08-10-2021, 01:03 AM
Welcome to the Gurus !
We were in the same position as you after being introduced to "classic" Newells by Clarke and Elaine Hockwald , members of this forum. We were fortunate that Clarke knew of a coach for sale by a fellow forum member, and that coach has been a fantastic home for us for the past four years, and 30 thousand miles. The coach you are looking at will have a few common mechanicals with others of that era. Most likely a 6 or 8 cylinder Detroit Diesel 2 cycle motor, along with a 4 speed Allison transmission for the 8 cylinder motor, and a 5 speed if the coach has the 6 cylinder motor. One of the most important things to do prior to purchase is to have a motor oil and transmission fluid sample sent to a lab for testing. ( Blackstone Labs ) For about 60 dollars, they can tell you a lot about the condition of the engine and transmission. Replacing the engine is a 25 thousand dollar item and the transmission is about 7 thousand. With engines weighing over 3000 lbs, most of us have no way to do this work ouselves.
Depending on your area, there may be a forum member willing to look at your potential purchase. You will find tons of experience here. Good luck.
We were in the same position as you after being introduced to "classic" Newells by Clarke and Elaine Hockwald , members of this forum. We were fortunate that Clarke knew of a coach for sale by a fellow forum member, and that coach has been a fantastic home for us for the past four years, and 30 thousand miles. The coach you are looking at will have a few common mechanicals with others of that era. Most likely a 6 or 8 cylinder Detroit Diesel 2 cycle motor, along with a 4 speed Allison transmission for the 8 cylinder motor, and a 5 speed if the coach has the 6 cylinder motor. One of the most important things to do prior to purchase is to have a motor oil and transmission fluid sample sent to a lab for testing. ( Blackstone Labs ) For about 60 dollars, they can tell you a lot about the condition of the engine and transmission. Replacing the engine is a 25 thousand dollar item and the transmission is about 7 thousand. With engines weighing over 3000 lbs, most of us have no way to do this work ouselves.
Depending on your area, there may be a forum member willing to look at your potential purchase. You will find tons of experience here. Good luck.
Guy & Sue Cobham
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
1984 Classic 40' #59