Reasonable Price for a 2003 IC 3800 DT466E

[cofrari]

What would be a reasonable price for an Alabama city (not rural), 2003 IC 3800 Type C. DT466E 7.2L, Allison 2000, Decent mechanical condition, no rust. ~135,000 Miles?


Would people consider this a decent bus (assuming reasonable price), or something they would probably pass on?

[o1marc]

Depends on whether it's a 7.2 or a DT466E (7.6L)? I would pass if it were a 7.2, consider it if it was a DT466E. To me $2K-$3k max, depending on condition.

[cofrari]

Originally Posted by o1marc

Depends on whether it's a 7.2 or a DT466E (7.6L)? I would pass if it were a 7.2, consider it if it was a DT466E. To me $2K-$3k max, depending on condition.

It says its a 7.2L DT366E... Is that not a proper configuration?


For the Allison 2000, I've read that they are very reliable, yet expensive to repair if it does need repairs. Does that sound right?



If it is a 7.2L, what would be your reason to pass on it?


Thanks!

[o1marc]

There is a DT360 (5.9L), a DT 466E (7.6L) and a DT 530 (8.7L). The DT360 was phased out after the DT466 came in around 93, likely that bus does not have a DT360. Personal preferance makes the 7.2 small for a large bus.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by cofrari

What would be a reasonable price for an Alabama city (not rural), 2003 IC 3800 Type C. DT466E 7.2L, Allison 2000, Decent mechanical condition, no rust. ~135,000 Miles?


Would people consider this a decent bus (assuming reasonable price), or something they would probably pass on?

$4500 sounds like a reasonable price.

[PatrickBaptist]

I got mine for 4k 2004 IC RE T444E MD3060, I'd rather have a 8.3 Cummapart or DT530 or DT466 but I wanted the best trans I could get. Had 89k on it when I bought it, min rust. Does need some new rubber, front tire has some dry rot and rears are about 8 years old.. But it was well cared for, substitute bus.
SO if it has a more desired engine like the DT466 7.6L in it I'd say it's worth a little more that what I paid for mine because I would have went higher, but the bus I got has the 3060 with a built in retarder and I wouldn't go with the AT545s, they are worth fooling with in a full sized bus and I'm dragging a trailer with a full sized E350 van on it.

[musigenesis]

I paid $3600 for my bus which is similar mechanically and in mileage and of the same vintage. I think that would have been a good price without the rust.

[Brad_SwiftFur]

Originally Posted by o1marc

There is a DT360 (5.9L), a DT 466E (7.6L) and a DT 530 (8.7L). The DT360 was phased out after the DT466 came in around 93, likely that bus does not have a DT360. Personal preferance makes the 7.2 small for a large bus.

As far as IH goes, the DT360 had been phased out long before '03. Likely engines are the T444E (7.3L, common), DT466 (7.6L, also common) and DT530 (8.7L, not as common). The T444E/7.3 has a good reputation for reliability and has very good parts availability but they're not known for being very powerful (and are often paired with the AT545 transmission). The DT466 also has a good reputation (for the most part, some of the early 2000's years had some timing cover issues) and good parts availability, being available with considerably more power and usually paired with more desirable transmissions.


I did not find, and not familiar with any IH 7.2 liter engine (likely a typo?) The Cat 3126 and C7 are both 7.2 engines, 2003 was the time frame they phased from one to the other and both were used in school buses, but not sure IH used them, since they had their own offerings.

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by Brad_SwiftFur

As far as IH goes, the DT360 had been phased out long before '03. Likely engines are the T444E (7.3L, common), DT466 (7.6L, also common) and DT530 (8.7L, not as common). The T444E/7.3 has a good reputation for reliability and has very good parts availability but they're not known for being very powerful (and are often paired with the AT545 transmission). The DT466 also has a good reputation (for the most part, some of the early 2000's years had some timing cover issues) and good parts availability, being available with considerably more power and usually paired with more desirable transmissions.


I did not find, and not familiar with any IH 7.2 liter engine (likely a typo?) The Cat 3126 and C7 are both 7.2 engines, 2003 was the time frame they phased from one to the other and both were used in school buses, but not sure IH used them, since they had their own offerings.

In a 2003 a 7.2 diesel would most likely a CAT 3126. I believe that the C7's started showing up in 2004 buses.

If you can verify the mileage it could be a very nice bus.

[EastCoastCB]

IC300's came with DT's. Never heard of an IC with a Cat.

[curvecrazy]

I’m looking at International Harvester 3200 buses. I noticed that some have the DT466 engines. With all the good things I’ve heard about that engine... I’d hope to find one of those, but I need to narrow my search. So I’m looking for advice. It’s my understanding that you want to stay in the pre 2005 versions. Am I correct in my understanding that you’d want to steer clear of 2005 to 2007? It seems they implemented exhaust gas recirculation in 2005? Or did the 2003’s already have that?
If I do come across a bus with the EGR stuff... is that, or should that be a “no go, back away slowly, then run away fast” ? Or is it not that absolute?
I’m assuming I could expect about 10mpg economy out of one of these setups... not heavily loaded.
There’s many VT 365’s out there. I heard they had reasonable reliability if left stock and maintained. Some said pushrod problems. I’ve seen a few 250K miles ones, and part of me thinks that’s probably a good one. And the other part of me thinks that one could go south at any time!
Did not mean to hijack this thread. If it’s wrong I can repost as IH DT466.
Any incites appreciated.

