6V92TA Update..

[Glenn MC9]

I want to update everyone about the 6V92TA engine that I've been in search of for the last several months. As you remember, I needed an engine for a 1984 MC-9. After numerous phone calls and countless hours of talking to people...I've finally found one.

The engine is located fairly close to me in Atlanta, Ga. I was talking to a friend of mine that owns a charter service and he knew a guy down there with one. So after another phone call and another tank of gas, I went to see it.

This engine is in a MC-102 that has been wrecked in the front (blown front tire and a pine tree). It's a Greyhound retiree with a Williams Brothers Detroit rebuilt engine and transmission. Both have approximately 175,000 miles since rebuilt and installed.

I met with another friend that is a former Williams Bothers mechanic. We looked the engine over and found it to be very clean with no visible oil leaks on the top side. We then cranked the engine and were impressed. It cranked right up with very good oil pressure and very little smoke. After letting it run until it warmed up, we found no "blow-by" from the air box.

So, I guess I've found me an engine and will try to get it installed in the next week or so.

But before the installation, I plan on pulling the oil pan and put a set of bearings in it. I figure that will be cheap insurance! Also, new thermostats will be installed. Another thing I plan on doing will be to install new U-joints while they'll be easy to get to.

Also, I removed the alternator from the old engine and had new bearings installed and had it checked out. This was at a cost of $450.00. I found that around here, a new rebuilt cost around $950.00...if you have a good core!

As far as my old engine...it's history. The aluminum that got in the oil after the blower went out went everywhere. We pulled the oil pan and found we had spun a bearing and ruined the crank. So now I've got myself a big old boat anchor with a few spare parts on it.

So, this is where I'm at today with the engine deal. I don't claim to be a Detroit mechanic...but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last week. 

Glenn
1984 MC-9
Tallulah Falls, Ga.

[grantgoold]

When you are said and done, it would be nice to have your price and labor breakdown so the rest of us with MCI9s can start to save for the day when we sit in the same boat!

Thanks

Grant
1984 9

[TomC]

Glenn- while you're at it, I would suggest removing the injectors and have them pop tested.  Weak springs, or worn tips will make for worse fuel mileage.  Then have the rack adjusted by an expert.  Does it have or are installing a Jake brake?  Even though you are in Ga, you'll probably come out west where big mountainous passes are.  Highly recommend the jake.  Good Luck, TomC

[Glenn MC9]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the replies. Below is what transpired today.

I went down today around 12 PM to check with the guy we bought the engine from. He said he'd have it out in a few hours. Sure enough, he called at 4:30 and said it was out. I'll be going down tomorrow and pick it up. I was able to get the engine and him pulling it out for $4,000.00.

While I was in Atlanta, I picked up the alternator from Southern Auto Electric. They're located on Moreland Ave. The guy I dealt with was named Mike. I was afraid not to have it checked out since the engine oil that had the aluminum in it circulates through the alternator. Turns out the rotor had several cracks in it. So it had to be replaced along with new bearings. Those two items were the most expensive. The rotor cost $175.00 and the bearings cost $98.90. The rebuild charges were $85.00. There were several smaller items, ("O" rings, washers, diode insulators, etc) what I call "nickel & dime" items, pushed the total cost to $466.68. I don't guess that was a bad price since a new one list for $2,200.00 and a new rebuild list for $1,300.00.

After that stop, I went on to W.W. Williams Detroit to get some more prices on stuff. They too are located on Moreland Ave. The guy that is the "two stroke" guru there is named Robert Gardner. I asked him if it was his engine what he would do before installing it. This was his suggestions:
* Motor Mounts
* Rod Bearings
* Main Bearings
* Front Seal
* Rear Seal
* Oil Pan Gasket
* 170 Degree Thermostats
* Oil Pressure Relief Valves

I've got to call him in the morning to get the exact prices. He told me a "ball park" figure would be $500.00-$600.00. As I said earlier, this is cheap insurance as far as I'm concerned.

So, I'm estimating by the time I get the engine and get it in, I'll have around $5,500.00 tied up in it. This price includes oil, distilled water and new hoses. After I get it in, I'll post back as to the actual price, IF I can find the thread.

Notes:

W.W. Williams Detroit (Robert Gardner)
2849 Moreland Avenue
Conley, Ga
(404) 366-1070
(800) 545-7116

Southern Auto Electric (Mike)
3975 Moreland, Ave
Conley, Ga.
(404) 361-3283

Glenn
1984 MC-9
Tallulah Falls, Ga.     

[DrivingMissLazy]

Glenn, you can do a search by name which will bring up all your posts. Easy to find an old post that way.
Richard

[gumpy]

Sounds like you're coming out pretty well.

My alternator ended up around $1400 last year. Core was shot. Also took out the regulator. That was another $100.

A rebuilt engine will start around $10K, I think.

I guess while I was at it, I'd also replace the alarmstats and all the radiator hoses. Stats are not too expensive.
Hoses can be if you go with silicone.  I just replaced several on mine. Amazing how some of the hoses had cracked inside, after only 6 years. They were original on the Reliabilt engine. I wish I had time to replace all of them, but it got cold here and I really needed to get this job done. Will probably end up draining the system again next spring and doing that. I think I'm going to plan on replacing all hoses, thermostats and coolant every 5 years as routine preventive maintenance.

Why 170* thermostats?  I just put new ones in mine and they gave me 180* at the bus garage.