Diesel Engine Maintenance - RV-Dreams Community Forum

janni · RV-Dreams Family Member

Diesel Engine Maintenance

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

janni wrote:

Where do we start? 350 Cummins with 42,000 miles. No oil change when buying(scheduled ourselves) There are a ton of books to read but want to know we are ready to travel. One of the books that we did have time to read said some kind of scheduled maintenance at 48,000 mi. Any info would be much appreciated.

Since you are buying it used, I would sample the oil for background information. Blackstone will work with you on that. Get the sample kit and spend the 15 bucks. They will test for metals, ash, acidity, shear, lubricity and other important components of the oil. The report will give you a lot of information about the condition of the engine. Money well spent. No, the local guy can't do it.

Since you are starting over here, I would also have a competent diesel mechanic look at it, and he will probably test the coolant, filters, etc. When done, pay the man his money and feel rather secure with your new rig. BTW, congrats.

TXRVr · RV-Dreams Family Member

Since you are buying it used, I would sample the oil for background information. Blackstone will work with you on that. Get the sample kit and spend the 15 bucks. They will test for metals, ash, acidity, shear, lubricity and other important components of the oil. The report will give you a lot of information about the condition of the engine. Money well spent. No, the local guy can't do it.

Totally agree. One of the few things I don't do, other than oil and fuel filter changes, is mess with my diesel engine. I'd take it to a Cummings shop and let them do all the scheduled maintenance. Have them flash the OBD computer while you're at it.

It won't be cheap, but the peace of mind that you aren't going to be setting on the side of the road crying into an empty wallet is worth it.

Roz · RV-Dreams Family Member

Janni,

We have a Cummins 350, ISC engine in our coach, and our first coach had an ISB. Both have performed flawlessly.
I have found Cummins dealers Maine to Florida, the East Coast to just beyond Texas to be reliable, knowledgeable and reasonably priced. I found this to be true across the board. I am sure there is someone who will dispute my endorsement, but this is based on ten years of my experiences.

Before I read TXrvr's suggestion of tapping in to the OBD computer, I had decided to suggest that. Between that and the oil analysis, you will have a good base upon which to bench mark future dependability.

Cummins stores have always had good people with whom to work. No, I do not work for Cummins!

janni · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thank you so much for all of your replies. First oil change we have had that was over 300.00 so recovering...guess it will be cook at home or mickey D's tonight!!!!

TXRVr · RV-Dreams Family Member

janni wrote:

Thank you so much for all of your replies. First oil change we have had that was over 300.00 so recovering...guess it will be cook at home or mickey D's tonight!!!!

...Or do it yourself. It isn't difficult. My wife has changed it once. Filter = $10 and 5 gal Rotella T oil = $90 Total $100 and about 30 minutes of your time. Leaving $200 to put into your fuel tank.

On one change, I was on the road and found a Wal-Mart store with high bays that agreed to do it. I bought the oil off their shelf and they put it in. I think I paid about 25 bucks for their labor.

But if you insist on paying more, I'll do it for all for $200. That's definately not a mickey D's night for me. biggrin

janni · RV-Dreams Family Member

Nice of you to offer, lol. Think it was more of a "peace of mind" thing for both of us....until we finished paying ;) and now it will be researching enough for that confidence to do the next one. We are still at the dealers(full hookup) waiting on an electronic board for leveling jacks. Hopefully we will get on the road mid week.

mcw50 · RV-Dreams Family Member

By chance...if your Cummins engine is on a Spartan Chassis....the best thing we ever did when we first got our diesel coach was to go to a "Spartan Homecoming" rally in Charlotte, Michigan. The seminars were all put on by the manufacturers of the various components of the coach.....Cummins for the engines, Allison for the transmission, Meritor for the brakes, etc. and nobody was selling anything. (We already owned it all!) They taught you how their stuff worked and how to take care of it. There were plenty of handouts and demos. It was so worthwhile our heads were swimming with valuable info and we went back the next year to go through it all again! Should have be required of us before we drove the new coach away from the dealer!

Roz · RV-Dreams Family Member

Great advice from mcw50 for people with a Spartan Chassis. Equally good for those on a Freightliner Chassis is "Camp Freightliner" put on by Freightliner Custom Chasis.

It is an intense three-day schedule of classes and aplant tour, when held at the factory. This venue provides wonderful information in the same manner as for Spartan Chassis owners, but all about the Freightliner Chassis.

Information is available from: www.freightlinerchassis.com/owner-ionformation/camp

janni · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for more information. Yes, it is the Spartan chassis and that rally sounds like a good rally. I cannot find the dates for 2010 or 2011. Is it yearly in Michigan? Maybe it is just to early.........will keep looking. Thanks again

mcw50 · RV-Dreams Family Member

The Spartan Homecoming Rally is always in Charlotte at the Eaton County 4-H Fairgrounds right near the factory. It is usually in early June. Information is usually on the Spartan Chassis website at some point... www.spartanchassis.com Check under "events" and "recreational vehicles". (They also build fire engines and military vehicles and the factory tour is interesting!) You can also have service performed at the factory. Since our "home area" is neaby, that is where we have routine maintenance done. The rally is co-sponsored, I think, with the FMCA chapter called "Spartan Chassis International Club" or somthing similar.

Old Snipe · RV-Dreams Family Member

There are many other maintenance items on your diesel motor home that need attention at the age and mileage you have.

Just for you to research as to if you need it done:

Coolant anti corrosion additive levels , know as SCA, need a simple test. You may be due for a complete coolant change.

Chassis grease

AllisonTransmission oil and filter change

Air brake filter change

Air filter change

Engine fuel filter(s) change

Front wheel bearing oil change

Differential fluid check/change if required

Generator service to include oil and oil filter change, air and fuel filter change, coolant change.

There are many more service items on a DP than a gas MH, check with Spartan for the recommended change/replacement interval for an all inclusive list.

Best Regards!