Why the engine replacements?

[Gary Miller]

Hi Hank,

I'm not an expert, but it's my understanding the oil will have
contaminants in it after use. How much contaminants would likely
depend upon the type of usage during the 1200 miles. For example,
short term start-ups would not allow the engine and oil to heat up
and disperse/degrade the contaminants like a long drive would.

Oil has usage AND time limits on the change interval. I'm not sure
how long (time) you can go between changes but normally, I believe,
annual changes are recommended. To truly determine if the oil is
meeting manufacturer standards, I suppose an engineer could sample
it, determine the pH and contaminant level, compare it to a graph or
some other data, and then project out the quality of the oil over a
six month period.

I like having fresh oil when going into winter storage for several
reasons. The lack of contaminants which can degrade the oil over
time and perhaps engine components/seals, a fresh oil analysis which
allows me time over the winter to consider if repairs may be
forthcoming, fresh oil at the start of the season in spring which is
one less item to accomplish, and fresh clean oil in the engine all
winter which means the additives in the oil are all in top condition
as it rests against seals, bearings,and other components.

I would rather crank my engine with fresh oil in it than dirty oil
in it after sitting for long periods.

It may or may not make a substantial difference, but since I don't
know how long I want the engine to last, I do everything I can to
ensure it will last, for me, indefinately.

So to sum up, the way I understand it, contaminants in the oil and
pH changes are part of the breakdown process over time, not just the
thermal and viscous breakdown from usage.

While it is a bummer that you only have 1200 miles on the oil, if it
is going to sit for six months, I'd go with fresh oil. Right now,
the pH is changing and it has some contaminants.

Perhaps someone can help us elaborate as to whether starting and
using the engine once a month will provide a rejuvinating effect to
the oil?

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

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Henry Jay Hannigan"
wrote:
> ---GARY:
> You mentioned "change oil before storage." Could you expand your
> comments a bit. eg 1200 miles on oil..is it ok to put in
> storage?? where is the "change oil" miles point in your opinion
as
> I am storing my BIRD for six months or so.
> Thanks,
> HANK HANNIGAN
> 90SP36
> 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
> > >