Why the engine replacements?

[Gary Miller]

Phil,

Thanks for the nice words. Can't stretch the coach for ya. Have to
admit, if I were full-timing, the extra two closets in the 35 footer
would come in handy, though not critical. Truth be told we've never
run out of storage with three kids and two adults on long trips.

Overthinking things a bit (which I tend to do), a 35 foot coach is
about 2000 pounds heavier than a 33 on the same axles. Those are
heavy closets! (extra A/C, heavier genset, slightly larger fuel
tank, bigger jacks, etc...)

Pulling 2000 pounds more trailer or toad likely offers even more
storage than the two closets, and it's not on the axles.

Hmmmm. Just thought I'd muddy the water for you.

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

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Christina Corpus"
wrote:
> 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
> >