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✓ 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty
✓ ASE-certified technicians
✓ Female-led, family-owned
What we do
RV MECHANICAL REPAIR AT WESTCO
We work on the parts of your RV that get it down the road: the chassis, the engine and drivetrain, and the cab.
01
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
Gas and diesel motorhome engines and drivetrains, diagnosed and repaired in our shop.
✓ Gas and diesel engines
✓ Transmissions and drivelines
✓ Cooling and fuel systems
✓ Dealer-level diagnostics
02
BRAKES & SUSPENSION
Mountain grades are hard on a heavy coach.
✓ Brakes and brake systems
✓ Suspension and steering
✓ Wheel bearings and hubs
✓ Chassis electrical and lighting
03
CAB & DRIVER CONTROLS
The driving end of the rig, the parts you use every trip.
✓ Cab A/C diagnosis and repair
✓ Dash and driver controls
✓ Starting and charging systems
✓ Warning lights and codes
GAS & DIESEL · CLASS A, B & C
RV ENGINES WE WORK ON
Westco repairs the gas and diesel engines under almost every motorhome on the road, from the Ford V10 and the newest 7.3L gas to Cummins and CAT diesel pushers. Find your engine below to see what it’s in, what commonly goes wrong, and how we handle it.
Not sure which engine you have? Check the chassis, not the coach brand. The chassis maker and model are on the sticker in the driver’s door jamb, and a diesel’s engine data plate is on the engine itself.
GAS
Ford V10 · Ford 7.3L · Chevy Express 6.0L/6.6L · Ford Transit · Ram ProMaster · Workhorse 8.1L · Ford 460 · Chevy 454
DIESEL
Cummins ISB 5.9/6.7 · Cummins ISC/ISL/L9 · Cummins ISX/X15 · CAT 3126/C7 · CAT C9/C13/C15 · Mercedes Sprinter · Ford Power Stroke Super C · International VT365/MaxxForce 7
GAS · FORD F-53 & E-SERIES
What goes wrong with the Ford 6.8L V10 in a motorhome?
The V10 is the most common gas motorhome engine on the road, and its best-known problems are spark plugs and exhaust manifold studs. Both are fixable, and a well-kept V10 will pull a heavy coach for a long time.
FOUND IN
Ford F-53 Class A chassis from about 1999 to 2019, and E-350/E-450 Class C cutaways from 1997 to 2019. Later F-53s use the 3-valve version.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
A loud “pop,” then ticking and a misfire: on earlier 2-valve engines a spark plug can blow out of the aluminum head. We repair the threads with a permanent insert instead of replacing the head.
Plugs that break off during a tune-up: 3-valve engines use a two-piece plug that seizes with carbon. It takes Ford’s extraction procedure, not a bigger wrench.
A tick at cold start that fades as it warms up: broken exhaust manifold studs or a cracked manifold. Very common on this engine.
A misfire with no check-engine light: a failing ignition coil, often on the rear cylinders against the firewall.
RV WEAR
The V10 lives at high rpm on mountain grades and sits under a hot engine cover. Heavy fuel use and slowing on long climbs are normal for this engine, not a fault.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Spark plugs done to Ford’s torque and procedure, manifold stud and manifold repair, coil and misfire diagnosis, and cooling and transmission service for towing and mountain driving.
GAS · FORD F-53 & E-SERIES (NEWER)
What should I know about the Ford 7.3L “Godzilla” gas engine in an RV?
The 7.3L V8 replaced the V10 in Ford’s motorhome chassis, and so far its record is good. The one issue to watch is lifter noise at idle.
FOUND IN
F-53 Class A chassis from the 2020 chassis year (often sold as 2021 and newer coaches), and E-350/E-450 Class C cutaways from 2021 on, paired with Ford’s 10-speed transmission.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Ticking or tapping at idle, sometimes followed by a misfire: roller lifter and camshaft damage has been reported, mostly on 2020–2021 engines. Low oil pressure at hot idle is the commonly cited cause, and Ford has released an idle-speed software update for some applications.
