5.9 or DT466?

[Preacherboy]

I am looking at some school buses for the church...they have many buses with the 5.9 and many with the DT466, which is better or doesn't it matter?

All the buses have between 103,000-117,000 miles and they run about $6,000 grand for either. Just curious if anyone has any experience or opinion.

 

[rickf]

Both are good motors and that is low mileage for them. Keep in mind that being buses they have led a stop and go life so oil changes would be imperative on a regular basis. What years are they? that is low mileage for a bus for sale.

Rick

 

[jb31]

the 5.9 is a great realible motor and does fair on mileage, just my opinion i have had a few and as long as the injector pump holds out they are great

 

[Preacherboy]

They are both 1997's, transit style. Our current church bus is too small, kids want to come to church and can't fit...so time to buy a bigger bus. These ones I am looking at are either 72 or 78 passenger.

Our current bus has around 150,000 miles and it is a 1990. It is an international, so it is probably a DT466. It gets its oil changed 1 time per year, but it is only run on Wed. night for about 2 hours. Only problems we have had with our current bus are rust issues, 2 years ago a brake line rusted out...luckly no kids were in it when the pedal got spongy. And then last year a frost plug blew out, we got an extra oil change because of that last year. But we need a longer one!

 

[bratpackdad]

Based on the year, I would choose the DT466. It's quieter and gets better mileage. However, the 1997 to 1999 is known for coolant leaks. Other than that, I think the 1997 is a good choice even if it was the first year of the electronics. The DT466 like all diesels must be maintained especially hauling kids. Don't skimp on the service checks, we're talking about kids not bales of hay. Most problems are a result of slack service.

 

[Preacherboy]

It gets checked over regularly, but I'm not sure how you prevent everything?

It had been raining here and our driver was backing up to turn around and went in the ditch (once again, no students were on the bus). I took the deuce over there and pulled it right out...I messed with driver and said if he can't drive a short bus there is no way I should buy him a long one!

 

[rickf]

If your old bus is a shorty then it is most likely a DT444, The same 7.3 as in Ford pickups. You say the new one is a transit bus? Is it rear engine? If so I am not sure they used the DT's in a rear engine. The pushers were mostly Detroits. Then again, I am not a bus expert. Brake line rot is a common problem in areas where a lot of salt is used. Especially with a bus that only sees occasional use. The salt gets in there but never gets flushed out by rain or snow melt.

Rick

 

[Nonotagain]

If your old bus is a shorty then it is most likely a DT444, The same 7.3 as in Ford pickups. You say the new one is a transit bus? Is it rear engine? If so I am not sure they used the DT's in a rear engine. The pushers were mostly Detroits. Then again, I am not a bus expert. Brake line rot is a common problem in areas where a lot of salt is used. Especially with a bus that only sees occasional use. The salt gets in there but never gets flushed out by rain or snow melt.

Rick

Somehow I doubt that International Harvester installed a Detroit Diesel in any of their vehicles for sale.

Most of the transit style buses offered by IH are still front engine.

 

[rickf]

I was not aware that what he was looking at were Internationals although the DT would suggest that.

Rick

 

[papabear]

I've had several of both over the years and personally...if I could hear them run/drive etc...I would pick the 466 every time.
Just had amazing service from them up to about 250K miles...then sold em off with no issues.

Now...the 444??? RUN!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[velociT]

The 5.9L.

Didn't even have to think about it.

 

[WillWagner]

1997? If it is, I'd do the Cummins, they run way better than the DT, but only if it is a mechanical engine. The ISB was introduced in 1998 but there were early release engines. If it is an ISB, do the DT. The VP44 will leave you stranded or just be a giant thorn in your side.

 

[jatonka]

There is no replacement for cubic inches, go with the DT 466. I have both and like them both but the IH is a true engine. JT out

 

[supermechanic]

Dt 466 is one of the best mid size truck engines made, gets my vote.
I work with a mixed fleet of some 65-70 trucks, all types and makes, never had to make anything than minor repairs on the 466.