Forum Discussion

sprint4x4's avatar
sprint4x4
Explorer
May 10, 2015

Opinions... 98' Endeavor 34 or 01' Endeavor 38

Another newbie to the site. Wife and I test drove a 1998 Endeavor 34 and a 2001 Endeavor 38. No contract per se, however we did give a deposit for the 98' Endeavor. Now after some research I see that there are potential problems the the "53" blocks on the 5.9 cummins which I believe the 98' has. Our 1st go round in coaches and don't want to start with a problem so let's hear the pro's and con's for both. These coaches are 3 hrs away so to just pop over and check things is not easy. After reading the forum for several weeks I seek and respect your opinions as most everyone out there has more experience than I. Wife and I were able to test drive both yesterday (Springfield, MO) and both felt very stable on the highway. The 98' was not a snappy off the line as the 01' but once on the highway it ran very well at 65mph. On one longer hill the 98' downshifted once to about 2000 rpm and the 01' downshifted once and back and down again on the same hill. At this point my plan is to go back down pulling my trade and take a look under the 98' to see if I can find the "53" stamp on the 98'. In the longer term of future vacations maybe the longer 01' might be a stronger consideration (other than money of course). There is about $10K between the two coaches so that is a factor as well.

Respectfully
Class A
  • glamisorbust's avatar
    glamisorbust
    Explorer II
    May 10, 2015
    I have the "53 block" in my 1999 HR endeavor. It runs perfect and has not given me a problem. It has about 130k on it, and shows no signs of any problems. The main problem with them is people not letting them warm up or cool off properly, and then they crack.

    If you do a little research, you'll find people telling you to "run away" from them. I did all my research and decided to take the risk. I am extremely happy with my choice. Some of the coaches had the 53 block, others did not. My brother and I both have identical '99 HR endeavor's, I have the 53 block and he does not. Both coaches run great.

    The crack appears on the side of the block, you can google it and find pictures. If it's not cracked by now it probably won't. I would check it out with a flashlight and see if the 53 is there, and if there is a crack on the side of the block then run away.

    If not, buy it and save yourself $10k. Just remember to let it warm up and cool down properly and you won't have a problem. You should do this with any diesel engine anyways. Lots of folks don't do this and they are the ones who ended up with the dreaded crack. Hope this helps. Oh, and we love our endeavor, it's an awesome coach. Wouldn't change a thing.
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    May 10, 2015
    As with any coach you're thinking of buying, be sure to check the tire date codes....about $4,000 for new tires regardless of tread depth...Dennis

About Motorhome Group

38,705 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 14, 2025