New to Bluebird

[Don Bradner]

As another 8V92 owner I agree generally with what you say. My comments, though,
would be somewhat more positive. The air compressor hose failure issue is a
definite reality, and I did not rest easy until I had them changed. The point,
though, is that I had them changed. While it is true that many diesel mechanics
do not know much about 2-strokes, there remain many who do. Inquiries in the
forums can usually turn up a good recommendation in any extended area. I've used
several, including 8V92 Wanderlodge owner Clyde Schumann at Seguin Diesel in
Texas.

The series 60 is a great engine, but so is the 8V92. Detroit didn't stop making
the 2-strokes because they wanted to - they simply had to because there was no
way to bring them into compliance with changing emission rules.

I know there are some 8V92 owners who get 6MPG, but mine at 5.3 is more typical.

Don Bradner
90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1

On 12/28/2010 at 1:11 PM Dan wrote:

>I have an 8v92 in a Bluebird. Unfortunately it is an obsolete engine.
>There are less and less mechanics who are familiar with them. It is a 2
>stroke engine that uses rubber o rings on the cylinders and over time the
>o rings will fail and an engine rebuild is required. An inframe 8v92
>rebuild can cost 20K plus. It uses an engine driven air compressor which
>is cooled by engine coolant delivered by two hoses. Over time the hoses
>can become brittle and if not replaced can fail requiring again an engine
>rebuild...20K plus. Bluebird later went to a Series 60 engine which is a
>current production engine and familiar to most Detroit mechanics. The
>8v92 requires straight 40 weight oil. Some owners do not know this and
>use a multigrade oil. Detroit specifically warns agains using multigrade
>in the 8v92 unless it is in extremely cold weather and even then for only
>a short period of time. I may catch some flak for 8v92 loyalists but I
>believe everything I said is true.
>Dan
>88PT38
>Jackson, MS
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: lajollacricket
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, December 27, 2010 11:19 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] New to Bluebird
>
>
>
> I currently have Hawkins that is powered by a 3208T, but am considering
>a different coach. I've narrowed my search to tow brands, Bluebird and
>Foretravel. Today, I looked at a 1995, 40' BB powered by a 8V92. The coach
>could be had for approximately $70,000. As I am not familiar with Detroit,
>how reliable is this engine? Any things that I need to be on the lookout
>for on Bluebirds? What kind of mileage would be expected from such a
>coach? The dealer told me 8 1/2 to 10, , but I find that hard to believe.
>My Hawkins gets 8mpg towing or solo. Some of the things I found very nice
>in the BB, were 1) Roof mounted generator. 2) Exhaust on top of coach. 3)
>The rock solid feeling the coach has while walking around in it. Thanks
>for all advise.