2000 Kenworth W900L

Discussion in 'Kenworth Forum' started by DaltonR121, Jul 30, 2012.

  1. DaltonR121

    DaltonR121 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 19, 2011
    Masontown, WV
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    So my dad has owned his own trucking company for 20+ years. I talked to him about the idea of becoming an owner/operator myself and he said that he thinks it's a good idea and is giving me a truck and trailer.

    The truck is a 2000 Kenworth W900L that has sat for probably 3 years. I haven't looked over it very well just yet. I'm about to go up today to go through it a little and see what I can find out. I was hoping someone could help me throw out things to be sure get checked. My dad said before we even start it, he wants to be sure to lube the turbo. He said he had a truck that sat around for a few years like that, started it, and the turbo went out the next day. Put a new turbo in it and it did it again so he doesn't want that to happen. I figure the air bags probably don't look good. I want to knock every brake drum off and look at the shoes and drums thoroughly. Check the slacks. I know it needs new batteries. I also remember noticing the last time I saw this truck that the elbow looking pieces that are attached to the fuel fairings and the back of the cab are rusted to hell and surely need replaced. Where could I find something like this? I'm going to have to go and check it out a little bit before I post more but what would you personally check over to ensure that you do it right?
     
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  3. TheRoadWarrior

    TheRoadWarrior rocking-n-rollin again

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    First how many miles on it. Has it had an overhead or bottom end done to it. If its sat for a long time pull the injectors and check them, check the turbo, drain the oil out and coolant, check for any leaks if it does start and check exhaust for leaks under the cab. look at the air bags for cracks both on the frame and cab, check out the frame and front end. check the air regulator and tanks, im sure ill think of more but once ya get it up and running take it for a dot inspection and for a good service if you have the money at a KW dealer. That can get pricey.

    Now if your going to do that and run the west coast like california your going to have to make it CARB legal soon. Thats a $10,000 retrofit for the clean air act. Make sure you have enough money in a reserve account just incase something breaks (and it will). $10,000 is a good start but more if ya have it. Good Luck
     
  4. FLATBED

    FLATBED Road Train Member

    As per above info , change ALL THE FLUIDS , air bags might be ok depending on the condition before the truck was parked , be sure and check for any sign of RODENTS that might have been living inside the truck no need to get SICK.


    Batteries will be a given for replacement as well as clean all the connections at starter , alternator.
     
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  5. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    i wouldn't say 10g is a good start anymore. i spent 15 in the last 3 months. the truck is BROKE now. and now it's getting a rebuilt turbo.

    course, half of that went into a electrical problem with the ecm before someone finally found the short. FOR FREE. took an engine wash which killed the engine to find the problem.

    you don't really need to pull the drums. you can pretty much get a good visiual by crawling underneath. but a dot inspection would be a good place to start. that will tell you what you need to make it road worthy without being put out of service should you get inspected.

    it's basically just look EVERYTHING over with a sharp eye. right down to the shock bushings.

    once you get the engine running. check the breather hose that hangs on whatever side of the engine for any blowby. engine needs to be fully warmed up though. cuz you don't see much when it's cold. a blowby visual will tell you what the dyno will tell you. worn out rings. but a dyno would be a good test anyways so you know the actual horsepower and condition of the engine.

    an oil analysis would be a good check also. BEFORE you get it changed.

    if the turbo goes. you can get it rebuilt. cheaper then buying a new one.

    what's the reason the truck was parked for 3 years to begin with????
     
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  6. 1958Pete

    1958Pete Light Load Member

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    Sep 12, 2011
    Jonesville, Louisiana
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    Congrats !

    Like folks have already said, get a Full Service, DOT Inspection, Complete Oil Samples, and a Dyno. You'll know where you are at by then and you will know what needs repaired and/or replaced for your tractor and/or trailer to be road worthy.

    Good luck !
     
  7. jbatmick

    jbatmick Road Train Member

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    hastings, Fl
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    Check the windshield wipers before you need them. After you get it started, set the air compressor governor up a little higher than normal for a little while, that will make any marginal air lines go ahead and blow. Turn the heater on, see if core leaks, check heater hose.Clutch could be froze up. Make sure you have an emergency way of shutting down engine if it runs away from a stuck fuel system. Open air intake system, no birds nest inside. Check for water in fuel tanks, might want to drain a little off the bottom.
     
  8. DaltonR121

    DaltonR121 Bobtail Member

    43
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    Mar 19, 2011
    Masontown, WV
    0
    Well fuel plays a role as well as the company he mainly hauls for, a guy that got to be kind of high up's brother started a trucking company and is cutting the bids really bad. He ended up taking that truck off the road and he won't work for nothing. If he can't make money on something, he isn't going to put money into fuel and paying the driver and not have at least 50% to show after. He'd rather the truck sit than just pay the fuel and driver.
     
  9. FLATBED

    FLATBED Road Train Member

    50% profit margin , :biggrin_2554: guess I better start parking some trucks.
     
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  10. TheRoadWarrior

    TheRoadWarrior rocking-n-rollin again

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    Flat i tried that... It didnt work..LOL
     
  11. FLATBED

    FLATBED Road Train Member

    Guess I will have to settle with my current profit margin
     
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