Hello! New here + new Intl 3800 bus!!

[bpete619]

Hi there! I am Ben from South Florida. New here to the forums and to Skoolies. Going to do my first conversion this year. I just put a deposit on a 1998 International Bluebird with a 7.6L DT466E with 190HP (International 3800 Model) in great condition with 0 rust. From my research, I have read a lot about the DT466 and how much Skoolie folks love them. Any thoughts/opinion/feedback on this model? Is this model I put the deposit on the same as the revered "DT466" that I keep reading about on all the forums? I am a complete newb and I feel like the bus I put the deposit on is a total "score" but I want some educated opinions and feedback from yall.

Thank you!!

[Oldyeller]

Welcome to the forum.

That's the engine.

What about the transmission, auto, manual?

Length?

Pictures?

[Mountain Gnome]

Not sure exactly what you are asking but:


the DT466 is a purely mechanical injection engine, whereas the DT466E has computer controlled electronic injection.


Both are excellent engines, it seems.

[bpete619]

Thank you!
It is 30ft long outside, 21 inside
Its a 74in height inside. Allison Automatic Transmission. 109K miles

This is a link to a youtube video of the bus: https://youtu.be/40H44NGqA8Y

[bpete619]

Originally Posted by Mountain Gnome

Not sure exactly what you are asking but:


the DT466 is a purely mechanical injection engine, whereas the DT466E has computer controlled electronic injection.


Both are excellent engines, it seems.

Thank you! My version is the Electronic injection. Was basically just asking if this is a good engine.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by bpete619

Thank you! My version is the Electronic injection. Was basically just asking if this is a good engine.

they're good.

But make DAMN sure the coolant is 100% correct. Must be the right type and must be in perfect condition at all times. The 2001-2004's had issues with some engines developing liner seal and timing cover issues due to the coolant. A 1998 should be ok in that regard, but keep your coolant 100% perfect and always make sure not to run it hot. Do that and it will last a LONG time.

[Oldyeller]

Just watched the video, looks like it's in very good condition.

[TruckMech]

DT466E is a great engine. As stated, they do have a reputation for losing their coolant into the oilpan from the liner packing failing. I've rebuilt several between 200-300K miles for exactly that. It usually just happens more with miles and heat cycles than anything else, but it will score the cylinders and you'll be down for a rebuild. I do agree that yours is out of the date range I've seen the most issues with.Parts are affordable-ish and they're easy to work on. Also, because of the type of injection system, be sure to keep up with fuel filter changes and topped off with good oil. Keep an extra IPR valve around and take a good look at the engine wiring harness at that age. Many problems happen with fuel/oil soaked wiring loom or just rubbed and corroded with time.

[Maligator.]

What type of allison? How many engine hours? Why is the mileage so low for 23 year old bus? I hope you did find a score but a couple small red flags pop up at that age and with that low mileage. Was it idled often for long periods? Driven a lot in first and second gear? Are you going to have major body rust issues? Air brakes or hydraulic?

If you can get answers to some of that, you'll feel better about your decision. I have a DT466E with 104k miles on it, just drove it 3000 miles up the AlCan to Alaska. It's a great engine but be sure you ask the right questions first.

[Maligator.]

It looks like 7000 engine hours, that seems a little high for 109k. Also the shifter looks like an AT-545, if that's the case, drive it carefully and watch your transmission temps. Very nice length and the start up sounded clean but I doubt that was a cold start. Also they didn't show the exhaust after 10 mins of running so hard to tell if it's smoking? Nice looking bus though, get some more technical info on it, maybe service records or any history you can.

[bpete619]

Thanks all! After seeing the bus in person, I ended up going with a bit bigger option. I got a 3800 but a larger 35ft model with a T444E instead of the DT466. I know the T444E engine isnt as beloved in the skoolie community but overall the bus was in great shape and was a good price. Can't wait to start my conversion!

[bpete619]

https://www.wesellschoolbuses.com/25...uses%20Inc.JPG