We had the discussion about me possibly selling my 2016 Ford F350 and buying a friends 1998 Freightliner FL70. The consensus was I would miss the comfort, which I am sure. Keeping in mind I only drive about 20K miles per year, most years.
Well, since then, I have had the 3rd turbo installed on the Ford. The first was on it when I got it at 23K miles and I assume the original. The second at 53K miles was done by Ford. The 3rd at 68K miles last week done by a super diesel shop. They are telling me the starting and stopping of the Ford is killing the turbo. I have to park it due to length in my shop, but have to start it up and back it out to work in the shop. It usually gets started, backed out and shut back off 3 to 7 times a week, which I know is very hard on the variable vane turbos. They need worked hard, which is what my diesel shop just told me again.
I pull a 34' gooseneck horse trailer with 4 big Percherons at 2000 a piece, plus wagon and harness/gear once in awhile, plus a 35' gooseneck flat bed with hay, or to haul a tractor to the shop or the like. Plus here and there when needed.
So with being tired of replacing these turbos, and not wanting to build another shed, I am going back to thinking about the Freightliner. I am thinking the FL would have a straight turbo, and not the new fangled variable vane. Anyone have any insight on that? I know starting and then shutting them right down is not great on any vehicle, but will the 1998 FL handle it better? I assume there will be another turbo next year if I keep things the way they are. Thanks - Bob
Well, since then, I have had the 3rd turbo installed on the Ford. The first was on it when I got it at 23K miles and I assume the original. The second at 53K miles was done by Ford. The 3rd at 68K miles last week done by a super diesel shop. They are telling me the starting and stopping of the Ford is killing the turbo. I have to park it due to length in my shop, but have to start it up and back it out to work in the shop. It usually gets started, backed out and shut back off 3 to 7 times a week, which I know is very hard on the variable vane turbos. They need worked hard, which is what my diesel shop just told me again.
I pull a 34' gooseneck horse trailer with 4 big Percherons at 2000 a piece, plus wagon and harness/gear once in awhile, plus a 35' gooseneck flat bed with hay, or to haul a tractor to the shop or the like. Plus here and there when needed.
So with being tired of replacing these turbos, and not wanting to build another shed, I am going back to thinking about the Freightliner. I am thinking the FL would have a straight turbo, and not the new fangled variable vane. Anyone have any insight on that? I know starting and then shutting them right down is not great on any vehicle, but will the 1998 FL handle it better? I assume there will be another turbo next year if I keep things the way they are. Thanks - Bob