Question on Cummins manuals

[lwc1]

I'm sure this has been asked before but.... if one wants to buy a diesel manual on Cummins that will not only help them at home working on their engine but also learning how to work on it as you go, what book (shop manual) would you buy (assuming there's more than one Cummins manual)?

I've got a Cummins ISB 300 in my motorhome and so naturally would be interested to start here. (I know, think compression.... )

Thanks for any suggestions and/or help.

Larry

[Gary RVRoamer]

The problem is that many of the things you may want to work on are probably not covered in the Cummins Service Manual. Things like lift pumps, fuel filtering system, radiator & fan, hydraulic pump, alternator, a/c compressor, etc. are all supplied by the chassis manufacturer rather than Cummins. They conform to Cummins performance requirements for use with the engine, but they are not part of the engine itself and would not be in the manual.

For your Monaco you would probably be better off with a Roadmaster Chassis Service Manual, if there is such a thing.

[lwc1]

Thanks Gary, I'll take your advice and check into what Roadmaster has to offer.

[Skip426]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lwc1 I'm sure this has been asked before but.... if one wants to buy a diesel manual on Cummins that will not only help them at home working on their engine but also learning how to work on it as you go, what book (shop manual) would you buy (assuming there's more than one Cummins manual)? I've got a Cummins ISB 300 in my motorhome and so naturally would be interested to start here. (I know, think compression.... ) Thanks for any suggestions and/or help. Larry

Larry ; beyond oil,and filter changes, fuel and air , there is little that can be done on these engines, internally in particular, without an expensive pile of special tools. Keep the fluids and filters fresh, use it , but don't abuse it, and hopefully you get long trouble free service from it.

[lwc1]

Thanks Skip426, good advice for sure!

[sc3283]

Also, remember a factory Cummins service manual is going to give info for that particular engine...it is not going to give an training on how to be a mechanic or what tool should be used(unless the tool required is a factory special tool). The Cummins books are printed for true mechanics/technicians, not the week/novice mechanic.

[dieselbeaver]

One more thing to remember is all engine OEMs supply the engine ready to drop in the chassis. The chassis maker has to make the fuel line connections at the engine (the transfer pump is a Cummins item), the OEM ecm harness connection (Cummins/Cat/Detroit/ now Navistar) tell Freightliner/Roadmaster what pins to provide 12v battery, 12v ignition, ground, ABS info, ect, and finally water and air intake. The chassis manufacturers then take over.

That is why our coaches come with a stack of literature. You have engines, axles, brakes, jacks, furnaces, A/C, ABS, transmissions, fridges, stereo, TV's, air dryers, power steering, and more and more. The best thing to do is to make a list of all the service parts (belts, filters.....) and keep it and them handy. On any electronic engine, having a manual is great. But when step one on troubleshooting a problem is: install breakout harness XXX2XXX3 and pin test J19 to P43. You are already stuck. Unless you travel with $3000 worth of factory software and just the basic t/s tools they require.

Keep is simple. Maintenance is key. Issues are going to happen, be educated but know your limits.

[lwc1]

My limitations on diesels is definitely higher than on gas engines and believe me, I know them. I've got a good diesel mechanic I take my MH to and will continue to do so, even when I become more proficient at working on diesels.

Thanks guys for the helpful comments.