Detroit Diesel 4-53T, first start in two and a half years

Starting a Detroit Diesel 4-53T after sitting for 2.5 years, and after installing in a 1948 Chevy 2 ton. It has an Ingersoll-Rand 150BMP air starter.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Detroit
• Diesel
• air
• starter
• 4-53T
• 1948
• Chevy
• 6400
• truck

[DrMcelroy]

Stillatruckin... Though it would be smart to always carry an extra charge of air in an air tank, you can carry a small electric cpmpressor or rig a pig nose air hose to supply ait to the starter tank from the tires. AND, chances are that anything over thirty years old with an airstarter is also going to be a standard tranny and you can always roll start the beast

[Grigg3]

The air starter takes a LOT of air, it's fed by a 1.25" line.

I don't think an electric compressor is a good backup plan, don't want the batteries required for that either.

Will have an air hose and fittings to borrow air.

Also think a 20# CO2 tank will refill the air start tanks perhaps twice.

Hillside starter is also a good backup plan.

[MegaZsolti]

im just askin, but would a 6-71 fit? :P

[Grigg3]

Would fit fine in the bed..

[454apache]

How hard was the swap? I really want to put a detroit diesel in my 1946 chevy 2.5 ton.

[Grigg3]

Depends on what you're capable of. Some folks would find it impossible, others easy. I would say it's not impossible or simple, and not all that hard if you consider every little detail separately. But then on the other hand all the details add up to a whole lot of work and keeping the whole thing straight in my head and ensuring it'll all work and fit together is challenging and fun.

Grigg

[steve25276]

rather hear a detroit than a power stroke or cummins any day

[Grigg3]

Air starter

[3Mudbone1]

@stillatrucken You can hook the glad hands from another truck with an air compressor up to it to air it up in an emergency.

[DrMcelroy]

Grigg3... Yeah, a little electric compressor isnt much but its saved us alot of trouble a time or two ( 12 vt plug ). We have an old Mack wrecker with an air starter, you just gotta love em. Also have a mid '60's FWD wrecker with a 6-71 Detroit and road grader tires all the way around it, you would like that one. And yes, it is hard to beat a gravity flow starter

[stillatrucken]

I always wanted an air start but the down side is if u got no air u have no start!

[MegaZsolti]

@AcaAllertor127 u want too much LOL

[AcaAllertor127]

@MegaZsolti how about a 12v71

[MegaZsolti]

@Grigg3 lol, i meant between the front wheels