Routine Maintenance Recommendations
Drain and flush the system every 2 years and refill with heavy-duty coolant – 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze Always use antifreeze. In addition, to freezing protection, antifreeze is essential for overheat and corrosion protection Supplemental Coolant Additive(Fleetguard DCA4) required with C8.3 Change coolant service filter at EVERY oil drain interval.
Use correctly sized Fleetguard DCA4 service filter or
Add the correct number of units of liquid SCA and use plain filter
# of SCA Units – 2
Fleetguard Service Filter – WF-2070
If an SCA other than Fleetguard is used, follow mftr. recs. Top off should be done with heavy-duty coolant – 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze and 1.5 units of SCA/gal of coolant (SCA for C8.3) While not required, DCA4 can be used with the B5.9, though any incremental benefit will be small
Definition of Heavy Duty Coolant
A combination of 50/50 water and low silicate antifreeze (ethylene glycol and propylene glycol are acceptable) 1.5 units of SCA per gallon of coolant (C8.3 only) Protects to -34F. Freeze protection decreases above 68% antifreeze Antifreeze must meet ASTM D4985 (GM6038M) specs
Why Are SCAs Needed? (C8.3 and “wet liner” engines in general) Normal piston slap causes cylinder liner to vibrate at high-frequency Vapor bubbles are created in coolant as liner moves away from the coolant (a phenomenon known as cavitation…localized boiling) Bubbles collapse as liner moves back into coolant Implosion of bubble removes material from liner surface leading to pitting
The proper amount of SCA forms an oxide film on liner surface Vapor bubbles still form, but remove oxide film rather than liner This is why SCA level depletes and must be continually replenished SCA Concentration Min/Max Limits (C8.3 only)
Must be maintained between 1.2 and 3.0 units/gallon of coolant Levels below 1.2 don’t adequately protect against liner pitting Levels above 3.0 can lead to premature failure of water pump seals due to deposits being formed on seal faces
When To Test SCA level
Test twice a year under “normal” conditions. Test more frequently only when a reason exists to think chemical balance may be incorrect, i.e. partial drain of the cooling system, large leak, etc. Regular testing should NOT be used to determine when to replace the coolant service filter. Replace coolant filter at every oil change
If SCA between 1.2-3.0 Continue replacing coolant filter at every oil change
SCA < 1.2 Add liquid SCA to raise the level to 1.5 and replace service filter
SCA > 3.0 Do not replace the service filter and test at each oil change until the level is below 3.0. Then start changing service filter at oil changes
How To Test
Antifreeze – Refractometer Fleetguard #CC2800 is recommended vs. floating ball because it is more accurate
SCA – Fleetguard DCA4 test kit #CC2602. Dip ONE STRIP in coolant for 1 sec, shake off drips, wait 45 sec. and compare three patches. Follow these directions EXACTLY. Take a coolant sample from the radiator drain cock. DO NOT take coolant sample from overflow bottle or top tank
Water Quality Requirements
Calcium/Magnesium Max. 170ppm as CaCO3 + MgCO3
Chloride Max. 40ppm as Cl
Sulfur Max. 100ppm as SO4
A conservative approach to cooling system maintenance would include an analysis of your home-base tap water supply. Samples can be sent to Monitor, Inc (800/437-3333) for analysis. Your local Cummins distributor can provide this service as well as sample bottles and other coolant test devices. Consider using pre-formulated antifreeze when on the road or when water quality is unknown
Pre-formulated Antifreeze and SCA
Pre-formulated antifreeze, such as Fleetguard Compleat, offers a vehicle owner the convenience of a pre-mixed antifreeze solution containing high-quality water and the correct chemical balance of antifreeze and SCA. Complete may be used with the B5.9
Lube Oil
Routine Maintenance Recommendations
Oil Drain Interval
B5.9 – 6,000mi/250hr/6mos – Fleetguard Filter LF3349
C8.3 – 6,000mi/250hr/6mos – Fleetguard Filter LF3000 (whichever comes first)
Replace oil filter at EVERY oil drain interval
Multigrade vs. Straight Weight
Recommendation – High quality 15W40 oil API CE/SG
Why Multigrade?
