‘08 Tourmaster 40F Engine Access

[Abbcarlin]

At 60K miles, 3rd owner, well maintained by us, can’t speak for others. Lost some power uphill and pulled into ABQ to have checked. Need Compression Test but, rear bath engine access cut out in floor only allows you to see engine, access pipes and head gasket. UNABLE to lift valve cover (not enough room to lift off!). This is a MAJOR flaw. Now we have to gamble after paying for examination. If we need new engine after compression test (possibly cracked cylinder), Cummins will only warranty labor of rebuild if they install (understandable). In order for our (trusted) mechanic to remove cover he has to saw into a bathroom support to be able to pivot engine to get cover off(he can weld it back). If test fails, we will have to obtain the rebuild and either forgo the labor warranty or pay to put it all back together and tow to Authorized Cummins shop. We opted to stay with our mechanic and pray for the better of the bad outcomes, that our cylinder is not cracked and part can be replaced, etc. Very bad design by Gulfstream and who would think to check engine access before purchase? We will now and hopefully so will you after reading this nightmare of ours. Anyone else have this issue? Beside the fact that our Cummins 425 6isl should not be having this issue to begin with!

[McKannick]

While your guy is doing compression test, I suggest do fuel injector test BEFORE final decision to do deep, expensive repairs in it. A weak injector or two will give identical running problems, as will fuel starvation from clogged filter! Since rigs like yours sometimes sit for months, condensation, waxy sediment, ect happens a lot, none of which makes it thru filters and inlet screens.
Info on what the tech does for comp test:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVsSN7H_eBk

[Abbcarlin]

Thanks for reply! As of this afternoon, although they need a cherry picker to hold up engine, since the oil pan is too flimsy (composite instead of standard aluminum and not strong enough to hold weight of engine), they got a better look and believe it is a broken rocker arm. That has been our first glimmer of hope and we remain optimistic. We just had service in August (changed out oil, filters, etc) but of course now Diesel has leached into the new oil and will be drained and re-filled. We will also have oil analyzed to ensure no particles.

[McKannick]

Well, good news there!
As far as metallic particles go is to only the oil filter where they are trapped: try this. Stick a strong, small magnet to the filter can, and do simple exam of used filter at the next filter change, just remove & let drain for a while, then cut open at base where 'can' of filter is attached to base. Inside you will find the normal metallic, ultra fine dark grey sludge stuck to the shell where the magnet is on the can. Check the consistency of the sludge by rubbing some between your fingers. Normal sludge will feel smooth, if something is going wrong bigger, shiny particles will be in the sludge. It may grab a piece or two of the chips from cutting the can open, but you will have plenty of those that are easy to tell where they came from.