engine life?

Okay, lets do this..
What engine is the cheapest to buy parts for, overall? I assume that it will go something like this; Mercedies, Cat, Volvo, Cummins, Detroit......

That was a good question that I hadn't thought of but very important in the selection process for a truck.

SheepDog

 

Detroit,Cummins,Cat

Mercedes isn't even on the radar.

I could be wrong but that's at least from the prices i have seen.

 

my inframe was $6800 plus tax. ser 60 det mfg in 95' though I added other things to be done while truck was in shop that brought the price up. other things I did not add. every one has a choice. some things you will need. some things are optional. you dont know until you get into the engine , what the min you will need. for me. I did not put new injectors,mine were 2 years old. I kept my cam. it showed no wear. still original turbo, gear train e.t.c. I had a new oil cooler, & had to get a used manifold, as mine was a lil warped. some will put in air to air, head work or replacememt, & so much more when doing inframe. so cost's will vary. the price depends also on who does the work & their rates.

 

I would say that order is about right. I know this will probably bite at those who like Cat engines, but statistically, they cost more over the life cycle than Detroit or Cummins. Cats are good engines, but if you want to hear that tune, you have to pay the piper. Of course, their will be individuals that will be able to dispute this in their own world view. But the law of averages says that Cats will be higher to operate than the other two. Detroits are so easy to get parts for and repair, at least the up thru DDEC 4. The Cummins N-14 has a track record that the ISX is going to have a tough time ever beating.

 

As for the cost of an overhaul, I just did a full inframe on a 3406B for $4800. New pistons, liners, rings, bearings, lifter clips, cat reman head, full gaskets and orings as well as new air to air boots and clamps. Did the work myself over a 3 day weekend and it is now back on the road for the 3rd day.

 

Hat's off to you. I wish I had the knowledge to do that.

 

I know I have the knowledge but the tools is a different story. Me though I am pick about motors. I personally would never do a rebuild without getting the motor balanced. Thats just me and its not a need its more of a want. I just know how much smoother a motor is when thats done and I would imagine with so much less vibration things last longer.

 

detroit is the heapest parts wise i think but accordign to the teacher at my school that was before they went egr

 

I wish to thank all that have answered my question.
Blacksmith, you are a driver after my own heart. I have always done all the work that can be done on all my vehicles in the past. I see no reason why I would not work on my future truck, ofcourse tools, garage and what not are more bigger and expensive but I will do what I can. I commend you on rebuilding your own motor.

SheepDog

 

It took you THAT long? just mess'in with ya.