wolfe10 wrote:
I would differentiate between older vs newer engines.
The newer Vortec GM engines and Ford V10 engines will go at least 50% longer than the older engines they replace.
Or more specifically, GEN IV or higher block. Basically as soon as they came out with roller lifters (not that is the only difference).
Fireman-dan wrote:
yes the newer motors will last a lot longer. also the newer oils help get more out of a motor . even a older one will last longer .
I believe I would disagree with this statement. ZDDP is still the best anti-wear agent, and the newer oils have less of it. To compensate for this
weakness newer engines have the cam pre-treated before it is installed in the engine. Newer engine also have more than double the size oil pans to compensate for the weaker additive concentration. This slows the depletion of the additives, more specifically ZDDP. If you are running an old engine, you should use an oil that still has the older quantities of ZDDP, or ad it to the oil.
To specifically answer the OP, someone eluded to the real answer in an earlier post, stating the biggest issue with an RV engine is how it is used. If the engine sits - especially in humid environments, it collects condensation inside the engine, which makes it rust. One is much better off to have an engine that is used regularly, that is unless it is stored in the southwest where the air is very dry.
We do talk about modern engines lasting much longer than older ones, but I do know of a guy who had an old Revcon, running a 455. At the time I talked to him, he had 275,000 miles on his gas engine, and had not done anything other than regular maintenance to it. It was still running strong. The issue was that it was maintained well, and was driven regularly. I would also say that it was probably not strained badly, as a Revcon is fairly light for its size.
I would say that unless you have been in control of the engine all of its life, the old standard of 100K for GEN VI and older/200K for GEN VI and newer applies in most situations.
