DT 466 Diesel Engine Overview

DT 466 Diesel Engine Overview & Why I Think They Rock!

I found that Wikipedia is a great resource for information. For example here is a link for info on the DT466 Diesel Engine. That's what the Internet is all about..... The 'information highway' as you may have heard before is what the internet is here for. Google has a mandate to supply the best information online to answer your question. If you need diesel engine information... 9.99 out of 10 times you will find the details you are looking for. 


That's my plug for Wikipedia, I've used it many times before for basic information. But now I want to plug my own experiences and thoughts on the DT466 as I know it. 


These diesel engines were designed for the owner operator/fleet operator. They have a wet sleeve...this is the key. You can rebuild in-frame and save a ton of time and money.


If you have ever rebuilt a dry sleeve engine you will know exactly what I mean. Imagine you have a collapsed piston and you have to pull the head, oil pan and remove one of the pistons that has either scored the liner or has broken a piston ring. 


A dry sleeve design means the complete engine has to be removed, stripped down and the block sent out to the machine shop for boring and re-sleeving. You need to find a very good machine shop that knows what they're doing. 


OK pain in the butt right?


Now looking at the wet sleeve design of the DT diesel engine all you need to do is pull the head and the oil pan...replace the liner and piston kit. Done..bingo bango kick'er out... back into service!


So if you're looking for a good used truck, try as hard as you can to find one with a mechanical injected DT 466 Diesel Engine! 
My 2 cents...


Please Comment!

International Truck Engines Diagnostics Software

International Truck Engines Require Powerful Diagnostic Tools 

Modern International truck engines need a tool to interface with the software and read diagnostics to properly repair and maintain the engine. It's virtually impossible to guess and change parts successfully unless you trip over a bad wire or connection. That's the one big difference when you compare today's electronic diesel engines to older models that ran their injection systems mechanically. I can remember cracking fuel lines to check for an engine miss.

Can you imagine that....allowing raw diesel fuel to run down the engine block onto the ground or shop floor? Your looking at a huge fine if it got out to the right environmental department.
I get a lot of questions on the DT466E with no power and performance problems. I can't troubleshoot very well through email and offer general advice like checking the source first and the fuel supply system.

After that... the fuel and high pressure oil system running the injection system needs to be tested. The only way to go is to have the proper software that will help you read codes and troubleshoot the right way. Shooting in the dark isn't going to work and you'll need deep pockets.

International Truck Engines Diagnostic Software

Service Maxx

Analyzes all MaxxForce & International Truck Engines by displaying operating data with active and inactive trouble codes (DTC) . Performing diagnostic tests with the engine on or off is invaluable with the ability to capture engine snapshots while the fault is occurring.

While displaying essential data you can save multiple files to keep up to date records. Remembering what I said earlier about checking for an engine miss...now with International engine truck engine software you have the ability to perform injector disable and cutout tests.

Diamond Logic Builder

Diagnosing  the electrical system and customizing electronic parameters makes electronic troubleshooting 10 times easier. The textual and graphic formats allows an easy visual of what each circuit is doing from circuit to the next. Vehicle codes can be displayed as well along with vehicle parameters and features.

Instrument Panel Cluster

Diagnosis of the instrument panel on medium- and heavy-duty, post-1991 (pre-multiplex electrical systems), instrument panel clusters. International truck engines are designed with software to allow a more precise diagnosis without the guess work involved in tracing wires and looking for wrg. diagrams all the time.

How Solid State Relays Work

If you've ever worked on a 12 Volt starter motor you have a good idea how a mechanical electromagnet works. A similar component called a Solid State Relay (SSR) works the same way but has no moving parts. It switches electronically using a small control signal that turns on a larger load voltage or current.

Solid State Relays are known for their reliability and high duty cycles. With no moving parts solid state relays offer quiet operation and work comfortably with loads up to 25 amps. These relays can also be designed to be switched AC or DC to the load.

