Buying an 02 DSDP

[traderAl]

I am new to the forum, looking forward to the experience. We are considering buying a 2002 DSDP 4090 on a Spartan chassis with a ISC 350. I am new to the Spartan Chassis. What can you tell me about the Chassis, particularly the items I need to be most concerned about when I check it out?

Al

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

Welcome to the forum. I have a Spartan Mountain Master Chassis (2006) and after much thought I cannot list any concerns with the chassis. I did change out the shocks so when you test drive check tire pressure before the drive and see how the coach rides over uneven pavement. Using your VIN # check with Spartan for any recalls that may be outstanding, same with Cummins, Allison, and Newmar. If you pull the trigger let us know.

[traderAl]

Thanks Ronnie. I have driven it on a very rough country road and it handled well, the coach did not wander, it stayed right where I was guiding it. I did find all the rattles in the coach, though. LOL This is a one owner coach and he kept a log of repairs, warranty work and recalls. I did however get a "check engine" light on the readout panel as we neared the Dealership at the end of the test drive. The dealer said he would take it to his "Cummins guy" and get it check out; he promises that it will be fixed.

I was just asking to see if there are any quirks to the Spartan chassis that I need to carefully check? For that matter: are there any quirks for the ISC 350?

Al

[Qwert66]

Request proof of all maintenance records and recall completions.
Then
Request proof of ALL maintenance records and recall completions.

We have a 1999 Spartan/Newmar and have had little to no problems. (if maintained accordingly). Maybe we are/were lucky. Things not on the maintenance schedule that have been replaced in that 10yrs (55,000mi) that may be related to spartan are;

B.I.R.D. isolator relay replaced
Inside step cover actuator
Outside step actuator gear

Stored inside in Michigan when not on the road.

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

Regards check engine light. I do not trust the sight gauge for coolant...I use a small diameter wooden rod and 'stick' the expansion tank to verify coolant level. I have needed to have my coolant sender located on the expansion tank replaced as it was giving bad check engine/stop engine light indications.

["007"]

Welcome to the Newmar forum & irv2 Al.
Congrats on the Newmar hope it works out for you.
Here is a brochure and a Owners Guide for your DSDP.
Here are some TSB's for your coach.
The TSB's may revert to COM_NET2 Network but just click on Tech info to access.
If your know the coach build number you can get info on the coach build list of your coach.

[lonestarace]

Check the "Ball joint boots"
They don't generally last longer than about 5 yrs

[traderAl]

Thanks 007. I do have the build number and I have been to the Com Net2 site. There are 3 or 4 TSBs and 1 PIB that seems to apply to this coach, so I will need to check those out. I plan to take over to a local Cummins shop and have them pull the DTCs to see what has been going on in the engine.

I am not sure how to get specific info to just this coach on Com net2, since much of what seems to come up is more generic. Perhaps you could tell me what I am missing.

Thanks, Al

[traderAl]

Ronnie:

I noticed that the sight glass seemed difficult to clearly determine fluid levels. Your suggestion of the stick makes perfect sense. Thanks

Al

[RVNeophytes2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' I do not trust the sight gauge for coolant...

Haw... great minds work alike. I too have begun this practice, since the gage seems to have glaucoma.

My Spartan MM tracks down the highway like it's on rails. We're showing 73 dB (iPhone app) on rough pavement at 65 mph. Maybe 1 dB more than the bigger Spartan I drove last month (same year as mine, Newmar Essex).

Adding a full set of Koni FSDs improved the ride somewhat, dramatically reduced body sway during slow maneuvering.

No leaks, breakage, engine or transmission woes in one year and 7K miles. Perfect tire wear, even with the previous owner over-inflating them.

Former owner was sidelined by fuel contamination. Changing filters is a must.

Cooling can be an issue in high temp conditions, numerous posts about this around the forums. Easily overcome with good maintenance and operating practices.

["007"]

Al. when you go on COM_NET2 use the search engine at top of page and add a CS on end of your build number.
Use this link to sticky with examples and you should have an idea on what you will find.

[traderAl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 007";1054109]Al. when you go on COM_NET2 use the search engine at top of page and add a CS on end of your build number. Use this [B][URL="http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/newmar-com-net2-link-pibs-tsbs-product-information-bulletins-how-to-access-103668.html link to sticky[/URL][/B] with examples and you should have an idea on what you will find.

Thanks again 007. Will try that today.

Got a report from the dealer that the error code was for low coolant. Will return to dealer soon to get specifics. Thanks for everyones help.

Al

[traderAl]

Ronnie:

We did it! We are now the proud owners of a 2002 Dutch Star 4090!!! Everything seems to be working. The dealer replaced the Convection oven because the cool down fan would not cycle off.

The Cummins mechanic said the only code that came up was the "low coolant" code. Here's hopin'. Wish us luck!

Al

["007"]

Congratulations Al many happy and safe miles for you.