1988 Pete 377 w/Cummins Big Cam 4

Just took possession of this truck this afternoon. Drove it about 50 miles to get it home. Ran quite well, kind of loud with the straight pipe exhaust, but not too bad. Previous owner said he thought it needed a new clutch brake, but when he had his mechanic check, he said it was nearly new, and clutch was about 85% of new. Told me a couple of bushings were completely worn, don't remember if it was on the linkage or what, but if those were replaced the initial "grinding" when shifting into first gear would stop. So, guess I need to have that checked! Kind of disappointed, as it was supposed to be fixed before I took possession. Kind of disappointed in the "cosmetics" of the outside of the truck, where the hood meets the cab body. Couple of cracks in the fibreglass (one they fixed with a metal strap, quick fix), but guess I can fix it properly myself. Inside is in very good condition, just needs cleaned, plus all gauges work! Engine is supposed to have less than 300K on an inframe, but looks like their are a lot of oil leaks on the truck(pan gasket, etc), but maybe that is par for the course in these motors with this many miles? Have to give it a good inspection in the morning, I pulled it into my shed this afternoon. Any other things I might want to take a look at, while over and under the truck?
thanks,
Jim

Am enclosing some pictures of this truck. I have asked questions on this truck pertaining to general overall opinion of Cummins Big Cam 4 motors, to clutch brakes, overheating ect. Thanks for all the replies in my other threads!

 

Wayne,
Right now, our plans are to purchase or lease another grain trailer and haul our grain during wheat harvest. I also have fall crops(soybeans,corn, grain sorghum), so we will keep it busy at that time also. We also have a cow/calf operation, and have been looking for a cattle pot to use, as we just make too many trips with our 7'x20' gooseneck trailer!(lol) We have another Pete 377, a 1994 model, and it is a lot nicer looking truck than this one(kind of disappointed in this ones appearance). I have painted quite a few trucks, cars, trailers, etc in my lifetime, so this white one will get a paint job sometime in the future. I have some of the fibreglass panels with large cracks in them, one is visible in the picture where they had repaired it with about a 1"x4" piece of metal. I don't like the looks of that, so I will probably try my luck at putting some fibreglass material on the inside. Never messed with fibreglass before, but suppose I can do it. Any pointers would be appreciated! Like I mentioned above, the bottome of the oil pan is rather "greasy" plus on the cross members underneath. Is this normal for these Cummins to drip a little oil in places, with this many miles?(913,000).
Jim

 

I really didnt notice the fan blade until I was looking at the picture on my computer!(lol) Looks like it might have got into the radiator sometime? Maybe that is why there is a "supposedly" new radiator in it?
Jim

 

Funny that you mentioned the left front head light, as my son noticed they had a piece of "wood" stuck under it, to apparantly "take up the slack". I will have to see if I can fix it better without the wood,,,,hate to get "termites"in my truck!

 

Would I go to a Cummins place for a fan blade or a Peterbilt place? Both of these are located in Wichita, Ks, about 50 miles away. All I have near me are Napa stores.
Jim