Longevity Question

[erniecarpet@...]

Boats? i have a Detroit that was rebuilt more then half its life ag- believe
some rocket scientist mechanic left a shop rag in the air intake.
Ernie-83pt40 in montana- 300,000 miles on this rig- ready to go anywhere


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[boatsarefunus]

Why, I wonder, are there so many 10-15 year old Wanderlodges with
rebuilt relatively "low time" engines. Some less than 100k miles and
3000 hrs. Look at the used ones for sale.

I've been operating diesel engines in cruising boats for 15 years, not
like I don't know diesels, so I just want to hear it from the owner
group, what's the deal with the Detroit's. Is the Cat better, how
about the Cummins. I have been lead to believe the Detroit is a 500k
mile plus engine. What gives.

[Bob Lawrence]

In our case, the bird was advertised with a rebuilt engine with 200
miles on it. Went to see it and bought it.
Turns out the previous owner had more money than brains. He blew a
radiator hose, the bells and whistles went off on the dash and he
thought they were an indicator that it was time for service. Figured he
would schedule the service when he got home...made it 5 miles and fried
the engine.
Have the bill..shows 15k for the engine and 5k labor to put it in.
We now have 5k on the engine and runs like a top.

Bob Lawrence
84 PT36 (Whirlybird)
Tacoma, Washington
>
> Why, I wonder, are there so many 10-15 year old Wanderlodges with
> rebuilt relatively "low time" engines.
>
what's the deal with the Detroit's. Is the Cat better, how
> about the Cummins. I have been lead to believe the Detroit is a 500k
> mile plus engine. What gives.
>

[ronmarabito2002]

Can be attributed to lack of use, poor maintenance, incorrect
coolant, etc.. They should last better than they do.

R.E. (ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
Forum Moderator


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "boatsarefunus"
wrote:
>
> Why, I wonder, are there so many 10-15 year old Wanderlodges with
> rebuilt relatively "low time" engines. Some less than 100k miles
and
> 3000 hrs. Look at the used ones for sale.
>
> I've been operating diesel engines in cruising boats for 15 years,
not
> like I don't know diesels, so I just want to hear it from the
owner
> group, what's the deal with the Detroit's. Is the Cat better, how
> about the Cummins. I have been lead to believe the Detroit is a
500k
> mile plus engine. What gives.
>

[Gregory OConnor]

I think owners do dumb (thoughtful to sleeping campers) things like use
electric air compressors to pump up the brakes so they can move the
coach away from camp without warming the engine for 20- 30 min.Too cold
is just as bad as too hot.The cats are not inframe sleve cylinder
rebuildable, the inframe on the detroits are hard to do because the low
overhead clearance. Air filters and lube oil are replaced too often,
and owners fail to realize that filters are more efficient when dirty.
If an owner has a major repair, and plan to take a long trip it just
feels better to replace the entire engine. They are probably over
replaced because the value of the entire rig is so high in comparison
to a replacement.

Gregory O'Connor
warming my dumptruck up while I write this post
94pt40 8v92
Romoland, California

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "boatsarefunus"
wrote:
>
> Why, I wonder, are there so many 10-15 year old Wanderlodges with
> rebuilt relatively "low time" engines. Some less than 100k miles and
> 3000 hrs. Look at the used ones for sale.
>
> I've been operating diesel engines in cruising boats for 15 years,
not
> like I don't know diesels, so I just want to hear it from the owner
> group, what's the deal with the Detroit's. Is the Cat better, how
> about the Cummins. I have been lead to believe the Detroit is a 500k
> mile plus engine. What gives.
>

[Tom Warner]

Greg just a couple of points.

1. Air filters are not more efficient when they are dirty and as the
dirt builds up you are cutting down on the air flow thru the engine.
They are at their best when new.

2. Cat engines require regularly scheduled maintainence to be
performed just like every other engine. If you use the correct oil,
keep the correct chemically balanced coolant in the engine, dont lug
it when under load then it will outlast you. These 3208 Cats are
tough even though they are not a sleeved engine.