RV WEAR
Long idling, like running the dash A/C at a campsite, is the situation owners most often connect to the lifter issue.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We listen for lifter noise and check the oil filter for metal before it turns into an engine replacement, check for the latest software updates, and service the oil to the correct spec.
GAS · CHEVY EXPRESS / GMC SAVANA CUTAWAY
What should I know about the Chevy Express 6.0L and 6.6L in a Class C?
The Chevy Express and GMC Savana cutaway is the other common Class C chassis. It used the 6.0L V8 through 2020 and the 6.6L V8 from 2021. Both are tough engines, and most trouble comes from heat and weight.
FOUND IN
Express/Savana 3500 and 4500 cutaway Class C motorhomes.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Rough idle or misfire: cracked exhaust manifolds or broken bolts, or a failed coil or plug in the tight engine cover.
Ticking at cold start: lifter noise.
Transmission running hot: a Class C loaded close to its maximum weight.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Misfire and manifold repair, cooling and transmission service, and a weight and brake check before mountain trips.
GAS · FORD TRANSIT CAMPER VANS
What goes wrong with the Ford Transit engines in a Class B camper van?
Transit-based camper vans use the 3.7L V6 (2015–2019), the 3.5L V6 (2020 on) or the 3.5L EcoBoost. The thing to watch is the timing chain, especially on the EcoBoost.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
A rattle at cold start and cam timing codes: a stretched timing chain or worn cam phasers, most commonly reported on the EcoBoost.
EcoBoost stumbling in humid weather: condensation in the intercooler.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Timing chain and phaser repair, intercooler diagnosis, and oil service on schedule.
Colorado Springs: at our altitude the EcoBoost keeps its power better than a non-turbo engine, but turbo heat on long climbs is real.
GAS · RAM PROMASTER CAMPER VANS
What goes wrong with the Ram ProMaster 3.6L in a camper van?
The ProMaster is the base for many Class B camper vans, and its 3.6L Pentastar V6 has one well-known weak spot: the plastic oil filter housing.
FOUND IN
Ram ProMaster 1500/2500/3500, 2014 on.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Oil smell or a drip at the back of the engine: the oil filter housing and cooler crack. It often gets mistaken for a rear main seal, and coolant can leak with it.
Ticking at cold start: rocker arm or lifter wear.
Misfires: coils or plugs.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Oil filter housing replacement, valvetrain diagnosis and repair, and brake and front-drive checks for a heavy van.
GAS · WORKHORSE W-SERIES
What goes wrong with the 8.1L Vortec in a Workhorse motorhome?
The 8.1L big-block was GM’s engine in the Workhorse W-series motorhome chassis until GM stopped making it around 2009. The common problems are exhaust manifold bolts, oil use and the crank sensor.
FOUND IN
Workhorse W-series Class A chassis (W16–W24), early 2000s to about 2009, with the Allison 1000 transmission.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Ticking or an exhaust leak, usually worse on the passenger side: broken exhaust manifold bolts.
Stalling or a no-start when hot: a failed crankshaft position sensor.
Burning oil: common on this engine, often around a quart every 1,000–1,500 miles.
Misfires and oil leaks: fouled plugs and leaking intake gaskets.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Manifold bolt extraction and repair, sensor and misfire diagnosis, Allison transmission service, and brake inspection and repair.
Also check: Workhorse chassis had a major recall for sticking front brake calipers. We check recall status and brake condition when your coach is in.
GAS · OLDER FORD MOTORHOMES
What should I know about the Ford 460 in an older motorhome?
The 7.5L 460 powered Ford motorhome chassis until the V10 took over in the late 1990s. We work on them, but every one is now more than 25 years old and parts are getting harder to find, so repairs can take longer while we track parts down.
