DT360 - any reason to avoid?

[ENGINE2]

In my search, I'm running across a fair number of DT360s (maybe also DTA360s?). I know these aren't power houses, but are there any reasons to avoid? These are getting pretty old, but it still looks like you can get parts?

I really like the idea of sticking with a mechanical diesel and these seem to be more likely to come with an MT643 vs. an AT545. From what I read, the DT360 seems to have a better durability reputation than a 5.9 Cummins 12v. I have some experience with the DT466 back from the 80s. Compared to the other medium duty engines from that era, diesel and gas, that was a sweet engine. 3208 CAT was probably the closest MD competitor, and I'd prefer the DT466. DT466s were in 30k+gvwr heating oil delivery trucks I drove. I'm only looking at GVWs in the 25-26k range, so not sure how much performance you would be giving up vs. a DT466 with 3 tons or so less to move.

I'm generally not in a rush, so I'm thinking a DT360 would be ok?

 

[cadillackid]

I have a DTA360 in one of my busses.. to me these and the mechanical 466's are excellent engines.. the 360 is pretty slow but its a wet sleeve in-frame rebuildable engine with zero electronics and zero emission controls.. simple Bosch A (occasionally MW) pump.. V belt drive for the accessories.. most commonly they were paired with AT545 transmissions.. but an MT643 swap isnt a bad job.. (I did it on mine)..


these engines dont have glow plugs or grid heaters so if very cold weather is in your future travels you'll want to have a way to plug in a block heater or install a diese lcoolant heater so you can pre warm it before starting.. i have started mine when its -10f however it barely made it .. at 0f it complains but still pretty reasonable to start.



I have a diesel coolant heater on mine.. and at -22F it starts like summer after 30-60 minutes of using the coolant heater...


the pump can be turned up mildly on a DT360 but its not gonna be a monster powerhouse...



I love my 360.. had zero engine issues in the 8 years ive had it..

 

[Malevolence4845]

Have to agree with cadillackid, my Vista has the DT360 and is coupled with AT545, it does it's job with no complaints, coldest I've seen here with my bus in Ga was about 15f and she started like any grumpy ole diesel, little groggy but still went with no other argument. Since it left the auction in Jan of this year I've only put about ~800 miles on it and have had no true issues, a temp sender went out but easy fix. DT360 is mechanical so no computer issues to worry about or donor buses to source for new ones.

 

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

parts are readily available for the 360.
my son and i just re-built a dt360 from a bus up to 400hp and put it in his 350 super duty.
parts and advice are available through carson stauffer and scheid diesel those were our best resources but also binder planet helps.
these engines were used in farm equipment and construction equipment as well.
we built his more for towing than speed.