Diesel, old vs. new

Paul T · 07-22-2011, 06:02 PM

In evaluating the wisdom of upgrading to diesel power I’ve heard the older diesels have an advantage over newly certified due to EPA requirements or something or other. Please point me to a thread where I can gain some wisdom concerning advantages/disadvantages of older vs. new and what build year the crossover took place.

TXiceman · 07-22-2011, 06:10 PM

Older diesels have few pollution controls. The newer ones have to run a DEF (diesel exhaust fluid or urea) or a regeneration control and a catalyst.

Ken

Traps90 · 07-22-2011, 06:47 PM

The technology on the new diesels has been around for a few years already, and the DEF systems has been dependable.

My 09 F350 with 50k on it has been trouble free, and I have yet to hear of anyone having problems with it.

My own 2 cents worth is I wouldn't hesitate to get one with the new cleaner emmisions, in fact I prefer it. The inside of the exhaust on my F350 is virtually as clean still as the day I bought it.

Trap

Triker56 · 07-22-2011, 06:58 PM

The biggest difference I have seen.
Is the older ones come in a older coach and are much cheaper then a new one.
And even the ones for towing are cheaper when bought older then new.
Cons, older over 5 years no longer have a warranty.

RickO · 07-22-2011, 07:15 PM

Didn't the change to DEF add nearly $10K to the price of a new coach?

Rick

Perry White · 07-22-2011, 07:19 PM

Delete the EGR on am ISM and picked up 1.5MPG

go6car · 07-23-2011, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickO

Didn't the change to DEF add nearly $10K to the price of a new coach?

Rick

Yes, and much, much higher. And also added weight from what I recall reading. The only good thing is that the actual urea that you need to add in isn't too pricey. A few DPs I was looking at (new) price-wise in 2009/2010 are now as much as 30K more today in retail price - it's unreal! I know that's not all due to the DEF tanks, but still!

(An older link discussing: http://www.irv2.com/forums/f84/urea-tank-68508.html

Paul T · 07-23-2011, 12:26 PM

So with a new diesel coach, every time you fill up, you have to add and additive of some type???????????? Sounds messy

JMonroe · 07-23-2011, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul T

So with a new diesel coach, every time you fill up, you have to add and additive of some type???????????? Sounds messy

No. We'll use about 2 gallons of DEF for every 1,000 miles travelled. The DEF tank is 10 gallons, some are larger, some smaller. While I've heard that stations are starting to install DEF pumps, so far I've been buying mine at a local farm store @ about $12 for a 2.5 gallon container. I'll top the tank off about every 1200 miles, or when it will take one container. I wouldn't have to add anything for over 4,000 miles. Topping off the DEF tank is no more difficult than adding gas to your lawn mower, with one difference - the DEF is non-toxic, so it won't hurt anything if spilled.

Chuck 1935 · 07-23-2011, 03:37 PM

I specificly bought my Motorhome because it did not have the cleaner exhaust. My exhaust is nice and sooty and I don't have any government folks peeking around sniffing my exhaust. Less is better.

Hawkeye · 07-23-2011, 06:03 PM

2007 was the last year for no DPF, (diesel particulate filter), which is a filter in your exhaust system. That filter is suppose to clean itself by burning diesel fuel in it. Adds $10k to 12K to the initial cost of the engine, and doesn't always work. A lot of these engines have had to go back to the dealer to regen or clean the DPF. Your mileage suffers also with a DPF. 2010 was the first year for the urea injection. I don't think it is causing any problems other than extra initial cost and additional refill cost. The DPF is the big headache, think of the restriction it is putting in that big pipe, then having to burn it out with additional $4 fuel. Your best bet is to get a clean, low mileage 2007 and extended warranty

BigSkyBob · 07-23-2011, 06:26 PM

Lots of 2008 coaches out there with non-clean burn engines. I ordered my coach with one of the thousands of 2006 Cummins engines Monaco had for coaches without a problem. It might even had been possible to find one of these Cummins engines for a 2009 model if you dug in the corners of the many warehouses these were stored in.

Hawkeye · 07-23-2011, 06:59 PM

Bob, How did they skirt the federal emission law on those engines, pay a fine on everyone they sold? I know Cat did that on their 2004 " bridge" engines for that tier of emissions. Maybe there will be company's out there that will sell a motorhome without an engine and you put in a " new " rebuilt 80's vintage motor for more power and mileage. They are doing that with new Peterbilts now.