Newbie wants an FC but worried about the Cat 3208 engine

[Jon]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jon" wrote:
>
> --- 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:http://tinyurl.com/376ba4