Community Forums

vettenuts · 03-04-2020, 04:56 AM

We are looking at a 2014 Phaeton 40QBH that hasn’t had maintenance since 2017 for oil, etc. and from what I can gather hasn’t had full chassis maintenance at all (slack adjuster, etc.). Most concerning is the coolant SCA has never been checked. (I spoke with the facility that was doing the work and am not sure they realized the coolant needed testing)

The owner has taken ill, which is why it hasn’t been maintained the last couple of years and I don’t think he knew about the coolant test requirements to begin with.

I am less concerned about the oil than the coolant as this can result in permanent damage to the cylinder sleeves. I can check the coolant now but that doesn’t tell me if damage has been done over the years.

Does anyone who does their own maintenance know how quickly the SCA levels drop?

Tigerfan1 · 03-04-2020, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vettenuts

We are looking at a 2014 Phaeton 40QBH that hasn’t had maintenance since 2017 for oil, etc. and from what I can gather hasn’t had full chassis maintenance at all (slack adjuster, etc.). Most concerning is the coolant SCA has never been checked. (I spoke with the facility that was doing the work and am not sure they realized the coolant needed testing)

The owner has taken ill, which is why it hasn’t been maintained the last couple of years and I don’t think he knew about the coolant test requirements to begin with.

I am less concerned about the oil than the coolant as this can result in permanent damage to the cylinder sleeves. I can check the coolant now but that doesn’t tell me if damage has been done over the years.

Does anyone who does their own maintenance know how quickly the SCA levels drop?

I have a 2016 Dutch Star that I purchased used in September 2018. I checked the sca concentration at that time and it was good. I did annual maintenance again the in October of 2019 and it was still good. The coach was built in April 2016 and I currently have 18,000 miles on it. My sca concentration has been good for about 3 1/2 years.

luvlabs · 03-04-2020, 07:34 AM

When was the last time the coach was started and driven? You best bet is to make your purchase contingent on an inspection of the engine and chassis at a Freightliner service center of your choice. It sounds like it needs a complete servicing.*

Reacher · 03-04-2020, 08:06 AM

FL manual states 60 months/60K miles it's due for major PM. This includes coolant and fluid changes. Most folks go with an AOT type coolant that eliminates SCA check. The last one I had done on a DP started at about 2400.00 (2014). But if parts are required than add that and hours.

DeWat · 03-04-2020, 10:46 AM

The '14 Phaeton should have a wet sleeved ISL450. Just a thought, but with that said, would an oil analysis help in this area (if damage has already started)?

garykk · 03-04-2020, 01:50 PM

If the coolant has never been tested and no one has added anything, test it, if it’s low, pass on the purchase.
Cummins is a real stickler about the testing etc. there are a few horror stories on this site about Cummins turning down warranty service.
For those with OAT, it still has to be tested every 6 months for freeze level and PH.
For those with Old World Global ELC , they sell test strips that are easy to use, basically a pass/fail.

ernieh · 03-05-2020, 12:58 PM

IMO the coolant should be changed, but a low SCA wouldn't bother me. The coach is no longer in warranty and has not been driven, so SCA doesn't really matter because its purpose is to prevent pitting in the liner that is caused by the shock wave produced by combustion. No driving = no combustion.

jlturner · 03-05-2020, 02:14 PM

Agree with Ernieh! [emoji41]

FreedomDream · 03-05-2020, 02:35 PM

I would find a Freightliner service center and have a thorough servicing of all fluids and filters. Expect to spend a grand or a little more. It is worth the piece of mind.

vettenuts · 03-05-2020, 04:08 PM

Here is my go forward solution prior to purchase. I made an offer for the coach that will include the full 48 month chassis maintenance at Gaffney. However, prior to this, I will hire a private inspector who will draw coolant an oil samples and send them out for testing. Based on test results I will move forward to the next step for purchase. The owner hasn’t yet accepted the terms of the offer, but I feel for me it’s a logical progression that protects me going forward and I will pay the inspector which shows the current owner I am moving in good faith.

garykk · 03-05-2020, 09:52 PM

Sounds fair to me.

vettenuts · 03-08-2020, 07:12 AM

Oh well, moving on. Current owner is underwater and refused my offer, wanting me to basically pay a high value so they can pay off their note. Don’t think they are going to be able to sell it unless someone new to RV’ing buys it not knowing the situation.

timjet · 03-08-2020, 07:27 AM

You might check back with him in a few weeks. It's not likely he will sell it for more than it's worth and you can remind him that it needs service.

But I think you are wise to move on, many more to choose from.