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Topic: Newbie 91 35 ft GV (Read 508 times) previous topic - next topic

Newbie 91 35 ft GV

Foretravel wannabe.
Looking at 35 to 36 ft GV. Found one with an 8.2L DD. I know nothing about them. Now the 2 cycle 8-71 I understand. My boat has 2 of them.
Plan is to fish in Mexico May through Oct. Then wonder around our National Parks the rest of the year. So I'm considering a 91 35ft GV. It has the 8.2. Curious about the HP numbers and I understand it was DD first 4 cycle. Does it have the same reputation for longevity as their 2 cycles?
Also it has 10541 stenciled on the back of the coach. Is there a way to locate more info on the coach with that?
any and all thoughts appreciated.
Mike

Re: Newbie 91 35 ft GV

Reply #1 –
Well did a little deeper digging on the DD 8.2L. Hard to find many positive things  written about them.
Would love to hear opinions of those with them in their Foretravels.

Re: Newbie 91 35 ft GV

Reply #2 –
Quote from: MikeMcK –
Well did a little deeper digging on the DD 8.2L. Hard to find many positive things  written about them.
Would love to hear opinions of those with them in their Foretravels.
They are a medium duty, open deck engine block 4 cycle diesel used in lots of school buses and boats. Like the early Ford/International 6.9, the size of the cylinder head hold down fasteners was not adequate for the job, especially on the turbo models. This fault was addressed and the later engines should provide good service. Note that some special tools may be needed set the injection timing and may not be available at most shops.

On heavy duty diesels, 6 studs/bolts per cylinder are normally designed to keep head gasket failure from occurring, the 8.2 has 4
. That along with the open deck design is a reason not to increase power over the stock rating.

They are known for excellent fuel mileage so in a lighter coach, may provide good service.

Pierce

Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Newbie 91 35 ft GV

Reply #3 –
Slow. 
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Newbie 91 35 ft GV

Reply #4 –
210 hp turbo engine in that Foretravel model. Here is a quote from another forum:

"The 8.2 is notorious for blowing head gaskets, especially the turbo charged version. Anything that increases cylinder pressure will increase the probability of blowing a head gasket. It is an inherent design problem. There are four bolts around each cylinder and they do not provide the clamping pressure necessary. DD did an interim fix of upgrading the size and strength of the head bolts but it was not sufficient to correct the basic problem. I speak from experience, I had many, many of these in a city delivery fleet. A four gas emissions analyzer probe in the radiator above the fluid level gave an instant confirmation of combustion gasses in the coolant, a sure sign of a blown head gasket."

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Newbie 91 35 ft GV

Reply #5 –
Based on Pierce's post immediately above, the operative question would be:

From what engine serial numbers were the improved head bolt used. Or did they go from 4 to 6 bolts per cylinder on later engines???

Norm may know-- he has the most experience with the DD 8.2.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Newbie 91 35 ft GV

Reply #6 –
Brett
I read No significant changes were made. DD went from a 14mm bolt to 15mm stronger bolt.
Mike

Re: Newbie 91 35 ft GV

Reply #7 –
I'd pass on the 8.2. You aren't going to find anyone who knows how to work on it also. Too many better buys out there.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit