Time for a new engine?

[Alan-MCI5A]

MCI just advised me I have either a bad head or head gasket on my 6V92.  Waiting for call from a shop in Pico Rivera that does engine work for MCI to see if they will will do it and how much.  We love our MCI 5A and wonder if it might be time for a 4 stroke engine and a 6+ speed auto transmission.  Any suggestions on where to go in the Los Angeles area?

Thank you,
Alan

[luvrbus]

Not if need you only need a head or gasket you will soak 25,000 + plus going to a electronic engine and the Allison unless you can do the work and buy a complete bus at a bargain for all the parts needed YMMD, probably a $ 3500 bill if you need a different head

[lostagain]

Clifford beat me to it and said basically the same thing.

A lot easier and cheaper to fix your 6V92.

Swapping for a 4 stroke would involve a lot of work and be very expensive. There is not a lot of space in the back of a 5 for anything else than a 8V71 or 8V92 with the 4 speed manual, or 6V71 or 6V92 with HT740 Allison. Anything is possible if you enjoy wrenching and fabricating yourself and have a big budget, but looking for a bus with the power train of your choice would be cheaper and much easier. For example, a 102D3 with S60 can be had quite reasonably now for a busnut.

JC

[bevans6]

I did some serious measuring and thinking when I was considering my engine options in my 5C.  I found that I could fit a S50 Detroit into the space vertically, and length was not that different that a 8V71.  Depending on what transmission you have, you might think of that option.  I decided not to go that route, reasons include having to also get an automatic trans (I have a Spicer), going to full electronic control, having to build a whole new engine cradle.  I figured the cost in around $15K to $20K, with me doing a lot of the work.

Brian

[luvrbus]

The biggest problem you have doing a 4 stroke on a 5 is the drop box there are not a lot of different ratios for that setup same with a Eagle it's tough and very pricey as the series 50 and the 6 speed Allison prefer a 4:30 to 4:56 gear 

A Allison dealer will not program a electronic transmission unless they have been certified for the application, there are a lot of people on the shady side that will lol but not a dealer   

good luck

[Alan-MCI5A]

Thank you all for your comments.  I will wait to hear back from MCI and hopefully the guy will want to take on the job.  If not, will search for another shop.  The new engine and trans sounds wonderful, but doubt it makes sense in the 5A.

[John316]

Thank you all for your comments.  I will wait to hear back from MCI and hopefully the guy will want to take on the job.  If not, will search for another shop.  The new engine and trans sounds wonderful, but doubt it makes sense in the 5A.

If you can make it, it would be a short jaunt up to Bakersfield to Don's shop....

FWIW

John

[Geoff]

MCI just advised me I have either a bad head or head gasket on my 6V92.  Waiting for call from a shop in Pico Rivera that does engine work for MCI to see if they will will do it and how much.  We love our MCI 5A and wonder if it might be time for a 4 stroke engine and a 6+ speed auto transmission.  Any suggestions on where to go in the Los Angeles area?

Thank you,
Alan

First of all, I would not trust anything or any quotes given to fix your engine.  Your engine is out of date in the modern world of smog laws, and the people you are dealing with are only familiar with the latest truck engines.  It most certainly is not worth replacing your 6V92TA with a 4-stroke-- you might as well buy another bus and deal with it's problems.  I can fix your engine, I have connections in L.A.

geoff@generaldieselservice.com


Geoff

[robertglines1]

You didn't indicate how many miles you had on engine? Might be time for a inframe. Might be cost effective in long run.   The engine is coming down most of the way anyway and if antifreeze has gotten to the bearings.   Bob