PT 40 vs PT 36 and...DDEC vs Mechanical DD

[Tom Warner]

In my neck of the woods there are very few that want to work on
motorhomes. That means I either do it myself or travel a considerable
distance to get the work done. And just for the record I am not
talking about finding a mechanic (some call them wrenches), but
someone or a business that can work on anything in the coach from the
engine and transmission to the electronics. Thats a little harder to find.
Since I am capable of doing the work and enjoy it, I have bought all
of the tools needed to work on any part of my 1982 FC35. It has a Cat
3208NA engine which is entirely mechanical. I have purchased all of
the factory manuals for the engine and transmission although I would
not do an engine or transmission overhaul. The information in the
manuals help me to do the preventative maintenance on them the
correct way. I just completed a complete rebuild of my generator
control box and without the proper tools it would have been a lot
more difficult.

If I were to buy a PT/36/38/40 then I would approach it in the same
way and stick to the mechanical engine and transmission. They are
both robust and will go almost indefinetly if you treat them right.

If I were to have someone in my locality that II trusted to work on a
Detroit engine and Allison transmission ( and I do) that might change things.

I think you have to look at your individual mechanical skills and
whether you enjoy working on your coach and then make the decision
that suits you.

Tom Warner
1982 FC35
Vernon Center,NY



At 01:34 PM 11/4/2005, you wrote:
>Rainy day question here in Northern Minnesota.
>
>1) Where in the floorplan layout do you notice the difference between
>the PT 36 and PT 40. Ie; where has the four feet been removed and how
>significant is it in a daily living impact.
>
>Is a 6V92 with a PT 36 a better first coach...or is it better to look
>for a PT 40 with an 8V92?
>
>2) After reading the post Tom linked this AM the mechanical DD's
>appear more simple to take care of? If the most maintenance I would do
>might be fluid changes...is the DDEC and DDEC II preferable...or again
>is the mechanical version more reliable and predictable.
>
>Curious mind want to know...TIA...Tom Rootness in Northern Minnesota
>
>P.S. Some nice '85-'86 PT's for sale at ever decreasing prices...TMR
>
>
>
>
>
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