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Old 02-17-2008, 05:59 PM   #1
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Metairie , Louisiana
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Considering a 280 Diesel? Any thoughts?

Hello,
I am new to the forum and I found what appears to be a 280 Excella Turbo Diesel. About 89,000 miles, center twins, looks like it has been sitting for about 4 years. I going to go back and inspect it more thoroughly. Any tips on what to look for? Do these MHs have any special problems I should look for? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Al
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Old 02-22-2008, 06:36 PM   #2
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1974 20' Argosy 20
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Al,

Check out the following thread, lots of information on what to look for.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368...-mh-39380.html

Good luck!

Brad
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Old 02-22-2008, 07:38 PM   #3
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1984 31' Airstream310
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Hi Al,

Um... you wouldn't want one of those things. They're uh, shiny and draw attention, and stuff. Let me know where you found it and I will take care of the problem for you, yeah, that's the ticket.

Just kidding! That's a great find. Brad sent you some good info above. If you do end up with it, fantastic! If not, please share the info so someone else who loves the classics can get their hands on it.

The forum is a great resource! The search function will become your best friend. And we LOVE pictures!!

Good luck,
Susan
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Old 02-27-2008, 01:36 PM   #4
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I also know where there is one in Mass available, blown Isuzu motor and has been sitting 5 years. Lots of other issues but the body is pretty good. Its a 28 Excella 1981 He is asking 5K I thought about doing a Cummins conversion. Still have not rulled it out. If anyone wants his info let me know....John CAPT100J@Yahoo.com
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Old 03-05-2008, 10:50 PM   #5
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1982 28' Airstream 280
las vegas , Nevada
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thoughts on MH

I own a 82 280 Turbo Diesel and as Chaplain Kent told me what ever you pay for the MH is just a down payment....

The Isuzu engine is great however it does not have any support from either Isuzu nor chevy.....
Possible and probable problems with MH
Suspension
Driveshaft Ujoints
Tranny
Brakes
Hydroboost (pain in the (*^*(^*#$%%)

Outside of that check the floors preferably with a awl or large nail.. Check Bathroom in front of Fridge and sink and under the driver and passenger windows if the awl sinks through you may need to replace floor panels...

I have been updating mine and it drives like a dream you can even make a u-turn with it they are great MH but usually need a lot of TLC

Justin
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Old 03-09-2008, 07:44 AM   #6
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Oriental , North Carolina
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Quote:
Originally Posted by altemplet
Hello,
I am new to the forum and I found what appears to be a 280 Excella Turbo Diesel. About 89,000 miles, center twins, looks like it has been sitting for about 4 years. I going to go back and inspect it more thoroughly. Any tips on what to look for? Do these MHs have any special problems I should look for? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Al
The Isuzu diesel was changed - check the model number - 6BD1A has an Airstream-added turbocharger kit but later models came turbocharged and give fewer problems. Good luck and above all, ENJOY.
Jamie
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Old 03-10-2008, 08:12 PM   #7
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Thanks for the Info.
Q? When you say check the "Model Number", where would I find it? I gather that one engine is a 6BD1A with the Airstream added turbo. What would the other engine be? Did Isuzu install the Turbo? Is this a better engine? What is the difference?
Thanks Again, Al
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Old 03-11-2008, 06:32 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by altemplet
Thanks for the Info.
Q? When you say check the "Model Number", where would I find it? I gather that one engine is a 6BD1A with the Airstream added turbo. What would the other engine be? Did Isuzu install the Turbo? Is this a better engine? What is the difference?
Thanks Again, Al
The engine has (or had) an identification plate riveted onto the top of the rocker cover (top of engine) near the back. You should find it easily with the doghouse cover off. It may be buried in grime and/or old paint (some idiot PO had silver-painted mine!). If it is missing, find the Airstream serial number (not the VIN) on a plate riveted to the frame inside the front engine-access door and call Airstream. They can't tell you much, but they can say from the serial number which engine they put into that particular MH. The later model has more horses, more torque, and an intercooler. BTW you should also look into having your front end suspension examined by a very careful professional mechanic - especially the ball joints. When AS exchanged the engine (they took out a 454 in many year models) they forgot about the increased engine weight. Ball joint failure on the road is no fun. Ask me how I know this.
Jamie
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Old 03-11-2008, 07:12 AM   #9
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Be sure to check for water in the fuel before you try to start it.
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Old 03-11-2008, 07:17 AM   #10
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I think I had a post here that dissappeared for some reason.

The later model engines have a factory turbo and a lot more horse power. I can get parts for mine from a company called "Catco" here in the midwest. There are lots and lots of delivery trucks running around here with the same engine.

Ironically, due to import duties it is cheaper to buy a rebuilt engine that it is to rebuild one. That's because the duties on individual parts are a lot more than on an engine.
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Old 03-12-2008, 10:29 AM   #11
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1982 28' Airstream 280
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Cooper, what yr is yours? The problem I have is no one knows which version of the 6db1a I have although it is a factory turbo when I investigated Isuzu stated there were 50 applications of that motor most in heavy industry...

I really would like to at some time update my exhust system and turbo if possible never mind be able to find parts.. this last summer they had to fabricate parts for me because no one could find anything on this particular motor and when I called Airstream they said call chevy and hung up... not nice...
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Old 03-31-2008, 03:00 PM   #12
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310 TurboDiesel

did they make a 310 with the isuzu TD?
Friends neighbor has offered it to them, they'd like to get a motorhome and this is right next door. Being an Airstreamer I'm encouraging them.
She just had a new engine put in it last year. if it's in nice shape overall, how much do you think would be a fair price?
Dan
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Old 03-31-2008, 04:36 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jjhypnotist
Cooper, what yr is yours?
Sorry I missed this before. Mine is a 1985 6bd1. What you need to do is find one of the delivery companies in your area and ask them where they get parts. This particular engine was used a lot for stationary power plants and irrigation engines as well.

I believe they did put it in the 310 as well.
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