Community Forums

Just For Fun · 07-29-2018, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vito.a

Remember, these are very large cast iron water cooled engines. Airflow over the engine has very little cooling effect.

So, in your opinion, the addition of additional cooling fans in the engine compartment are of no benefit?

Also, what about an additional "coolant" cooling devise - an additional radiator (i'm a TOTAL non-tech)??

vito.a · 07-30-2018, 10:17 AM

I think the best thing you can do is to keep up with your engine coolant and oil change maintenance. Make sure you closely observe whoever is checking the coolant SCA level as it's very easy to skip. Better yet, have it converted to the new Cummins OAT compleat coolant.
Keep a file with all the records.

Mr_D · 07-30-2018, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vito.a

I think the best thing you can do is to keep up with your engine coolant and oil change maintenance. Make sure you closely observe whoever is checking the coolant SCA level as it's very easy to skip. Better yet, have it converted to the new Cummins OAT compleat coolant.
Keep a file with all the records.

Mine dropped the valve some 2,500 miles after an oil analysis and then oil change. The coolant SCA's would have nothing to do with the valve problem since it's not the liners that are failing from cavitation.

spuds · 07-30-2018, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96 Wideglide

Sorry to hear that!

This post will make a lot of 600 ISX owners nervous. Most similar cases we have read about (or experienced), were on the 650hp version.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark D

I wonder if the engine brake has any impact?

In response to these comments, there are at least 2 600 hp Foretravel Phenix coaches that we personally know of which had this exact issue and Foretravel used a transmission retarder not an engine brake on those coaches.

koole · 07-30-2018, 09:46 PM

How many ISX engines in motor homes have not broke a valve? I am very interested in knowing this number as I have a 2008 650 HP which has 52500 miles on it and I have not had any troubles.
I have been thinking about putting a new head on before anything goes wrong, around the $4000 a lot cheaper than an engine rebuild.

Mr_D · 07-30-2018, 09:55 PM

Heard cost alone is somewhere northbof $4,000 plus the teardown and rebuild labor. Probably closer to $10,000 out the door. Plus they are sure to find parts that need replacing.
They also have a new piston set that includes a carbon scraper that should also be installed and, as long as they have it apart you might as well replace bearings too.

S-n-L · 08-16-2018, 03:11 AM

It would be very interesting to know how many of the ISX 600/650 engines from this time frame are in service.

We have the 600 with DPF, engine built in November 2007.

We have 64,000 miles with no issue. That said I hope I have not jinxed myself. As most of you this topic makes my stomach turn.

2-Nickels · 08-16-2018, 07:15 AM

Kooks, I too thought when I bought my 09 CC with a ISX650 that I would put a new head on a running motor. So, once it was in the shop being serviced the real picture was seen and 25K+ later I have a completely rebuilt engine. The coach had 23K miles on it when I bought it.

Deucenut · 08-16-2018, 12:19 PM

What are the years/serial numbers of engines that are affected? If I ever upgrade my coach, I would like to know what to avoid.

vito.a · 08-16-2018, 04:31 PM

IF you purchase an ISX 600 or 650, how much should you budget to update the engine for reliability?
Are the new pistons necessary, or is just a new cylinder head enough?

2-Nickels · 08-16-2018, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vito.a

IF you purchase an ISX 600 or 650, how much should you budget to update the engine for reliability?
Are the new pistons necessary, or is just a new cylinder head enough?

I purchased my ISX650 eyes wide open to this potential problem and took Cummins a running coach to upgrade. My budget was 25K as it was the first of a few deductions from the asking price. I am extremely happy with the ISX650, it runs great and the power is a real pleasure to drive with not to mention the quality of a CC that is wrapped around it.

spuds · 08-17-2018, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deucenut

What are the years/serial numbers of engines that are affected? If I ever upgrade my coach, I would like to know what to avoid.

As I understand it, 2007-2010 pre-DEF ISX. That is not 2007-2010 model year coaches, but rather coaches with that release of ISX. It was used as late as 2012 by some manufacturers who had done a last-time-buy.

08Navigator · 08-24-2018, 12:37 PM

1st time poster...long time reader ....08 Navigator...600ISX 48,000miles ...appears that it ate a valve....have read many others with same problem...would anyone be interested in joining me in a class action suit? Ridiculous to allow Cummins to make a profit for bad design and /or poor quality...48,000 miles is insignificant it today's automobile gasoline engines , let alone an industrial / commercial type diesel engines...engine failure at this mileage in simply unheard of...please let me know if you have interest in jumping into my party wagon.