DT478 Information

[Jmccal]

I picked up a 1965 DT478 this week. Looking for more information about it. Literature, etc.

[Funky61]

Unsure which manual this comes out of, as it's the only file I have.

[Ed Snyder]

Originally Posted by Jmccal

I picked up a 1965 DT478 this week. Looking for more information about it. Literature, etc.

Check out https://6066gmcguy.com/toroflow.html and https://6066gmcguy.com/Diesel.html if you haven't already.

[Jmccal]

Great information. Thank you. I’m going to see if I can fill in the chart.

[BobBray]

Very rare engine, only used in rear engine bus chassis that had Superior bodies built for a military (U.S. Army) contract. Sometime in the late 70's early 80's the remaining buses were re-engined with small Cummins V-8's I believe. Too bad you don't have the turbochargers or intake/exhaust pipes. There were marine turbocharged D478 Toroflows, but I do not believe they were stamped 'DT478'.

[Jmccal]

(Edit) I’m scouring my Master Parts book and I’m changing my opinion. They used radiator hoses in place of oil. Just need to figure out the routing for the passenger side.


From the reference picture above, it shows an oil cooled turbo, but I’ve got two loose coolant hoses on top, so I’m thinking water cooled?

[Funky61]

Old photo I took from the Jolly page but could not find it again. I Posted here to save for future reference.



Here’s one used in a boat application.

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=501413







Quote from Alanorion:

“Just an update after using the engine for 18 months in the boat. It has been

totally reliable it has not used any oil it starts first time every time with instant

excellent oil pressure. As I said before I found a local supply for parts and I now

Know of an engineer who has experience of these engines. They were used in

the mining industry for various stationary and heavy machinery use. Of course

there is no chance of over revving the engine in a marine installation as the

propeller size limits the revs in my case to 2500 revs relying on the torque of

the engine and not the BHP. In all I am delighted with the engine and its

performance”


A video on one Listed as a Cummins DT478
https://youtu.be/YZdVILqKwy4

[BobBray]

Originally Posted by Funky61

......
A video on one Listed as a Cummins DT478
https://youtu.be/YZdVILqKwy4

Funny, that engine IS a Cummins V-8. I'll bet that bus is one of the Army GMC's that did originally have a DT478. The seller probably pulled the information off a data plate that showed the engine as being a DT478.