Lupie wrote:
We are wanting to purchase a Roadtrek, Pleasure Way or Winnebago Era van. Our mechanic has said to stay away from the 3.0 V6 diesel and look for an older van with the straight 5. The harmonic balancer goes out causing the engine to vibrate and self destruct. It is difficult to find an older van with the straight 5. Any comments or opinions? We are new to RVing.
Hi! I'm not sure of the value of that advice on the I5. They are good engines but they have their own problems ( leaking seals on the injectors that lead to "Black Death" for one.) It hasn't been sold since 07/08 and is now 7 - 8 years long in the tooth. Most are going to have many miles on them. V6 turbo diesel is a very good engine. The big issue, stated elsewhere, is to absolutely only use the MB specification oil. To wit: 229.51 or 229.52 (now preferred). Not using the spec oil will positively lead to $$$$$$ repairs. Newer, 2014+ have a 15K miles oil change interval. The newer V6 uses better emissions control technology and require DEF fluid. I wouldn't not buy a V6. And, we've put maybe 12000 between two V6 Sprinter RVs. No issues!
