Help need info. on cat diesel

[micki49]

I need a little info on diesels. Never had one nor do I know anything about diesels . Looking at a 2003 Newmar with a cat diesel and with 50,000 miles. What should I know about a diesel and how many miles are they good for and what kind of gas mileage do they get.
Thank for the help.

[TomTheOilMan]

I would find a guy that works on diesels, pay him to go with you to check out the engine and tranny, radiator, front steering linkage, brake air lines, battery's, and the genset.

[Bigbluedog55]

Dan,
You need to know that diesels are quite different than gassers. I have the Caterpillar C12 505 HP engine, and it's just the little things........... Like it takes 9 gallons of oil, has an air filter the size of a large basket ball, takes 2 large fuel filters, and holds 20 gallons of antifreeze. I am fortunate that I am able to have my coach serviced by the local Cat Dealer. You can do your own maintenance if you enjoy it, it will just be on a larger scale for the most part.
That being said, Caterpillar makes a great engine. I have 48000 miles on mine, and it really isn't broken in yet. Properly cared for, the engines will do 500,000+ miles. The coach will wear out long before the engine does.
My coach, and mileage depends on so many things, gets about 7.0 MPG. My Affinity weighs 44000 pounds and I tow a Buick Enclave behind it.
Hope this helps,
Luck,
Bob
PS You should really be looking at Country Coaches they're great!

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by micki49 I need a little info on diesels. Never had one nor do I know anything about diesels . Looking at a 2003 Newmar with a cat diesel and with 50,000 miles. What should I know about a diesel and how many miles are they good for and what kind of gas mileage do they get. Thank for the help.

Ummm... You don't get ANY "gas" mileage with a diesel.!!

OK, now what model Newmar? What gen set (diesel gen set will impact fuel mileage).
Don't worry about how many miles are they good for, you probably won't live that long! If treated right they should see 300,000 to 500,000 miles before needing a top end overhaul.
Check to see if the valve adjustment has been done, it does make a difference.
Our 2000 DSDP w/CAT 3126 got about 8 since we towed a Honda Odyssey on a dolly all the time.
Our 2002 DSDP w/Cummins and Banks kit gets about the same also towing a Honda Odyssey on a dolly.

[rvjimmy]

I have a 3126 330HP CAT with 48000 miles on it and it runs great.this is my second CAT both 330HP I traded my first one off and it had 68000 miles on it no problems. I get anywhere from 7 to 9 mpg a lot depends on wind,how long you keep it rolling at one time,wind, and how many times you have to stop and start. Fuel mileage in a MH has a lot of factors, we also pull a 2006 Saturn Ion. My MH weighs 25000 lbs. I don't know what the Saturn weighs. Notice I mentioned wind twice.

[micki49]

Thanks guys all this info will sure help me out a lot.
Thanks again.

[rver98]

Here is a good website with lots of info!

Tech Tidbits

Good luck

[Airtool]

Do not know where you call home,but you live in a school district somewhere.
To my knowledge most have Diesel buses,bus drivers have to check there bus every time they go out> Do you know a driver or someone that does.
Think they could be very useful in evaluating the unit when it come to the mechanical things. Many states require a CDL to drive buses.
I have a neighbor that keeps offering to drive my unit. willing to be our show-fer. wants so bad to get behind the wheel.

Dick.

[MaverickBBD]

You should get about as much information as possible on past service. If you are getting it from a private individual it should not be that difficult. Speed and wind will greatly impact mileage. Injectors can be temperamental as can a H.E.U.I. pump. I have an '05 C-7 (350 h.p.) with 54,000 miles on it. Don't scrimp on maintenance.