I am looking at a 2010 Phenix. Is there anything in particular that this model year coach is know for as far as problems go? Any reason to run from this model year? This coach has been sitting for a while at a dealer, so I want to get it MOT to have Keith look it over to see if I should proceed or walk away.
Thank you in advance for any advice.
Seth
Hi Seth,
You would do well if the engine is a pre-DEF one, some are. The hydraulic pump is engine driven and had no means for external lubrication, a grease zerk was added on most. The hybrid generator and water-cooled inverter system have been problematic.
These often had no window awnings, small and not many opening sections. That means especially with a dark paint, lots of AC time. We camped next to a friend for a week with this year Phenix, it was mostly very dark in color, he ran AC 24/7, I don't think we ever ran ours at all.
If I were upgrading to a newer, bigger coach this is one I would consider.
Roger
Hi, I own a 40ft Phenix with the 600hp pre-def engine. The model you're looking at has the 650hp that was a stop-gap for Cummins as the added emissions to their engines. This is also the model engine that has had the majority of cylinder 6 problems. This one certainly can be fine but if something happens it's about $30,000 to fix. You might check to see if the generator is the Onan hybrid, if so not a great model and was discontinued soon after release. Mine is 2008 picked up in Aug 2007 with the very last smog-free engine. I would look for a slightly older model or newer with
600-or 605hp.
The ISX 600-650 engines had some serious issues. The biggest being the dropped valves (#6 intake most common). Various upgraded heads/valves/seats to deal with acidization of the metal which caused failures. Yes...it could be $30k plus to fix depending on if you catch it before a dropped valves causes catastrophic failure and wipes out a turbo too. There was not a recall from Cummins but plenty of TSBs issued. The big one is TSB150130 issued September 1, 2015. If you get the engine serial number, Cummins can tell you what work has been done. Unless you find a rig that has had the engine upgrades done (or you budget $30k plus) I would steer clear of any motorhome with those HP engines. I read an article on another website where the owner had put $51,000 into his ISX in the first 4 years he owned it :o .
Do a search of Cummins ISX TSB. There are a lot.
Thank you all for your replies, it has been helpful. I am not sure if we will move forward on this coach or not, but I am still looking. Thanks for all of your help