Why the engine replacements?

[Gary Miller]

Phil,

Very good question. I've pondered the same thing before and would
have to agree with your assumptions #1 and #4, with #2 being a part
of #4.

I've been following the Wanderlodge forums for 4 years or so now,
and am often amazed when the topic of lubrication comes up and
people are trying to figure out the minimum they can get away with
when maintaining their engines/drivelines. Do I hafta use expensive
lubricants? Do I hafta change the oil before storage? Should I
bother with oil sampling? Should I bother with additives in the
coolant? Normally these folks become converts to proper mechanical
maintenance after the discussions, but there are folks out there who
don't partake in the forum.

How often should I check the oil? Well, if you have to ask,
probably more often than you are...

Regarding assumption #1, I saw receipts from an owner of a fresh
transmission fluid and filter change (internal and external). His
transmission had no internal filter (to my knowledge), and the spin
on filter had a date marked on it with marker over 5 years old! I
insist on keeping a friendly eye on the folks who work on my coach
(rare).

Some folks overspin their engines. This'll kill the CAT. The way I
understand it the valve springs can't keep up and it eats a valve.
These coaches were built when the national speed limit was 55 and
most were geared for about 65 max. So unless you install a new rear
end or larger tires, that's all you should do. As you know, the
governor won't slow the engine if the driver wants to point the rig
downhill and mat the pedal and some tach's are in need of
adjustments after many years. There's always the temptation to be
motoring on down the road, but hey, if there's a house on your back,
what's the hurry? You're already there.

So improper maintenance like no valve lash adjustment at the proper
interval, plus overspinning, plus perhaps marginal lubrication, and
maybe no additives in the coolant... How long can the poor engine
last?

If Grandpa hasn't driven it in five years, perhaps it should have
fresh fluids before start-up. It happens.

The engines are all very staunch, heavy duty top line units. But
they're only bulletproof with proper maintenance.

I wouldn't make the assumption that all the engines have a checkered
past though. What you are seeing is a small percentage of coaches
that have been misunderstood by their owners and are being sold.

I would look for an owner who baby's his coach, changes fluids and
keeps records, gets oil samples, and generally would rather keep his
coach than sell it. Oh wait...that's me!

Gary Miller
83 FC 33 - For Sale 'millercoachworks.com'
Milwaukee area

--- 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