|
09-12-2010, 10:01 AM
|
#1
|
2 Rivet Member
1988 32.5' Airstream 325
Livingston
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 25
|
Life of a 454 Gas Engine
I am looking at purchasing a 345 with a 454 gas engine. The engine has 81,000 miles on it. Is it Engine due for an overhaul? Thanks in advance for your time and information.
|
|
|
09-12-2010, 10:24 AM
|
#2
|
Rivet Master
Vintage Kin Owner
Lin
, Ne
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,430
|
Its just broke in.
|
|
|
09-12-2010, 10:37 AM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
1984 31' Airstream310
Ajo
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,649
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by pcbueg
I am looking at purchasing a 345 with a 454 gas engine. The engine has 81,000 miles on it. Is it Engine due for an overhaul? Thanks in advance for your time and information.
|
For a coach of that age, that's not many miles and too much time sitting around. We bought ours with 28K on it and ended up replacing all the belts and hoses, not to mention the tires. Is there any paperwork about what's been done? I'd at least have a mechanic take a look, do a compression test, etc. Those 454 engines had a reputation for getting pretty hot if the PO was a leadfoot. Take a look at the manifolds. Good luck, keep us updated.
|
|
|
09-12-2010, 12:43 PM
|
#4
|
Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Sioux Falls
, South Dakota
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,403
|
I've had used motorhomes. If I buy another one, I'll budget a new motor, 50% of the cost of a rebuilt transmission, new tires, new U joints, new hanger bearings, all new appliances, new water pump and make sure my RV rider is in effect on my AAA insurance. Our local economy went into recession after the last time I sold a motorhome. Obviously I was supporting it by myself. It sure felt like it.
It was actually cheaper to have two kids in college than own a used motorhome.
|
|
|
09-12-2010, 01:53 PM
|
#5
|
2 Rivet Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Florence
, South Carolina
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 23
|
454
Hard to say whether it needs to be rebuilt or not. Belts, hoses, radiator, water pump, plugs, wires, distributor cap and such would be highly suspect for replacement for sure. As others have suggested have a mechanic do a thorough compression test to check for engine wear.
I have a '90 Suburban w/ 454 that I replaced the motor in this year. After some research I put a Jasper remanufactured engine in mine over rebuilding due to getting a better warranty.
'90 Suburban R2500 HD
'90 Avion 34V
Reese Dual Cam HP
Cummins Onan P4300ie
|
|
|
09-12-2010, 04:49 PM
|
#6
|
Rivet Master
2005 19' Safari
GLENDALE
, AZ
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,453
|
Years ago, we shopped for a used pickup with a 454, and every truck we looked at that had over 50-75k miles on it had a new/rebuilt engine and transmission. We bought a used one with a recently rebuilt engine and transmission, and it only ran about 40k before it broke down.
After having the engine and transmission rebuilt ourselves, it gave us good service. However, you have to keep up with the routine maintenance for them to last. You'll probably have better luck with one you buy new or have rebuilt yourself, than buying one someone else is selling (probably because it's about to go).
|
|
|
09-12-2010, 06:33 PM
|
#7
|
Rivet Master
1969 31' Sovereign
Broken Arrow
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,455
|
Depends if run hard and put away wet then that's a lot of miles if pampered and loved it should go over 150,000 easy.
My SOB 1990 MH has 77,000 miles does not use oil and I do not worry about engine problems. It has been well maintained and I know the PO kept up with all preventive maintenance.
__________________
Garry
|
|
|
09-13-2010, 07:01 AM
|
#8
|
2 Rivet Member
1988 32.5' Airstream 325
Livingston
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 25
|
Thanks for everyones help, I hope that RV are driven alot easier than pick-up trucks. It is true that it depends on the PO and maintenance.
|
|
|
09-13-2010, 01:43 PM
|
#9
|
Rivet Master
2005 19' Safari
GLENDALE
, AZ
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,453
|
FYI, the previous owner of "Hal" (our 1978 Chevy crewcab pickup with a 454 V8) towed horses, which are pretty heavy. Also, the body showed it had been used hard. We bought it because it only had 5-10k miles on the recently rebuilt engine and transmission.
I agree, a pickup or suburban that has done service as a family stationwagon will probably last much longer.
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
Similar Threads
|
Thread |
Thread Starter |
Forum |
Replies |
Last Post |
454 engine questions
|
Curtis-79MH |
Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... |
15 |
03-24-2022 01:44 PM |
Old 454 Engine
|
alexzero13 |
Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... |
6 |
03-23-2007 06:35 AM |
454 cid engine Radiator Life?
|
TomW |
Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... |
18 |
11-09-2006 03:02 AM |
Engine run on in my '88 454 AS
|
Mr. D |
Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... |
5 |
04-11-2006 12:18 PM |
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|