Community Forums

BWSJKS · 01-09-2017, 06:15 AM

We are looking at an 04 Kountry Star 3904 Freightliner with the Cat 330.
Are there any commonly known issues (that I don't know) with this model?
Any concerns with this engine? I hear so much about Cummins, but haven't really read all that much regarding the Cat.
I would sincerely appreciate any and all feedback, as we endeavor to join the Newmar family...

tom chelbana · 01-09-2017, 07:22 AM

There are far more Cummins engines in Newmar motor homes and for that matter all diesel coaches. Since Cat got out of the highway diesel engines around 2008 it is harder to get service centers to get service for Cat engines. I don't think it should stop you from your Newmar purchase but if you have a choice a Cummins would be a better choice.

laj · 01-09-2017, 07:34 AM

there is no problem getting cats worked on at all. no problems getting parts either. personally i won't own a cummins at all. you hear more about problems with cummins because they have more problems, and there is a reason they're cheaper to buy and parts are cheaper. if you gave the mdl. of the engine your looking at could be more specific. the biggest issue with some cat c-7 engines are the pumps. several threads about the issue and cure for this.

**TonyDi** · 01-09-2017, 07:52 AM

I have a C-9 and have no problem getting service work or diagnostics done on it. There are CAT dealers all over the place and any good diesel mechanic will be able to work on it. That said there are more Cummins due to CAT exiting the business.

**TonyDi** · 01-09-2017, 07:56 AM

Welcome to the Newmar family!

tom chelbana · 01-09-2017, 10:53 AM

When Cat was in the market in 04 thru 08 Cummins were by far the most requested and used diesel engines in the RV business. If you have a choice of diesel power for your RV Cummins would be the choice by at least 5 to 1.

BWSJKS · 01-09-2017, 06:05 PM

I sincerely appreciate all the responses. Thank you.

wagonmaster2 · 01-09-2017, 08:47 PM

I had an 2004 Itasca Meridian with the Cat C-7 330 HP engine for 11 years and my only concern ever was the fan hub bearing. In 2004 Cat went from a greaseable bearing to a sealed bearing and I read about some started going bad anywhere from 15,000 miles to 40-50,000, which usually sent the fan through the shroud and radiator. I finally had mine replaced at around 60,000 miles for peace of mind, which ran about $2,000 requiring working under the bed over the top of the engine or removing the rear radiator.

Shouldn't be any concern with the Cat engine, other than finding out if that bearing has been replaced. The Cat 330 HP engine pushed my 36' Meridian as well or better than the Cummins 450 HP does with my 40' Dutch Star and got about 1 1/2-2 MPG better than the 450 does. Assuming Cat was still supplying engines for motor homes and the choice was there I would have taken the Cat for my 2015 Dutch Star.