Life of a 454 Gas Engine

[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.

[r carl]

Its just broke in.

[Mike Leary]

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.

[Splitrock]

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.

[RollingCondo]

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

[Phoenix]

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).

[garry]

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.

[pcbueg]

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.

[Phoenix]

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.