Want a Turbo Diesel project?

[Bob66789]

I found this lisiting on Ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=50073

[Jim & Susan]

Me and all my buddies from the planet "Oh, Yea, Sure" will be right out to grab this one up. On the other hand, for a hundred bucks?

[guy99]

Diesel experts:
Is it feasible to rebuild the power plant in this unit assuming it is complete (big assumption, I know)? What would a replacement power plant cost?

I'm considering taking this on as a 5 year project, I have done rebuilds on gasoline engines but don't know if a rebuild would make sense here. I'm trying to understand how big an investment it would take to put this unit back in service asssuming I would do the work myself (except machine shop).

[bobechs]

Look at http://www.airforums.com/forum...d.php?t=10549t

[bobechs]

and this one too: http://www.airforums.com/forum...read.php?t=844

[guy99]

While trying to do some research on engine sources it would be very handy to know the model number of the engine which was used. If you know, please post the model number.

[74Argosy24MH]

My money says 6BD1 if normally aspirated or 6BD1T if turbocharged. Feasible to rebuild, yes, unless the block is really trashed. Even if the crank is bad it can be welded. But IMHO these weren't that great of an engine for this to start. Pretty small displacement, not a lot of hp. They are used mostly as industrial engines, generators, compressors, heavy equipment, etc. Don't know what if any allowance was made for the diesel as far as rear axle ratio. If it is a lower ratio than a 454 would pull I would go Cummins but would have a hard time justifying the money to rebuild this.

John

[RichardT]

I probably can get you a 40k mile motor out of a wrecked 82 diesel airstream motorhome in NC if needed
2500.00 plus shipping and it runs xlnt.
let me know and I will see if I can get it for you.

[guy99]

It WOULD be nice to know if the engine is available. I haven't bought the 'project' yet so I can't be sure I'll need an engine.

[Chipster]

I repowered my 86 chev one ton crewcab 4x4 dually about 10 years ago. I replaced a 454 chevy gas engine with a new cummins crate motor from cummins. It was a 91.5 5.9 inter-cooled turbo diesel. The engine now has over 350,000 miles and is still going strong! The truck weighs 8900 lbs and averages 15 mpg in non-tow mode, I usually drive over 70 mph. When towing 8000 lbs. of trailer I get 12 to 13 mpg. If you are thinking diesel you can't go wrong with cummins!!

I bought 2 new in the crate motors from cummins. I used one for the above repower and I still have the other, never used. I also have a new radiator and intercooler for the same engine, also an automatic trans. with transfer case from a 96 or 97 dodge 4x4 diesel with 12k mi. If any of the above interests anyone with the diesel repower syndrome [DRS] get in touch.

chip

[ALANSD]

You are one of two members who did this type exchange. Got an idea of the cost involved?

[Chipster]

I upgraded everything and the costs were above what a normal repower would be, however the basics are:
new engine from cummins $ 4995.00
trans adapter $ 500.00
misc. $ 400.00
The labor end of things was nil because of a good brother who volunteered his expertise.
In todays market, a new cummins 5.9 would be in the $8000. range. [I would donate my other new cummins to the cause at my cost of $4995.00] When I purchased the engines they came with a 100,000 mile warranty. I never needed any warranty work to this day. Since the other motor is still in the crate maybe its still under warranty because the original warranty started when the engine was installed and put on line. I just drove the truck to the cummins distributor they looked at the installlation and the warranty started. It was nice knowing that there was a warranty envolved, but nicer that I never needed it.
The installation was fairly simple. Since cummins does not produce vehicles, they are manufactured to work in anything that you put them in. Also if any work would be needed the cummins people are happy to see you because all they do is engine work and it does not matter what the engine is in because they are found in anything that needs an engine. You can probably tell that I am a happy Cummins camper! Any more info needed don't hesitate.
Chip

[Chaplain Kent]

It would be a real shame to let the coach go for parts. According to AS there were abiout 150 of these made. The engine is indeed an Isuszu 6BDI 353 CU In. This engine does not exist any more and was manufactured for just a short period of time. Since I am going through a replacement now with a new Isuzu engine I have been learning quite a bit about them.
I hope somebody will rescue this treasure.

[guy99]

Originally Posted by Chipster

[I would donate my other new cummins to the cause at my cost of $4995.00]
Chip

I might want to take you up on this offer. Where are you located?

[guy99]

Originally Posted by Chaplain Kent

It would be a real shame to let the coach go for parts. According to AS there were abiout 150 of these made. The engine is indeed an Isuszu 6BDI 353 CU In. This engine does not exist any more and was manufactured for just a short period of time. Since I am going through a replacement now with a new Isuzu engine I have been learning quite a bit about them.
I hope somebody will rescue this treasure.

Before your unfortunate oil change?

How did you find the performance? Did you ever tow anything or drive in the mountains?

How about the noise level?

[Chipster]

My diesel stuff and I are located in Banning, Ca. [About 80 miles East of Los Angeles and about 25 miles west of Palm Springs, out in the foothills of heaven!

chip

[Chaplain Kent]

We put exactly 6000 miles on our coach before our unfortunate oil change and could not have asked for a better performing engine. The coach was purchased in New Hampshire and we drove it home (Milwuakee, WI) via the northern route through the mountains in New Hampshire and Vermont. The engine purred along at a steady 60 MPH with no strain. There was power in reserve but I am comfortable at that speed. We have since travelled through our home state and the blue grass country of Kentucky. Once more the engine performed great whether on interstae or back roads. We do not pull anything since the coach is so easy to drive we have not had a need yet. We do carry a rack with my three wheel recumbant, my wife's bike, and gear. This weighs in about two hundred pounds. The noise is tolerable, with our recent remodel of the interior, see pictures under "Fabricated Console." I used 3/4 inch thick oak planks which I insulated with sound dampening material for the doghouse. The strereo system has speakers mounted just above our feet on the firewall area. We listen to satellite radio, music or talk, and can still carry on a conversation between my wife and I in the front seats.
I am not certain what is salvageable from my old engine. Since they are replacing it with a new engine there is no core return that I am aware of. As far as I know now the engine is still mine. If there is any way some or all of it could be used to save one of these beauties I would be happy to give it away.

[guy99]

The bidding became too rich for my blood. The auction was won by someone with the handle of yogijoe for $1,876.51. Seems pretty low BUT apparently there was no generator, it needed and engine and body work and when I asked about the appliances I was told "they should all work".

I hope it was purchased by someone who will put it back into service, not just part it out.