State Your Engine Problem Areas

[Pete Masterson]

Within limits, engines of the same general horsepower with the same
approximate age will have similar fuel use and other factors in a BB WL.

The real difference is that different engines are mated to very
different coaches. An 82 FC may be a nice coach -- it will have the
3208 Cat -- but it's a very different coach than my 95 PT42 with the
DD Series 60. The 82 will also get a couple of MPG better than I
usually get -- but then my coach likely weighs 15 to 20 thousand
pounds more than an 82 FC.

The engine was a factor in my choosing the coach I purchased. I was
attracted to the DD Series 60 primarily because it is a currently
produced engine and finding qualified mechanical help should not be a
problem. Some of the older engines have been out of production for
such a long time that finding qualified (knowledgeable) help is
difficult as the "old guys" have mostly retired.

I don't know that your question is one that has any general answers.
All will be hard to work on. These are busses, not over the road
trucks that tend to have more accessible engine compartments.

All the engines are very sensitive to overheating -- I think that is
the key reason for early rebuilds. The overheating sensitivity
applies to all the engines used in BBs -- Cat, DD, and Cummins. The
two cycle DD engines (6V92, 8V92) tend to dribble oil -- and that's a
factor of their 2 cycle design. Perhaps others will know of specific
problem areas with the other engines used. I've had some heating
issues with my DD Series 60, but I had the radiator core replaced and
that has solved the problem. (I also clean it from time to time to
avoid the build-up of oily dirt that is a problem for all rear-engine
(pusher) RVs.)

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



On Sep 21, 2007, at 11:15 AM, bingomaster05 wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> I could easily ask which of the big three engines is the best, Cat.,
> Cummins or DD..but I won't. Naturally each owner will speak of the
> virtues of their particular engine. Therefore, I would like to know
> the problem areas with each engine. You as owners know what they are;
> pesky leaks, hard to work on, uses oil ect... By getting info on the
> weaknesses of each motor, helps me to decide which is really the best
> powerplant. I know that I will get a ton of response to this post,
> you guys have the best forum with the most knowledgable members. Also,
> does the MPG change with the powerplant? Thanks till next time.



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