FOUND IN
Ford Class A motorhome chassis through about 1998, and E-350 Class C cutaways through 1996, usually with the E4OD transmission.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Ticking or an exhaust smell in the cab: cracked exhaust manifolds or broken studs.
Stalling or hard restarts when hot, especially on grades: a weak fuel pump and heat-soaked fuel (vapor lock).
Overheating on long climbs: a tired radiator or fan clutch.
Transmission slipping or flaring: the E4OD overheating under heavy weight.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Manifold, fuel system and cooling system repair, and transmission service.
GAS · OLDER CHEVY / GMC MOTORHOMES
What should I know about the Chevy 454 in an older motorhome?
The 7.4L 454 powered Chevy and GMC P30 motorhome chassis through the 1990s. We work on them, but like the Ford 460, parts for engines this old are getting harder to find, so repairs can take longer.
FOUND IN
Chevrolet/GMC P30 Class A chassis, 1970s to late 1990s, with the TH400 or 4L80E transmission. Workhorse took over the P30 chassis around 1999.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Stalling on hot days or grades: fuel boiling in the lines (vapor lock).
Ticking at the exhaust: manifold leaks or broken bolts.
Overheating: a small cooling system with a clogged radiator.
Oil leaks and burning oil: age.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Fuel line and fuel system replacement, cooling system repair, manifold work and general engine repair.
Safety note: old rubber fuel lines on these chassis are a fire risk. We check them any time one of these is in.
DIESEL · PUSHERS, SUPER C & SPRINTER
DIESEL RV ENGINES
Check the engine’s year, not the coach’s. Particulate filters (DPF) arrived for 2007 and DEF for 2010, and engine makers built engines ahead of each deadline. A “2008” coach can carry an older engine without a DPF, and a “2010” coach can carry a 2009 engine without DEF. The engine data plate tells you which you have, and that decides what service it needs.
DIESEL · CUMMINS ISB 5.9 / 6.7
What goes wrong with the Cummins 6.7 (ISB) in a diesel pusher?
The Cummins ISB is the most common engine in mid-size diesel pushers and Super C motorhomes. On 2007 and newer engines, most trouble comes from the emissions system, not the engine itself.
FOUND IN
Freightliner XC-series, Spartan and Workhorse pusher chassis, and Freightliner M2 Super C. The 5.9L ran until about 2006, the 6.7L from 2007 on.
IS IT THE SAME AS A RAM 6.7?
The same engine family, but not the same setup: different computer calibration, a rear radiator, an Allison transmission and commercial emissions timing. For Ram pickups, see our Cummins page.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Frequent regens, derate, poor mileage (2007+): a loaded-up DPF, EGR valve or cooler, or a sooted turbo. Worse on coaches that idle a lot or only take short trips.
Derate with a DEF quality or DEF level warning (2010+): a failed DEF sensor, heater or doser.
Overheating on climbs: a pusher’s rear radiator packed with dirt, or a weak fan clutch.
5.9 only, hard starting and low power: lift pump or injection pump failure.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Emissions system diagnosis and repair, radiator and cooling system cleaning and repair, fuel filters and water separator, and valve adjustment.
DIESEL · CUMMINS ISC 8.3 / ISL 8.9 / L9
What goes wrong with the Cummins ISC, ISL and L9 in a motorhome?
These are the engines in mid-to-large diesel pushers. The one to know about is the ISL’s EGR cooler, which can fail and push coolant into the exhaust.
FOUND IN
Freightliner XC/XCS, Spartan and Roadmaster pushers. The ISC 8.3 ran through about 2006, the ISL 8.9 from about 2007 to 2016, and the L9 from 2017. Changeover years vary by coach builder.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Coolant loss, white smoke or coolant out the exhaust (ISL): EGR cooler failure, often started by a clogged oil cooler. Left alone, it can damage the turbo and soak the DPF.
Ticking or exhaust smell (8.3): a cracked exhaust manifold or broken bolts.
Hard start or stumble (ISC): air getting into the fuel system through a failing lift pump.
