tormsp
Newbie
Posts:3
Registered Users
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| 09/25/2008 12:50 PM |
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Has anybody ever replaced the 440 and tranny with a diesel setup of some type? 5.6 mpg is getting me down.
thanks, |
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gnuman
Not a Newbie
Posts:12
Registered Users
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| 12/09/2008 11:58 PM |
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I'm hoping to. I'm expecting a big disability check and I plan on getting 5' of frame welded on the back and converting the 440 to a Cummins or Detroit 361, with a good Allison tranny attached.
For a deisel conversion you need to consider:
*because of the limited powerband of a Diesel, you have to replace the transmission as well as the engine.
* while diesel engines are usually more durable and simpler, they also tend to weigh more, so consider the weight of t3eh new engine on the front suspension when selecting a new engine.
* when you replace what the factory installed in that vehicle, you will need to be sure it aligns correctly with the rear differential.
* MY M-500 has the parking brake as an attachment at the rear of the transmission. Make sure that can be swapped over, or that you have an alternate parking brake in mind if that is the case (did you see the movie RV?)
These are just a few things to consider in your conversion. |
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Wallaby Dan
Not a Newbie
Posts:26
Registered Users
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| 12/10/2008 3:01 PM |
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Just an idea but how about a wrecked dodge truck with the engine and trans and all the wiring harness and computer for say the 250 or 300 cummins. Could that be transplanted into the motorhome?? As for a parking brake there used to be back in the seventy's that there was a electric controlled brake that would use the regular brakes. It had a switch that you would flip and the switch would send a signal to a controller in the brake line and you push your brake petal hard and flip the switch and it would hold from that point till it was released again. I saw severial back then but none recent. They may not be made anymore but it is just an idea...
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moms ruin
Camper
Posts:50
Registered Users
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| 12/10/2008 7:32 PM |
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My thoughts on the diesel motor.Sorry folks I'm on a roll here. I worked for an auctioneer for years and our 3 times a year heavy equipment sale would turn up school buses at truly dirt cheap rates.Some under a $1.000.
Mostly International,which,I think Dodge used in thier trucks.
Saw a bunch on Craigs List inTexas a while ago for $1.500 .Just out of service so they were well looked after.The State makes them maintain them
With a whole unit like that you should have all the parts you need and some to sell or keep for spares.
Steve
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moms ruin
Camper
Posts:50
Registered Users
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| 12/10/2008 10:23 PM |
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gnuman. If you are planning to put the 5ft. of frame on the back and setting the motor in it don't.With the motor and trans weight on the back you will be doing wheel stands and you won't be able to steer it.
If it isn't a pusher now you are out of luck or you will soon be out of money.
To convert it you will have to,
Flip the rear end or the M.H.will only go forward in reverse and in reverse in 3-4 gears.
Cut out the back and some of the floor so the motor/trans. fit between the frame.
Motor and trans mounts made.
Radiator moved to rear and mounted.Electric fan.
Rear frame member made so you can put eng ect. in and frame stays in place.
Maybe move rear axle forward to make room.
If M.H. has big over hang on rear, move axle back and put tag axle in front of other axle.
Build cover inside to cover motor.Must be sheet metal.
Exhaust.
Redo interior.
Cable to gas peddle.
I may have missed something.Is there a school bus company near you?Tell them what you want to do and ask to see a rear engined bus.Thats what you have to build.
steve |
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roadhazard
Posts:49
Registered Users
Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas
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| 12/12/2008 6:43 PM |
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| A 3126 cat and allison auto should work real well ni a front engine motorhome. That drive train combo was used for years in fire engines, garbage trucks and school buses. You may have to replace the springs on the front end with heavier rated springs and run return line for fuel injection, but for a gear head this would not be much of a problem. You may have to change rear end gear with a differant ratio to stay in power band of the diesel engine. The 3126 is a small V-8 that came in turbo and non turbo versions. |
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Attitude....the difference between an adventure and an ordeal.
'84 Heritage
454 Gas
Husband & wife team over the road truck drivers (Semi-retired) |
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moms ruin
Camper
Posts:50
Registered Users
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| 12/12/2008 11:47 PM |
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Road hazard The reason I get so hot about school buses is that the state/federal gov. makes them be safty checked every 6 months and some states make them take them off the road if there is heavy surface rust on the step area ect.
They don't allow rebuilt parts.The last bus I bought to make into a R.V. had a new diesel motor from the factory to replace the one that blew up. It had 11.000 mi. on it.The school board had to have a spare bus and that was it.
They couldn't get a new one in time so it was repair that one.I payed $1.500 and they tossed in tire chains and every thing else the mechanic wanted out of his way.
The springs and other parts may fit a class A motor home.
They did tell me that was the last International motor they were going to have put into a bus and were going whith Cat engines.I guess for good reason.
I was goiing to put a motor in a forward control bus.Front to rear.Hit the boys down at the local school bus garage at lunch time.Probley the longest lunch they ever had.Even the super was into it telling me why and how it couldn't be done at a reasonable/sensible cost with sucess.
I would say the local schools are your best bet to ask if they have something comming out of service.They may change any time in the year.
Steve. |
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roadhazard
Posts:49
Registered Users
Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas
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| 12/13/2008 10:30 AM |
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| I would agree at school buses are the best bet in finding a diesel drive train. Fire trucks are many times surplussed to smaller depts. that don't have the budget for new. City garbage trucks are sold to private companies for rural service. The Cat 3116 and 3126 are the same engine. The 3116 is a mechanical fuel pump and the 3126 is electronic. The weight of them is about 1750 lbs the Allision 5 speed is the big weight difference. It is quite a bit heavier than a turbo 400 or Mopar 727. Just for the record nothing is impossible with enough time and money. Just look at www.bossshoss.com and you will see what i mean. Does anyone really need a 501 cid motorcycle ? |
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Attitude....the difference between an adventure and an ordeal.
'84 Heritage
454 Gas
Husband & wife team over the road truck drivers (Semi-retired) |
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moms ruin
Camper
Posts:50
Registered Users
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| 12/13/2008 6:47 PM |
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Roadhazzard I saw a Boss Hoss at a bike meet this summer.My first thought isn't printable but I guess as you say given time and space people will come up with something no one needs.
I came off a Triumph 650 at a" high rate of speed" [cops words] many years ago.What would a high rate of speed be on a Boss Hoss?
Who needs a bike that big?The guy with a 1200 HP ski boat and a1/2 million dollar motor home and a because I can attitude.
How big are your solar panels?I'm looking at a Toyota motor home [because I can't] and the roof may not have the area to put a large system on it.
Thanks. Steve. |
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roadhazard
Posts:49
Registered Users
Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas
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| 12/13/2008 7:23 PM |
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| We are using 4 57"x21"panels and a mppt controller. seems to work real well . keeps batteries charged where we don't have to worry about using anything we have. |
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Attitude....the difference between an adventure and an ordeal.
'84 Heritage
454 Gas
Husband & wife team over the road truck drivers (Semi-retired) |
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