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How Much Will It Cost To Repair An RV Diesel Engine That Smokes & Has Coolant In The Oil?

by Melissa
(California)

I'm considering buying a fixer upper RV. One I'm looking at says '1989 Overland 38' Diesel Pusher Motorhome, it is in good shape with 91,000 miles on it. The motor is a Detroit 8.2 turbo diesel, the motor runs but it smokes bad and there is coolant in the oil, so it is going to need some motor work. It drives and tran shifts fine'

What might this cost me to repair? Do you think the engine needs to be replaced or could it be a simpler fix? What could it cost to repair?


ANSWER: Greetings Melissa thanks for submitting your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.

I am not going to be the bearer of good news, first I do not know exactly how much it is going to cost to repair the Diesel engine on the RV you are looking at. One thing I will tell you it will probably not be an "inexpensive" fix. The fact that you have coolant in the oil means that there could be a cracked or warped head, cracked block, etc.

The only way you will know for sure what the problem is; is by getting a diesel mechanic to thoroughly inspect the engine. The coolant in the oil could only be the tip of the iceberg. Repairing a diesel engine is not cheap. Depending on how much you are buying the RV for and the cost of the repairs, you may never recoup any of the repair costs if you decide to sell it.

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I would also suggest that you visit the Used RV Inspection Section of our website and follow the guidelines that I have there to conduct a full inspection of this RV to find any other costly problems.

Hope this helps.

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RVing Al

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