All about your air intake system—from side of the coach, air filter, turbo, CAC and plumbing.

All about your cooling system—water pump, thermostat(s), coolant and coolant testing, recommended maintenance, cleaning the CAC and radiator, etc.

The "how-to" of driving a diesel pusher. How to improve MPG, how to climb and descend a grade, recommended engine warm up and shut down, etc.

Modern Engine Diagnostics use a standardized digital communications port to provide realtime data in addition to a standardized series of diagnostic trouble codes, or DTCs, which allow one to rapidly identify and remedy malfunctions within the vehicle. These and other Engine Diagnostics topics are posted in this category.

The engine fuel system and wiring diagrams. For alternator and coach wiring discussion, see Other Systems.

Partial summary of CAT engine recalls is included in this category.

Specifications for diesel engines will be covered for each manufacturer. Caterpillar 3126 & C7, 3176B &C9 through C13 and C15 specifications can be found in this category, as will specifications for Cummins ISB, ISC, ISL & ISM engines.

Exhaust brake maintenance, troubleshooting and when to use.

All about fuel filters, priming the fuel system, Diesel Particulate Filters, Diesel Exhaust Fluid, and fuel additives, etc.

All about oil, your lubrication system, oil capacities, dip stick calibration, etc.

Discussions about electrical, engine driven A/C, belts, belt tensioners, etc.

Discussions about recommended maintenance issues: Valve adjustment, fan hub grease zirk, etc.

What to do when storing your coach to minimize problems. Fuel additives, full/empty tank, etc.

Dave Atherton has been a great help in tracing down problems with both CAT and Cummins engines. He has diagnosed several chronic problems and proposed solutions for them. This board enables you ask Dave for his advice. Dave has worked with diesel engines ever since his vocational training started in high school. He began working for Caterpillar in 1970, where he worked as a field mechanic on heavy equipment. Dave has been schooled by Caterpillar in their in-house training programs on diesel engines, fluid power (hydraulic mechanics), transmissions, final drives, and air systems. Dave learned to operate much of caterpillar’s heavy equipment, because he needed to sign off on the repairs that he had done. He also has training in welding, both gas and Tig. Dave has worked as a master mechanic for a private contractor for 40 years until he retired in 2013. He is still working with Caterpillar part time, and is a consultant on Caterpillar engine problems.

Got a problem and don't know what to do? If so, post it here and Dave will respond. Only you and Dave will be able to comment on the problem. All others will be able to view the discussion but not comment.

Moderator: David.e.atherton

The Diesel RV Club is an FMCA chapter founded on the assumption that any member interested in Diesel engines would be interested in knowing more about them-- how to maintain them, how to maximize performance, and how to keep repair costs to a minimum. Socializing and associating with members with similar equipment was another advantage. Our Club Rallies (two weeks prior to FMCA International Conventions) focus on learning more about maintaining them as well as having a good time.

Diesel RV Club Forums 101 - Having trouble negotiating the forums? Ask questions on how to use this website here. Be sure and read the how-to posts!

Feel free to talk about anything diesel engine related in this board.

The service centers in this category are independent businesses offering a full range of motorhome services.

The following businesses offer discounts on the purchase of RV and motorhome parts and equipment.

The following Caterpillar dealers offer a 10% discount on parts and labor for motorhome services. Some may place a limit on the dollar amount of the discount.

The following Mercedes-Benz dealers offer discounts on parts and or labor for services on Sprinter chassis motorhomes.

The following Freightliner Oasis Service Centers offer a 10% discount on parts and service.

The following businesses provide special products or services to the motorhome community.