Power plant swap

[guy99]

What do you suppose it would cost - materials and labor - to move a diesel powertrain from one 310 to another and move the gasser powertrain back to the formerly diesel 310?

[Mike Leary]

Um, I'd want a reason before I answer that question, there is a lot of stuff associated
with the diesel besides the engine, trans, for one.

[guy99]

The reason is that I have a gasser 310 which I have invested a lot of money in paint job, remodeling, brakes, suspension enhancements, etc. I think it would cost much more to do the same thing to a diesel rig than it would to swap a diesel drive train in. The formerly diesel (now gasser) 310 would still have value and could be sold to recover (part of) the cost of acquiring it.

Seems like it should be easier to do a 310 to 310 swap than, for example, using a delivery truck as a donor.

On the other hand, I don't know, that's why I'm asking.

[Mike Leary]

Thanks for the offer of parking, we may take you up on it. Just getting the engine out is a bearcat; not to mention all the fuel tubing, air cleaner location, different dash with shut-off & glow plug,wiring, different gauges, it goes on & on. The turbo trans was modified for the diesel power curve. Last I heard, the frame rail had to be cut out to remove the engine & re-welded by a certified pro. No offense, but I think you modified the wrong coach.

[guy99]

Originally Posted by Mike Leary

Thanks for the offer of parking, we may take you up on it.

Any time, just let me know so I can tell you if we'll be home. Not that we have to be for you to stop but I'd need to leave the power to the RV socket on for you.

... No offense, but I think you modified the wrong coach.

None taken, but with the use (~60,000 miles and many months living in it) we have gotten from it, it certainly hasn't been a waste. The diesel would be simply to improve fuel economy. Its a question of cost/benefit. Rising fuel prices do make fuel economy more of a concern but I can't calculate payback without knowing what it would cost.

As I'm sure you have read here, more than one person has installed a diesel powerplant in a gasser. It's not something I could tackle anymore (probably never could have undertaken a diesel swap since I don't know anything about diesels).

So, I'm always on the look out for a practical way to get this done at a price that makes sense. I'll have to pony up for a crate engine and installation at some point anyway.

[Mike Leary]

Our "Bess" has close to 200K, gets 15mpg, burns no oil, we've blown a turbo, had the
injectors replaced & the rack checked. Had a valve job (which was not really needed),
had trans re-built w/ Allison parts, had rear end done, brakes, of course. The Isuzu is
bullet-proof..we get filters, etc., from the marine diesel outlet up here. Did you blow the
454? The coach might be worth more $ as a part-out...I'd sure buy some stuff
If you decide to go nuts, install a over/underdrive...you'll get 65 mph.

[guy99]

Originally Posted by Mike Leary

Our "Bess" has close to 200K, gets 15mpg, burns no oil, we've blown a turbo, had the
injectors replaced & the rack checked. Had a valve job (which was not really needed),
had trans re-built w/ Allison parts, had rear end done, brakes, of course. The Isuzu is
bullet-proof..we get filters, etc., from the marine diesel outlet up here. Did you blow the
454? The coach might be worth more $ as a part-out...I'd sure buy some stuff.

No, it's still running fine at 150K. As far as I can tell from the records of two POs, it has never had the heads off. It uses a little oil. I just know that some day ...

Seems like it would be better to put money into a more fuel efficient power plant if there was a way to do so.

We'll have the Silver Slug until we quit RVing or there is some sort of catastrophic damage.

[Mike Leary]

Originally Posted by guy99

I just know that some day ...
We'll have the Silver Slug until we quit RVing or there is some sort of catastrophic damage.

With the 454, "some day" will be soon. They run so hot.

[guy99]

Engines are maintenance items.

Actually mine doesn't run hot if I can believe the new sender and gauge. Seldom gets above 220 even climbing with a toad. Don't know how it was before I got it.

[GlenCoombe]

It might take longer to recoup the investment with the differencial in fuel prices, gas vs. diesel.

My transplant donor is still in MN waiting for me to go get her.

You may recall I picked up a Suburban with a fresh 10k motor/tranny AND a gearvendor.

My advise is to find a way to put the front end way up in the air and extract the front end motor and transmission from below.

I just have to find time, money, and talented mechanic to do my swap from one to the other.... soon.

[Mike Leary]

Originally Posted by GlenCoombe

My advise is to find a way to put the front end way up in the air and extract the front end motor and transmission from below.
I just have to find time, money, and talented mechanic to do my swap from one to the other.... soon.

Yup, same advise given to me if the diesel ever has to come out, short of
blowing the bottom end, it should not have to. Doing a switch would cost in
the 5K range, saying the trans & engine are worth the effort. I would not trust
many mechanics, (including me) to get it right. Too many variables,
any good mechanic would ask for time & materials...heavy on the time.

[Mike Leary]

Another thought to make your day....the gen set was modified to run on propane w/the diesel, so you get to fool with that, also.

[alfalsetto]

If you take out your Isuzu "If it is" I like to get it. I blow my motor out running a tornado. We made out of the tornato but the old Airstrean blow doing it, It never went that fast in it live.