Engine Flutter Noise

Wellstercraft · 11-27-2018, 11:09 PM

I’m new to the forum after recently purchasing a 2019 Berkshire 39a (360 ISB). This is our first diesel pusher. We’ve put about 2500 miles on it since we took delivery. During our last trip I noticed a “flutter” noise coming from the engine when under a load (climbing hills, hard acceleration etc.). The noise is tied to engine rpm, meaning the “flutter” is faster as rpms go up. Is this something I should be worried about or is this normal engine noise?

gordonsick · 11-27-2018, 11:37 PM

In normal driving, our units do not need the fan to cool the engine. When you put on an extra load, such as going up a hill, you get a lot more engine noise as the fan kicks in. The fan also kicks in when you initially start up.

This might be what you are hearing.

–Gordon

dan-nickie · 11-28-2018, 06:26 AM

Engine noises or sometimes hard to describe and I'm not sure what a flutter would sound like.
But I believe it's something worth having checked out as it may be a serpentine belt. There have been some cases of problems with belts and pulleys and if the belt breaks it can do some damage to wiring and such.

I have never heard anything like you described from our engine area.

Oscarvan · 11-28-2018, 12:40 PM

Since this is your first big diesel.... Is it possible for you to listen to and maybe even get a ride on another (similar) one? Diesels make different music, maybe everything is fine and you're not used to it.

Wellstercraft · 11-28-2018, 02:20 PM

Thanks for the replies. I don’t think it’s normal fan noise. I’m pretty sure I know what that sounds like. And yes, describing engine noises is extremely difficult. I think I’ll get it checked out when I bring it in for warranty work in the spring. In the meantime, I’ll hit my neighbor up for a ride in his coach (same drive train) to see if I hear the same sounds. Thanks again!

Wellstercraft · 03-12-2019, 09:46 PM

I finally got the RV into Freightliner to have the noise checked. Turns out the noise was created by a small hole in the intake hose.

Oscarvan · 03-13-2019, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wellstercraft

I finally got the RV into Freightliner to have the noise checked. Turns out the noise was created by a small hole in the intake hose.

Was it by any chance caused by a poorly located clamp? I rotated one because the metal part(s) were touching the intake hose and would have caused a hole over time.

If it was they probably didn't tell you....

dave-g · 03-13-2019, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wellstercraft

I finally got the RV into Freightliner to have the noise checked. Turns out the noise was created by a small hole in the intake hose.

Thanks for the follow up- and I'm glad they found something.

wjazzarajr · 03-13-2019, 07:53 AM

Wellstercraft,

Was the intake hose an air line...And was it after the air cleaner? If so, you should put freightliner/Berkshire on notice as this could mean that dirt or any airborne particles could have been ingested into the engine itself potentially causing some damage. It is probably nothing, but to be safe, put it on record...

Warren

Oscarvan · 03-13-2019, 09:22 AM

Here's a picture of the clamp I was referencing earlier. It looks like it was on a CAC air hose.

Oscarvan · 03-13-2019, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wjazzarajr

Wellstercraft,

Was the intake hose an air line...And was it after the air cleaner? If so, you should put freightliner/Berkshire on notice as this could mean that dirt or any airborne particles could have been ingested into the engine itself potentially causing some damage. It is probably nothing, but to be safe, put it on record...

Warren

You really think they are going to take that seriously?

wjazzarajr · 03-14-2019, 07:33 AM

You bet they will! Cummins is super strict about keeping the air intake clean. Get it on record in case there is a problem down the road.

Thanks,

Warren

Oscarvan · 03-14-2019, 08:24 AM

Well, it certainly won't hurt to try.

Wellstercraft · 03-16-2019, 08:21 PM

I was finally able to pick up my coach after waiting on parts all week (also had a small fuel leak). Since I too was concerned about debris and dust entering through a compromised intake system, I asked to speak to the mechanic who worked on the coach.

It turns out the person I spoke to on the phone was incorrect. The coach did not have an intake leak, but a leak from the output line on the compressor. Kind of a big difference in my book.

Anyhow, the coach is fixed. It now drives nice and quiet like it was designed to do. Thanks for everyone’s input!

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