Community Forums

MobyDick · 04-22-2021, 08:23 AM

Last week, we had a runaway engine. Turns out we now have a totally blown engine. Repair costs are more than we can do. How can we get it home? TIA!

jacwjames · 04-22-2021, 08:53 AM

It can be towed but it will cost $$$ depending on distance.

I've got AAA RV Plus which allows for up to 100 miles, I've had mine towed twice. No idea what that would have cost me, I was within 100 miles of where I need to be towed both times.

edgray · 04-22-2021, 09:29 AM

Why tow it home if you can’t afford to fix it? May be better off to sell it where it is, and take just one hit rather than two

Mr_D · 04-22-2021, 09:44 AM

Any engine warranty left on your DSDP?

Xmcdog · 04-22-2021, 09:55 AM

Usually a diesel won't run away unless it is badly worn.
Then enough oil get past the rings to power the unit even with the fuel shut off.
Blanking off the air intake is the only way to stop it.

Might be worth taking it to a smaller shop. The big shops will price it to rebuild the entire engine. Likely in the $30-40 k range. The small shops tend to have lower labor rates and replace only what is required. Still won't be cheap though. Good luck

texasrs · 04-22-2021, 10:05 AM

Mr D

Not sure, but it looks like he has a 2001 model. Not likely to have any warranty left.

Ray

wolfe10 · 04-22-2021, 10:09 AM

Ya, we really don't have enough information to be able to assist:

Don't know what engine or exactly what is wrong with it.

Don't know how far from home they are or if they have capability to work on it there.

More information would allow others to provide more assistance.

RickNC · 04-22-2021, 10:19 AM

Friends of mine were in the same predicament in 2019. They had a $35K book value Newmar with an engine that needed a $30k rebuild. They liked the MH enough to take the chance at fixing it, plus they had the cash n hand. So far it is working out for them.

keefr · 04-22-2021, 03:10 PM

It might be worth looking into a used replacement engine. Little if any warranty, but much cheaper. They appear to have at least a few months of warranty depending on source.

rssnape · 04-22-2021, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MobyDick

Last week, we had a runaway engine. Turns out we now have a totally blown engine. Repair costs are more than we can do. How can we get it home? TIA!

How bad was the runaway? Some go to total distraction that might have taken your coach. Was someone able to get it stopped?
If it went to total destruction don’t waste the labor repairing it. Finding a good used engine may be the way to go, as someone suggested.

DesertRats · 04-23-2021, 10:07 AM

It’s a 2001 Newmar Dutchstar. Only just over 100K, well-maintained. The engine is a 3126B, and the turbo is shot, etc. Quotes are $35-45K. It’s sitting in a Texas truck shop 250 miles away.

Traveler2162 · 04-23-2021, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DesertRats

It’s a 2001 Newmar Dutchstar. Only just over 100K, well-maintained. The engine is a 3126B, and the turbo is shot, etc. Quotes are $35-45K. It’s sitting in a Texas truck shop 250 miles away.

Used engines

One in Chicago for 9k,

Further down there is a completely rebuilt one for 14k with a year warranty.

https://www.powersystemstoday.com/li...6/engine/26000

Some listed here for under 5K

https://www.machinerytrader.com/list...ar&mdltxt=3126

Used sounds like a good deal compare to 34-35k

Fiesta48 · 04-23-2021, 11:58 AM

I have a piece of sheet metal I can put into the intake to block off air to help stop a run away engine. Also use it to block insects, rain, etc while sitting for a long time.

wolfe10 · 04-23-2021, 12:09 PM

Would like to hear more on the root cause of the run away (excessive RPM).

Was this on start up (in neutral)?

While in gear?

Excessive oil leakage from turbo into intake side (would need to be pretty massive)?

Throttle stuck?

Other?