Community Forums

MSG Chuck · 07-30-2018, 08:42 AM

My MH is a 2003 Dutch Star 4005. I am having issues with the oil pressure indicator. It shows an fluctuating reading bouncing between 20 and 50 pounds. After determine that I really didnt have a lack of oil pressure, I drove from AZ to MI with no oil problem. Since the system is electrical, I considered replacing both the sending unit and gauge but would rather not spend the dough just to learn this wasn’t the cure. I also wonder if maybe the printed circuit in the dash might be wonky. Any incite would be appreciated.

tom chelbana · 07-30-2018, 09:07 AM

Check connection on sending unit. A lot of work, time andmony to replace gauge and most of the time it is the sending unit. Touch connector to ground and see if gauge reads.
Newmar Man

Skip426 · 07-30-2018, 09:18 AM

Engine ? Cummins ? ISC ? Caterpillar ? C-7 ?
Chassis ? Freightliner ? Spartan ?

There are posts on some years of the ISC using two , oil pressure sending units, one that reported to the ECM, the other to the dash gauge.

Maik · 07-30-2018, 09:38 AM

I had the same issue with my Cummins 8.3. The sensor rivet holding the connection to the sensor had loosened up. I replaced the sensor and no problems after. I also installed a "T" connection and installed a mechanical gauge that can be read from the back of the coach. Oil pressure not a problem at 56K miles.

MSG Chuck · 08-20-2018, 12:46 PM

Thanks to all that replied. Been kinda busy this summer on the house and finally starting to prep the MH for Florida. While changing oil I'm looking for sending unit and not having much success finding it. Any insight would be appreciated. Here are the particulars for my coach:

I own a 2003 41 ft Newmar Dutch Star motor home. Engine is a 350 hp Cummins model # R537-AA2-008.Serial # 46227087. Transmission model # ATD00960
Serial # 6510395396. The chassis is a Spartan.

Skip426 · 08-20-2018, 06:11 PM

Oil pressure senders ( there could be two ) are on the intake manifold side of the block above the starer . See diagram . Item 11.

Sorry to bug you about providing more info about your coach, but if you'll take a min and set up a " signature line " the info will automatically appear below your posts as mine does below this on.

Click the " Quick Links " drop box ,beside the " Log out " under your , Welcome message.
Click " Edit Signature " type in your coach info ; ISC will do for the engine , click " Save Signature " at the bottom of the page and you're all set .

MSG Chuck · 08-26-2018, 06:34 PM

Discovered something new when attempting to diagnose problem. I unplugged the connector to the oil pressure gauge and no change. Then I disconnected the large connector on the back of the Speedo and reconnected and the gauge stopped pulsating until I turned the rig off and restarted. I can hear the gauge cycling. It sounds a little like a small electric motor cycling in the oil pressure gauge. Any thoughts?

Skip426 · 08-26-2018, 11:20 PM

I'm not certain abut the Spartan gauge package , but the ones Freightliner uses are electronic with what's referred to as " stepper motors " to control the needle movement , so the noise you're hearing could be normal .

Have you contacted , Spartan Motor Home Support , to ask if they have any gauge diagnostic files they could share.
Have your chassis serial number handy.

1-800-543-4277

Unplanned Tourist · 08-26-2018, 11:58 PM

I would guess you have a short or open circuit to the gauge, so check your connections.

Happy Glamping.

Dav L · 08-27-2018, 07:33 AM

A Scan tool should be able to tell you what pressure reading the engine computer is seeing from the oil pressure sensor. If that is "smooth", then look towards wiring connector problems to the gauge.

Odds are if it's not normal, it's the engine side. (sensor) since that gets more abuse and weather. Only proper diagnostics will help. Shotgunning parts can get expensive.

MSG Chuck · 08-28-2018, 05:16 AM

Thanks again for all the replies. I’ll check with Spartan and see what they might have.

Unplanned Tourist · 08-28-2018, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom chelbana

Check connection on sending unit. A lot of work, time andmony to replace gauge and most of the time it is the sending unit. Touch connector to ground and see if gauge reads.
Newmar Man

Have to agree with you there Tom. Senders go bad regularly, but rarely see bad gauges.

Chuck, what have you checked? Have you grounded the sending unit wire as someone watched the gauge? (Need the ignition on when you do this, obviously). That's the first test to do.

Happy Glamping.