1993 international 4900 w/flatbed

I drove a '98 IH 4700 with the DT-466 and 6+1 tranny for a few years. When it ran it was beautiful but when the tranny and motor blew they did so in spectacular fashion. The company has had the truck for eight years and it's just a backup now but in that eight years the tranny was rebuilt multiple times.

 

Drove an 04 straight truck for awhile depends on the HP rating.
They're ok but wouldn't gross more than about 35-38,000 truck and trailer.
They crawl over hills worse than my 7.3. I drove an air brake model with a 6 speed fro two months.
Ride rough too.

 

Just find a good knowledgeable mechanic. The various combinations of parts can sometimes be tweaked to improve the power. A 93 DTA 360 in theory has a Bosch P pump and is the last year of the mechanical fuel systems. It could be rated from about 160 to 190 horsepower, 400 to 475 torque, if I understand correctly. The pump can easily double fuel output, which would incinerate the motor.

If it smokes a lot, you should check for obstructions in the exhaust, in the air intake system, leaks on the pressure side of the turbo (plumbing includes the piping and elbows and connectors for the intake air system between turbo and aftercooler), and / or wastegate malfunction ( I am pretty sure it's wastegated, but it might not be).

You should be able to up the rpm a little, which should help you get up the hills a little faster. It's NOT going to be anything but slow.

Overall, the DTA360 is the same displacement as the Cummins BTA, which is the 12v engine in the dodges before the 6.7 came out. But the Cummins B engine in that era could be found in ratings up to 230hp. Make sure you service the filters, put in some fresh fuel, add 2% Marvel Mystery Oil to the first tank or two of fuel, and check the stuff above. You might be surprised at how much better you can get it to run.

 

Do NOT add propane to this motor. Not unless you're interested in seeing chunks of the motor scattered about on the road somewhere.

If you shop around, you should be able to find a DT466, with quite a bit more power. And probably won't hurt your fuel economy at all. You'll want one older than 1994 (mechanical fuel system), with a governed speed of 2700 or higher, and in decent condition. The engine is wet liner motor, so it can, in theory, be rebuilt in-frame, though I'm not suggesting anyone try. The DT466 is a pretty decent medium duty diesel, not for over 36000 or so. Many found their way into combines and tractors and other machinery, where they tended to have a real poor life. You do NOT want an industrial or ag engine for truck duty, especially used.

 

A bit of advice to those who are purchasing a truck. Get it checked out completely by a mechanic and have a dyno done to check the HP and the blowby. Without those two things being done, you are taking a chance. The HP should be I think at least 60% of the engine rating and the blowby should be 50% less than its threshold for a rebuild.

Another bit of advice is if you are not mechanically inclined, don't get an older truck, stay within 12 or 14 years old - parts are easier to find and so are people to work on them.

 

Don't put anything but a little Marvel Mystery oil through the fuel system now and then.

Seriously, don't.

 

The biggest weak link is going to be the 4 speed allison. It has no overdrive, no torque converter lock-up, and doesn't hold up to more power. Ive seen several destroyed by heavy loads and too much power. The engine is great, wet liners, mechanical injection, last forever but they are slow in stock form. You can play with the injection pump and throw a better turbo on it but the transmission wont hold up. If it was a standard transmission you would have no problems. If you do decide to turn up the pump make sure you have an exhaust temp gauge or you will have a melted piston or two.