So Ive been thinking on this diesel thing again

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 4:42 pm

So, I went and watched this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZWgrTde348

and I gotta say, nothing sounds quite like a detroit screamer!

He has the 4-53T, which wont fit, but the 3-53T will. The power output to the cummins 4BT is comparable. Im probably insane for even considering it, given its heavier weight, larger size, lower eficciency, etc, but there is something about an old oil burner in old iron that rocks! Any thoughts on it?

Lifer · Post by **Lifer** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 4:49 pm

Yeah....here's a "thought" from me, anyway. I love the "rattly" sound of an idling diesel. Can't stand the turbo scream, though. If I ever went with a diesel, it would have to be a non-turbo model.

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 5:12 pm

heh, you and I are opposites. the rattle is ok to me, but the supercharger/turbocharger whine of the detroit is what makes me melt...

I'll probably use the cummins, as its a better engine all the way around, but, mabye when I build an off road beater later I'll stuff a 6V53TT in it....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb0ZGaGeAJM

Ah HAHAHAHAHA!!!

KenInGA · Post by **KenInGA** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 6:07 pm

If you want to know what a 3-53 sounds like on the road, find a friend with a Gamma Goat! Trust me, they sound good...

CREEPING DEATH · Post by **CREEPING DEATH** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 12:22 pm

3-53 powered truck:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1EH8ys7sPU&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF9EpUDpvZU&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDJsxS2TyxI

That guy has several videos of that truck.
The person to talk to about 3-53 powered trucks is PoW, he's around sometimes as far as I know and had a driver 3-53N powered M37 since '76!

CD

TOM R · Post by **TOM R** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 3:28 pm

cummins inline 6, 12 valve with no computer would probly work perfect, late 80's early 90's dodge ram, probly get one with truck for a few thousand

CREEPING DEATH · Post by **CREEPING DEATH** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 5:33 pm

TOM R wrote:cummins inline 6, 12 valve with no computer would probly work perfect, late 80's early 90's dodge ram, probly get one with truck for a few thousand

That motor, in addition to being a little heavy (>1100 lbs IIRC), is WAY too long. It has been done, but the radiator was mounted ahead of the grill. You would also have to replace the entire drive train, the 3-53 or 4BT will work with most existing components.

CD

KenInGA · Post by **KenInGA** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 3:15 pm

CREEPING DEATH wrote: the 3-53 or 4BT will work with most existing components.

CD

AHA! My biggest question on Diesel Repowers: Will the 4BT Cummins work with the stock transmission from a B1? Or will it not be driveable at all with it?

MSeriesRebuild · Post by **MSeriesRebuild** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 5:50 pm

KenInGA wrote:
CREEPING DEATH wrote: the 3-53 or 4BT will work with most existing components.

CD
AHA! My biggest question on Diesel Repowers: Will the 4BT Cummins work with the stock transmission from a B1? Or will it not be driveable at all with it?

Cummins doesn't mate up to the NP420.

CREEPING DEATH · Post by **CREEPING DEATH** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 10:53 pm

KenInGA wrote:
CREEPING DEATH wrote: the 3-53 or 4BT will work with most existing components.

CD
AHA! My biggest question on Diesel Repowers: Will the 4BT Cummins work with the stock transmission from a B1? Or will it not be driveable at all with it?

The only Diesel that works with the stock transmission is the Hercules. The 3-53 and 4BT both can use the popular Spicer 3053A from the M35 multifuel.

CD

KenInGA · Post by **KenInGA** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:29 pm

Cool, that what I wanted to know!

MSeriesRebuild · Post by **MSeriesRebuild** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 5:35 am

KenInGA wrote:Cool, that what I wanted to know!

Another tip; The Hercules only adapts to the NP420 via a HUGE adapter plate. Having prior experience years ago as a Southeastern states Hercules distributor/installer, I can tell you in those days that many issues arose with installations that were directly attributed to that adapter plate. My experience was prior to the original Hercules Engines Co. going out of business. Much expertise was within that Co. at that time, but it became very clear they had no interest in addressing the problem, installers were very much on their own if they chose to install Hercules. This is why I went own to develope our present Cummins/5-speed over-drive set up that we install today. One of our main issues during development was to stay away from adapter plates as they cause too many issues. I would recommend you consider all avenues before doing an installation with a special emphasis on having a hard look at any adapter plate before deciding to use one. It simply isn't the best route to any conversion.

KenInGA · Post by **KenInGA** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 2:58 pm

Charles, thanks for the advice. The mere fact that the Cummins parts are easier to get makes it a done deal. The extra info on the adapter plates required with the Hercules, and the reliability issues associated with that, enforces my opinion. Maybe one of these days I will have the money, spare truck, and time to do a repower!