| Author |
Message |
Hank (206.213.209.31)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 27, 2002 - 1:45 pm: | |
Does anyone have any thoughts on the power, reliability, parts availability, etc., of the Detroit 671 straight six? I saw an older GM with this setup, and am wondering how it would stand up to hauling a family of 5, gear, etc. up hills.
Also, can it be adapted with a Jake Brake.
Thanks in advance. |
John G Root Jr (Johnroot) (140.186.114.253)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 27, 2002 - 10:45 pm: | |
Hi Hank,
When I was researching which bus model I should consider I eliminated the 671 from consideration based on the info on this board. I have since discovered that Luke at 888 262 2434 is a reliable source of information about such things. You might try calling him!
John |
Don Peter (172.146.174.190)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 28, 2002 - 12:21 am: | |
John,
What in particular caused you to eliminate the 671? I have a 1953 4104 with a stock 6-71 and spicer 4 spd. Not particular fast on the hills, but other than that, just fine. Cheap to maintain and long lived. I've even bought parts for it from Luke. -- Don |
RJ Long (Rjlong) (24.127.8.58)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 28, 2002 - 2:22 am: | |
Hank -
If you're looking at a PD4104 with the 6-71 / 4-spd powertrain, consider this:
Greyhound put hundreds of thousands of miles on them, frequently fully loaded with folk upstairs and baggage downstairs, and many are still on the road today.
What does that tell you about reliability???
They're not fast, you'll have to row them along with the gearshift in the mountains, but if the cooling system is in good shape and you shift it properly to avoid lugging, they'll get you where you want to go. . . And you'll have more time to enjoy the journey, too!
Yes, Jakes can be installed on this engine, and well worth the expense if you live out here on the Left Coast. Just be sure to get the aluminum valve cover, too.
HTH,
RJ
PD4106-2784
Fresno CA |
John G Root Jr (Johnroot) (140.186.114.253)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 29, 2002 - 6:10 pm: | |
There were a number of people who told me I would be very frustrated with the performance and one 4104 I looked at the owner had put in a 6v92 because he was tired of holding up traffic. Also, although it is probably not true, four or five people told me that the availability of parts would dwindle and that there were parts that already had to be custom made. The Detroit Allison shop in Albany told me that they hadn't seen a 671 in a decade. That may have only been that particular mechanic.
By the way the oil analysis on my original 1963 8v71 with only one in frame overhaul in 40 years (unknown miles) came back normal! |
Don Peter (172.132.205.32)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 29, 2002 - 6:44 pm: | |
Detroit Diesel has stated that they expect to continue to supply parts for series 71 engines until 2050. The 6-71 is no race engine, but hauls us in our 4104 with 4000 pounds of toad down the level roads at 70 mph with no problems. 7% grades do require 2nd gear at about 28 mph.
Depends on what you want to do with your bus. For us, 250 miles is a long day so we'd rather spend our money on other things than an engine up grade. If your use is lots of long mileage days, more power might be better. -- Don |
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