesel pusher, especially with the big 530. My only reservation is RE, but I am picky. To each is own on RE vs FE.

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Old 08-07-2017, 06:05 AM   #13
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I greatly prefer a rear engine bus. More build space with the interior, the engine noise is reduced, your shins are not cooking from the engine, more leg room, I can go on and on and on........

My two cents.....

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Old 08-07-2017, 06:47 AM   #14
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FE actually have the most usable floor space.
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Old 08-07-2017, 07:32 AM   #15
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We had a FE motor home years ago and the heat/noise sucked the fun out of traveling. We are hoping with the engine in the rear tucked underneath the bed it will make the driving far more enjoyable.

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Old 08-07-2017, 08:02 AM   #16
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We had a FE motor home years ago and the heat/noise sucked the fun out of traveling. We are hoping with the engine in the rear tucked underneath the bed it will make the driving far more enjoyable.

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Not saying that RE isn't nice.
Just pointing out that there are advantages and disadvantages to all three bus styles.
To me- Its all the the bus, I'll take any style of bus if its set up right. I'll take a 466 or 8.3 FE over a 444 or 5.9 RE any day. CE are kinda my favorite now. I just like having the hood, and the best engine access and cooling.
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Old 08-07-2017, 08:40 AM   #17
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For what you want to do, I think you could use the extra power over the DT466. I have the DT466 in my bus and with just the conversion it barely did 40 MPH over the pass. (White Pass Wa.)
With all those kids and a van behind it it will still struggle a lot, but the DT530 should be better than the DT466.
On a side note, everywhere but the steep hills I could maintain 65-70 MPH.
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Old 08-07-2017, 07:50 PM   #18
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I called the dealer first thing this morning and all 3 were sold over the weekend.

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Old 08-07-2017, 09:07 PM   #19
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I called the dealer first thing this morning and all 3 were sold over the weekend.

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Dang man, I kinda figured that would happen. They tend to "wholesale" for double that.
We did warn you!
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Old 08-07-2017, 09:32 PM   #20
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Where were they? There's no wonder they sold fast. If they had fewer miles they would have been going for considerably more than that because they're still new enough to put on a school route.

My bus is a 2002 with a rebuilt 466 and it runs like a dream. I'm about to pull the trigger on a slightly shorter 2010 RE with a 466 to put on my route and take the 2002 out of service.

I love my IH RE. My mechanic did the inframe rebuild and had nothing to complain about. Yes, a conventional is easier to get to but it's not that big a deal.
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