Longevity of RV Engines
John Sage
How many miles (on average) does an RV gas engine (454, 460, 455 or 440) get
before needing an overhaul? Assuming that it is treated with reasonable
care. One guy told me that they are only good for about $50K miles and
onother said all of them get over 100K. That is a large gap for people who
act like they know what is going on. I am thinking of purchasing a used RV
and if the motor is shot in 50K miles, low miles has a different meaning
than if the engine is expected to last 100K.
George Lowry
Hello John,
Non use of machinery will, many times, be worse than heavy use. A MH
that is 12 years old and has only 12,000 miles on it, for example,
falls in this catagory. On the other hand, one that is used regularly
and maintained properly may get over 100,000 miles before overhaul is
needed. Unfortunately, too many fall in the former catagory.
Another problem is how the engine is used. If it is continuously
subjected to heavy loads in high temps, it is not going to last as
long as one that is more moderately utilized. Class A MH's are
notorious for poor air flow in the engine compartment and therefore
inadequate cooling of the engine and accessories. This shortens the
expected life considerably.
I would say that, once you have found a vehicle that you think is the
ONE you want, spend a few bucks and have a GOOD mechanic do a
diagnostics routine on the engine and transmission. That should give
you a good indication of the expected life of that particular engine.
If the seller does not want you to have the vehicle inspected, go
somewhere else. Also, knowing the condition of the power train can
affect you negotiations.
Good luck,
George
Phil Willen
I have nearly 40,000 on my Ford 460. 29 foot class A 14500 GVW. Oil
comsumption is nil with Mobil 1 synthetic. Type of use and driving are a big
factor. The real wear comes with starting a cold engine. Headers have made the
under hood temp a lot cooler, which can also be a factor.
There is not a lot of wear on the road, because there is no metal to metal
contact.
..........Phil
DORo...@worldnet.att.net
I'd worry a lot more about the automatic transmission if I were U.
Doesn't take a lot of unintentional abuse to cook one! Again - have a
really good mechanic look it over carefully B4 U buy. I'd rather pay
for an inspection than a repair!
Dick Lucas
John Sage wrote:
>
> How many miles (on average) does an RV gas engine (454, 460, 455 or 440) get
> before needing an overhaul? Assuming that it is treated with reasonable
> onother said all of them get over 100K. That is a large gap for people who
> act like they know what is going on. I am thinking of purchasing a used RV
> and if the motor is shot in 50K miles, low miles has a different meaning
> than if the engine is expected to last 100K.
At this point, I have 136K miles on a '83 Southwind and a 454 Chevy
which I have owned since new. The oil is changed every 3K miles. The
mileage is mostly interstate highways, towing a 21 foot boat which
weighs 2800 lbs not including the trailer. I use this motorhome to make
an annual trip to Connecticut from California. Total trip takes 5 1/5
days, 3200 miles, at average speeds of about 50 to 55mph. It burns
about 1 quart of oil per 500 miles, and has done so since about 60K
miles. It still runs well, and I'm planning to go again in June.
Transmissions, however are a different story. The transmission was
initially rebuilt at 35K miles, and again at about 70K miles because the
first job was improperly done. At 70K miles, I installed an additional
auxiliary cooler. I now change the transmission oil every 20K miles or
so.
Dick Lucas
Phil Willen
........Phil
Jim McDonnell
I've recently conducted an exhaustive search for a used Class C. I was
shocked at the number of rigs that had had their engines replaced before
70k miles. Actually, the failure rate began to swing up at 55k and
after looking at maybe 25 rigs, only 3 had made it past 90k without a
rebuild.
Regards,
--
Jim McDonnell
Seattle
sea...@seanet.com
A surplus of leisure;
a mere sufficiency of funds.
GAIL8441
Hi!
So much in terms of longevity depends on its usage for those first miles. This
is true only for one you buy used. I bought a used coach with a 454 with
79,000 miles and figured it was about due. It was. I put in a
rebuilt-by-Chevy 454 (zero miles) and will bet any takers that I get over
100,000 miles on it.
It all comes down to how you equip the motor, how you break it in, what
components and lubricants you use, how you drive it, and routine maintenance.
Buying used is always a crap shoot. Good luck!
-neil