Newbie wants an FC but worried about the Cat 3208 engine

[Jon]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Keith Strehle"
wrote:
>
> Hey Dan, what part of Ohio? (My home state) I'm not a
professional
> diesel technician but... I'm sure the Cat 3208 has been used in
> trucking and heavy equipment applications for years. The
difference
> is that most heavy trucks and equipment 3208's have been maintained
> professionally. No offense guys. So my advice is to also look at
> other 3208 applications as well.
>
> Keith
> 84FC35 (Cat 3208)
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ohiofancydancer"
> wrote:
> >
> > I've been looking at early FC's on eBay, etc. What I hope to find
> is
> > a 'Bird with the Cat 3208NA and air suspension, which means 1981,
> late
> > 1980 or early 1982. I am concerned about the frequency of
> these 'Birds
> > having a new engine installed at 75K to 150K miles. Some of the
> threads
> > that I've read say that the 3208 "should" be good for 300K or
more
> > before an overhaul or replacement.
> >
> > Might most, or all, of these low mileage replacements be due to
> poor
> > maintenance? I'd really appreciate the advice of someone who has
> had
> > some experience!
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Dan Snyder - the Fancy Dancer

Well you said one thing about maintenance professionally done but I
beg to differ with you. I would think anyone with a 100,000 dollar
coach would for sure know what he had under the hood (Dog House) or
should. I myself kind of take pride in knowing what make my old
motor home tick and want to keep it up that way. Preventative
Maintenance is the key to keeping one of these 3208 up running and
running well. If you really get right down to it the old diesel
engine is a much simpler engine than a gas one. All bluebirds did
come with a factory manual and if the previous owners did not pay
attention to there procedures than they kind of deserve to have
machine balk at times and even blow up!
Fancy Dancer if you keep on looking on this board than you will kind
of figure out who is here for the ride and who is here for the
maintenance of there coaches. I kind of figure it out that if you
treat your old Wanderlodge with a little respect (No speeding or
running at top governor speeds than you will have a machine that
should last 300,000 miles). Change oil, check belts, check hoses and
check your master card for balance because of a unknown breakdowns.
Good luck on your search and if you look long enough you'll find a
jewel amongst the old stones. JipJon

Rebel Bird
At the beach:ttp://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/1942dodge/Rebel%
20Bird/?action=view¤t=bluebirdatthebeach-1.jpg
> >
>