1989 Dolphin RV 3.0 question

Tried to find an appropriate spot for this so move if needed. I'm looking at a 1989 Dolphin RV for a friend and had a couple of questions about the engine. It has a replaced/rebuilt 3.0 and the seller says that it's got a 100,000 - 3 year transferable warranty. My question is: the engine was rebuilt using what he says are non-aluminum heads. I have to think he meant the gasket itself is different than stock and not the head, or I'm I missing something?

I know the 3.0 had a reputation of popping head gaskets and I'm trying to figure out, if -whatever the company used (gasket of head) will alleviate any chance of it failing again. I'm not sure what year the replacement motor is.

thanks for any input.

 

I don't know of any iron heads for the 3.0 (3VZ-E) engine. But if it has the upgraded head gaskets it should last for a while, the ultimate solution for the head gaskets on this engine are a set of headers that flow better, the stock ones trap heat near cyl 6 causing it to wreck the head gasket.

 

I called the company that rebuilt the engine. He said they use OEM head gaskets on their rebuilds. He went on to say that an incorrect antifreeze mixture is one of the main causes of failure due to corrosion of the mating surfaces. Kinda reminded me of that nasty pink shit GM used in the late 90s early 2000’s.

Anyway kinda thinking I might steer clear of this rig and look at one with a 22re and manual. Thanks for the input and I’ve heard about that exhaust issue in recent searches but had no idea that was the main reason for failure.

 

As long as the game plan for the Mini RV is not a tour of the country a 22Re engine will not be that bad.

Drive to the Lake a few weekends

As the weight of the goodies needed to travel in comfort add up fast .

One thing to take a test ride pretty much unloaded

A 120 horsepower engine is not fun in a heavy vehicle

 

Not much better with the 150hp 3.0 either haha

 

I had a Dolphin with a 22RE manual trans... you have to take a long run at any sort of an incline. Lots of 3rd gear, 40 mph'ish hills.

 

I smell a 1HD-FTE diesel swap...

 

I have no clue why such under powered engines were used in these platforms.

Short trips on flat ground ??

Retired so if it takes 8 hours to drive 100 miles all is well