Considering a DT466 2002 International

[mplsdog]

Got the VIN number for the bus I'm looking at:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2f6E1odWzhYcmxiRUFocm82Rm8/view?usp=sharing

 

[BusFiend]

Interesting that it mentions nothing about the tranny.

 

[mplsdog]

I do know it's a 2500 series Allison. There may be better spec sheets available, I used a free VIN decoder online.

 

[BusFiend]

The 2500 series are good trannies. The rest you need to know is condition of sheet metal and optional accessories (A/C, etc). Sounds like a good bus.

 

[mplsdog]

Ya. Really focused now on rust. Being in Minnesota, that's a thing. I'll be paying careful attention to any rust under the body. It was listed as being kept indoors, so I'm hoping for minimal.

 

[Tango-SKO]

Good luck on the rust issues. That is a great engine/tranny combo.

 

[EastCoastCB]

Ya. Really focused now on rust. Being in Minnesota, that's a thing. I'll be paying careful attention to any rust under the body. It was listed as being kept indoors, so I'm hoping for minimal.

Just take your time and enjoy the viewing!

I look at the ceiling panels first. If there's any white oxidation in between the panels or on the rivets, there's likely been some excess moisture from the roof or hatches.
Look around the windshield and on the stairwell. Two easy places to find rust. Also under the back door.
Another place you don't wanna see rust is coming from behind the rub rails.
If the frame and chassis components are rusty, I'd move along. Too much work and por15 is EXPENSIVE!

Best of luck on your bus inspection.

 

[mplsdog]

Bam. Good to know, thank you for those inspection points. More to come.

 

[Tall Grass]

What DT466 is it? Is it mechanical or electronic? I have read that you can buy a whole set of injectors for the DT466 Mechanical at the price of 1 injector for the DT466E engine. I can't verify it but i read it on this Skoolie forum.

 

[mplsdog]

I believe, according to the VIN report that it's a mechanical. I didn't see an "e" at the end, but maybe they don't label them that way on these reports?

 

[EastCoastCB]

Its a 2002. Definitely not mechanical.

 

[mplsdog]

So EastCoast, does that mean it would be a 466e? Are there major differences? Would that be a reason to reevaluate my decision? Thanks in advance.

 

[BusFiend]

Parts, like injectors, are more expensive. The engine is much more complicated, with emission and computer controls. This means less regular service (no injector timing, etc.) but more expensive repairs when a fix is needed. Often, software and the interface will be needed to diagnose and repair. It's a similar difference as an old-school Chevy small block with four-barrel and a modern LS3.

 

[mplsdog]

Thanks Fiend!

 

[BusFiend]

Thanks Fiend!

You bet. Also the modern DT466e will get 2-3 better mpg with slightly better power output... Overall, it's a better engine that costs more to have fixed. "Tweaking" will also be limited without reprogramming the computer.

Good luck!

 

[EastCoastCB]

While I greatly prefer mechanical engines, the "e" stuff is ok. Certainly is a lot more of it out there nowadays.

 

[BusFiend]

While I greatly prefer mechanical engines, the "e" stuff is ok. Certainly is a lot more of it out there nowadays.

I think that's the reality going forward. We can go with a 15yo bus, with electronic engine management, fewer miles and little rust. Or we can choose an older mechanical engine and live with the downsides of owning an older bus. There are certainly sweet deals on nice older buses. But they are getting much harder to find. :-/

 

[mplsdog]

I'm pretry bummed. Dude sold it before I got out there. My dreams of owning a DT466 with Allison transmission have been dashed.

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/cto/5648848793.html

 

[Brad_SwiftFur]

I would just take that as a sign that it wasn't the bus for you and keep looking.

 

[cadillackid]

if you buy an 'E' keep the oil changed!!! and CLEAN! the electronic common rail injection systems require good oil pressure and clean oil to work properly... alot of engines have been damaged due to stuck injectors dumping raw fuel into cylinders causing ring wash-out and dilution of the oil making things even worse....

the V8s (T444E, VT365) etc are esp notorious for needing fresh oil to run correctly..

-Christopher