[MarkofSJC]

A number of Newells were powered by Cummins ISX-650, which are now known to have a head design issue that causes the #6 cylinder to fail - sometimes catastrophically, when the exhaust valve disintegrates.    There is a re-designed head that eliminates this issue - and it's far cheaper to upgrade than be faced with a complete rebuild.

Cummins/Downey - CA was supposedly working on a quote to do this upgrade...but after 2+ weeks, I reached out to Newell (who have seen several coaches go through this) who pointed me to  Cummins, Joplin MO ~ where Newell brings their coaches.  John Mecey had the quote back to me in just a few hours, was extraordinarily knowledgeable about the issue and how this would be done in a Newell.  Best yet, compared to other coaches using this engine, Newells engineering/design made this much cheaper, because the access is so much easier.

See attached quote we just received...it's one of the few times I've ever smiled at a $20k quote (after seeing $25 ~ 35k others have paid!) - and John says this includes both camshafts being replaced, which may not be required!

I'm curious how many other Newells with ISX-650 and 600 engines have failed due to this...

[Mhcorrigan]

If you go to irv2.com and go to the Cummins engine discussion, you will find many posts about the 650 ISX engine dropping the number 6 cylinder exhaust valve and the related costs.