2002 Cummins ISM500

[Tonycabler]

Hello all,
I have an opportunity to purchase a 2002 Monaco Executive 40DS with 87000 mi. Looks very clean. I'm curious about how many issues anyone who owns one has had with their ISM500 motors? Turbos, etc...? And how about the heavy duty 6 speed Allison? Being a 40 + year Aircraft mechanic and Inspector, I don't know much about Diesels, most Aircraft don't use them...also,
Being new to the RV lifestyle, Idon't want to make too many mistakes as I become a Pro like most of you fine people on here. I thank you, in advance, for any and all advice I recieve.

[jcussen]

ISM 500 and Allison 4000, a good combination. 110000 miles on mine with only routine maintenance.

[wolfe10]

Originally Posted by jcussen

ISM 500 and Allison 4000, a good combination. 110000 miles on mine with only routine maintenance.

Yup-- good drive train.


Of course its maintenance over the last 18 years enters into the equation (as you certainly know from airplane maintenance).

[Ivylog]

Good choice...the big Monaco’s were some of the best DPs ever built. ISM & Alison 4000 is an excellent combination plus a 02 will not have any of the ever increasing pollution problems. Age of the tires is more important than the miles...most replace at 6-8 years regardless of miles.

If it’s the one in Newcastle, nice looking rig with recent upgrades...price is OK because of the upgrades but nothing on the age of the tires.

In 03 the depth of the LR slide increased to 40” from 18”... makes the LR much nicer. I like the added spaciousness of the BR with the 2nd sink in it.

[vito.a]

Tom had just over 130k miles and it's still going. The ISM is a linered block engine and should be good for 750k to 1mil miles. The likely issues are the turbo charger or the EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system which a 2002 model will not have.

[Tonycabler]

Thanks! Yes, i plan on replacing tires at 6 years. Possibly 7 if they remain healthy. Also, Oil sample testing each 100 hours until i'm certain it's not making metal.

[Tonycabler]

I looked at an '03 and couldnt get over the dated interior. Plus the price was way too high for what it is.

[Roadmiester]

I have that combo. No problems except an oil leak at the hydraulic pump housing. There are two mounting bolts for a big pump, should have had 3 or 4. When over torqued the mounting flange warps just enough to leak. The factory Cummins gaskets are garbage, they're too thin, and Cummins knows it but they use their gaskets anyway. That has been my only problem, besides letting Cummins work on it. After getting the gasket replaced at Cummins the oil starting leaking again with a few hundred miles. Went to a small independent truck repair who made a gasket out of thicker material and not a drop since. Other than that no problems. 100k miles on engine and tranny.
Also, if you have issues know that Cummins can't just fix it, first they have to do all kinds of tests/looks and so on that add up at their inflated shop rates. So I had several hundred dollars in steam cleaning the engine, putting dye in the oil, inspecting with a black light and then finally replacing the leaking gaskets which we all knew about in the first place. Live and learn I guess.

Roadmiester
09 Dynasty Regal IV

[Tonycabler]

Originally Posted by Roadmiester

I have that combo. No problems except an oil leak at the hydraulic pump housing. There are two mounting bolts for a big pump, should have had 3 or 4. When over torqued the mounting flange warps just enough to leak. The factory Cummins gaskets are garbage, they're too thin, and Cummins knows it but they use their gaskets anyway. That has been my only problem, besides letting Cummins work on it. After getting the gasket replaced at Cummins the oil starting leaking again with a few hundred miles. Went to a small independent truck repair who made a gasket out of thicker material and not a drop since. Other than that no problems. 100k miles on engine and tranny.
Also, if you have issues know that Cummins can't just fix it, first they have to do all kinds of tests/looks and so on that add up at their inflated shop rates. So I had several hundred dollars in steam cleaning the engine, putting dye in the oil, inspecting with a black light and then finally replacing the leaking gaskets which we all knew about in the first place. Live and learn I guess.

Roadmiester
09 Dynasty Regal IV

Thanks , great info...this one has the 3000 allison, not the 4000. Should i worry?

[Kelowna]

If it has the ism it should be paired with the Allison 4000. The 3000 isn’t rated for the horsepower or torque. You might want to double check that info is correct.

[jcussen]

4000 for sure, 3000 was only rated for 1250 ft/lbs torque and 450 hp.
Your 500 ISM should be 1550 ft/lbs.

[JJTL]

I concur with the above, the 500hp ISM is paired with the Allison 4000 transmission. Only reason it wouldn’t have it, would be because some one swapped it. Highly unlikely, but good to double check.

For the record we love the ISM and Allison 4000 combination, has been great since we owned it. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it as a great drivetrain option. Executive is a great coach!

All the best with your search!
Josh

[powderman]

Originally Posted by jcussen

ISM 500 and Allison 4000, a good combination. 110000 miles on mine with only routine maintenance.

In another 90,000 miles you will have it broke in.

[Outbound]

My 02 TS now has approx 75,000 miles and (knock on wood) there have been no issues with 500ISM, tranny, slides etc, although I did have to send out inverter for a board replacement, great motorhome.