Coolant problems that eat the cylinder sleeves: neglected coolant chemistry. These engines need their coolant tested, not just topped off.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
EGR and oil cooler diagnosis and repair, coolant testing and service, fuel system work and emissions system repair.
DIESEL · CUMMINS ISX / X15
Do you work on the Cummins ISX and X15 in large coaches?
Yes. The big Cummins engines are found in high-end diesel pushers, and they share the smaller Cummins engines’ weak points: the EGR cooler and the emissions system.
FOUND IN
High-end Spartan and Freightliner pushers. ISX from the early 2000s, ISX15 from 2010, X15 from about 2016.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Losing coolant with no visible leak: the EGR cooler.
Derate and regen faults: DPF and DEF parts. DEF heads are reported to fail from heat in coach engine bays.
Power loss: the turbo actuator.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
EGR system diagnosis, DPF and DEF repair, turbo diagnosis, and DEF system checks before storage.
DIESEL · CAT 3126 / C7
What goes wrong with the CAT C7 and 3126 in an RV?
The C7 and the 3126 before it were popular mid-size pusher engines. Caterpillar stopped making on-highway engines after 2009, so every one is at least 15 years old. The most common complaint is hard starting.
FOUND IN
Freightliner XC and Spartan mid-size pushers. The 3126 ran through about 2003, the C7 from about 2003 to 2009.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Hard start when cold, or a no-start: these engines use engine oil pressure to fire the injectors. A worn high-pressure oil pump, leaking seals or old oil can leave too little pressure to start.
Oil leaks at the back of the engine: high-pressure oil pump seals and lines.
Misfire or smoke: injector O-rings or solenoids.
Overheating on long climbs: commonly reported on the C7.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
High-pressure oil system diagnosis and repair, injector work, cooling system repair, and starting and charging system service.
Colorado Springs: hard cold starts matter here. Oil condition, batteries and the intake heater decide whether it fires on a cold morning.
DIESEL · CAT C9 / C13 / C15
Do you work on the CAT C9, C13 and C15 in diesel pushers?
Yes. The larger Caterpillar engines powered mid and high-end pushers until 2009. Parts support is shrinking, so good diagnosis matters even more.
FOUND IN
Spartan, Freightliner and similar pushers, about 2004–2009.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Hard start (C9): the same high-pressure oil system issues as the C7.
Loss of power or high exhaust temperatures (C13/C15): the twin-turbo and air system.
Loss of boost: a leaking charge air cooler.
Regen faults (2007+): CAT’s regeneration system and the DPF.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Air and turbo system diagnosis, charge air cooler testing, DPF and regeneration repair, and cooling system work.
DIESEL · MERCEDES SPRINTER
What goes wrong with the Mercedes Sprinter diesel in a motorhome?
The Sprinter is the base for many Class B vans and small Class C motorhomes. The 3.0L V6 diesel is the most common, and its best-known problems are oil cooler leaks and limp mode.
FOUND IN
Sprinter vans and cab-chassis. The 3.0L V6 ran from 2007 to 2022, the 2.1L 4-cylinder in some later years, and the 2.0L 4-cylinder from 2023.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Oil in the valley between the cylinder heads: oil cooler seals.
Limp mode: an EGR valve, the intake swirl flap motor, the turbo actuator, or a split intercooler hose.
Black, tar-like buildup around an injector: a leaking injector seal, often called “black death.” Fix it early.
A start countdown on the dash (2010+): a DEF heater or sensor failure, more common in cold weather.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Oil cooler seal repair, limp-mode diagnosis, injector seal repair, DEF system repair, and module programming with our factory-level programming tool. We also service Sprinters that aren’t RVs.
DIESEL · FORD F-450 / F-550 SUPER C
Do you work on Ford Power Stroke Super C motorhomes?
Yes. Super C motorhomes on the Ford F-450/F-550 chassis use the Power Stroke diesel we work on every week. Earlier units have the 6.0L or 6.4L, and 2011 and newer units the 6.7L.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
No-start with metal in the fuel system (6.7L): high-pressure fuel pump failure, often set off by water or bad fuel.
