SP 36 Issues

[popeye]

I will be looking at two SP 36's in the next week and would appreciate hearing from anyone, particularly SP owners, on particular issues to ask about or look for. I have the VB buyer's checklist for a starting point but there's nothing like "having been there" - and so far I haven't!

Thanks

Popeye

[birds_first]

Originally Posted by popeye

I will be looking at two SP 36's in the next week and would appreciate hearing from anyone, particularly SP owners, on particular issues to ask about or look for. I have the VB buyer's checklist for a starting point but there's nothing like "having been there" - and so far I haven't!

Thanks

Popeye

Popeye,
You might want to keep an open mind about this, the 87 - 89 FCs has the same engine & transmission and generator and the owners of these birds could be a lot of help. 3208T - 300HP, ZF tranny, a good combination. I have the 88FC and looked at a few SPs and I like the SP but some will claim the SP does experience overheating at times due to the rear engine configuration. I do not see much difference in the interior configuration between the 35FC & the SP except the dog house & a little less storage below. It's not the bird as much as it is the previous/current owner, did they know how to take care of it, did they do the PM & were they members of these forums to have access to years of experience and tons of knowledge. You're at the right place for the help you may need.
John 88FC35 Louisville, KY

[Jim Brookshire]

Popeye,

I have had my SP-36 for over 6 years and 60,000 miles and am well satisfied. Have had slight issues with overheating on very steep and long grades (out of Urey, CO etc.). It has been solved by installing a 5 row radiator core in place of the original 3 row core. I can now watch the temps drop when the fan comes on while climbing grades. Rear engine also seems to be a little more difficult to get to when servicing, however this may be only that I have never tried to work on an FC.

The advantages over the FC's appear to be more inside head room (an advantage if you are tall), the lack of the "Dog house" between the front seats, more storage room below, and the lack of noise because the engines (drive and generator) are at the other end of the coach. ie. the drive engine is in the back when you are driving and the gen is in front when you are sleeping.

Hope this helps,

Jim Brookshire
Agitator1@windstream.net
89 SP-36

[Juergen]

Popeye
I've had my SP 91 for 12 years now. Climbed a lot of hills but never overheated yet. Overheat can be caused 90 out of a 100 by a DIRTY Radiator. Oil fumes get onto the radiator and the dust will settle onto that oil film. Result is a partial blocked radiator.
Rear engine work is tough due to access, but how often do you have to get into there?
Check on that Primus heat system and be aware that this system is 15 years old and not done today any more. However we have Stephen Birtless on the web who can get any parts needed. They come from sweden and are pricey.
SP has a center door. Very handy at least for my wife and me.
Vehicle condition strictly depends on who had it before and how did they care for it. Thats the biggest part, previous maintenance. The more records furnished with the coach, the better. I have at least 40 pounds of manuals, records, invoices, etc in my book case.
John Finn might be able to put my handbook on the 36 SP onto the website soon, so there you will find lots of info.
Good Luck
Juergen in PA
1991 WLSP36

[popeye]

Many thanks to John, Jim & Juergen for their thoughts.

Popeye

[Randy Dupree]

popeye,i have the coach in Gainesville,ready for the sunday lunch?
randy

[Bruce]

I am surprised to see the comments about difficult access to the rear engined SP. We have an 88 FC and that is what I call poor access. The rad is not a true swing rad. In order to get at the belts or alternator you must first remove the grille, swing the bumper down and then remove the air to air cooler. Some AF must be removed to undo the top rad hose and then the rad will swing about 20 degrees. I would be interested in knowing how you access those maintenace items on an SP.


Bruce

[RGloverii]

Hello to all.

I just purchased my 91 SP36 about 2 months ago, but thought I would chime in with my thoughts.

The SP36 has a lot of 'benefits' over the FC. Tops on my mind are the lack of doghouse (nice and quiet when on the road), more headroom (I am 6'5", and still have a good amount of clearance), very reasonable amount of basement storage, etc.

There is technically a bit less interior space in a SP36 versus the FC35, but I'll be honest: I can't see the difference.

I can't comment on ease of engine access, because I have not yet needed to work on the belts. From what I have observed, it seems it would be easier access than the FC.

Overall, if given the choice, I think the SP is a better choice. I would suggest looking at both, and comparing the two.

[dspithaler]

I have a 89 Sp 36' & the belts are easy to get to. Four bolts takes the bumper off & two bolts hold the rad in place then you can swing the rad out but it is not a full 90 degree but enough room to access the fan & the belts. I keep the rad clean & all is fine. I've had it for 4 years & am very satisfied with it.

[rwoody]

I Find It Hard To Keep My Upper Door Adjusted On Rear..
Any Fixes???????????????????