 It has a voltage or current sensor that reacts to an input control signal (solid state electronic switching device) that switches power to the appropriate load to the on or off position.

 This short video will show you how an SSR can be used to switch a string of lights and then a floor lamp on and off using a BS2 HomeWork Board.



Solid state relays have numerous applications such as:
• LED Ballasts
• General Illumination
• Architectural Lighting
• Stage Lighting
• Automotive Lighting
• Relay/Solenoid Drive
• Fan Control

International DT466 Videos

International DT466 Videos - Truck For Sale

334,438 ORIGINAL Miles - International DT 466 Mechanical Straight 6 Cylinder Diesel Engine




International DT466 Videos
1999 INTERNATIONAL 4900 DT466E
NAVISTAR 250 HP




International DT466 Videos

My DT466 diesel engine running.. purrrr.. :)



I hope you enjoyed these International DT466 Videos

Online Mechanic Review

Are Online Mechanic Sites Worth The Money?
Online Mechanic services are all over the internet and you want to find a reputable site that has qualified ASE technicians to answer your questions. When you take your vehicle to a repair shop and they can't figure out your problem you still get charged. There may be a discount but at today's shop rates that won't add up to much.

Find an Online Mechanic with Experience

Can You Trust an Online Mechanic To Answer Your Question Correctly?

The first thing to find out about any online mechanic is what their credentials are. They must possess an ASE Certification. (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence). ASE was created in 1972 to help consumers to find out if a mechanic was qualified and competent.

With thorough testing and certification, ASE wanted to set a standard to improve and elevate the service level offered by mechanics in all areas of  industry to all consumers throughout the country. Right now there are approximately four hundred thousand mechanics ASE certified.

Online Mechanic Experience Matters 

ASE certification requires 2 years of related experience but that in reality isn't enough when it comes to answering a wide range of technical questions. Some online mechanics may specialize in Audi cars or Ford Trucks. Most sites have hundreds of techs to choose from with a wide range of experience on all models including hybrids and even motorbikes.

NOTE: always check for the BBB (Better Business Bureau) or Verisign logo on the site you're using, this will indicate your dealing with a reputable business.

Online Mechanics are not always right so a reputable site will not charge if you're not satisfied with your answer. Some have a deposit system in place to show your intentions on paying for services rendered. This avoids anyone from asking a questions and quickly logging out without paying. Your answers can be sent to you via email or through a text message.

Personally if I was looking for answers I would pick an ASE certified online mechanic with at least 10 years experience who knows your vehicle model well. There are also several Master Mechanics online who have extra training and knowledge to help you out.

If you add up the hours you would pay to a Shop Mechanic who makes an incorrect diagnosis.... compared to paying a fraction of the cost to an Online Mechanic who answers your question correctly (saving you hundreds of dollars)....then the choice is obvious.


If this post helped you out please give it a LIKE or a TWEET  :)

Diesel Mechanic Jobs Advice

Diesel Mechanic Jobs - Is This Career Right For You? 

Diesel Mechanic Jobs

Diesel Mechanic Jobs - Choosing Your Career Path.

Looking back 35 years if I had not gone to the local apprenticeship counselor for advice my career path might have been different. Looking at Diesel Mechanic jobs was the furthest thing from my mind at that time. In high school I enjoyed metalwork class and working with my hands. The tricks I learned on the metal lathe amazed me. Making a bench vise from nothing was a huge task, cutting threads on the lathe and using a foundry to cast the vise from aluminum was addictive and rewarding.

So after high school it was off to the apprenticeship board office to inquire about becoming a Machinist. The counselor advised me that quote: "you don't want to become a machinist, you'll be standing at a drill press 8 hours a day"..."Heavy Duty Mechanics is the trade of the future". I remember those words well and took them to heart. Diesel Mechanic jobs were plentiful back in the seventies and they still are today!

