I mentioned earlier that we had coolant and hydraulic leaks during our middle Tennessee trip in early July. Soon after that trip, the water pump sprung a serious leak around the shaft. I found a good, American made pump on eBay for about $70. I've learned to not search for parts under Detroit Diesel Series 40. A search for International DT530 found the pump listed by a diesel shop in Louisiana. Service was great, and the pump looked good — especially after it took on its true color:
One of the seven holes takes an 8mm bolt rather than a 5mm, and the big one was stripped. It also held an exceptionally long (60mm) bolt. After some inconclusive research, I rethreaded the hole for a Helicoil and used a 45mm bolt. Seems to work fine.
With the pump back on, however, my leak was worse than ever. Not the pump, but somewhere near the bottom of the engine. I limped the bus six miles to a fiends shop — had to stop once to top water — where we could get under it. Problem was a 1-1/4" silicone hose that used to feed the air handler. It was lying beside a hydraulic hose, and the constant motion of the hydraulic system had rubbed a hole in the coolant hose. A galvanized coupling and a couple clamps fixed that. I've since bought two spring loaded clamps for that spot, but they're not yet on.
Learned in the process that I've been operating with a misunderstanding about my engine. I thought that DD had contributed something — software, at least — to the Series 40. They did not. It's merely a DT530E painted green. Wouldn't be surprised to learn that International applied the green paint. I knew that Caterpillar makes the fuel management system, but that's true for all the DT series. International and DD entered a "distribution agreement" in 1997. My engine is a '99.
Not that I'm complaining. International does not refer to this engine as "The Legend" for nothing. I could not be more pleased with a power plant for our needs. I'd like to get the fuel economy up a bit, but I have a twofold strategy for that. More later.
Our new home base is wonderful. The property includes a good well that hasn't been used in over 10 years. Since we use off-grid power, I spent a chunk on a good, DC, submersible pump from Advanced Power in Oklahoma. Excellent track record according to my research. Arrived in four days looking like this:
Got it in the hole a couple days later. Hooked it directly to my battery bank at the fuse panel to try it. We could feel it stutter a bit, but we never got water. Several hours of pulling the pump and trying stuff had no effect. That was a Saturday.
When I called the company on Monday, the man was skeptical. He was convinced that I was doing something wrong, but he said he would send a pickup tag through UPS. He did NOT agree to send a new pump until after they inspected. I was not happy. I let the dealer I'd bought through know about the issue, and he prevailed on Advance Power to ship me a pump on Wednesday. They got the pump on Friday and found the manufacturing error. One of the pump head bolts had been improperly torqued, and that allowed water into the motor. They called me to apologize. I'm supposed to get the replacement today.
This was the second major appliance I've bought recently through Sunshine Works in Tennessee. I can't imagine how we lived without our Sundanzer DCR225 refrigerator. It's marvelous. Ron Castle is the man at SW. He has a low price guarantee, and customer service is adequate. It would be outstanding if he could manage to respond to email more quickly.
I'm soon to address the leak in the hydraulic system. We found it while we were searching for the leaky coolant hose. The hydraulic cooler can pivot away from the radiator thanks to this fitting:
OF COURSE Tinypic rotated it 90 degrees left. I've never been into one of these, and I've not yet found anyone who has. It appears to use o rings, and it has a snap ring on top. I've not been willing to tear it down because I can't afford to have the bus immobile right now. Maybe later this week.
And one more thing, I've bought a toad. At least I've bought a POTENTIAL toad. It's a 1976 CJ5, and it's in almost as bad a condition as you could imagine:
Rotated again. Arrgh!
The rust was bad enough before the tree fell on it. I need a hood and a windshield frame right away. I'm ordering a new frame and seals on eBay.
Came with good fenders and a new panel for the back. It's actually in pretty good mechanical shape, but it's too early to tell if I can save the body tub. I've always wanted a CJ, and the price was right. A friend traded for it about five years ago as a project, but he's too busy to fix it. I'll take over.
Some of you know that we've had a "no toad" policy, but we've decided that we would at least like to have the option. I don't even have a hitch, but that looks like not too big an issue. This little Jeep is far from ready to be pulled anywhere.
Hopefully I can get the new bus door made soon. That's about all keeping me from painting the right side and front. I have a pile of instrument work to do, but it's mostly waiting on finish work, and it's been too humid to spray lacquer.
Hope all are well. I'd love to hear how the other projects are coming. Jack, are you gonna give us an MC9 thread on this BB?
Best to all,
Jim