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soybeans · 07-14-2019, 05:53 PM

Looking at a 2003 36ft 400 Cummins 2 slides. Do these have any common problems or things to be aware of ? Is any years better than another?
Thanks Roger

CoCoDave · 07-15-2019, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soybeans

Looking at a 2003 36ft 400 Cummins 2 slides. Do these have any common problems or things to be aware of ? Is any years better than another?
Thanks Roger

2003 was in the sweet spot of Country Coach quality.

You mentioned a Cummins 400 which implies ISL. If your search takes you to younger coaches with ISL engines be aware that there was a problem with connecting rod wrist pin bushings. Here's a part of the recall description.

Defect Summary: CERTAIN ISL CUMMINS CM850 DIESEL ENGINES PRODUCED FOR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE APPLICATIONS BETWEEN OCTOBER 17, 2005, AND APRIL 18, 2006, WITH ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER RANGE FROM 46543077 TO 46603939. THE CONNECTING ROD CONTAINS A MACHINING DEFECT IN THE WRIST PIN BUSHING OF THE ROD THAT COULD CAUSE SEIZURE OF THE PISTON PIN.

Obviously, a 2003 model year coach would not have one of these engines. Also, there were fewer than 2,200 ISL's affected and they would have been sprinkled throughout the RV industry. So, based on date of coach manufacture, the chances of getting one are not great. Still, due diligence would dictate that the ISL engine serial number be checked on coaches made in 2005 and later.

Good luck in your search.

Solo_RV_Guy · 07-15-2019, 11:18 AM

Other than the wrist pin issue that Dave mentions, the Cummins ISL is rock solid. Doesn't use/leak oil like the Detroit 60 or some of the Cat 9 engines. Doesn't have the reputation of cylinder 6 valve failures of the Cummins ISX.

Pull oil/fluid samples from the engine and transmission and send them to Blackstone Labs for analysis before committing to purchase.

Smitty77 · 07-15-2019, 02:48 PM

Some CC's, I think also in the 03 era, had to items to check:

1) PTO (Power Take Off) - If the coach has one, be inspect to see if it has been converted with what is called the Wet Kit. If not, inspect the splines to be sure they have been regular maintained with lubrication. And budget for either on going PITA maintenance, and or, the Wet Kit. (John Davis (JDR) is one could source for parts, and info.)

http://www.jdrv1.com/sitebuildercont...s/pto-101a.pdf

2) Many coaches of this era, and I think this included 03, had Aluminum Radiators that could be problematic. Not really repairable, so if the go, a higher ticket item to replace with a Steel/Brass radiator. Looking up the side of radiator, the end caps, if you see nuts. Or, if you can reach up and stick a magnet to it on the end caps. Then it is not an Aluminum Radiator.

(And it many coaches, our 04 Allure, with an 03 engine and actual build, do not have a PTO, and did come with the Steel radiator. So not always a concern.)

Other areas of less importance, and not always considered, are the shift from Type II diesel, to ULSD. The ULSD did not play well with some of the gaskets, and or rubber fuel lines. And would cause leaking of the gaskets (Lift Pumps feeding fuel to the ISL for start up, being one common area.) and also porosity holes in fuel lines. (Generator, HydroHot, Hurricane are the common rubber lines. Fuel lines to the engine, are usually metal tubing.)

Normal inspection after, like for any coach. If they have some of those items that need to be addressed - well, factor that into your purchase offer.

And I agree, the 04 an earlier era were good coaches. One item that Damon Rapozo just pointed out to me, that I had not known, is that the 03 Allure's had Miles vs Owen glass, so not subject to Micro Checking. Damon's good people, and if you need any professional help on the purchase - well, he'd be a good asset. He also has a good website, with info on CC History.

https://damonrapozo.com/model-history

Happy hunting to you,
Smitty

soybeans · 07-15-2019, 04:44 PM

Thanks for information. This is why I asked some ones experience means a lot.
Roger

Larry Young · 07-16-2019, 04:53 PM

i found this out recently when my 04 Allure was serviced, the ISL engine tends to get and exhaust leak, at I believe the #3 or 5 exhaust port. There is and update exhaust manifold out to correct the problem, about $1400. 00 fix

Smitty77 · 07-16-2019, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Young

i found this out recently when my 04 Allure was serviced, the ISL engine tends to get and exhaust leak, at I believe the #3 or 5 exhaust port. There is and update exhaust manifold out to correct the problem, about $1400. 00 fix

X's 2 on not 'If?' but 'When?'

! With Exhaust Manifold leaks/cracks. Not just ISL's, but ISC's are also known this too. (And same basic block, so no surprise between ISC and ISL's.)

On the Cummins Forum, I recently whined (Perhaps a re-whine?), about the lack of aftermarket parts for ISL's. No aftermarket (Higher quality casting alloys. And Ported would be nice!), Exhaust Manifolds for ISL's - that I have found.

Cummins? Well. IMO, they like to do aftermarket sales

! So why fix, or improve, an obvious deficiency in design for Exhust Manifold's for such a high volume engine... (IMO - was the key here. OK, if other's don't agree with this assessment...).

I have a Contingency, in my RV'ing budgeting - for the 'Well, it's not if, it's when!' type items. (And heck, you never know when something strange will pop-up

!). Exhaust Manifold cracked, gee #3, and was replaced. With a new 'Green Casting'. Sure, it's 2 part casting, but the same OEM casting that failed... So, no CPI from Cummin's on this one. (Suspect that helps the register's buttons get pushed. Parts, and labor!!!)

Best to all,
Smitty

Mainecoons · 07-19-2019, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soybeans

Looking at a 2003 36ft 400 Cummins 2 slides. Do these have any common problems or things to be aware of ? Is any years better than another?
Thanks Roger

What is the asking price and options?

soybeans · 07-20-2019, 04:38 AM

Seems a lot of the coaches aren't quite as described or that one just sold. So still looking. Prices are all over, from 40 to as high as 90 thousand. Some want to sell and some seem way over priced.
Thanks for all the information
Roger

Kodiakan · 07-21-2019, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soybeans

Seems a lot of the coaches aren't quite as described or that one just sold. So still looking. Prices are all over, from 40 to as high as 90 thousand. Some want to sell and some seem way over priced.
Thanks for all the information
Roger

Just remember what my grandpappy use to say; oats are worth alot less after they have been through the horse.

Smitty77 · 07-21-2019, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kodiakan

Just remember what my grandpappy use to say; oats are worth alot less after they have been through the horse.

We need Thumbs Up or Likes on this forum

!

mike brez · 07-23-2019, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solo_RV_Guy

Other than the wrist pin issue that Dave mentions, the Cummins ISL is rock solid. Doesn't use/leak oil like the Detroit 60 or some of the Cat 9 engines. Doesn't have the reputation of cylinder 6 valve failures of the Cummins ISX.

Pull oil/fluid samples from the engine and transmission and send them to Blackstone Labs for analysis before committing to purchase.

l

Never herd of a series 60 using oil 8V92 or 6V yes.
But you won't find a series 60 in a country coach that low down on the totem pole anyway. You will need to get into a Prevost Country Coach or Concept to get one.