3. The Cat 3208 is among the most reasonable remaned engine on the
market. And these engines CAN be resleeved and it is done every day to them.

4. When you see an engine in ANY motorhome replaced at the 60-70,000
mile marker then you can be damn sure that engine was abused by not
doing the above.

Tom Warner
1982 FC35
Vernon Center,NY

At 09:39 AM 10/11/2005, you wrote:
>I think owners do dumb (thoughtful to sleeping campers) things like use
>electric air compressors to pump up the brakes so they can move the
>coach away from camp without warming the engine for 20- 30 min.Too cold
>is just as bad as too hot.The cats are not inframe sleve cylinder
>rebuildable, the inframe on the detroits are hard to do because the low
>overhead clearance. Air filters and lube oil are replaced too often,
>and owners fail to realize that filters are more efficient when dirty.
>If an owner has a major repair, and plan to take a long trip it just
>feels better to replace the entire engine. They are probably over
>replaced because the value of the entire rig is so high in comparison
>to a replacement.
>
>Gregory O'Connor
>warming my dumptruck up while I write this post
>94pt40 8v92
>Romoland, California
>
>--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "boatsarefunus"
> wrote:
> >
> > Why, I wonder, are there so many 10-15 year old Wanderlodges with
> > rebuilt relatively "low time" engines. Some less than 100k miles and
> > 3000 hrs. Look at the used ones for sale.
> >
> > I've been operating diesel engines in cruising boats for 15 years,
>not
> > like I don't know diesels, so I just want to hear it from the owner
> > group, what's the deal with the Detroit's. Is the Cat better, how
> > about the Cummins. I have been lead to believe the Detroit is a 500k
> > mile plus engine. What gives.
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>SPONSORED LINKS
><http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Wand...#43;m\
aintenance&w3=Recreational+vehicle+dealer&w4=Used+recreational+vehicles&w5=Autom\
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al
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w2=Automotive+maintenance&w3=Recreational+vehicle+dealer&w4=Used+recreational+ve\
hicles&w5=Automotive+radiators&c=5&s=136&.sig=ILeJOA1kAsLLcBTktvCNxQ>Used
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&w5=Automotive+radiators&c=5&s=136&.sig=RiaV7n-e2egqiwvlh5zQWA>Automotive
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>
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>
>
>----------

[boatsarefunus]

Tom, thank you for your insight. It has puzzled me as I scan the
forums trying to learn as much as I can about the Birds. They look
to be a maintenance handful, with all the systems, etc., but no more
so than boats of the same vintage having the same amenities. Other
than your air systems, most other things are similar.

I have seen people go through an engine way too soon through just
plain sloppy maintenance or worse yet no maintenance at all. Sure,
there are those undetected catastrophic failures, but generally, it
all points to lack of maintenance, improper maintenance, and improper
operation. I just saw too many advertised out there in cyberland,
with recent rebuilds.

When looking for one, and in my case it would be a late 80 up to 90,
the only thing you have going for you is general appearance of the
engine, transmission, generator, and over all coach. You could do a
compression check, even oil analysis, but without continual oil
analysis, a spot sample doesn't give you much to go on. I guess the
approach is to find a mechanic skilled in the engine brand in
question, to do an engine survey and someone knowledgeable in the
coach to go through the other systems. Anyhow, that's down the road,
for now I continue to watch and listen.

[Gregory OConnor]

Tom, The Cat 3208 are great engines I have one in a dumptruck with
over 500,000 miles and have had several prior. I believe you are
mistaken in the old style air filter systems are very poor. The
filters must allow for dustpacking or they would become inpassable
after one trip . The higher micron filters dustup too fast and need
to be blown out and simply removing the dirty dusty filter exposes
the intake to filth. The retrofit 'filter in a filter' is the best
system to use I only service (blowout) the outer filter when the
gauge (mass airflow) reads in the red. I have serviced this after
one day and after 4 months, it is not a time or mile thing.The inner
filter only needs changing when the color of that filter changes. Oil
filters are the same, when they get too dirty the oil will bypass. I
change oil and filter every 10,000 miles but drop 3 gallons of hot
oil at 5,000 miles and replace with fresh without a filter change.

