Should I run to, or from, this coach?

[Quincy]

Originally Posted by Dav L

I don't think loosing a valve is very typical. If the engine is overrevved and the valves go into "float", then sure...

One should do the maintenance that is needed, not "next to nothing"

Oil testing is a very regular part of Fleet maintenance program to replace oil when it's needed, not on a time / miles schedule. And since the testing lab provides the results in plain language, you don't need to be a NASCAR crew chief or even a rocket scientist to understand.

Dav, I did not mean to imply that losing a valve was typical. If I did I am sorry. I realize you dont need to be of special training to read an oil test and if someone wants to know, then by all means. I only am saying the oil tests are not necessary to properly maintain a MH. As far as the gas units are concerned the motors are the same as in many daily drivers. Diesel motors are also used in many other vehicles for many miles without oil tests to guide those doing the care and feeding.

It would be like giving everybody an EKG machine so they can take better care of their heart. The machines can not predict the future. The regular use of the machine will not help you decide to do things that can prevent incidents in the future.

Again, thanks for the question.

[Quincy]

Originally Posted by Dav L

I don't think loosing a valve is very typical. If the engine is overrevved and the valves go into "float", then sure...

One should do the maintenance that is needed, not "next to nothing"

Oil testing is a very regular part of Fleet maintenance program to replace oil when it's needed, not on a time / miles schedule. And since the testing lab provides the results in plain language, you don't need to be a NASCAR crew chief or even a rocket scientist to understand.

Dav, I thought I posted this but I do not see it here. I did not mean to give the impression that losing a valve was typical and I am sorry if I did. I re read my post and can see where I should have used better phrasing.

[Dav L]

Quincy, The Oil tests are generally more economical on a DP that has way more fluid to replace than a Gas. The cost to do the test is offset by not replacing that much fluid when it's unneeded.

My DP takes 85 quarts of oil (roughly $370 in oil). And has $50 in oil filters. And takes around two hours to do. The fluid test I think is around $40 or so. If that saves having to do one unneeded oil change (the fluid is still tested as "good"), then that's a big savings (economical) and also ecological.

Not to mention that anytime one messes with an engine, something dumb can happen (forget to tighten the drain plug, leave a oil filter double gasket on, etc) that can lead to much larger issues...so, if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it applies. Unless it really needs maintenance (oil is dirty).

My V10 gas takes I think 6 quarts ($19) with a $7 filter and takes an hour.

If testing was "free", then it would make sense to do so on all vehicles prior to an oil change.

[Quincy]

Originally Posted by Dav L

Quincy, The Oil tests are generally more economical on a DP that has way more fluid to replace than a Gas. The cost to do the test is offset by not replacing that much fluid when it's unneeded.

My DP takes 85 quarts of oil (roughly $370 in oil). And has $50 in oil filters. And takes around two hours to do. The fluid test I think is around $40 or so. If that saves having to do one unneeded oil change (the fluid is still tested as "good"), then that's a big savings (economical) and also ecological.

Not to mention that anytime one messes with an engine, something dumb can happen (forget to tighten the drain plug, leave a oil filter double gasket on, etc) that can lead to much larger issues...so, if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it applies. Unless it really needs maintenance (oil is dirty).

My V10 gas takes I think 6 quarts ($19) with a $7 filter and takes an hour.

If testing was "free", then it would make sense to do so on all vehicles prior to an oil change.

Thanks Dav, Now see there I go again shooting my mouth off without knowing the facts. Just my way of getting noticed I guess.

Do you mean you are using the test as a gage to tell you when to change the oil and not the Mfg. suggested interval between changes? If so please elaborate. BTW the V-10 does take 6 qt.

[Quincy]

Originally Posted by Quincy

Dav, I thought I posted this but I do not see it here. I did not mean to give the impression that losing a valve was typical and I am sorry if I did. I re read my post and can see where I should have used better phrasing.

WOW I just have to quit getting up at five in the morning and trying to find one of my posts. I am really loosing it

[FarmerB4]

Originally Posted by Quincy

Thanks SS for the respectful question. I was raised buy an old time mechanic who once told me that if you could keep fresh oil running through the motor as it ran it would be the best thing for it. Now I know this is a bit extreme but it serves a point. We wont be able to do that so we come as close as we can, especially with our "babies" Changing the oil more often than needed and more often that we do in our daily drivers in many cases.

I can see why fleet managers would use oil testing and also hi performance crew chiefs. I can also see why they might want nitrogen in their tires. I see oil test for our babies as part of the enjoyment of a sort of hobby vehicle.

Most of the vehicle owners do not even know oil tests are available let alone use them and we operate our vehicles many thousands of miles without them often extending our mileage way beyond recommended numbers with no serious or even noticeable problems. I am currently doing that now with my daily driver.

Lets say the oil test finds metal shavings in a unusually high amount. The one biggie. That might mean a part is failing, going to crumble and damage the motor or maybe whatever happens just has no noticeable result. Do you disassemble the motor and look for what might not even be found. No, you just keep on driving because there is nothing that can be done.

I am not against oil tests, I just look at them as part of the enjoyment of the "RV hobby"

Sorry to be so long winded but thanks for the question.

In my case if there was "metal shavings in an unusually high amount" I might think about trading up to a new or newer one .

[Dav L]

Originally Posted by Quincy

Thanks Dav, Now see there I go again shooting my mouth off without knowing the facts. Just my way of getting noticed I guess.

Do you mean you are using the test as a gage to tell you when to change the oil and not the Mfg. suggested interval between changes? If so please elaborate. BTW the V-10 does take 6 qt.

Motor Check Report & Procedures | Engine Oil Samples Analysis

Fleets use oil analysis often. They then do maintenance when it's needed for that truck.

Sometimes it's earlier than the X miles or Y time schedule. More often, it's longer as the engine is running fine and not being idled too much, no coolant leaks into the oil, no water getting in the oil, etc.

[BRex45]

Drunk posting? Very confusing.

[Quincy]

[QUOTE=BRex45;4009765]Drunk posting? Very confusing.

[ccsmith51]

We have looked at the coach twice and it appears to be in excellent shape. We have made an offer for the coach and a 2016 Malibu TOAD package, and they have accepted.

We will schedule a detailed inspection and if all is well we will have our first Class A!

Very excited about this new phase of our life!!

[Quincy]

Originally Posted by ccsmith51

We have looked at the coach twice and it appears to be in excellent shape. We have made an offer for the coach and a 2016 Malibu TOAD package, and they have accepted.

We will schedule a detailed inspection and if all is well we will have our first Class A!

Very excited about this new phase of our life!!

Great news. Good luck!!!!

[GeorgeandTheBear]

Originally Posted by ccsmith51

We have looked at the coach twice and it appears to be in excellent shape. We have made an offer for the coach and a 2016 Malibu TOAD package, and they have accepted.

We will schedule a detailed inspection and if all is well we will have our first Class A!

Very excited about this new phase of our life!!

I'm jealous, can't wait until it's me with this story. I'm happy for you.