DT444 reliability

[kcomer]

I'm not sure if this is already on here, I'm still new. So I apologize if it is somewhere.

I'm looking at a bus with a DT444 and have read some mixed thoughts on this engine in a bus. What are your thoughts/experiences? It already has about 220k on it, but seems to run well right now. Am I getting myself into something that is going to need to be rebuilt or have major failure in the near future?

Thanks!

[gbstewart]

I have 240kms on mine, if you take care of it should be good till 300-500k, I replace the injectors on mine, and other then fluid changes have never had or worried about anything going wrong. now things like starters, alternators etc that's normal wear and tear, the key is to keep good oil and change it, I do mine every 5000kms , this spring Ill be changing all the rad hoses and rad, there starting to look rough,
gbstewart

[brokedown]

Mine just hit about 210k miles, and its running strong and great. These motors regularly go half a million miles or more. Keep tabs on your oil level and your temperature, stay on top of your maintenance.

[Johnny Mullet]

I don't regret buying my bus with the same engine.

[Tango]

All I can recall on the 444's is that like the Cummins 5.9, they are pretty light on power in a 40 footer. Heavier loading is gonna make for a shorter life expectancy even with the best of care for any engine.

[cadillackid]

im at 165k miles on mine.. seems reliable... ive driven it 20k miles in the last year and a half or so.. definitely not a powerhouse.. in my shorty its perfectly fine.. in a long bus. might be a bit slow

its a T-444E in navistar terminology. if you go to buy parts for it.

-Christopher.

[fabrini]

I have a 95 4700 T444E. Only problem I have had with it was a no start issue. Turned out to be a low coolant sensor in the reservoir and I was just below that sensor. I added a gallon and it fired immediately.

Like the other comments, it's zero to sixty time is about 15 minutes. But it is a good motor and will pull or push your unit anywhere and everywhere you need.

Buy an extra cam sensor and keep it on hand. They are notorious for going bad without warning. A socket with an elbow and long extension and, I think, a 10 MM socket will remove the bolt. I got mine for 35 bucks at the International dealership.

[Dog Rescuer]

I love my 2000 International / BlueBird T444E - 286,000 miles. No power issues - 28' bus - I pull a Subaru Crosstrek - still get 9-12 MPG.

[Jdawgsfanasty]

Originally Posted by kcomer

I'm not sure if this is already on here, I'm still new. So I apologize if it is somewhere.

I'm looking at a bus with a DT444 and have read some mixed thoughts on this engine in a bus. What are your thoughts/experiences? It already has about 220k on it, but seems to run well right now. Am I getting myself into something that is going to need to be rebuilt or have major failure in the near future?

Thanks!

It's cousin is the Ford 7.3...hopefully that helps

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