Posted by Paul (in NY) on Sunday, October 29, 2006 at 1:52PM :
In Reply to: Re: Check this out in the picture posted by MoparNorm on Sunday, October 29, 2006 at 11:08AM :
I partially agree on the good maintenance. I believe the large companies UPS. Fedex, Companies doing longer distance deliveries and large delivery companies do maintain the trucks for dependability. They get required oil/fileter changes and any parts needed to assure it will run properly. The 4BTA in my M37 was one of these. Though no maint records, the oil filter was marked with a recent change date, oil was clean, it had a very clean reman turbo and the engine was really clean. Also it was a 1999 Cummins Recon engine, per the data plate riveted on the engine. When I had the pan off for modifications, no metal was found on the magnet. Based on this, re-thinking my position, I am going to bet the farm on this engine.
Now, I believe we have a condition when we get engines that were possibly used by 'small' local delivery companies. These people fight to keep costs down and only do what is needed to keep the trucks running and DOT legal......nothing more. These engines, I consider a total unknown....YOYO (your on your own). I firmly believe these engines should be taken down and rebuilt if you want 'absolute' dependability.
I an hear it now; Mr Boss, Number 506 needs a new turbo, it ingested a Turkey today and the impellers are all messed up. Mr Mechanic, you put a new turbo on it and it comes out of your pocket. Just keep it running, its cheaper to tow it in that put a new turbo on it. And by the way, skip the next oil change......I cant afford it.
Thus, I am still on course to rebuilt my other unknown engines.
Paul
Follow Ups: