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Jimbo8264 · 09-06-2006, 03:21 AM

This weekend we will pick up our "new to us" 2002 KSDP 3669. This will be my first ever experience with a diesel. I have been searching the forum for information and have located information on biocide, anti-freeze and some general helpful tips. If anyone can give me some tips or aim me to any other places for help, please jump in. As usual I respect the information from this forum and look forward to any help you may have.

Jimbo8264 · 09-06-2006, 03:21 AM

This weekend we will pick up our "new to us" 2002 KSDP 3669. This will be my first ever experience with a diesel. I have been searching the forum for information and have located information on biocide, anti-freeze and some general helpful tips. If anyone can give me some tips or aim me to any other places for help, please jump in. As usual I respect the information from this forum and look forward to any help you may have.

Cruzer · 09-06-2006, 03:36 AM

For fuel conditioners and engine coolants you can check out the following link in the RV Tech Library which applies to virtually any brand of diesel engine. There are links to quite a few things of interest on that page.

Kiwi · 09-06-2006, 05:30 AM

One of the best tips given me is to purchase fuel at a location that pumps a lot of fuel.

Also, keep the tank full, especially if you have any humidity in your area.

Walt

Ed-Deb · 09-07-2006, 07:06 AM

Jim,

Congratulations on the "new" motorhome! I have an 03 KSDP and love it.

Are you looking for maintenance information, driveability, or everything?

Jimbo8264 · 09-08-2006, 05:54 AM

Ed-Deb
looking for Maintenance tips and general TCL needs for diesel.

JoeT · 09-08-2006, 03:30 PM

Jim - What engine and chassis do you have?

Joe & Loretta
2006 Phaeton 40QDH

Ed-Deb · 09-10-2006, 08:17 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jimbo8264:
Ed-Deb
looking for Maintenance tips and general TCL needs for diesel. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Jim,

I have a 99 Dodge 2500 pick-up with the Cummins engine, a Jeep Liberty diesel, and the KSDP with a Cummins engine.

The Dodge has 112k miles and has been in the shop twice: Once for a fuel lift pump and injector pump and the second time because the oil blow-by hose and road dust had caused the radiator fins to clog.

Changing oil and all the filters regularly is the only other maintenance I have performed.

The KSDP I have has an overheat issue (only when pulling long grades and allowing the Allison to decide when to shift) that I believe will be a similiar radiator problem like the Dodge had.

I would suggest a complete service and fluid change plus a safety inspection and then regular maintenance (routine inspections and maintenance as per your chassis / engine / transmission manuals).

Kat31m · 09-10-2006, 01:08 PM

Hi Jim
I have a '02 KSDP #3669!!!! Bought her "new to me" this past spring. I moved up from a small class a gas to this, LOVE IT!!! Mine is a cummins 300hp on a freightliner with 31,000 miles. I've taken a couple of trips with it, I'm getting comfortable w/all the features. I plan to fulltime in the coach starting summer '07. Good luck with your new coach, Kathy

chasfm11 · 09-12-2006, 10:20 PM

Hello,Jim and congratulations on your new purchase. A couple of years ago, we were at the same point that you are and would offer you these ides.
1. Read and re-read any manuals that came with your coach. There should be a lot of good maintenance tips. If yours is a Freightliner chassis (as one of the other poster's suggests) Freightliner Custom Chassis is a great source of answers for questions that you have after reading. I suggest paying particular attention to every maintenance routine suggested along with the interval that it is supposed to be performed. Since yours is about the same age as ours was when we purchased it, I would suggest doing every maintenance routine in your manuals that you cannot verify has been previously performed. For example, the dryer on the air brake system is critial to the health of that system. If you cannot prove that it was changed on schedule, I'd recommend doing it immediately. There are a number of posts about the u-joints and spline in the drive train failing so that is other area I'd look to immediately for attention. Some people are under the misunderstanding that these items need be addressed soley on mileage. Every one of them should also have a time interval.
2. I suggest finding and recording the model and serial number of every component and appliance you have. Knowing your engine serial number, for example, will help you make sure that you get the correct parts. When one of our furances failed, I was able to use my model/serial information to quickly obtain the sail switch that I needed for it.
3. If it is possible, try to find out what type of fluid is in your transmission. Mine was regular fluid and I just finished switching to Transynd, the synthetic recommended by Allison. Since I'm doing my own fluid changes, I thought that the $60 per change difference to go to Transynd was well worth it, not only for the longer change intervals but for the improved lubrication and cooler operating temperatures.
4. If possible, find out what make of oil was used in your engine. I called the local Freightliner service center where the previous owner of our coach had taken it for service and was able to get information on that service history. It is better if you can avoid changing brands.
5. You are also coming up on the time to change engine belts. When I tried to do that change myself, I discovered a number of problems with both the configuration for my belts and the actual part number of one of them. I'm glad to have that all worked out and have good, known spares riding in one of my compartments. I also discovered that I needed a couple of special tools to do the belt change and they now ride with me also.

I hope this helps.

Charlie