Combine engine Need advice

I need some advice. We have a 1680 CIH combine with the Cummins (CDC) engine. The combine has close to 5000 hrs on it. Engine is burning and now leaking about 1 1/2 gallons of oil a day. Salvage yard wants $5000 for a used engine, a local mechanic, with his own shop, will overhaul for $6000, probably be at least $7000. Don't they always find something "extra". Local CIH dealer wants $9000 for a Reman engine. They have to install in order for the warranty to be valid. Another $2500+ for installation and trucking. I am very capable of removing and installing the engine, but NOT comfortable with doing the overhaul myself. What would you do?? Salvage yard will give 30 day warranty I think, not sure about local mechanic with his own shop, I assume he would have some kind of warranty. I guess I forgot to ask.

What's it worth? Buy another with good engine and something else wrong? Just an idea. Works with cars and tractors. Lotta spare parts.

Just do it. Worst case senerio is you get totally lost and have to replace it anyway. But imagine the feeling of running this thing with the engine you did yourself?? Thats my driving force with my B

Find what uses the same engine to expand the sources, lower the cost and increases the reasons the equipment was junked.

Depending on what kind of hours is on the used engine I'd be inclined to go that route based on the numbers. I'm generally not a big fan of used engines, but if it's got decent low hours and came from that same application, and they guarantee it for 30 days then it sounds half way reasonable. It would need to be a dead, complete drop in for that money though. If you need to get into rigging stuff up to work, then I'd think you could get a damn good running DT466 for about half that money.

The local rebuild doesn't sound bad on price either. CDC aftermarket parts are getting pretty cheap now and he can probably do a pretty comprehensive rebuild for that money. The main factor there is who HE is and what kind of rep he has, etc. There's rebuilds... and then there's reman's. For that money I'd be leaning towards a reman, not some quick patch up. I think Case is steep on their reman price. They ought to install it for the 9 grand.

So... I dunno. The used engine if they back it for 30 days will probably go a long time if it makes it to 30 days. If it doesn't you're out your time and such, plus it's down at harvest. Then you're going for the 9 grand reman cause you need it in a hurry. Things to think about...

Rod

5000 hours?

That's nothing.

Stay cheap - Fix the leak, drop in some piston rings, or whatever it seems to need.

Ttp Inc (Truck & Tractor Parts)
7 Matchett Dr, Pierceton, IN 46562-9073, United States
Phone: (574) 594-5888

I don't know where you live but you might give these folks a call and see if they can help.they sell everything rebuild kits to remaned engines already run in on a dyno.

I'd have the local fella rebuild it, but none of the options is 'wrong'.

Faced that years ago on a smaller combine, turned out the engine was too far gone so got the used engine, worked out ok but actually woulda prefered the rebuilt.

--->Paul

Having much experience with that engine series, I would be surprised if most of your oil consumption was not from the leak. If you use proper lubricants and change air cleaner elements (don't blow them out) and follow a good maintanance schedule that engine should not be worn out in the hours that are on it. Don't overlook the Turbo as it can leak internally and allow the oil to go into the intake if the engine is so equipped. In applications on Case equipment I have seen these engines with nearly 10,000 hrs running fine yet. Just my thoughts, mEl

Just playing the role of devil's advocate here. If the engine has 5000 hrs. then the separator has probably about 4200 or more hours on it. I own a 1680 with a lot less hours that I would be hard pressed to get 20000 for. The condition of the rest of the combine is the question in your case. Mine has the 466 which I expect will outlast the rest of the combine.

My first instincts agree with those that say at 5000 hrs. that engine should not have any major internal problems. Fix the oil leaks and check out that turbo !
A junk yard engine may just be more junk too !

How valuable of a machine is this ? if very old it should be cheap to find another one like it so you have a parts machine.