I live in the desert and dont take a chance with the cooling system.
I keep the hot thermostat in the radiator. This is the one the MFG
recommends. why run it cooler than that? I use Cat coolant because I
lost a block to rust and was told that it would not have happened
using purple cat.

The post asked why the engines are replaced. Cat didnot design the
3208 engine to be rebuildable in place. To resleve this engine you
must put the block in a machine shop. The Detroit would work great
in a FC because it is rebuildable inframe. Remove the heads and
oilpan. disconnect the pistons and pull out the sleve piston and
rings. The detroits in the pushers have less overhead room to remove
and replace the heads and pistons. To do major work both FC and
pushers often must come out. With the time and expence to remove and
replace combined with the high value of the rig, many owners faced
with the task drop in a rebuilt powerplant.

Tom I think you are so wise to point out that Lugging the engine is a
reason for premature failure. Lugging occurs when the operator
demands and or continues to demand an engine to increase rpms and it
can not increase rpms or engine speed. That is the time you back off
the accelerator and down shift and bring the r's up to max befor
upshifting or just stay at max r's in a lower gear untill the climb
changes. Watch over reving while using a lower gear.

I am just learning to understand the allison in my lodge. When I
drive , I watch the gauges and from time to time I look up to see the
road.

Gregory O'Connor
94pt40
Romoland California
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Tom Warner
wrote:
>
> Greg just a couple of points.
>
> 1. Air filters are not more efficient when they are dirty and as
the
> dirt builds up you are cutting down on the air flow thru the
engine.
> They are at their best when new.
>
> 2. Cat engines require regularly scheduled maintainence to be
> performed just like every other engine. If you use the correct
oil,
> keep the correct chemically balanced coolant in the engine, dont
lug
> it when under load then it will outlast you. These 3208 Cats are
> tough even though they are not a sleeved engine.
>
> 3. The Cat 3208 is among the most reasonable remaned engine on the
> market. And these engines CAN be resleeved and it is done every day
to them.
>
> 4. When you see an engine in ANY motorhome replaced at the 60-
70,000
> mile marker then you can be damn sure that engine was abused by not
> doing the above.
>
> Tom Warner
> 1982 FC35
> Vernon Center,NY
>
> At 09:39 AM 10/11/2005, you wrote:
> >I think owners do dumb (thoughtful to sleeping campers) things
like use
> >electric air compressors to pump up the brakes so they can move the
> >coach away from camp without warming the engine for 20- 30 min.Too
cold
> >is just as bad as too hot.The cats are not inframe sleve cylinder
> >rebuildable, the inframe on the detroits are hard to do because
the low
> >overhead clearance. Air filters and lube oil are replaced too
often,
> >and owners fail to realize that filters are more efficient when
dirty.
> >If an owner has a major repair, and plan to take a long trip it
just
> >feels better to replace the entire engine. They are probably over
> >replaced because the value of the entire rig is so high in
comparison
> >to a replacement.
> >
> >Gregory O'Connor
> >warming my dumptruck up while I write this post
> >94pt40 8v92
> >Romoland, California
> >
> >--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "boatsarefunus"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Why, I wonder, are there so many 10-15 year old Wanderlodges
with
> > > rebuilt relatively "low time" engines. Some less than 100k
miles and
> > > 3000 hrs. Look at the used ones for sale.
> > >
> > > I've been operating diesel engines in cruising boats for 15
years,
> >not
> > > like I don't know diesels, so I just want to hear it from the
owner
> > > group, what's the deal with the Detroit's. Is the Cat better,
how
> > > about the Cummins. I have been lead to believe the Detroit is
a 500k
> > > mile plus engine. What gives.
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >SPONSORED LINKS
> ><http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
t=ms&k=Wanderlodge&w1=Wanderlodge&w2=Automotive+maintenance&w3=Recreat
ional+vehicle+dealer&w4=Used+recreational+vehicles&w5=Automotive+radia
tors&c=5&s=136&.sig=nBZ1FGfixNOUEuB2yfVDgg>Wanderlodge
> ><http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
t=ms&k=Automotive+maintenance&w1=Wanderlodge&w2=Automotive+maintenance
&w3=Recreational+vehicle+dealer&w4=Used+recreational+vehicles&w5=Autom
otive+radiators&c=5&s=136&.sig=Bte5ugbSdf1A3FPqviwLtA>Automotive
> >maintenance
> ><http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
t=ms&k=Recreational+vehicle+dealer&w1=Wanderlodge&w2=Automotive+mainte
nance&w3=Recreational+vehicle+dealer&w4=Used+recreational+vehicles&w5=
Automotive+radiators&c=5&s=136&.sig=njw5dwOHe19C9Xwfcn4Qug>Recreationa
l
> >vehicle dealer
> ><http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
t=ms&k=Used+recreational+vehicles&w1=Wanderlodge&w2=Automotive+mainten
ance&w3=Recreational+vehicle+dealer&w4=Used+recreational+vehicles&w5=A
utomotive+radiators&c=5&s=136&.sig=ILeJOA1kAsLLcBTktvCNxQ>Used
> >recreational vehicles
> ><http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
t=ms&k=Automotive+radiators&w1=Wanderlodge&w2=Automotive+maintenance&w
3=Recreational+vehicle+dealer&w4=Used+recreational+vehicles&w5=Automot
ive+radiators&c=5&s=136&.sig=RiaV7n-e2egqiwvlh5zQWA>Automotive
> >radiators
> >
> >
> >----------
> >YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
> >
> > * Visit your group
>
> "<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum>WanderlodgeForum"
on the web.
> > *
> > * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > *
> > subject=Unsubscribe>WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >
> > *
> > * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the
> > <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>Yahoo! Terms of Service.
> >
> >
> >----------
>

