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ooeybc · 01-10-2025, 06:21 PM

Hi folks,

My apologies if I missed already published info on this, but I'm considering purchasing a neighbour's daughter's 1994 Georgie Boy Cruise Master Class A 6.5L GM(?) diesel pusher and I'm looking for advice. The vehicle has about 190,000 km on it (~118k miles), although it got a brand new factory engine at 125,000km (~78k miles). But the turbo is original and is not working and may need replacing. The owner figures that would cost around US$2000-2500. The interior is in decent shape for it's age.

My questions:
1) Is there a user group/forum dedicated to this vehicle where I can get more info on it?
2) What's it worth -- ball park? I know, an impossible question to answer with out more information on it's mechanical condition, but they use the vehicle for several months a year, so assume it's well maintained. The daughter's hubby is open to offers and I think I might be able to get it for US$5-7k
3) Is it possible to find parts for the old beast?
4) Any other thoughts.

thanks in advance
(P.S., I have a 1992 Triple E Class C already so I have rv experience, but none with Class A's)

SafariBen · 01-10-2025, 07:25 PM

Never seen one, but a 6.5 GM diesel is not rare, or hard to find parts for, unless they did something real odd in RVs. That engine has a reputation for gas engine reliability, I wouldn't be scared of 40,000 miles, even if it's not a Cat or Cummins. The "turbo not working" is a HUGE red flag. If they want $5k for it, they could get a used turbo for a few hundred bucks and swap it themselves, otherwise there's no telling what's wrong. I'm not sure how a turbo "doesn't work" they usually work, or they've blow up. If you like to take chances, this is it. Could be a boost leak causing low power, or possibly the exhaust turbine blew without damaging anything else and it's just the turbo, or it could easily be an engine. Time to figure if you trust them, and if you feel like a better mechanic than they've taken it to so far.

FrozenInTime · 01-10-2025, 07:34 PM

Turbos can come apart and blow tiny chunks every where, including in the cylinders. Are you prepared to replace an engine?

ooeybc · 01-11-2025, 03:38 PM

Thanks for the advice. I know nothing about diesels, never mind turbo diesels, but the owner says the turbo is "frozen". He inherited the vehicle from his late stepfather and says he's been driving it for several years without the turbo. He says the engine is sluggish but still runs fine. I'll be taking it to a diesel mechanic before I go any further, lol.

ooeybc · 01-11-2025, 03:40 PM

Thanks. We'll see what the diesel mechanic thinks. I won't be going any further until it's checked out.

hastemaker · 01-11-2025, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ooeybc

he's been driving it for several years without the turbo. He says the engine is sluggish but still runs fine. I'll be taking it to a diesel mechanic before I go any further, lol.

Don't see how he could be driving for several years without the turbo...if the turbo is froze up.

David 70 · 01-11-2025, 04:46 PM

I would be scared of the engine if they drove it several years without the turbo. You would not be getting enough air in it and still putting the fuel that is intended for the turbo. A non-working turbo will cause a lot of black smoke and also excess fuel going down the cylinder walls and into the oil. They were really under powered engines to start with in the first place.