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Topic: Engine/transmission designation codes? Decoding model number (Read 215 times) previous topic - next topic

Engine/transmission designation codes? Decoding model number

Anyone know E17 code....it's a '93 U280W...... owners says it's six speed Allison but I read that most 93s had 4 speed, some late '93 had the six speed.  Trying to confirm this is six before buying it.
Curtis and Wendy and the baby tortoise SloMo
1993 U280 grand villa
Planes and cars
Boulder City, Nevada

Re: Engine designation codes? Decoding model number

Reply #1 –
Trying to confirm this U280 has Allison 6 sp versus 4 sp. 

G 93 4306 36 SBID U280W E17

I figured out a fair bit of this but not sure the G and what can I find out from build number 4306?

And can the E17 engine designator code tell me engine and transmission installed????  I'd prefer the 6 and would like to know before purchase.
👍😊

Thanks!
Curtis
Curtis and Wendy and the baby tortoise SloMo
1993 U280 grand villa
Planes and cars
Boulder City, Nevada

Re: Engine designation codes? Decoding model number

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
It is not unusual when Foretravel coaches vary from the published "standard equipment" list, especially in the early 90's.  You could order pretty much any modification, and the factory was happy to oblige.  Some coaches were totally custom, 1-of-a-kind.  Don't be surprised if you find some other custom features.  For example, our '93 U280 has a 10Kw diesel generator which is still completely original (except oil and filters) and it purrs like a Timex.  (Mixed metaphor)

Another example:  the "spec sheet" lists an Allison MT647 transmission, which is a 4-speed.  You may luck out and find it actually has an Allison MD3060 (6-speed) like my coach.  Might depend on the build number - whether it was an early or a late '93 build - don't know about that.



See photo below for where to find the build number (very important info for every Foretravel owner).  Metal plate on wall next to driver seat.





So the build number on the one I'm looking at is 4306..... what info can I get from that?  It's 50 or so before yours. Your engine designator code is E17.  So is the one I'm looking at.  Can that confirm it's the 6 speed?
Where can I found info from the build code...??? 

Thanks
Curtis
Curtis and Wendy and the baby tortoise SloMo
1993 U280 grand villa
Planes and cars
Boulder City, Nevada

Re: Engine designation codes? Decoding model number

Reply #4 –
Last 8 characters in our 1993 model number are U280WE17.  We have a MD3060 6-speed but no retarder.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Engine designation codes? Decoding model number

Reply #5 –
[question/answer posts about this specific code in a second and third topic have been merged into this topic to keep answers together.  It's best not to bump multiple topics with the same question - moderator Michelle]
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Engine/transmission designation codes? Decoding model number

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Last 8 characters in our 1993 model number are U280WE17.  We have a MD3060 6-speed but no retarder.

Thanks....I did call Foretravel in Texas and they did confirm the build number 4306 is indeed the MD 3060.....along with the C8.3/300......which I assume means you have the same...and the E17 means the 8.3 and Allison 6 sp. 

Curtis and Wendy and the baby tortoise SloMo
1993 U280 grand villa
Planes and cars
Boulder City, Nevada
 

Re: Engine/transmission designation codes? Decoding model number

Reply #7 –
My build number (shown in my signature below) is 4359, so the coach you are looking at is a close relative to ours.  :thumbsup:
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"