International DTA 360

[Ncostello]

I'm going to look at a used ambulance tomorrow with a DTA 360 diesel engine. Its in a 4700LP chassis. I tried to find some info on the net but couldn't really get any. Is this a 6cyl inline turbo engine... and is it any good like the DT 466? Just curious as they didn't offer it later on. This truck is a 1991.



I'm not sure but didn't the T444E (Powerstroke) replace this engine?

 

[Gonzo 1066]

The DTA 360 is of the same arcetecture as the dt 466. Uses the same rods, oil cooler and pump, If you were to put the two engines side by side you would have to measure the legnth to tell the diffrence. The 360 is a couple of inches shorter than the 466 engine. The reason the 360 was dropped is because of lack of manufacturing capacity=huge demand for the 466 and 530 engines. The V-8 444 is not in the same class as the I6 360 by any stretch of logic. The 360t is a true medium duty truck engine that has also seen many agricultural and industrial applications.

 

[Ncostello]

Sounds like it must be a decent engine then. The truck is for our volunteer fire department. Its at a reputable dealership and was traded in with 55,000 miles on it. I've seen many similar units for sale with close to 200,000 miles. We'd be lucky to put 3000 per year on it. So it should last us a long time.



At least the 1991 body of the International was sold until recently. So the truck looks like a late model even though its a 1991. Some of our guys are not fully supportive of getting a 13 year old truck but its in great condition and the price is right.

 

[MLee]

DT360

Back then that engine was rated at 160 hp 400 LLB. in a 26,000 gvw truck- tractor pulling trailers. mileage i got was about 9. 0. we had 5 speed trans, and they were cut back to company specs. of 23-2500 RMS to save the engines. they are tough engines, many times i seen guys cold start them and throttle them to the Governor. never seen one go up in smoke. only seen a couple turbos replaced. probably because of dumb drivers. they also looked like they had a Bosh pump on them.

just my penny's worth.



Marv.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

Sounds as though your fire dept found a diamond!! 55,000 miles is not even close to being broke in!

MAKE SURE TO CHANGE THE COOLANT AND USE A GOOD (FLEETGARD) WATER FILTER! Change the coolant filter once a year. Use distilled water or a pre mix antifreeze.

These 300 series engines, 312s and 360s share a common trait with the larger 400 series engines, 407s 414s 436s 466s and 530s they are prone to sleeve erosion due to cavitation.

I have seen these engines with 10 to 12,000 hours with little or no erosion on the sleeves. They had been properly maintained. And have seen them with as few as 3500 hours with a hole in a sleeve and water in the pan forcing a in frame overhaul. Those many times have never had a coolant or water filter change.

Treat it well and the service life can be excellent.

 

[Ncostello]

I was warned about the antifreeze yesterday by a guy who knows all to well about DT cavitation. I drove 4 hours one way to see this truck. All in all pretty good shape for a 91 model. It had hydraulic disks... we wanted air... but they stop very good. In fact they feel more powerful than air brakes.



I looked it over good. Starts easy, runs great and will move down the road with good pep. The 185HP is at 2700 and you could tell with the Allison backing it up. It shifted very nicely through all 4 gears. Foot to the floor yeilds 75mph which felt like it was governed... since that occured also at 2700 rpm.



The rear air suspension is adjustable and rides smooth. It looked like a 4 link with airbags. No leaf springs at all. When you deliver a patient... the rear can be dropped down to make unloading easier. Worked nice. The engine however has an air brake compressor for the bags. Thats good cause I'd also want to install an air ride seat and air horns.



The oil was clean, transmission fluid looked OK and the antifreeze checked out A-OK with my Nitrate, PH, Freeze strips. It looked like it could use just a touch of additive. But a full flush, oil change and lube would be in order. The engine was very clean and had no leaks I could find.



I figure if we get it we'll drop it off at Speedway International 15 miles from us and let them go through it real good top to bottom.



Were gonna meet Saturday to discuss my photos, video and notes.



The place that has it is an apparatus dealer that sells and refurbs ambulances. Top notch place with a super big indoor building.



Thanks for the tips.

 

[F8LDOSE]

you guys think the DTA360 is as capable as a 5. 9, as far as big horsepower and durability?

 

[F8LDOSE]

you guys think the DTA360 is as capable as a 5. 9, as far as big horsepower and durability?

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I would not put the DT 360 quite on the same page with the 5. 9. The 5. 9 has seen many more applications and much higher HP ratings. As far as being a long life unit, the only advantage is that it is a wet sleeve engine so you can do a inframe rebiuld. The 5. 9 has no history of cavitation erosion, not so with the 360.



I suppose that if you took the life of the block. the 360 might be able to outlive the Cummins block. It seems the smaller wet sleeve engines have more crank and bearing problems at higher HP ratings due to block flex.

The advantage would have to go to the parent bore Cummins because that gives a stiffer crank and cylinder platform. IMHO