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billyohl's avatar
billyohl
Explorer
Aug 06, 2015

2004 Fleetwood Discovery 39J Engine Question

I just got this coach and it has a 330HP CAT engine but I don't know what the engine model is and whether the oil pan is considered a shallow pan or a Deep pan as far as the oil quantity goes. I want to change the oil in it since it was a used coach and I like to start off knowing when the oil was last changed. Thanks!!!
  • What year is it?

    Very likely a 3126.

    A shallow pan is stamped steel.

    A deep pan is ribbed aluminum.

    Engine serial number should be on the valve cover (access from bedroom or closet).
  • Our 2005 Excursion (the upgraded model of the Discovery) has the 350 Cat C7. A friends 2004 Discovery has the 330 Cat C7. On ours, the part number for the oil pan was on in it on a good sized sticker. With it you can call Cat and they can tell you which pan you have.

    As Brett said you can access the engine from in the closet, but if previous owners haven't been in it, it can be hard to get it unsealed. If the engine cover in the closet is still sealed meaning the carpet is still stapled down on the left (passengers) side, then the fan belts have probably never been changed.

    It also means the coolant reservoir tank hasn't been changed. From the rear of the MH looking at the upper right corner of the radiator you'll see the reservoir hiding behind the rubber flap. Look to see it looks like it has a lot of stress cracks in it and if it looks like it's weeping any. These are heat related cracks - they didn't use the best of plastics when they built them. The tank should be changed out and the alternator & fan belt changed.

    Bill
  • On oil, I use the Rotella T 15W-40 oil for diesel engines. I also use it in the Onan generator. This way you only have to carry one type of oil with you. If you're not at home to change your oil, the SpeedCos use this as one of their standard oils.

    Bill
  • I'm sure its a C-7. I have an 05 Fleetwood.

    Check with CAT on oil capacity as most mechanics will put 22 qts in but CAT says to ony use 19 to prevent excessive oil spewing out the crankcase slobber tube and clogging up your radiator which will be pricey to fix.

    Also the tube should be extended back past the radiator if it hasn't already been done.

    All fluids are supposed to be changed every five (except Allison after its been changed 1-2 times, I forget).
    Differential, power steering, hydraulic, engine oil, air system desiccant, all filters, belt and hoses. and coolant. Check front hub seals for leakage which will ruin your brake pads.

    Good to go. Only $3000.
  • You can get the motor S/N and call the Cat Hot Line 1-877-777-3126 and see if any repairs have been done at a Cat shop.
    Keep the oil clean max 5k because of the HEUI pump and use only Cat Advanced Efficiency filters (oil-fuel), and fuel filters every 10k or sooner.
    You have a 19qt or a 22qt pan and when you find out check the dip stick and if it is wrong remark it because as stated if you over fill it will come out the slobber tube, the air drier is a must.
    Right now I'm using Mobil Delvac 1300 Super 15W-40 but thinking of switching to a 10w30 just because of the pump and to lower my oil pressure at start up.
    Get a good set of gauges like the Scangauge D or the Silverleaf for laptop would not leave home without it.
    JR
  • Depending in engine build date, could be a late model 3126 or early C7.

    3126 likely to be 330 HP.
    C7 likely to be 350 HP.

    As suggested, call Caterpillar with the engine serial number.
  • Valkyriebush wrote:
    My 03 Excursion has the 3126E 330hp 850 ft. lbs. w/shallow pan. 19 qrts.


    Actually 860 lb-ft of torque at 1,440 RPM.
  • wolfe10 wrote:
    Valkyriebush wrote:
    My 03 Excursion has the 3126E 330hp 850 ft. lbs. w/shallow pan. 19 qrts.


    Actually 860 lb-ft of torque at 1,440 RPM.


    Right, Thanks