Why the rebuilds?

[Pete Masterson]

The million mile life span is more generally related to the chassis
rather than the engine. Most big diesel engines may need a rebuild
(or partial rebuild) at around 500,000 miles.

The primary reason that so many motorhome engines need a premature
rebuild is due to overheating. In part, the transmissions used with
coaches (often 5 or 6 speed automatic) do not allow the flexibility
to set up a hill climb at the optimum engine RPM as with a truck
with 12 or more gears (and no ATF to cool). A secondary reason is
that motorhome drivers are often less aware of the maintenance issues
necessary to ensure adequate cooling. The rear engine coaches, in
particular, have a tendency for the radiator to become clogged with
oily dirt. Annual cleaning is essential -- but often overlooked. It
doesn't take much to cook an engine -- and most big diesels do not
handle overheating very well.

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
El Sobrante CA
aeonix1@...



On Sep 3, 2007, at 9:14 AM, bingomaster05 wrote:

> I am new to your forum, and plan on purchasing a Wanderlodge within
> the
> next two years. I feel that a used "Bird" is better than most new
> coaches on the market. But here is the question: If a diesel
> engine is
> capable of up to a million miles, why do so many units I have found
> listed for sale have rebuilt engines? Most of these units have just
> slightly over 100,000 miles. Is this mainly due to being poorly
> maintained and general neglect, or the fact that they sit for extended
> periods of time. I see units with about 100,000 miles and think they
> are hardly broken in, yet they may need rebuilt, it will make it
> harder
> to know what to choose. Thanks alot..this is a great site.
>
> Dan Thomas
> PT 40 (soon)
> Central PA



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