Coolant loss: EGR cooler or radiator leaks.
Derate and regen faults: the DPF, DEF heater and NOx sensors.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Full Power Stroke diagnosis and repair on every generation.
DIESEL · INTERNATIONAL VT365 / MAXXFORCE 7
Do you work on International VT365 and MaxxForce 7 engines in RVs?
Yes. These are the International engines Ford sold as the 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke. They’re found in E-Series diesel Class C motorhomes and some Super C motorhomes on International chassis.
FOUND IN
E-Series diesel cutaways from 2004 to 2010 (VT365 / 6.0L). The MaxxForce 7 is found in Super C coaches on International chassis from about 2008. Navistar stopped making MaxxForce engines in 2016.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Coolant loss or white smoke: head gaskets or the EGR cooler.
Stalling or hard start (VT365): a failing injector control module (FICM).
Oil level rising (MaxxForce 7): fuel getting into the oil from regens.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Head gasket, EGR cooler, oil cooler and FICM repair, and coolant system service.
DIESEL · BEFORE STORAGE AND BEFORE A TRIP
What should diesel RV owners check before storage or a big trip?
Most diesel RV trouble we see starts with a coach that sat. Three things to know:
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
DEF goes bad. It freezes at 12°F and keeps about two years, less in heat. Old DEF can trigger a derate, so top off with fresh DEF before a trip.
Coaches that sit don’t regen. Low-mile diesels that only take short trips build up soot. A long highway run helps, and a check before the season helps more.
Rear radiators pack up with dirt. Pushers pull road dirt straight into the radiator. Have it cleaned before the summer climbs.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
A pre-season check of DEF, regen health, cooling and batteries before the first long climb.
RV REPAIR · COLORADO SPRINGS
BOOK AN RV REPAIR
Tell us the year, make and chassis of your RV and what it's doing. Call (719) 591-7743 before you drive over so we can plan bay space.
RV QUESTIONS WE ANSWER EVERY WEEK
Straight answers from our techs
WHAT RV WORK DOES WESTCO DO?
The mechanical side: gas and diesel engines, transmissions, brakes, suspension, steering, chassis, cab A/C and driver controls.
WHAT WE WORK ON
Engines · Transmissions · Brakes · Cab A/C
What we do
We diagnose it, show you what we find with photos, and repair it here.
Colorado Springs: Long climbs on I-25 and Ute Pass work an RV engine and cooling system hard. Get them checked before a trip.
DO YOU WORK ON RV HOUSE SYSTEMS?
No. We work on the chassis, the engine and the cab. The living area of the coach is outside what we do.
WHAT WE DON'T DO
Plumbing · Appliances · Interior systems
What we do
We'll tell you up front if a problem is on the house side, so you know where to take it.
Colorado Springs: Cab A/C counts as the driver's side, so that one we do fix.
DO YOU WORK ON GAS AND DIESEL RVS?
Yes. We repair both gas and diesel RV engines, with dealer-level diagnostics in our own shop.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Gas engines · Diesel engines · Drivetrains
What we do
We scan every module and find the root cause before any repair starts.
CAN YOU FIX MY RV'S DASH A/C?
Yes. Cab A/C and driver controls are part of the RV work we do.
COMMON SIGNS
Warm air · Weak airflow · Noise · Leaks
What we do
We find out why it's blowing warm and fix it, so the drive stays comfortable.
HOW DO I GET MY RV IN?
Call (719) 591-7743 or book online. Call before you drive over so we can plan bay space for your rig.
WHAT TO HAVE READY
Year · Make · Chassis · What it's doing
WHAT WE DO
We schedule the bay, inspect your RV, and call you with photos before any repair starts.
Colorado Springs: Mountain grades are hard on RV brakes and cooling systems. Get them checked before a big trip.