Chassis service

[CyberVet65]

I have purchased a 1999 HR with the 5.9 cummins. The unit has only 23,700 miles on the clock. I intend to get the 24K or M2 service done. Is there anything else I should be looking for? I know that these diesels sitting can be just a bad as running them to death. Any advice will be appreciated. I have a local highly recommended Freightliner shop. Hoses? Belts?
Thanks
Chet

[Mike Canter]

I would check the DOT mfg date on the tires. If they are the original tires then they are too old and unsafe regardless how they look and how few miles on them. If they are ten years old then for sure they need to be replaced. The other thing to do if it has disk brakes is to get the caliper slides cleaned and greased so the brakes will not lock up. It would probably be a good idea to change all the radiator hoses because ozone has probably made them weak. When you have the M2 check get them to run a check on the antifreeze and see if it needs a shot of the booster chemicals. I would also check the dates on all the batteries and see if they are beyond their prescribed life. No point getting stuck somewhere. There should be a date either on a sticker on the batteries or stamped on one of the top corners. The Air compressor air dryer probably needs a desiccant and coalescing filter change.

[CyberVet65]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will make sure those things are checked and replaced if needed. Sometimes you can't just get in it and go.

[Pusherman]

CyberVet, the M2 is a 12K mile service. You want to perform the M3 service maintenance, which is 24 mos/24K miles.

Here is a pdf from FL listing all the M3 appropriate services.

If you don't have the maintenance records on this coach, be sure to change all fluids, including the transmission, antifreeze, etc. Also note the air dryer filter changes on the list.

If you can get it to Gaffney, SC (factory service) they know what they're doing at a reasonable price.

[CyberVet65]

Thanks for the information. Getting this coach base lined is going to be pricey. I'm glad I got the extra to do it. I hope those are not the stock tires because I will have to replace them as well.

[CoolJudy]

We are also getting a coach "base lined". While it hasn't sat as long, we are the first owners on a 2007 Itasca Horizon that only had 3,400 delivery miles on it. We went to Cummins first and paid more than we needed to if we had done the "service" at Freightliner.

A few of the issues we are dealing with may affect your "new" rig:
<UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>Be sure if you get new batteries that they are FULLY charged. Ours had "short memory" and drained rapidly from the phantom loads that lerk throughout the coach.
<LI>Check hydraulics (solinoids, fluids) if you have jacks or slides.
<LI>Have FL check for recalls. We are still under warranty but discovered there was an open recall on our steering box and a bulletin that allowed us to get a new fuel tank because the one we had would only fill to 3/4 because the venting was on the side of the tank instead of the top.
<LI>While not a FL issue, be sure to sanitize your fresh water tank, hot water heater (check the rod), and water lines. While you're at it, check for "nests" around refrigerator and hot water exterior access areas.[/list]Get it all done, then go enjoy your new home...

[chasfm11]

I'm not sure which chassis you have but several of us have an XCS rather than an XC from your vintage. There were problems with the original shocks on the XCS. When I took mine off, I could hand pump them rapidly so they were not doing any good at all when mounted to the chassis. We had "porposing" which was corrected by the new, Freightliner recommended replacement shocks. I also went on to have Freightliner's anti-sway bars installed and it made a world of difference in handling.

On the belt replacements, Freightliner installed an A/C belt on some 5.9s that was way too small. It wouldn't go over the fan blades. In addition, the adjustment screw on the compressor was mis-installed to handle the belt. To this day, the recommended part number in Freightliner's system is the too small one. Many shops, including some Freightliner ones, did all kinds of strange things to try to install that belt. The correct solution is to mount the compressor adjustment screw properly (it mounts vertically on the side of the compressor closest to the middle of the motor) and then go to NAPA and by a belt that will fit that configuration. I think it is 43" long but would have to look it up. Some of the diesel Bounder owners who got caught up in this problem paid $350 to have the belts replaced. Without the A/C belt in the way, the serpentine belt is a piece of cake on the 5.9 engine. Many shops wring their hands about how difficult that belt replacement work is because it is a rear radiator. Don't believe them.

[chasfm11]

A couple of more points on your 5.9 regarding maintenance.

1. Some 5.9 blocks from Brazil have a weak casting in the area of the exhaust manifold. There is a "53" stamp clearly marked on the driver's side of engine. If yours is one of those, you might want to watch below the exhaust manifold carefully. Cummins claims that only 1% of the 5.9 blocks are affected. It just could be yours.
2. There is talk about a KDP (killer dowel pin) problem. I called Cummins specifically about this issue and they claim that the MH version of the 5.9 is not affected. So far, I believe them. You can Google KDP and read more than you might want to know.
3. Some 5.9s have had fuel lift pump issues, even before the ULSD was introduced. While some lift pumps simply fail and quit pumping, there are problems with leaks. I carefully examine that area every time that I stick my head around the engine. It would be bad enough to have a breakdown because of the pump (I'd seriously considered buying and carrying a spare) but a leak could cause an engine fire. It bears both initial examination and periodic checks afterwards.