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Langord · 07-19-2009, 12:22 PM

Last week, our engine warning light came on and an audible alarm. Stopped on side immediately to find that the tow car and the back of the coach were both completely covered by oil. All of the engine oil escaped in powerful bursts of spray.

Got towed (Thank goodness for Coach Net) to Inland Kenworth in Albuquerque. Cause : tapet pin bolt inop. inspection and consultation with Cummins required teardown to insect cam and follwer: removed rocker cover, all rockers and push rods; installed tapet holders. Much of this I don't understand, other than it was parts that are not servicable. A week of warranty coverage of over $7000. in repairs. Our cost: $160.00, "thank goodness:.

This post for info to other owners. Certainly a new and unheard of problem for us.

Wicked Whippets · 07-19-2009, 12:48 PM

55 psi can spray oil into the next county! You were really lucky to have saved the engine and your pocketbook!

D & D Rich · 07-20-2009, 05:52 PM

Langord,
Sorry to hear about your engine failure. At least you are fixed and got out of Cummins for a small amount of cash. Was it a Cummins warranty or extended (who)?

I was wondering what year coach, which cummins engine, and how many miles?

Where did the oil escape from the engine? Did it come out of the breather hose? But then with 5 gallons of oil only a small amount can make a hell of a mess. If you don't think so, take a hot quart of oil and pour on you garage floor, you won't believe the size of the mess.

From what you said about the cause it sounds like a valve train failure. But not sure exactly what happened? Do you have any more info?

Thanks for sharing.

Dan R.

Langord · 07-21-2009, 08:38 AM

Our RV is a 2006 Alpine Coach with a 400 HP ISP Cummins engine. One of the tapet pin bolts developed a small hole the size of a pinhead that allowed the oil to spray out. As a result Cummins directed to tear down and inspect the cam and follower and also cut open the oil filter and inspect. No metal was found in the filter so the tapet pin bolt and cam follower were replaced.

Cummins picked up the cost which was over $7000.

gjstacy · 07-21-2009, 01:28 PM

Hi Joel & Mary,

Sure glad to hear that Cummins came to your rescue! We have had great service from Cummins, and will be visiting them next month for a software update.

Take good care, and have wonderful, safe travels!

Hope to see you in September at the Sequoias!

Gail