Community Forums

tommar · 05-31-2017, 04:35 PM

I'm an RV newby with my "new" 1998 Newmar Dutch Star diesel pusher... I know so little I scarcely know where to start. Found out that Camping World won't do oil changes for example. So I contacted (after MUCH trouble) the Cummins dealer in Waco, TX where I live. They want a whopping $800 to change engine oil plus Onan oil! Help! Is $800 normal? I could go on... the owner manuals and documentation tells me nothing about stuff like where the fresh water tank pump switch is located or how to work the Winegard satellite TV system... I thought Camping World would help... but no! I'm also concerned about the air brake system... apparently one is supposed to check for water in the air system often. Ditto with water in fuel... have no idea how to do these things! An invoice from a previous owner shows a huge bill because of water in air system which scares me. Can't find anyone to help me learn... Would like info and help about changing oil for starters... and help in mastering the various systems in the RV.

**CLIFFTALL** · 05-31-2017, 04:38 PM

Welcome to Irv2. I've moved your post here where you'll find many Newmar owners that will assist.

GaryKD · 05-31-2017, 04:49 PM

Hi tommar,
Welcome to the Newmar family and the Newmar Owner's forum. The price you were quoted for the engine/generator oil change is not outrageous. Everything on a diesel is measured in gallons. Then there are 3 filters on the engine (oil, fuel and fuel water separator) and one on the generator. The coach Air Dryer should be replaced every 3 years (sooner if you are in a high humidity climate). That will keep water out of the brake lines. If you do this there is no need to check the brake system for water.

My first question is are you a DIY person or will you pay to have work done? A DIYer on a diesel coach requires the person to be mobile, flexible, strong and dedicated to maintaining the chassis, engine and generator. There is a laundry list of things you should do so you have a baseline from which to base future service.

nothermark · 05-31-2017, 05:07 PM

The oil change sounds like they are in the ballpark assuming diesel generator. More expensive filters plus more oil in a diesel system. OTOH don't change as often as a gas. Some folks claim it balances out, not sure I agree, YMMV. They may also be looking at a chassis lube or some other things while they have it. Depends on the service writer. He might be trying to do you a favor or pad the bill by doing everything he can think of. I lost my mind reader. If you post a detailed estimate folks can tell you more.

The rest of your questions are model and year specific. Please post that information and consider putting it in your signature block. You will probably then find folks with the same or a similar unit who will be willing to share knowledge.

A thought, figure out who made your chassis. If the local cummins dealer services that brand they may know the air system and be able to show you what you need to know. They may be able to show you anyway.

The res

firedoc · 05-31-2017, 05:52 PM

Look into SpeedCo for diesel oil changes and lubes. About 1/2 the price.

chuckster52 · 05-31-2017, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommar

I'm an RV newby with my "new" 1998 Newmar Dutch Star diesel pusher... I know so little I scarcely know where to start. Found out that Camping World won't do oil changes for example. So I contacted (after MUCH trouble) the Cummins dealer in Waco, TX where I live. They want a whopping $800 to change engine oil plus Onan oil! Help! Is $800 normal? I could go on... the owner manuals and documentation tells me nothing about stuff like where the fresh water tank pump switch is located or how to work the Winegard satellite TV system... I thought Camping World would help... but no! I'm also concerned about the air brake system... apparently one is supposed to check for water in the air system often. Ditto with water in fuel... have no idea how to do these things! An invoice from a previous owner shows a huge bill because of water in air system which scares me. Can't find anyone to help me learn... Would like info and help about changing oil for starters... and help in mastering the various systems in the RV.

i've had 4 diesels with Cummins and I have the same Cummins shop service them all every year and that # is in the ball park...as you stated the previous owner had a whopping bill for air system,it probably was from not changing the filter in the air system...once you find a cummins shop you like stick with them..Chuck

Mrb1ll · 05-31-2017, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firedoc

Look into SpeedCo for diesel oil changes and lubes. About 1/2 the price.

SpeedCo was reasonably priced, allowed you into pit to watch and answered all questions. Liked this option.

firedoc · 05-31-2017, 08:14 PM

I think the lawyers have gotten into this and they don't allow you in the pit any longer!

GaryKD · 06-01-2017, 07:08 AM

Hi tommar,
There is one maintenance item that is very important for you to check out. What coolant is in the coach?
1. Green in color. This is the old style coolant and needs the Supplemental Coolant Additives (SCA) checked and added as necessary. This is really important. Without the right amount of SCAs in the cooling system the cylinder walls can become pitted. Needs changing every 3 years.

2. Red in color. This is extended life coolant. No SCA needed. Change every 6 years (add an extender after 3 years).

tommar · 06-01-2017, 03:14 PM

Wow! What great responses. Speedco is in Dallas area but not Waco... Dallas is about 85 miles north but could be worth the trip. Previous owner says he had oil changed August 2016 and guesses RV has been driven 1k miles since... so can I wait-or not? Planning a 1499 mile trip to Michigan and back later this summer. Tip on coolant was great. Will find out re: green/red coolant. I own a 1998 Newmar Dutch Star, Spartan chassis with Cummins 300 hp engine and Onan diesel 7.5 kw genny. Still don't know location of fresh water pump switch. Looking to replace backup camera . Wondering if existing cables/wires can be used? For sure, I'll check into air system filter! Don't know where to start! Also will ask Cummins about tranny oil and oil analysis

GaryKD · 06-01-2017, 03:55 PM

Hi tommar,
Oil is changed once a year or every 15K miles, which ever comes first. I know it is painful to change the oil annually without clocking 15K miles but it is what it is.

You should be able to use the existing wires for the back-up camera.

Transmission oil should be checked. This is because you do not have a baseline from which to measure. It is an Allison transmission. In addition to the fluid there are two filters. Six years is about the best your going to do for a oil/filter change. Fluid is called Transynd.

GaryKD · 06-01-2017, 04:05 PM

Looking at the pictures of the 98 DSDP I can not pick out the water pomp switch. These are places to check:
1. water closet on the wall
2. water closet under the overhead cabinets
3. This should be up front. The panel that contains the tank sensors, battery voltage, inverter (if equipped)
slide switch(s).
4. The wall in the kitchen
5. underneath the overhead cabinets in the kitchen

MSHappyCampers · 06-01-2017, 04:16 PM

Hi !

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

allynne · 06-01-2017, 04:22 PM

Speedco for all oil and filter changes. Price for oil change, 3 filters, and oil analysis in Feb '17 at Eloy AZ was $320. They also check tires, coolant and differential. They have you monitor the torqueing of oil drain plug. No appointments first come first served. They usually have 3 pits in operation. you can see were you stand by the semi's in line.

Al Sawyer
'05 Mt. Aire