[PatrickBaptist]

Originally Posted by curvecrazy

I’m looking at International Harvester 3200 buses. I noticed that some have the DT466 engines. With all the good things I’ve heard about that engine... I’d hope to find one of those, but I need to narrow my search. So I’m looking for advice. It’s my understanding that you want to stay in the pre 2005 versions. Am I correct in my understanding that you’d want to steer clear of 2005 to 2007? It seems they implemented exhaust gas recirculation in 2005? Or did the 2003’s already have that?
If I do come across a bus with the EGR stuff... is that, or should that be a “no go, back away slowly, then run away fast” ? Or is it not that absolute?
I’m assuming I could expect about 10mpg economy out of one of these setups... not heavily loaded.
There’s many VT 365’s out there. I heard they had reasonable reliability if left stock and maintained. Some said pushrod problems. I’ve seen a few 250K miles ones, and part of me thinks that’s probably a good one. And the other part of me thinks that one could go south at any time!
Did not mean to hijack this thread. If it’s wrong I can repost as IH DT466.
Any incites appreciated.

Avoid that 6.oh/VT365 like the plague. IF you get a bus 05 and up they have EGR coolers that make repairs more costly and sooner.
DT466 is a fine engine other than the seals on the sleeves will go bad if it's left to sit a long time or has been overheated. Other than GM 6.5 diesels the 365s are the worst engines to ever come out.
The most desired engine to find is the 8.3 Cummapart.
Also stay away from Allison AT545s they aren't worth the name on them at all, no overdrive nor converter lockup.
I got 10-12mpg with my T444E 7.3 when I brought it home after purchase, but unsure what it will get once my conversion is complete.

[cofrari]

Originally Posted by curvecrazy

I’m looking at International Harvester 3200 buses. I noticed that some have the DT466 engines. With all the good things I’ve heard about that engine... I’d hope to find one of those, but I need to narrow my search. So I’m looking for advice. It’s my understanding that you want to stay in the pre 2005 versions. Am I correct in my understanding that you’d want to steer clear of 2005 to 2007? It seems they implemented exhaust gas recirculation in 2005? Or did the 2003’s already have that?
If I do come across a bus with the EGR stuff... is that, or should that be a “no go, back away slowly, then run away fast” ? Or is it not that absolute?
I’m assuming I could expect about 10mpg economy out of one of these setups... not heavily loaded.
There’s many VT 365’s out there. I heard they had reasonable reliability if left stock and maintained. Some said pushrod problems. I’ve seen a few 250K miles ones, and part of me thinks that’s probably a good one. And the other part of me thinks that one could go south at any time!
Did not mean to hijack this thread. If it’s wrong I can repost as IH DT466.
Any incites appreciated.

Despite warning, we decided to take our chances with a 2008 with a MaxxForce DT. The bus was cheap ($4,000), had brand new Continental tires ($4000 value), and had all the emissions equipment replaced in 2018 (which was a $7,000 repair job just for parts (they did their own repairs)). The engine was super clean and bus was in great shape. And I have all the maintenance records. They changed the oil every 3,000 miles, which I plan to continue with.


It's only been 3-months, but the bus starts right up and drives great. Zero issues. Only expense for me was one $277 oil change.



Despite being a New England bus, it had virtually no rust on it. When I pulled up all the flooring, it took me all of about 10 minutes with a belt sander to clean off all rust. That's going to be a huge plus of a newer bus.


I still have some anxieties based on what people have said on this board. But so far the bus has been great.

[cadillackid]

the Maxxforce DT is the better of the 2 common Maxxforce engines showing up at auction.. rthe MaxxForce 7 is the real stay away from.. the Maxxforce DT is based on the original DT466. though the head and injection system and of course emissions are very different.


-Chris

[curvecrazy]

Thanks for the quick responses. So it looks like 2005-2007 IH 3200’s with the DT466 engines would have the earlier version (???) of the EGR coolers. Can anyone give me some idea what’s involved with that? I’m assuming replacement would be necessary if it goes bad. Is there one EGR Cooler on there? What sort of costs are involved with replacement?
I’ve read about exhaust temperature gages and oil temperature gages and coolant temperature gages and how you should be monitoring your gages continuous? Obviously, you don’t want to overheat your motor. Got it.
I guess what I’m ultimately asking here, is what degree of headache am I looking at by running a 2005 - 2007 EGR Coolered DT466.
It might be better to just watch for a pre 2004 unit?
Or maybe better to focus on Ford DT444 7.3L and a smaller bus?
Sorry.. just thinking out loud here. I’m mechanically inclined. I’m not a diesel mechanic. I’ve done my share of exhaust work on cars. I’m keen enough on maintenance and watching gages and knowing what the gages mean. I’m not someone to abuse my stuff. I’m looking for, hopefully a dependable diesel bus, to maybe tow an enclosed car trailer with misc.. motorcycles etc. I’m not looking to set or break land speed records. But I don’t want to be taxing the Diesel engine up typical steep grades. I think most DT466 powered buses would have more highway based transmissions with lockouts. Thanks for the advice about VT365 etc. Duly noted.