I am not disrespecting the Machinist trade in any way. Working in the mine industry they were the backbone of the shop with a smelter and mill to maintain. It amazes me what they can make out of a cold roll piece of metal. Our present shop has a metal lathe so I can still get that machinist feeling once in a while :) 


Diesel Mechanic Jobs - Assessing Your Desire and Abilities

If you're seriously looking for a career as a Diesel Mechanic 

I would ask yourself these 10 Questions....

1. Do I like to work with my hands?
2. Can I handle working around grease and oil?
3. Can I handle making mistakes and be OK with that while turning it into a learning experience?
4. Is a lower wage to start with tolerable with my present lifestyle?
5. Can I work with other Mechanics & compromise when deciding on the best way to fix a problem?
6. Am I willing to re-locate to get started in this trade?
7. Will I project a positive attitude every day and not be defeated by frustration?
8. Am I willing to take on diesel mechanic jobs that challenge me?
9. Will I be respectful of my workspace and fellow work mates?
10. Will I continue to improve myself, learn more about new technology and share everything I know with new Mechanics starting out in the trade? 


If you can nod your head to most of these points I can tell you it's time to get motivated and sign up at your local technical training institute. You don't have to be a crackerjack Mechanic to make it in this profession. I look for positive attitude first, along with desire before even considering someone for a job. The technical stuff can be taught but a positive mindset is something you either acquire or have already inside you.

If you are not sure about looking into diesel mechanic jobs as a career then I would recommend clicking the link below to do an assessment on what would be the best for you. You need to be passionate about what you want, once you find your place getting out of bed every morning will always be easy :)

For Career Test and Career Counseling  > Click Here.

I have no regrets about the career choice I made. Eventually becoming a supervisor and directing a crew of mechanics in a fleet shop is challenging and rewarding at the same time. Everyday is different with new challenges around every corner always learning something new which is never boring.  If you choose to look at diesel mechanic jobs as a career I wish you the best and great success!!


Recommended Resource: Diesel Mechanic Jobs

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International Diesel Engine DT466 Fuel Rate Adjustment

International Diesel Engine  DT 466


The International Diesel Engine DT466 fuel rate adjustment is easier on this model because it has a mechanical injection pump.

How to adjust fuel rate (turn up the pump)on the popular Med Duty diesels. Roughly covers 84-92s.  

You use a 3/8 socket and 10 mm allen head socket down the top plug hole. The jam nut once loosened allows you to back off the allen head screw. It has to be adjusted counterclockwise without causing too much smoke. Go back and readjust as required to reduce exhaust smoke or adjust the starwheel as explained in this video one way or the other to control smoke from the pipe.

This International Diesel Engine is all mechanical suited for the handy mechanic who likes to work on his own equipment. There is nothing fancy about these engines which suits a lot of people in the industry. That is why this international diesel engine is so popular.

Find a new or used international diesel engine



Find a new or used international diesel engine

The Turbo Encabulator

The Mechanical background behind the Turbo Encabulator: Rockwell International decided to get into the heavy duty automatic transmission business. They were getting ready to tape their first introductory video. As a warm up, the company rep who was acting as the presenter, began what has become a legend within the training industry. In fact, he should have won an academy award for his stellar performance rattling off the non-existent mechanic terms.

Now remember to keep in mind, this is strictly off the cuff, the turbo encabulator information has not been written down. Nothing he says is actually true. He had NO script! The mechanic lingo here doesn't make sense but sounds familiar. I use as a joke the terms 'filber flange' and 'grapple grommet' when explaining a problem to catch someone off guard.

This was simply meant as a rehearsal for the camera, lighting and stage crew to check their equipment. So it's all total meaningless drivel that he made up as he goes along, right off the top of his head. The Turbo Encabulator just might work out... :)

I found 2 different mechanic terms 'entabulator' and 'encabulator' since the latter was found more frequently online I stuck with that one. Not that it's crucial to be exact with the term :)

Note: Thanks to newsletter subscriber Tristan for sending me the video.