I'm sure there are pros and cons on this subject. As a hopeful owner of a Barth diesel, I would be indebted to all who can comment. I guess it would be necessary to set some parameters.
1. Cummins 5.9@235HP vs Cat 3208T in a Barth with a GVWR not more than 20000#
2. Cummins 8.3 vs Cat 3208TA in a Barth with a GVWR not to exceed 30000#
Maybe the GVWR doesn't make any difference. Just thought that might be what you can find.
Thanks

The 3208T is hardly Cat's finest work, I would stay away from it. Some Regencys were built in the 90's
with the Cat 3176 which is a fine engine. I have owned both a 5.9 (92 Dodge pickup) and an 8.3C ('95
Winnebago Luxor AllSteer)Cummins and I firmly believe the pre-electronic Cummins engines of the early-mid 90's are the finest most reliable diesel engines EVER built!

The max you'll find a Cummins 5.9L 12V (B5.9) factory-rated is 230HP. I doubt you'd find the 10+L Cat 3208 in a 20K GVW coach; even the C8.3L would be an oddity.

I agree that the 3208 isn't Cat's best work but it's decent and a factory rebuilt is relatively economical.

My choice of engines would be, in descending order, C8.3L, Cat 3126, then Cat 3176. The 3176 is also a 10+L engine (6-cyl) so it's BIG. There was at least one Breakaway with the 3126. The Cummins and 3176 are sleeved cylinder engines, so (in theory) would be easier rebuilds. That said, a native block (unsleeved) engine can be perfectly suitable - how many folks put 500K miles on their RVs?

This is a real Ford vs Chevy Coke vs Pepsi discussion.

They all have their attributes. The Cummins in most cases will provide better fuel mileage that the 3208. But we all know that fuel is probably the cheapest thing long term in a coach. Typical mileage difference of 1 to 1.5 MPG only means 25 or 30 bucks a month for most users at 5000 to 7000 miles usage per annum. Always cracks me up when guys get stressed over half a mile to the gallon.

The 3208 you can buy long block replacement for about 7K. Not sure you can do that with the Cummins especially the 8.3. The 8.3 is a very respected engine that makes good power I am told. I like CATS but would never have a 3126. Leakers and longevity.

There are probably a thousand or more Bluebird FC's and SP's All American Steel coaches trundling around the roads with 3208's in them and they weigh in at 32 to 36K plus they pull toads and enclosed trailers for the last 28 years. So they will do the job for sure. Not the fastest but very steady and dependable. Not a sleeved engine but can be rebuilt if not too messed up but at the price of a long block why would you? 3208 also used in thousands of short haul trucks too.

But like I say it is Ford vs Chevy. Buy what you like best as you like your money better than anyone else does.

I deleted multiple copies of the same post...please advise your cats to stay off the keyboard...

What did that bumper sticker say?? "If it ain't a CAT, it must be a dog!"

Nick

But do they have high wings or low wings? One is so much better than the other ...

Never saw a bird leave his feet out in flight ...

You ever watched herons on the wing? More leg than body! Got a movie of an eagle with a shad that just couldn't quite fit in the feathers too but that probably shouldn't count.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve VW:
But do they have high wings or low wings? One is so much better than the other ...

One of each is better yet.

D17s, for example. http://www.fiddlersgreen.net/a...gerwing-Inflight.jpg

Sandhill cranes have legs hanging way back, too. (The herons at least tuck their heads in, the cranes have neck way out front, too!)

At least they all have high wings, as nature intended.

Staggerwings: round motor, retractable gear, (the only reason for a low wing, to hide wheels!) probably the coolest airplane ever.

Let's see, 8.3 to 3208 to Sand Hill cranes. I love it

Guilty of thread hijack..

As for Cat vs Cummins, the "CAT Diesel Power" hats are very sought after in these parts... We see very few Cummins hats.

All good diesels, some better than others! Can't be beat for the long haul.

There is only one reason I wouldn't prefer a diesel to my generic GM V8 gasser: If the thing does break, I can get parts anywhere, anytime and I can fix it myself. (Right down to the crankshaft!) I get a certain satisfaction from the independence. Heck, I even have a spare tire!

Well Steve, I pulled off the head of my 5.9L Cummins to replace a leaky head gasket, replaced the leaky rear main seal. Ain't much difference between a big gasser and a small diesel, just weight and a lot of it. I did all the maintenance/overhaul on my DD 3-53s, 8V-71s, and 8V-92s in the good old days. Just a bunch of nuts and bolts and a lot of RTV, HaHa!

Parts? I can get anything I need anywhere for the Cummins 5.9L

Injection pump and pump timing requires some specialized tools and knowhow, but can be done with a little research.

Oh yeah I could do it but... old dog, new tricks.

After all, parts is parts, we just take em apart and put em together.