[Henry Jay Hannigan]

-GREG:
Enjoyed your comments about the 3208. I have a 90SP36 with 300 3208
and I also put the "purple cat coolant in even though it cost me
$16.00 a gallon. It was nice to hear your comments about the
coolant. Glad I changed it.
As for the AIR filter, I just have the BIG $125 one on the
engine...I guess it is just a R&R filter..no way to blow it out
right??? Is there another filter I should use???
Thanks for your comments.
Regards,
Hank Hannigan
90SP36
In Hawaii for now











-- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gregory OConnor"
wrote:
>
> Tom, The Cat 3208 are great engines I have one in a dumptruck with
> over 500,000 miles and have had several prior. I believe you are
> mistaken in the old style air filter systems are very poor. The
> filters must allow for dustpacking or they would become inpassable
> after one trip . The higher micron filters dustup too fast and
need
> to be blown out and simply removing the dirty dusty filter exposes
> the intake to filth. The retrofit 'filter in a filter' is the
best
> system to use I only service (blowout) the outer filter when the
> gauge (mass airflow) reads in the red. I have serviced this after
> one day and after 4 months, it is not a time or mile thing.The
inner
> filter only needs changing when the color of that filter changes.
Oil
> filters are the same, when they get too dirty the oil will
bypass. I
> change oil and filter every 10,000 miles but drop 3 gallons of hot
> oil at 5,000 miles and replace with fresh without a filter
change.
>
> I live in the desert and dont take a chance with the cooling
system.
> I keep the hot thermostat in the radiator. This is the one the
MFG
> recommends. why run it cooler than that? I use Cat coolant because
I
> lost a block to rust and was told that it would not have happened
> using purple cat.
>
> The post asked why the engines are replaced. Cat didnot design
the
> 3208 engine to be rebuildable in place. To resleve this engine you
> must put the block in a machine shop. The Detroit would work
great
> in a FC because it is rebuildable inframe. Remove the heads and
> oilpan. disconnect the pistons and pull out the sleve piston and
> rings. The detroits in the pushers have less overhead room to
remove
> and replace the heads and pistons. To do major work both FC and
> pushers often must come out. With the time and expence to remove
and
> replace combined with the high value of the rig, many owners faced
> with the task drop in a rebuilt powerplant.
>
> Tom I think you are so wise to point out that Lugging the engine
is a
> reason for premature failure. Lugging occurs when the operator
> demands and or continues to demand an engine to increase rpms and
it
> can not increase rpms or engine speed. That is the time you back
off
> the accelerator and down shift and bring the r's up to max befor
> upshifting or just stay at max r's in a lower gear untill the
climb
> changes. Watch over reving while using a lower gear.
>
> I am just learning to understand the allison in my lodge. When I
> drive , I watch the gauges and from time to time I look up to see
the
> road.
>
> Gregory O'Connor
> 94pt40
> Romoland California
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Tom Warner

