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Old 03-28-2013, 09:35 AM   #1
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New DP Purchase?

I currently have a 36' National and am considering a 1998 American Eagle 40EVS locally. It only has 34K miles on a 390HP Cummins. I am communicating with the owner now but have not had an opportunity to see it in person and that may happen this weekend. I don't know if it has service records yet.

1. Is anyone familiar with this engine and should I be concerned that it has not been driven very much for its age? Also, what should I be looking for as to what could be a problem with this coach. I know they are very well built but none are perfect.

2. It also has a 12.5KW Onan genset with 2300 hours. I have friends who have a whole-house generator for their home that is only 12KW. Anyone have any experience with this big a genset?

Any help on these questions or other comments will be appreciated before I take this major step to a DP.

Thanks,

John
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Old 03-28-2013, 12:07 PM   #2
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1. The 390hp rating is very odd and I don't remember ever seeing that. The American Eagles of that approx vintage I have seen have the 325hp rated Cummins C 8.3 engine it could also be the ISC which is the same engine block but with Cummins electronic controls. The C engines have been around for a long time and don't seem to have any design issues.

2. I have an Onan 12.5 kw generator and its a very durable unit mine is approaching 2,000 hours with no issues. The little 3 cylinder diesel is an Isuzu. In later years Onan switched to Kabota.
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Old 03-28-2013, 01:18 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Ownby View Post
1. The 390hp rating is very odd and I don't remember ever seeing that. The American Eagles of that approx vintage I have seen have the 325hp rated Cummins C 8.3 engine it could also be the ISC which is the same engine block but with Cummins electronic controls. The C engines have been around for a long time and don't seem to have any design issues.

2. I have an Onan 12.5 kw generator and its a very durable unit mine is approaching 2,000 hours with no issues. The little 3 cylinder diesel is an Isuzu. In later years Onan switched to Kabota.
Steve,

Thanks for the feedback. Any comments on the low mileage on the engine?
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Old 03-28-2013, 01:37 PM   #4
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I would ask for a sample of both engine oil and transmission fluid to be sent for testing. Here are a couple of testing companies:

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

http://www.jglubricantservices.com/

I would also ask for a sample of coolant which you can test yourself with a test strip or take to a Cummins dealer to check for appropriate SCA level.

It will take a very complete service to make sure everything has been covered. One of the dangers of low Milage units is that the owner did not think much service was necessary simply because of the low miles driven.
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