[PonchoV8]

I'd get something you can go from cab to rear in. The one pictured might just be a pass thru only.

Mike, where do you get cold water in the desert? I remember that picture of the pallet of bottled water stacked in the Sun.

My 1999 6.5L ran fine until I learned there was an 11 yr 110,000 mile warranty on the IP from GM. I had mine checked due to lots of soot and they replaced it due to codes ti tripped. It didn't take long until the PMD started going. Pooring water on the thing makes it fire right up. I bought a replacement PMD and a piece of heat sink material, but never had to install it after buying it. It hasn't failed to start and run since. It used to take me to work. By afternoon it wouldn't start to take me home. I always kept a bottle of water in the cab. Tepid water was all it needed--half a bottle.

[mechanic17]

Here's what I ended up with, for those interested. 1992 International 4000 ambulance body with a all-mechanical DTA360/Allison 545. Same combo as in a lot of Bluebird schoolbuses. Bought in Miami, rust free 110,000 miles.

Only got a disappointing 10 mpg on the 1500 mile ride home, but they were trouble-free. Runs great! Never saw temps over 180 for water or tranny. Oh, has 4-wheel disc brakes too!

I'm doing the PMs on it now. So far found 6 filters to change: two oil, two fuel, one coolant, one external tranny. The air has life left yet, and I'll get to the in-pan tranny filter when I can afford the 4 gallons of fluid.

Anyone think it's worthwhile to go synthetic oil and/or tranny with this beast? (I used Delo 15w/40 already). I'm new to diesel so any advice appreciated.

[vin63]

Originally Posted by mechanic17

Here's what I ended up with, for those interested. 1992 International 4000 ambulance body with a all-mechanical DTA360/Allison 545. Same combo as in a lot of Bluebird schoolbuses. Bought in Miami, rust free 110,000 miles.

Only got a disappointing 10 mpg on the 1500 mile ride home, but they were trouble-free. Runs great! Never saw temps over 180 for water or tranny. Oh, has 4-wheel disc brakes too!

I'm doing the PMs on it now. So far found 6 filters to change: two oil, two fuel, one coolant, one external tranny. The air has life left yet, and I'll get to the in-pan tranny filter when I can afford the 4 gallons of fluid.

Anyone think it's worthwhile to go synthetic oil and/or tranny with this beast? (I used Delo 15w/40 already). I'm new to diesel so any advice appreciated.

That's pretty cool! Congrats! That fuel mileage has a lot to do with the weight. I use Baldwin filters for my diesels, and I'm an oil-is-oil person, so the Delo is a fine choice, but I do use a TES 395-rated fluid in my Allisons.

[455Grandville]

Originally Posted by mechanic17

Here's what I ended up with, for those interested. 1992 International 4000 ambulance body with a all-mechanical DTA360/Allison 545. Same combo as in a lot of Bluebird schoolbuses. Bought in Miami, rust free 110,000 miles.

Only got a disappointing 10 mpg on the 1500 mile ride home, but they were trouble-free. Runs great! Never saw temps over 180 for water or tranny. Oh, has 4-wheel disc brakes too!

I'm doing the PMs on it now. So far found 6 filters to change: two oil, two fuel, one coolant, one external tranny. The air has life left yet, and I'll get to the in-pan tranny filter when I can afford the 4 gallons of fluid.

Anyone think it's worthwhile to go synthetic oil and/or tranny with this beast? (I used Delo 15w/40 already). I'm new to diesel so any advice appreciated.

The 7.3s in those chassis usually do much better then the Dt466s , I would have thought the Dt360 would have done a little better, but it's a good little engine that should go many miles.