Kw w900l

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Bigrigmayo93, Jan 11, 2017.

  1. Bigrigmayo93

    Bigrigmayo93 Light Load Member

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    Nov 28, 2016
    Chicago Illinois
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    My uncle is ritiring & asked if I want to buy his 03 kw w900l midroof sleeper. He bought it back in 08 with 425k mi. It now has 685k. He drove from Illinois to Texas. Seasonal only. He took very good care of it. Maintained it very well. Inside & out is in great condition.
    It has the C15 mbn engine
    10 speed trans
    475 hp
    3.70 rear ratio
    11R24.5 rubber. 5k mi on tires

    He hasn't done any major repairs to it. The engine has not been opened up. Any part he has bought has been from kenworth or CAT. He's had the same mechanic since he bought the truck.
    He's asking for $25k. Which I believe is a fair price for the condition it's in. & comparing it to other w900s on truckpaper.com
    I will be hauling light dry van loads. 15k max cargo weight. 300 mi radius from Chicago il. (il,in,mi,wi,ia) so mostly flat land

    Ive done a lot of research on this website about mbn engines. I know they have their ups and downs.
    He says he gets around 5mpg. He drives for economy. I know there are a couple things you can do to help the power & mpg. He said its stock so he hasn't done anything to it.
    I guess I am just looking for some clearification. Some tips on what to keep an eye on? What to keep my ears open for? Which way is best to run the truck? (rpm, mph) Will these specs work for me? What to change?

    I will be going to look at the truck soon so I should get more info on it. & I will for sure take it somewhere or have someone with knowledge on these trucks & engines look at it before making a decision.
    If I go thru with this I will be interested in doing what I can to get better mpg.
    Sorry for the long post. I appreciate any help or advice or tips or contact information I can get. Thank you very much.
     
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  3. DUNE-T

    DUNE-T Road Train Member

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    Detroit, MI
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    Price is fair, but 5 mpg is crazy. I wonder what other owners get with this truck
     
  4. Bigrigmayo93

    Bigrigmayo93 Light Load Member

    132
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    Nov 28, 2016
    Chicago Illinois
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    @DUNE-T i know right. That's my biggest concern. But I've read a lot about these other guys doing some tune ups to theirs & getting closer to 6 mpg
     
  5. blade

    blade Heavy Load Member

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    Jan 30, 2009
    Some where, Mo
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    your 370 ratio ain't helping and your uncle probably ain't gonna run it slow enough to offset those gears also in my opinion that bridge motor is crap I'm sure if u look up mbn motors you will find plenty of reviews on it but not bad for the price
     
  6. Pepper24

    Pepper24 Road Train Member

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    Dec 3, 2010
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    I had 04 w900 with cat 5 mpg was my average.Bought 07 379 with a cat and got 6.7 mpg.Loved the w900 interiors and body style better then Pete but the better fuel mileage I didn't miss the w900 very long.
     
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  7. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    I've got an MBN in an '03 T600 with a 13 speed, 11R22.5 tires and 3:70 rears and had it for several years. No roof fairing on top of the sleeper pulling a van or reefer trailer I get around 6 mpg without hardly trying. Typical highway speed would be 72 mph. I've done a few modifications to the motor. When it was stock 5 mpg was about as good as it would get. There's nothing wrong with a bridge motor if you're willing to spend about $3,000+/- making it right. Just as good as any CAT made before or after. It's always been a hoss even in stock form. Sounds like a fair price on the W900.
     
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  8. Bigrigmayo93

    Bigrigmayo93 Light Load Member

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    Nov 28, 2016
    Chicago Illinois
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    Yeah I did a lot of research on them. I don't think it's worth the headache. Gonna look for something more fuel friendly.
     
  9. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    Those rears are just fine for that motor. Great gears for the mountains that's where they really shine. If I baby my truck and drove 64 mph everywhere it would easily get 6.5 mpg.
     
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  10. Bigrigmayo93

    Bigrigmayo93 Light Load Member

    132
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    Nov 28, 2016
    Chicago Illinois
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    I guess I fell in love with the interior as well. Also because the truck is well taken care of. So I thought I would deal with the mpg. But I will rather have more money in my pocket at the end of the week.
     
  11. Bigrigmayo93

    Bigrigmayo93 Light Load Member

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    Nov 28, 2016
    Chicago Illinois
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    I actually read a lot of your comments you posted in other threads. Thats where I got most of my research from so thanks!
     
    rollin coal Thanks this.
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