Community Forums

FrankR · 11-24-2010, 12:10 PM

This 76 Itasca, small block Chevy, shows 52840 on the clock which seems nice and low to me, but given we're talking about heavier loads, is that really low miles?

How about the genset shows 466 hrs?

RedneckExpress · 11-24-2010, 12:16 PM

The big question is, how many times has the clock rolled over? That 52840 could easily be 152840.

Usually a 100,000 miles is considered a high point for the older motors, depending on how well it was taken care of, though, that could easily be the halfway point. Case in point, my truck, which moves a fairly heavy load with my RV is working on 172580 miles so far.

Vegasdan · 11-24-2010, 12:21 PM

Sometimes really low miles and high years may not be so good. If a MH is left sitting around and not being used could lead to seal and bearing issues. That coach, if driven each year would have only logged 1500 miles per year. Check carefully the maintenance records to see how it was maintained and if there are any long periods of time that passed between oil changes, that might indicate it was put up and just sat.

Nick-B · 11-24-2010, 01:27 PM

Hi Frank - and Welcome to the Forums!

It sounds like you are concerned with engine life and on an older gas motorhome 50K could be about the end of its life or only halfway there. Depends on how it was cared for and driven. Really no definitive answer but definitely not "low miles" for that age or coach.

OK - I just saw your earlier post on getting this motorhome. You say it sat since 1999 (yikes!). Be prepared to do a lot of repairing. I'm not saying it will need a lot of work - just be ready! That is a lot of sitting and motorhomes don't normally do well sitting for years on end. Engine and transmission seals go bad, brakes freeze up, furnaces fail to run ... the list goes on.

Let us know how things go.

mikron · 11-24-2010, 01:57 PM

You know what they say, use it or lose it. If you get it for free well then putting money and time might be worth it.

FrankR · 11-25-2010, 06:23 AM

Woohoo! Changed the fuel pump last night and she started up and ran smooth as silk running off a clean gas source. Now we need to work our way back through the system and drain the tank. Trans was dry though (nothing on the stick) which has us concerned. Hopefully its not all completely dry. A new trans would prob be a deal killer. We figured out how the battery has to connect to start the genset and got it to turn over. (we only have 1 battery right now). I confirmed spark and used some starting fluid to see if I could get it to fire, but no dice. I could see all the way through the carb to the intake valve and it is moving freely. Not sure if its not turning fast enough maybe or possibly a stuck open exhaust valve. I might have flooded it too, who knows. Back to work on it tomorrow.

Wanabee FTer · 11-25-2010, 10:06 AM

Hi Frank,
I hope you changed the oil on the engine first before starting it.
When engines sit unused for a long period of time acids build up in the crankcase and contaminate the oil. If you have not changed it already you should change it ASAP.