Community Forums

GrizzTravels · 07-09-2018, 07:51 PM

looking to buy my first RV. i test drove a 2006 Newmar Essex 4503 this evening, love how it rode and drove but have a question we drove down the interstate at 65 on pretty level country and i noticed that the eng and trans temp was running at 205 to 207, is that a normal temp when you aren't load or pulling hills? the outside temp was around 89
Thanks for any comments

Dutch Star Don · 07-09-2018, 08:05 PM

I would say it was running a little warm. Even if the engine temp was considered okay, the trans temp shouldn't have been that high.

The Essex has a different motor, but my 400 ISL in 89 degree weather, towing my truck with the A/C running is 190 degrees, with the trans about 5-10 degrees cooler.

It could have a fan drive issue, but typically when they fail, they go to high.

Twelve years old, may need a thermostat. I would definitely investigate further.

One last note....where are you seeing these temps....what gauge and how accurate?

tom chelbana · 07-09-2018, 08:14 PM

We bought new in 04 Essex and had it for 14 years and drove it 140K miles. When on a cool day the 500 ISM engine would run 180 to 190 degrees but when temp. close to 90 degrees it would run 205 which is the 3/4 mark on gauge. Might recommend clean radiator from back side which we did once a year which would lower it 5 or more degrees. Great engine, chassis (Spartan) and 4000 trans. If coach was taken care of would recommend you to take a closer look and might buy.
Newmar Man

"007" · 07-09-2018, 09:47 PM

Welcome to the forum.
A couple of links for you ESSEX OWNERS and what every Newmar owner should know.
Good luck in your hunt.

azSkier · 07-10-2018, 07:46 AM

Here is some data for my 06 Essex. It has 92,000 miles and 22K are mine. I tow a 5K pound Jeep. I drive 58mph except when I am in a hurry and drive 60mph.

My temps are generally 178. On long climbs, it will run up to 199-200. Sometimes, I will see 209 temps. If it remains there for more than 10 minutes, I become concerned and watch the temps more closely. Eventually, the temps return to normal and I have never had a temp related warning or problem.

bruceisla · 07-10-2018, 08:10 AM

On mine, the engine temp generally runs between 180 and 205 (depending on terrain, outside temp, humidity, engine speed, etc.) Your example (65mph) is right in the range where mine is in 6th gear with somewhat low rpm. If I shift down to 5th, the rpm and fan speed will increase and the engine temp will drop 5-10 degrees. If I speed up (70mph) the same decrease in engine temp will occur. In other words, I think you are in the "less than optimal range" of rpm and fan speed.

GrizzTravels · 07-10-2018, 02:50 PM

Thanks, everyone for the replies. It helps when you are making a purchase like this. i know the owner and he has had it for 8 years. He owns a construction company and has lots of trucks and heavy equipment and takes good care of his rigs. He told me he has changed the oil every 5k sense he had it. But he does believe i driving hard. When i ask him what speed he drives when he is on the interstate he said i just set the cruise at 5 over the limit. ( to fast for me)

bruceisla · 07-10-2018, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrizzTravels

Thanks, everyone for the replies. It helps when you are making a purchase like this. i know the owner and he has had it for 8 years. He owns a construction company and has lots of trucks and heavy equipment and takes good care of his rigs. He told me he has changed the oil every 5k sense he had it. But he does believe i driving hard. When i ask him what speed he drives when he is on the interstate he said i just set the cruise at 5 over the limit. ( to fast for me)

Well .... it'll run all day at 75mph but the mpg drops dramatically above 65. I get about 7.2mpg at 65 and 6.7 at 70mph. Our toad has a 65mph towing limit so that's my speed.