detroit diesel 8v92 questions

All "old" Detroits are 2 cycle and probably illegal in Ca...
They all had 'air box drains' which did as stated, drained the air box which all old Detroits had to have being 2 cycle. What comes out of the drains (one on each side) is used by products of the normal combustion cycle, i.e., unburned 'stuff', oil, etc.
Unless 'worked' at at least 75% of it's rated HP there will be more 'stuff' coming out of the drains AND you'll also get 'slobber' (more unburned 'stuff') at exhaust joints...
The 2 piece "intake" is a mis-nomer. It has a "blower" and a Turbo 'forcing' air into the "airbox". The 2 piece is most likely an "intercooler" on top of the "blower" where the air from the turbo passes through to the air box supplying the cylinder with 'air' for combustion. Old Detroits didn't have "intake valves", but instead used 'ports' on the side of the "liner" exposed to the "air box" for its 'fresh air charge' (and to also help evacuate/scavenge the spent gases) out the exhaust (for which valves are used).
That said, definitely change ALL the filters before going anywhere. Aluminum (fuel tanks) and Diesel fuel tend to make stuff grow which WILL clog your fuel filters. It's not if, but when, so carry a spare set (maybe 2 on your runs) until you get into a 'normal' change cycle (250hrs IIRC) depending on your sources for fuel.
Air boxes have covers which require gaskets and can be used to look at cylinder walls, rings and pistons. If the rings still have visible grooves they are most likely ok.... a cylinder leak down test can be used to determine valve sealing and ring sealing (you can hear the leak) and see the percentage on the gauge, which should be no more than 20% max. between cylinders.
Definitely check the racks before initial start. They will 'run away' in a heart beat....

Not many around anymore because of EPA standards that can't be met under any circumstance which is THE why it's no longer manufactured.

 

I was just looking at Detroit's website and they still offer complete 2 strokes as well as long blocks. I get the impression that the blocks are original since its probably illegal to produce them new now due to the EPA. Sounds like they still offer a full line of oem parts as well.

 

Replacement or marine use only probably....but, that's good to know.
I know some who made a small fortune in used parts....and it wasn't Detriot...

 

Cat ! Buying their rebuild kits , they wanted the old parts back ! Why ? Guess what's in the new box...

 

Evaporation would be my guess with the time it's sat.

 

Hard to say, maybe a leak? The guy who owned my W900 prior to me left it sitting in the back corner of his property for 10 years before I got it. Amazingly enough the rad was still full and the oil level was right on the money. All 10 tires still had air in them too. I doubt he topped anything up either, he was pretty cheap. Had the tow truck wait for him to cut off 2, 12 inch long chunks of angle iron off the frame because he still wanted them lol.

 

How low? Low as in none? Or low as in it just needs a little. A little interpreted as a gallon or less.
If something is cracked (head), or leaking (seal) that's pretty simple to find.
92's, like their little sister, 53's and their bigger cousin, 149's had "Liner" seals that deteriorated pretty easily without good monitoring of coolant type...
A cracked head will most likely show on top of a piston which can be viewed through the air box. If it was very much the engine won't turn over because of 'hydrostatic lock'. Try to turn it over by hand before trying to start it or you could bend a connecting rod.... not good.

 

That's all you could see.... how much did it take to fill it?
IIRC those radiators hold a lot but the tank is 'relatively'/comparatively small... it's been years since I saw one, as in at least 15...
Is the oil level over full on the dip stick?
Here's what you're looking at:
It got hot and blew it out. Likely, but not probably. Probably has a weak radiator cap and lost water over time, but if checked when at temperature it is full since coolant expands .... quite a bit.

It's leaked into a cylinder or cylinders, again likely but not probably.

It leaked into the oil pan or was pushed into the oil cooler.... if it did either of those there will be noticeable water in the oil. Milky oil.

In 4 mos time if there is a leak it can evaporate no matter where it is depending on the amount of leak...

For 1500.00 bucks for the truck and engine (a trade in your case) I don't see how you could go wrong, BUT, finding a good mechanic for an old Detroit may prove difficult... check with the yachting people down there. Lots of yachts had them, and may still.
The 8v92 was a "hot rod" engine (of sorts) for yachts....