> wrote:
> >
> > Greg just a couple of points.
> >
> > 1. Air filters are not more efficient when they are dirty and as
> the
> > dirt builds up you are cutting down on the air flow thru the
> engine.
> > They are at their best when new.
> >
> > 2. Cat engines require regularly scheduled maintainence to be
> > performed just like every other engine. If you use the correct
> oil,
> > keep the correct chemically balanced coolant in the engine, dont
> lug
> > it when under load then it will outlast you. These 3208 Cats are
> > tough even though they are not a sleeved engine.
> >
> > 3. The Cat 3208 is among the most reasonable remaned engine on
the
> > market. And these engines CAN be resleeved and it is done every
day
> to them.
> >
> > 4. When you see an engine in ANY motorhome replaced at the 60-
> 70,000
> > mile marker then you can be damn sure that engine was abused by
not
> > doing the above.
> >
> > Tom Warner
> > 1982 FC35
> > Vernon Center,NY
> >
> > At 09:39 AM 10/11/2005, you wrote:
> > >I think owners do dumb (thoughtful to sleeping campers) things
> like use
> > >electric air compressors to pump up the brakes so they can move
the
> > >coach away from camp without warming the engine for 20- 30
min.Too
> cold
> > >is just as bad as too hot.The cats are not inframe sleve
cylinder
> > >rebuildable, the inframe on the detroits are hard to do because
> the low
> > >overhead clearance. Air filters and lube oil are replaced too
> often,
> > >and owners fail to realize that filters are more efficient when
> dirty.
> > >If an owner has a major repair, and plan to take a long trip it
> just
> > >feels better to replace the entire engine. They are probably
over
> > >replaced because the value of the entire rig is so high in
> comparison
> > >to a replacement.
> > >
> > >Gregory O'Connor
> > >warming my dumptruck up while I write this post
> > >94pt40 8v92
> > >Romoland, California
> > >
> > >--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "boatsarefunus"
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Why, I wonder, are there so many 10-15 year old Wanderlodges
> with
> > > > rebuilt relatively "low time" engines. Some less than 100k
> miles and
> > > > 3000 hrs. Look at the used ones for sale.
> > > >
> > > > I've been operating diesel engines in cruising boats for 15
> years,
> > >not
> > > > like I don't know diesels, so I just want to hear it from
the
> owner
> > > > group, what's the deal with the Detroit's. Is the Cat
better,
> how
> > > > about the Cummins. I have been lead to believe the Detroit
is
> a 500k
> > > > mile plus engine. What gives.
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >SPONSORED LINKS
> > ><http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
>
t=ms&k=Wanderlodge&w1=Wanderlodge&w2=Automotive+maintenance&w3=Recrea
t
>
ional+vehicle+dealer&w4=Used+recreational+vehicles&w5=Automotive+radi
a
> tors&c=5&s=136&.sig=nBZ1FGfixNOUEuB2yfVDgg>Wanderlodge
> > ><http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
>
t=ms&k=Automotive+maintenance&w1=Wanderlodge&w2=Automotive+maintenanc
e
>
&w3=Recreational+vehicle+dealer&w4=Used+recreational+vehicles&w5=Auto
m
> otive+radiators&c=5&s=136&.sig=Bte5ugbSdf1A3FPqviwLtA>Automotive
> > >maintenance
> > ><http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
>
t=ms&k=Recreational+vehicle+dealer&w1=Wanderlodge&w2=Automotive+maint
e
>
nance&w3=Recreational+vehicle+dealer&w4=Used+recreational+vehicles&w5
=
>
Automotive+radiators&c=5&s=136&.sig=njw5dwOHe19C9Xwfcn4Qug>Recreation
a
> l
> > >vehicle dealer
> > ><http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
>
t=ms&k=Used+recreational+vehicles&w1=Wanderlodge&w2=Automotive+mainte
n
>
ance&w3=Recreational+vehicle+dealer&w4=Used+recreational+vehicles&w5=
A
> utomotive+radiators&c=5&s=136&.sig=ILeJOA1kAsLLcBTktvCNxQ>Used
> > >recreational vehicles
> > ><http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
>
t=ms&k=Automotive+radiators&w1=Wanderlodge&w2=Automotive+maintenance&
w
>
3=Recreational+vehicle+dealer&w4=Used+recreational+vehicles&w5=Automo
t
> ive+radiators&c=5&s=136&.sig=RiaV7n-e2egqiwvlh5zQWA>Automotive
> > >radiators
> > >
> > >
> > >----------
> > >YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
> > >
> > > * Visit your group
> >
>
> "<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum>WanderlodgeForum"
> on the web.
> > > *
> > > * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > > *
> > > > subject=Unsubscribe>WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> > >
> > > *
> > > * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the
> > > <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>Yahoo! Terms of Service.
> > >
> > >
> > >----------
> >
>

