Why the engine replacements?

[pattypape]

Phil,
I think you are on track with your # 2 & # 4 assumptions.

Neglect, lack of knowledge, and trying to save a dime on routine
maintenance.

Bill 88 FC


--- 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