Hi everybody!

We've been looking at used RV's, and have stumbled upon one that has a Cat 3208 with 109k miles.

I remember that the 3208's were popular for a while in RV's, and wondered if anybody knew how well they held up.

The RV can be had for a good price (needs subfloor), but its the possibility of expensive Cat repairs that has me hesitating.

Thanks for any input!

-Larry

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

The company I used to work for ran 3208's for about 6 or 7 years.
That's one engine they should have put a zipper on!
I was told that Ford had so much ( too much ) say, in the design & building of the engine, Caterpillar was reluctant to put their name on it.
Take it for what it's worth.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

Try boatdiesel.com for a ton of info, millions of them in boats with no problems until u get to the 375hp version.

Dan

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81 240D 4speed with 300D engine
87 560SL
2005 E320
Yukon Denali
Sierra Denali
850 Turbo Volvo
1996 Mustang
1984 Mustang race car
3 Boats

I owned 3 of them myself, and was a mechanic to another 4 of them; that being said, I like them. I ran them in rubbish packers without problems for well into 8,000 hours without complaint. On the F.D. we had 4 of them and they were started...floored...idled with all lights on...driven to the station and shut-down - A tough life for a motor. We serviced these engines every 100 hours and had no inservice failures.

The one warning I would pass along is the turbo charger seals: If they fail, the engine will run away (running on oil vapors) and self destruct unless you have a means of stopping the air-flow into the engine. I've witnessed that catastophe and would not like to see it again.

Just my opinion, hope it helps.

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1992 500SEL 25K
1995 E320 40K
1995 SL600 120K
2002 JX8 Sport 43K
2005 Volvo S40 95K
2006 Isuzu NPR 304K (Frankencamper)
2007 Crown Victoria 150K
2014 Smart Electric 20K

The 3208 is Cat's disposable diesel. They run very well throughout their initial build to overhaul duty cycle. Once that has been reached, they don't seem to run well ever again, even after a full rebuild. When I used to work for Wyoming Express (they no longer exist now), we had one in an older GMC truck used for local pickup and delivery. Everybody hated it, as it couldn't get out of its own way, and even the company gave up on the truck and sold it after having that engine completely gone through three times to get it running right.

If it's a young engine, with good records, go for it. Otherwise, look for an RV a 3116 or 3126 inline 6 - a MUCH better engine.

Thank you for your replies!

The 3208 that is in the older RV is in an 81 Foretravel. Built like a brick outhouse for the most part (except for the aforementioned subfloor). I have no idea what kind of HP it has...I imagine it should be written somewhere on the engine. The engine itself looks to be fairly free of any sort of oil leaks.
I have been looking around at newer RV's, and am starting to think that the Foretravel, although nice, is starting to show its age with the lack of amenities found in the newer coaches.

Again, thank you for your replies.

-Larry

__________________
It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

That is a very accurate reflection of my experience with the 3208.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

In the marine world there considered a throw away engine. Some guys like them and they seem to run good, but once they get up over 375hp there being pushed and won't last. I'd try getting a better CAT. Or maybe a Yanmar what about a nice 350hp I6? Did they ever put those in RV's?

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200