[Gregory OConnor]

Hi Hank,I bet that filter is all you need if you dont go on dirt
roads like I do with the dump truck. I will look for the name of the
filter and housing retrofit. It is not a good idea to blow out a
paper filter unless you have a insert that will protect the cat from
dust in the event you blow a hole in the filter. Your 3208 has all
the goodies like an intercooler, turbo and I bet alot of air is
needed to feed that powerplant.
Greg
California pt40

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Henry Jay Hannigan"
wrote:
>
> -GREG:
> Enjoyed your comments about the 3208. I have a 90SP36 with 300
3208
> and I also put the "purple cat coolant in even though it cost me
> $16.00 a gallon. It was nice to hear your comments about the
> coolant. Glad I changed it.
> As for the AIR filter, I just have the BIG $125 one on the
> engine...I guess it is just a R&R filter..no way to blow it out
> right??? Is there another filter I should use???
> Thanks for your comments.
> Regards,
> Hank Hannigan
> 90SP36
> In Hawaii for now
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gregory OConnor"
> wrote:
> >
> > Tom, The Cat 3208 are great engines I have one in a dumptruck
with
> > over 500,000 miles and have had several prior. I believe you
are
> > mistaken in the old style air filter systems are very poor. The
> > filters must allow for dustpacking or they would become
inpassable
> > after one trip . The higher micron filters dustup too fast and
> need
> > to be blown out and simply removing the dirty dusty filter
exposes
> > the intake to filth. The retrofit 'filter in a filter' is the
> best
> > system to use I only service (blowout) the outer filter when the
> > gauge (mass airflow) reads in the red. I have serviced this
after
> > one day and after 4 months, it is not a time or mile thing.The
> inner
> > filter only needs changing when the color of that filter changes.
> Oil
> > filters are the same, when they get too dirty the oil will
> bypass. I
> > change oil and filter every 10,000 miles but drop 3 gallons of
hot
> > oil at 5,000 miles and replace with fresh without a filter
> change.
> >
> > I live in the desert and dont take a chance with the cooling
> system.
> > I keep the hot thermostat in the radiator. This is the one the
> MFG
> > recommends. why run it cooler than that? I use Cat coolant
because
> I
> > lost a block to rust and was told that it would not have happened
> > using purple cat.
> >
> > The post asked why the engines are replaced. Cat didnot design
> the
> > 3208 engine to be rebuildable in place. To resleve this engine
you
> > must put the block in a machine shop. The Detroit would work
> great
> > in a FC because it is rebuildable inframe. Remove the heads and
> > oilpan. disconnect the pistons and pull out the sleve piston and
> > rings. The detroits in the pushers have less overhead room to
> remove
> > and replace the heads and pistons. To do major work both FC and
> > pushers often must come out. With the time and expence to remove
> and
> > replace combined with the high value of the rig, many owners
faced
> > with the task drop in a rebuilt powerplant.
> >
> > Tom I think you are so wise to point out that Lugging the engine
> is a
> > reason for premature failure. Lugging occurs when the operator
> > demands and or continues to demand an engine to increase rpms and
> it
> > can not increase rpms or engine speed. That is the time you back
