Why the engine replacements?

[Gregory OConnor]

Phil, I just bought a 94pt40 last month and started looking two
months prior. I too found it unusual that low mile birds had new
engines. I have several dump trucks with over 400,000 and drive them
hard off road and they have the orig powerplants. The 3208 Cats are
not a sleve cylinder engine and an inframe is not possible but with
such low miles I dont think they ever get worn out. I think
operators are over tacking the Cats or lugging them and burning them
up. The 4 and 5 allison gives less room for mistakes then a 10 speed
manual shift. I have a 8v92 detroit and let me tell you that I have
alot to learn as I try to keep the r's up and the temp down. I look
at the gauges and once in a while I look at the road. It is hard to
climb a hill and keep the trans from down shifting to a lug with only
5 speeds to use. I think the detroits were just driven wrong. Cant
go wrong if you get a bird from Miller coach works or Randy Dupree,
wish I did.

Greg O'Connor
94pt40 CAlifornia

When I drive --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Christina
Corpus" wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> This is Christina's hubby, Phil. She's shared your answers to her
> previous posts/questions with me while I was on the road. Everyone
> has been very helpful. Thank you.
>
> In way of introduction, I am a carhauler--I drive one of those rigs
> you see hauling 9-10 new cars to dealerships. Prior to that I was
in
> the towing/heavy equipment transport business, and prior to that, I
> owned an auto repair business. Can you guess what my duties will be
> when we find our 'bird?
>
> Which brings me to my question.
>
> While reading the Bluebird 'for sale' listings on various websites,
I
> noticed a good percentage of the listings noted, "coach has 120,000
> miles, engine has 20,000 miles" or, "low miles on 'new' motor",
> etc.,etc. What struck me was the relatively low mileage on the
motors
> being replaced.
>
> Keep in mind I've been driving diesel rigs for several years and
it's
> routine to run them 500,000 miles before any major repairs, if any,
> are performed, and then it will probably be an in frame overhaul.
I've
> also driven medium duty trucks with gas engines that ran 200-300,000
> miles before anything major.
>
> So, my question for you veteran Bluebird owners--why do I see
comments
> about motors being replaced in coaches that the seller is claiming
has
> relatively low miles (less that 125,000)?
>
> I'm making some assumptions here--tell me if I'm right or wrong, or
> somewhere in between:
>
> 1. Someone got sold a bill of goods.
>
> 2. Lack of use (5000 miles per year for 15-20 years). Engine
gaskets
> and seals blowing out.
>
> 3. Something regarding the durability of diesel motors primarily
used
> in the Bluebird.
>
> 4. Lack of proper maintenance of the lubrication and/or cooling
> systems, causing premature wear or overheating.
>
> 5. Original motor was underpowered and the replacement was an
upgrade
> to more horsepower.
>
> There may be more assumptions to be made, but these are the first
> that come to mind.
>
> All comments are welcome.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Phil