Wow where do I begin! - Printable Version

+- Newell Gurus (https://newellgurus.com)
+-- Forum: Welcome (https://newellgurus.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=1)
+--- Forum: Please introduce yourself (https://newellgurus.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=70)
+--- Thread: Wow where do I begin! (/showthread.php?tid=9060)

---

Wow where do I begin! - Gitane59 - 08-14-2026

My DW and I are experienced rver's having owned many towable RV's up to and including our current 40ft fifthwheel which we tow with a Powerstroke F250 pickup. Never owned a motorhome before but are looking at a professionally restored 1986 wide body Classic. It was purchased out of California and brought back to the midwest in 2022 and underwent a complete professional restoration at the same shop that restored a Prevost conversion bus owned by the sellers employer. It is advertised in the Pre-owned Newell's for sale FB group with a complete list of repairs and upgrades. Given it spent the first 37 years of it's existence in California I don't expect to find any significant rust on the chassis. I have restored classic 60's cars from California I know the value of being rust free. I am a electro-mechanical technician by trade myself so wrenching on something is second nature to me. Now my question. Besides generator, transmission and engine oil analysis and inspecting belts, hoses, air dryer and airlines and looking for leaks what should I be looking for mechanically on this engine. I am aware of the importance of a clean radiator to the health of the motor but how can I judge the health of the radiator itself beyond a visual inspection.
And yes we love the high end classic coaches style.
If we end up with this coach I am sure I will be drinking from a fire hose for quite a while. Thanks for any and all replies.

---

RE: Wow where do I begin! - Richard - 08-14-2026

Drain about 5 gallons of the coolant into a clean container for reuse. Take off the top rad hose and run an endoscopic camera into the radiator.

Depscan is a good brand on amazon.

Bus grease monkey has a few videos where he does the same.

Wheels off, look at brakes and rotate wheels to check for bearing roughness.

check around potty and windows for soft wood.

Welcome to the madhouse.

---