detroit 6-71

[Crazypaul]

Ok just bought a 1948 gm pd 3751 and had it towed to the house 70mi from its point of origin. reason i had it towed one did not want to damage the engine because it went under during ike and i drained about 5 gal of water from her, frozen brake vave,ect. looking to start resto. but wanted to hear the engine run before investing more money in it. the previous owner stated the 6-71 had less than 100,000 when parked,my question is does anyone have a service manual on pdf i could have to figure out how to,where at, and whats what, to take mesures to insure a clean start up. your input would be greatly appreciated

[Boomer]

Don't try to turn that engine over without removing the injectors.  The cylinders are likely full of water and you could bend a rod.  Good luck trying to rehab a 66 year old bus that has been under water.  Rear end and trans will also be full of water.  I would pass on that one.  They are hard enough to bring back when they have been setting in the dry.  JMO

[luvrbus]

I doubt he even gets to turn Boomer no matter what he does setting for 5 years full of water along the coast of Tx there were 100's of DD for sale I bought a couple and they had to be rebuilt

Evan is he gets it started it will be short lived he has work ahead of him but you have to give him credit for a undertaking of a project of such magnitude kinda reminds me of a friend who bought a old GM here in the desert lol

[Len Silva]

I would not waste my time on that engine unless you are going to do a major on it.  Good used left turners are getting rare but they are out there.
The trans and axle should, at the very least, be opened up and thoroughly cleaned.  Since it was towed, they have likely suffered some bearing damage.

I love the 3751 and I wish you all the luck in the world, but don't underestimate the size of the project.  And, that's before you even think about the conversion part of it.  In my opinion, a flood job is worse than a fire.

[gus]

The 3751 is probably my favorite bus and if I were 40 yrs younger I might tackle your job.

However, unless you're doing this for fun without concern for $$ you will be many dollars ahead to find a decent one that has been converted and be able to enjoy it for awhile. After that you can decide what you don't like and change it. You will never know for sure until you have used it for a while.

I agree with all others, that engine will soon fail, probably out in the boonies far from home!

[Crazypaul]

Thanks everyone for your comments, im head strong enough to handle the project but bought the bus to turn for a few bucks to buy a 4104 that runs and drives. Im ready to downsize and hit the road  with the fam .glad I found this fourm im crazy for coach's.

[buswarrior]

Dry it out, get it to run, sell to someone who wants to restore it, or needs it as parts.

That makes it more valuable than when you bought it, provided you paid the right price.

Ruthlessly, as little money and time into it as possible to get a small boost in value.

Your conscience will guide you as to the rest.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[TomC]

Since you're wanting to hit the road with the family-look at the GMC 4107 or 4109. 35ft buffalo with the extra height you'll have tremendous under storage for all the kiddies and your toys including bikes.  Good Luck, TomC