- Reduced deposit formation
- Improved cranking in low ambient temperatures
- Shortens time-to-block pressure in low ambients
- Improved lubrication during high-temperature operation SG rating required for lubrication of sliding tappets
Synthetic Oils
May be used in B5.9 and C8.3 engines provided they meet performance and chemical requirements outlined in bulletin #3810340-01 (listed on back)
Recommended for use in ambient temperatures consistently below -13F(-25C) for improved engine cranking and flowability Should NOT BE USED to extend oil drain intervals
Engine Break-in Oils
Special break-in oils should not be used. If synthetic or synthetic blend oil has been used prior to an engine rebuild, petroleum-based oil should be used for the first oil change interval, after which use of synthetic oil can be resumed
Supplemental Oil Additives
Supplemental oil additives such as friction-reducers and graphitizes should not be used unless the oil supplier can provide evidence of satisfactory performance. If there is any doubt about the suitability of an oil, consult the oil manufacturer for a definitive recommendation, or data to establish that the oil has performed satisfactorily in Cummins engines
Oil Analysis
Oil analysis, as a method to extend drain intervals, is NOT recommended. Different methods of measuring soot, lack of correlation among testing labs, and differing driving patterns and idle time are the basis of the recommendation ®
Fuel
The fuel filter should be changed at EVERY OTHER oil change
| Fleetguard fuel filters | B5.9 | C8.3 |
| without water separator | FF5052 | FF5052 |
| with water separator | FS1251 | FS1251 |
Low Sulfur Fuel and Fuel Lubricity
Based on nationwide testing for lubricity, the use of additives to improve fuel lubricity is NOT recommended for any Cummins engine when operated on commercially available low-sulfur #2 diesel fuel or #1/#2 winter blend diesel fuel. The fuel recommendation remains as it was prior to the introduction of low-sulfur fuel…a high-quality diesel fuel available at truck stops and filling stations across North America
Biocide Treatment
A biocide or fungicide can help when fuels are prone to contamination with bacteria or fungus (black “slime”)
Other Fuel Additives
Cummins engines are designed to operate satisfactorily on a wide range of diesel fuels, including commercially available #2 diesel fuel. Any fuel additive product should be accompanied by performance data supporting its performance and benefit. Engine failures caused by incorrect fuel are not covered under warranty. It is not the policy of Cummins Engine Company to test, approve, or endorse any product not manufactured or sold by Cummins Engine Company
Ether
A mechanical or electrical ether metering device is required whenever ether is used.
Manual application of ether is PROHIBITED
Metering devices can be supplied by OEMs or through upfit with Fleetguard equipment
DO NOT USE ETHER on engines with intake air preheaters
Idle/Warmup/Cooldown
Excessive Idle
Excessive idling should be avoided when possible, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and engine wear. Engine idling encountered during normal traffic jams is not considered excessive
Engine Warmup
Cold Start Do not operate at full speed/load until coolant temperature reaches normal operating temperature Do not operate above low idle until oil pressure is indicated on the oil pressure gauge
Engine Cooldown
Recommendation: Prior to shutting down, an engine should be idled 3-5 minutes after full throttle or high power operation such as climbing a steep grade or high vehicle speeds. However, under normal driving conditions, such as exiting a highway to enter a fuel or rest stop, enough time is generally taken at light load getting the vehicle positioned and stopped, that a 3-5 minute cooldown is not necessary
Component Maintenance
Valve Adjustment Interval
Initially Thereafter
B5.9 24,000mi/1,000hr/1yr 48,000mi/2,000hr/2yrs
C8.3 24,000mi/1,000hr/1yr 48,000mi/2,000hr/2yrs
Air Filter and Intake System
Follow RV manufacturer’s recommended filter change interval. Visually inspect intake air components at each oil change for cracks or loose connections
Air Compressor (if equipped)
Inspection required at 48,000mi/2000hrs/2yrs which includes clean/inspect of the cylinder head, valve assembly, discharge line, air dryers, splitter valves, pressure relief valves, and alcohol injectors (refer to Section 7 of O&M Manuals)
Charge Air Cooler
Inspection required at 24,000mi/1,000hrs/1yr which includes checking tubes, fins, and welds for cracks, holes, or other damage (refer to Section 6 of O&M Manuals)
Vibration Damper
Inspection required at 48,000mi/2,000hrs/2yrs which includes visual inspection
for deformation (refer to Section 7 of O&M Manuals)
Fan Idler Pulley, Fan Hub, Belt Tension
Inspection required at 24,000mi/1,000hrs/1yr which includes a visual inspection of all components (refer to Section 6 of O&M Manuals)
Extended Shutdown Start Procedure Bulletin #’s
When starting an engine that has been sitting for more than 30 days:
1) Engine oil pressure must be indicated on gauge within 15 secs. after starting. If oil pressure does NOT register within 15 secs., shut off the engine immediately. Confirm that the oil level in the oil pan is correct. If OK, disconnect the fuel solenoid wire and crank the engine until oil pressure registers on the gauge. If oil pressure is not registered after 30 seconds of cranking, follow the Troubleshooting Guidelines listed in the O&M manual for low oil pressure
2) Idle engine three to five minutes before operating under load
Bulletin #’s
Cummins Customer Service 800-DIESELS
Fleetguard Customer Service 800-521-4005
“The Power In RVs” brochure 3605857
TripTips: Preventive Maintenance – B5.9 Video3605883
TripTips: Preventive Maintenance – C8.3 Video 3605884
B & C Series Sales & Service Directory 3605835-01
Cummins Recreational Vehicle Warranty 3381661
B5.9 O&M Manual 3810205-11
B5.9 Troubleshooting and Repair Manual 3666087
B5.9 Shop Manual 3666017
C8.3 O&M Manual 3810248-09
C8.3 Troubleshooting and Repair Manual 3666003-01
C8.3 Shop Manual 3666008-01
Cummins Engine Oil Recommendations 3810340-01
Cummins Engine Fuel Recommendations 3379001-05
Fleetguard Cooling System Maintenance 3387910