Why the engine replacements?

[Christina Corpus]

Gary,

Thanks for your reply.


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gary Miller"
wrote:
> 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.

Kind of like the old TV ad, "Pay me now, or pay me later." Sounds
like asking a seller whether or not he has all his service records
available would be a good idea. If not, then it's 'buyer beware'
time.


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

Copy that.

>
> 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).

...and since there is more money to made...


>
> 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.

One company I worked for installed a CAT engine into one its medium
duty trucks. It was replacing a Cummins. The thing I remember about
driving that truck after the swap was how quickly the CAT engine
peaked out in each gear. You definitely had to watch the tach.


> 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.

Out here in California, we have the Grapevine heading north out of Los
Angeles. On the north side, northbound, the speed limit for trucks is
35 mph. I downshift my 78,000 pound truck into 6th gear, engage the
Jake brake, and cruise down that grade at 18 mph, never touching the
brake pedal. I am constantly amazed at all the motorhomes that pass
me going full tilt down that mountain. I mean, they are keeping up
with the cars that are going down at 75 mph. You can hear the engines
winding out tight.

> 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.

Our plan is to full time, so this is exactly our philosophy.


>
> 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.

It appears from the responses to my question from everyone that there
is no issue regarding the durability of the engines used in the
Bluebird.


>
> 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!

My wife is very impressed with your coach. I have to remind her what
our plans are and that 35 feet is the minimum we've decided on. Now
if you could figure out how to extend your unit 2-3 feet... :>)

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