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I have a 1984 Winnebago with a 454 Chevy engine that blew a head gasket. I'm told that it's better to replace the whole engine. I would like opinions on this.
Also, the price quotes I have been given to have the engine replaced with a rebuilt 454 are in the $5,500.00 price range. What if I order an engine myself and take it to a mechanics shop? Will they do that and would they guarantee their work you think? I certainly can't do it myself, so I would like some advise on the best way to handle this that won't cost me a bundle. Thanks!
Danielle, Why did they tell you to replace the whole engine? High miles, anti-freeze leaking into the block for a long time and causing wear? IF THE ONLY THING that is wrong is head gaskets(on a twenty year old engine that's not unusual) I'd just replace the gaskets.If there is more, I doubt the motorhome is worth the cost of the replacement engine, even if you have an independent shop do the work. Make sure that the people you purchase the engine from will honor the warranty, if you get an independent shop to set one in. rich
By the way, are you familiar with the term "Not economically repairable"? Before you would spend $5,000 on a 1984 motorhome, you have to consider:
(1) what is the motorhome worth now?
(2) what will the motorhome be worth after I spend $5,000 on it?
We're talking about the difference between selling a motorhome that is not running, and selling a motorhome that will run.
I'm afraid there wouldn't be much difference in the price, and you'd just be pouring money into something that you could never recover. The only exception would be if you intend to keep the motorhome for a long time.
I never heard of such a thing!
I've removed and replaced cylinder heads on several Chevy 454 engines with very little problem (the right one is a lot easier than the left, however). Depending upon how big the opening under the doghouse cover is, you might have a little problem getting a socket on the outside row of head bolts, but changing a head gasket can be done without much difficulty.
Danielle, before you start spending money, study the situation. If you can get a reasonable quote to replace the head gaskets without having to remove the engine what is your cost and is it worth it to you. That is the best case scenario. Depending on the miles and maintenence upkeep, the motorhome may need much more spent on it to be reliable. I am just getting my 1984 Winnebago Elandan finished after a total mechanical rebuild. I bought the motorhome for very little money because it had a bad piston. The Elandan has two front doors and the engine was pulled thru the passenger door, probably the easiest of the motorhome engine extraction situations. I was fortunate enough to have a seasoned christian freelance mechanic to do my work for me so I was sure I was not taken advantage of. Since I was removing the engine I went ahead and had the trannsmission rebuilt and I replaced all the engine componants, (i.e., alternator, water pump, power steering pump, radiator, all rubber hoses including fuel lines). My total cost is $7500.00, but my mechanic charges $25. per hour. After we got it running there was an electrical problem that appeared. It turned out to be the ign ition switch but it took out the gauges. Also the air conditioning went awry because all the rubber vacuum hoses and the plastic they push onto was detereiated. So my spending continues. The Onan 6.5 generator runs and stops due to a bad circuit board. The refigerator needs repair. All this, but I don't regret it because I will take my family to the Grand Canyon and North thru Bryce National Park and up to Yellowstone, it will be worth it. When I sell the motorhome, I will recoup allot of my money, at least it will cost less than renting for $250/day plus milege. I've said too much, but expect to pay more than you think, maybe you should sell it and rent.
Paul, just curious have you had a chance to test your '84? Does it run hot with a total rebuild? I would be interested in hearing how your trip to The Canyon turns out. I too have a low cost buy on an'87 Rockwood. New fridge, rad, water pump, rebuilt a/c, suspension, tires, water heater, new roof and now the Onan started cutting out yesterday. You gotta love these babies.
Thanks for your input, Peter
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