Help with power decision

Good morning,

I am new here. I am working to have my regional trucking business operational by 2017. Through some hard work and luck, I will be able to change professions at that time. In the planning for that, I acquired a 1993 Freightliner cabover FLA double bunk very reasonably. The truck had reportedly shut off and the bull gear was suspected failed. Power is a 12.7 DDEC II and Eaton 10 speed (not super 10). The truck had a valid 2014 inspection sticker for Florida and had recently been doing regional runs, very similar to my business model. The truck is in nice shape and will fit my needs nicely.

I read alot about 12.7 Detroits and the pitfalls. Both SRS and TRS sensors were changed. I replaced the batteries due to, regardless of the motor issue, it needed them. I have confirmed the bull gear is bad, which brings me to my question?

In researching my truck initially I found the 12.7 is not what the truck came with from Freightliner. Not that it's a bad thing, but the truck originally came with a Cummins Big Cam IV. In initial pricing on parts, I found where I could buy an entire Cummins mechanical BC IV for a little more than the bull gear of the 12.7 will cost me. I also found that Detroit no longer supports DDEC II. If my DDEC II went out, I would be forced to convert to DDEC IV. What that exactly takes, I do not know. What I do know is my DDEC II specific parts on the truck will not work with the newer DDEC.

Question is: would it not be more cost effective, if only initially, to pull the 12.7 and go with a mechanical Cummins? Approach the truck like it's a glider now? Or pay more to repair the 12.7 and convert to DDEC IV or higher if the ECM goes south? I guess in my mind I cant find a clear cut answer either way. There seems to be pros and cons to either way to go. I know to repair what I have may be the smallest investment up front. However, down the road I may be boxed into upgrades

Thanks for the help in advance. The BC Cummins enjoys a loyal following, however I know preference comes down to a Ford vs Chevy argument. I am looking the opinion of the experienced small time Owner Operator. I'm not looking to be a fleet owner or other stories of El Doroado. There will be those that read this and think I'm crazy or ignorant. I understand and appreciate that, but selling the truck and doing something else is not an option. This also isn't an emergency "have to do it tomorrow" situation, so I wanted to have the discussion now.

Happy thanksgiving to all and be careful.

Friends call me Red.

 

Thanks for the replies so far. And I forgot to add some pertinent info. Was trying to cover all my thoughts at one time...

Anyway....tag in the cab if Cummins F365 BC IV. Had a 9 speed.

Now that the 3 or 4 12.7 has been mentioned......I take it you would not repair the DDEC II? Local quote for bull gear is around 2 grand +/- If it took out the head that's another 2 to 3.

I do not mind making the investment. Just wanted to sort out spending it wisely.

 

Well, some promising news. After sitting here and thinking while I wrote, I decided to go pull the valve cover and look inside. While my neighbor bared the motor over, I could see the cam still rotated. it is briefly intermittent in spots. But I do not have the damage to the front cover and all that others have described when their bull gear went. Not saying it's great but it's definitely not what I have read. Anyway. Thanks for all the replies and help. I'll start pricing my options this week to see where I'm at.

Again, Happy thanksgiving. Red.