> off
> > the accelerator and down shift and bring the r's up to max befor
> > upshifting or just stay at max r's in a lower gear untill the
> climb
> > changes. Watch over reving while using a lower gear.
> >
> > I am just learning to understand the allison in my lodge. When I
> > drive , I watch the gauges and from time to time I look up to see
> the
> > road.
> >
> > Gregory O'Connor
> > 94pt40
> > Romoland California
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Tom Warner
>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Greg just a couple of points.
> > >
> > > 1. Air filters are not more efficient when they are dirty and
as
> > the
> > > dirt builds up you are cutting down on the air flow thru the
> > engine.
> > > They are at their best when new.
> > >
> > > 2. Cat engines require regularly scheduled maintainence to be
> > > performed just like every other engine. If you use the correct
> > oil,
> > > keep the correct chemically balanced coolant in the engine,
dont
> > lug
> > > it when under load then it will outlast you. These 3208 Cats
are
> > > tough even though they are not a sleeved engine.
> > >
> > > 3. The Cat 3208 is among the most reasonable remaned engine on
> the
> > > market. And these engines CAN be resleeved and it is done every
> day
> > to them.
> > >
> > > 4. When you see an engine in ANY motorhome replaced at the 60-
> > 70,000
> > > mile marker then you can be damn sure that engine was abused by
> not
> > > doing the above.
> > >
> > > Tom Warner
> > > 1982 FC35
> > > Vernon Center,NY
> > >
> > > At 09:39 AM 10/11/2005, you wrote:
> > > >I think owners do dumb (thoughtful to sleeping campers) things
> > like use
> > > >electric air compressors to pump up the brakes so they can
move
> the
> > > >coach away from camp without warming the engine for 20- 30
> min.Too
> > cold
> > > >is just as bad as too hot.The cats are not inframe sleve
> cylinder
> > > >rebuildable, the inframe on the detroits are hard to do
because
> > the low
> > > >overhead clearance. Air filters and lube oil are replaced
too
> > often,
> > > >and owners fail to realize that filters are more efficient
when
> > dirty.
> > > >If an owner has a major repair, and plan to take a long trip
it
> > just
> > > >feels better to replace the entire engine. They are probably
> over
> > > >replaced because the value of the entire rig is so high in
> > comparison
> > > >to a replacement.
> > > >
> > > >Gregory O'Connor
> > > >warming my dumptruck up while I write this post
> > > >94pt40 8v92
> > > >Romoland, California
> > > >
> > > >--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "boatsarefunus"
> > > > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Why, I wonder, are there so many 10-15 year old
Wanderlodges
> > with
> > > > > rebuilt relatively "low time" engines. Some less than 100k
> > miles and
> > > > > 3000 hrs. Look at the used ones for sale.
> > > > >
> > > > > I've been operating diesel engines in cruising boats for 15
> > years,
> > > >not
> > > > > like I don't know diesels, so I just want to hear it from
> the
> > owner
> > > > > group, what's the deal with the Detroit's. Is the Cat
> better,
> > how
> > > > > about the Cummins. I have been lead to believe the Detroit
> is
> > a 500k
> > > > > mile plus engine. What gives.
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
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