Looking seriously at a 1999 DSDP3884 Dutch star

wvabeer wrote:
I called the Cummings/Allison shop they told me the miles are so low I would be wasting my money. I drove it and wow, I am impressed. I found one thing that is troubling, they will have to fix it. The oil pressure gauge acts weird 42 them pegged then back to 45 then 90 them pegged again. Not slow swinging action but snap to the different locations. I think there is a short somewhere. No trouble codes . Nothing. It shifts great steering is perfect. I am impressed with this unit.

trust me from everything you have told us about the unit and previous owner etc etc etc you cant go wrong at 30K its a steal

Mines sat for 5 years (well maintained beforehand) and had way more miles (105k) so I was worried too. Had a mobile mechanic check it out before I arrived. He had to replace fuse to start it. I drove it 1100 miles home and discovered a few more issues on way home. I made a list of issues that I'm still tackling. I spent more on some used cars I have bought so I am happy.

I would not worry about that engine and transmission. Like Cummins said with that mileage not to worry. If the guy has records of everything like you say it is probably well maintained. The low mileage could be a few miles every year and not sitting for a long period. If it sat for a very long time you may get seals drying up on the engine transmission and differential. You would see oil leaking there. The oil you seen on that tube is most likely the slobber tube and is normal. Price wise where I live it is well priced and what can you buy for that price that is better? Only you can answer that. Happy trails!

I called the Cummings/Allison shop they told me the miles are so low I would be wasting my money. I drove it and wow, I am impressed. I found one thing that is troubling, they will have to fix it. The oil pressure gauge acts weird 42 them pegged then back to 45 then 90 them pegged again. Not slow swinging action but snap to the different locations. I think there is a short somewhere. No trouble codes . Nothing. It shifts great steering is perfect. I am impressed with this unit.

tropical36 wrote:

wvabeer wrote:
Any thoughts I should look at. new diesel gen, 330 Cummings 34000 miles perfect condition. $30,000 needs tires (10 years old)

I'd like $20 - 25K better and with a Spartan chassis, even better.
Even at that, you could easily have $30K in it, by the end of next year, with this and that. Paying $30 now, would probably have you underwater by that time, if money is of any concern to you.
NADA
FRIEGHTLINER

I think in those years Newmar used a Cummins engine in the Spartan chassis and a Cat. in the FTL chassis. Do not remember Cummins displacement but Cat was 7.2 L as I remember.



download here

wvabeer wrote:
Any thoughts I should look at. new diesel gen, 330 Cummings 34000 miles perfect condition. $30,000 needs tires (10 years old)

I'd like $20 - 25K better and with a Spartan chassis, even better.
Even at that, you could easily have $30K in it, by the end of next year, with this and that. Paying $30 now, would probably have you underwater by that time, if money is of any concern to you.
NADA
FRIEGHTLINER

Again I suggest it be taken to Cummins and have them run a diagnostic check. Cost in the $100 to $200.00 range. This will tell you many things including horsepower. I am having to replace the speedometer and the new one will register 0.0 but the ECM will measure total miles.

rowekmr wrote:
IIRC the Dutch Star I use the previous owner had the engine upgraded to 330hp through a dealer but I will try to confirm. I believe it was just programming done during a routine stop. On a side note my tires were weathered also and was wondering where is a good place to get good value tires.

I was quoted 372 each mount and balanced toyo

wvabeer wrote:
Any thoughts I should look at. new diesel gen, 330 Cummings 34000 miles perfect condition. $30,000 needs tires (10 years old)

I would think the test drive should tell - those were rock Solid units - the Dutch Star and the Mountaire were the most popular units and if it's been well cared for like you say it should be Fine.

Oil and Transmission fluid check if possible should give you the info you are looking for. Is the Roof Tight?

No it's not a 500 HP but the 300-330 should serve you well.

Let us Know what you decide, and

Best of Luck,

IIRC the Dutch Star I use the previous owner had the engine upgraded to 330hp through a dealer but I will try to confirm. I believe it was just programming done during a routine stop. On a side note my tires were weathered also and was wondering where is a good place to get good value tires.