TomMagarian

Thanks Brett, This article is well written, and spot on. I was under no disillusionment about fuel economy. I could see the fuel vs speed requirements from my own experience. I am more interested in understanding what I can expect relative to engine life. Questions like what kind of serviceable mileage life, can one expect out of the 8V92 TA mechanical motor? Also what is reasonable oil consumption, VS leakage for this beast? Real world experience on engine cooling while pulling grades at 8o degrees Fahrenheit. ect.

Thank you for responding, any input would be appreciated. Tom

Good day to all, I am the proud new oner of a 1986 MCI 102A3, with a 8V92 TA & 5 speed Allison Transmission, with a Jake Brake, it was a new bus converted by Custom Coach of Ohio. We use the motor home to get from Chicago, to Colorado to go Skiing. I have owned the bus for about a year, and made 3 trips to Colorado from Chicago, and noticed that it consumes about 8 quarts of oil in about 2,300 miles. I use Delvac 1640 40W oil. Also when warm, the engine has very low oil perssure, about 5#, when running at 1,200 RPM or above it is about 55-60#. My fuel milage when averageing 67 to 70 MPH is 5.5 MPG. Are these comditions normal for a coach of this vintage? The coach weighs about 38,000 lbs. It runs well, and will go over 85MPH, but the fuel economy drops to under 4 MPG if you push it fast, so I have learned to drive it at 67 MPH, or about 2,150 RPM. engine speed which equals 67 68 MPH & 5.5 MPG Looking for comments on this type of coach. Thanking all in advance. Tom