Frank the Tank - Page 3

Frqnt-Flyr · 10-11-2017, 10:52 AM

So I finally got ambitious enough to do some much needed work to my bus. The plan was to overhaul the turbo, delete the EBPV, replace valve cover gaskets/harnesses, and replace the exhaust studs and add manifold gaskets. All in one session.

Needless to say, things didnt go as planned.

Frqnt-Flyr · 10-11-2017, 10:59 AM

The head rounded off on the first exhaust stud I tried to remove, so that ended that idea. I also ran into some trouble up top so I decided to stop doing anything before I got to a point where I was stuck

Maybe next year I will pull the engine and do everything on a stand.

The only thing I did get done was the turbo overhaul and the EBPV delete. Getting the EBPV gone cleared a check engine light and the new impeller makes a huge difference in how it runs. As a 5 ton beast its not a rocket ship but it sure makes a difference in roll on performance.

dopamine16 · 10-11-2017, 10:27 PM

That exhaust manifold stuff sucks donut.? pulling the engine sounds like you are going to lift the entire cab off.? yikes...!!! I did not know riff raft sold that resistor piece for the ebpv senor I am ordering one right now. I do wish I had your passenger door.

Frqnt-Flyr · 10-12-2017, 09:33 AM

I wont have to pull the whole cab off. Remove the hood, radiator support, etc etc etc. then lift up and forward. At least that's the idea. I've talked to a number of diesel techs who say that's the best way to work on them. Then I will do the oil pan and a few other things while I have it out. Maybe I should start picking up some bigger injectors while i'm waiting.

cadillackid · 10-12-2017, 09:38 AM

are turbos on the 444E's the same as on the fords? Garret? did you upgrade the impeller? more boost? or was it just worn and needed replaced.
-Christopher

Frqnt-Flyr · 10-12-2017, 11:19 AM

The impeller was very worn and pitted. The new one has 2 more vanes on it than the old one. As for your turbo question, yes it is a Garrett. As far as I know they are the same.

I did a simple online search for a 1997 E-350 7.3 turbo overhaul kit.

http://www.amazon.com/Powerstroke-GT...bo+rebuild+kit

http://www.amazon.com/Non-EBP-Turbo-...troke+pedestal

http://www.riffraffdiesel.com/ebp-pe...pigtail-94-97/

cadillackid · 10-12-2017, 01:07 PM

at least im lucky in the respect that my bus is southern so there was no EBPV on it. and the ECM concurs.. it was disabled in the programming. I need to get an EGT gauge on mine before I try any turbo or ICP hacking.. just to see where its at stock..

-Christopher

dopamine16 · 10-12-2017, 03:30 PM

That will be one hell of job to pull the motor.!! From what i heard the only wy to get more boost from these turbos is upgrading the fuel system since they do not have a wastegate. larger injectors will be nice but i think would be expensive & pontless unless you are planning to do a complete fuel system overhaul.
bore banjo bolts, stiffer fuel regulator spring. remove tank filters, tune. etc etc..!!

cadillackid · 10-12-2017, 07:20 PM

with a HEUI engine you can fuel heavier with higher HPOP pressure, the solenoid timing will remain thesame, however the plunger doesnt bottom out on the fuel shot.. the newer injectors are split-shot so the fuel rail can re-charge slightly as the shot stops and starts again..

the 72 PSI spring was standard issue on the Navistar version late 99 and after.. mine was one of the last to not have it.. i installed it and it made a difference in daily drivng as well as noise..
-Christopher

Frqnt-Flyr · 04-08-2018, 10:52 PM

Its been awhile since I've posted anything here. I haven't really done a lot of work to my bus. The biggest thing I've done has been add solar panels to the roof and replace the batteries. It starts so much better with a little extra power.

I also added a shore line receptacle so i can plug in while sitting in the driveway.

We drove it to Colorado over New Years and spent a few days skiing out of it. We made several trips over Wolf Creek pass without any type of problem.

Frqnt-Flyr · 04-29-2021, 02:31 PM

Well its been a couple of years since I've posted about any of the work thas been done. So I'll try to get caught up . . .

First was the 'Kitchen'

We added a small refrigerator and a sink, complete with foot pump.

After it was done the kids wanted to paint it like some of the beach houses we've seen. They couldn't decide on one color so we picked up several samples and went crazy.

Frqnt-Flyr · 04-29-2021, 02:46 PM

All of our driving on that trip pointed out a couple of things that needed to be addressed in a big way!

Air (heat) leaking in around the dog house and noise! Also, just recently the blend door broke so we had no way to switch it from hot to cold.

So here I am ...

While I've got the dash out I ordered a complete set of LED lights for the the instrument cluster and headlights.

Frqnt-Flyr · 04-29-2021, 02:57 PM

While I'm waiting on parts, I've stripped all of the old insulation off of the inside of the doghouse, and installed this Dynamat Hoodliner. Excited to see of everything helps.

Also, planning on stripping the seats out (when the dash is done) and cleaning, then painting the floors with a poly type coating. Then adding some more thermal, noise reducing mat. Not sure what kind right now,

Jolly Roger bus 223 · 04-29-2021, 04:31 PM

my son found a cheaper and thicker product than dynomat called KILL-MAT.
supposed to be better but i have never used either one to be able to compare.

s2mikon · 04-29-2021, 05:28 PM

I admire you. I can’t think of anything I hate worse than pulling a dash apart.

Mountain Gnome · 04-29-2021, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s2mikon

I admire you. I can’t think of anything I hate worse than pulling a dash apart.

I was ironically thinking today about working in a European auto repair shop years ago. The owner usually did A/C evaporators behind dash of Mercedes, but he had heart probs, and I did it. The complete mess of wires and vacuum-powered actuator tubing. It looked like an explosion. The owner came in and saw it and about hit the floor with a serious worried look on her face, almost screamed.

Job paid 22 labor hours. Took me about that, carefully prying and prodding all the junky plastic trim off, slowly, not knowing the pry-points before hand to prevent breaking things. Then I heard the line tech at the Mercedes Dealer does 2-3 per day. And gets paid 44-66 hours per day.

s2mikon · 04-29-2021, 06:25 PM

Yes. I’ve done a bunch of Volvo 240 fan motors and a few Volvo 240 heater cores. And a few Mercedes A/C evaporators. I swear they hang the evaporator on a string and build the car around it. I have a 85 300 now that needs an evaporator now and I don’t want to mess with it now.

Jolly Roger bus 223 · 04-29-2021, 06:47 PM

my big bus is no problem.
i have a few vehicles in my driveway that need the dash pulled.
but i have never pulled one and got it back together correctly?
need to pull the dash on a
1990 ford thunderbird super coupe to replace melted wiring
a 1977 f150 with after market nostalgic air A/C that needs the heater core replaced?
and on my short i have added backup camera stuff but it was a pain?
would like better access?
i tend to break stuff if it doesnt come apart? even with the correct tool?
bigger is better is not right in this situation.

musigenesis · 04-29-2021, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountain Gnome

And gets paid 44-66 hours per day.

44-66 dollars per hour?

Frqnt-Flyr · 04-29-2021, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by musigenesis

44-66 dollars per hour?

The job pays hours, and the mechanic gets paid X-amount per hour.

For instance, say a brake job pays 3.0 hours.

When I quit working at the dealership I was making 27.50 per hour.

3.0 x 27.50 = 82.50

I used to rebuild GM steering columns (theft recoveries) at 4.0 hours each. I could easily do 8-10 a day.

You may also like: