Update on My Reno Status - My 3 Choices....

[Andy Coleman]

Fellow Wanderlodgers:

Just got off the phone with my mechanic in Reno today. As he had
promised me, he removed the heads on both sides of my 3208 motor and
inspected the top end. Being on a stand, it is now much easier to do.

On the side of the engine that blew the head gasket, he said there was
anti-freeze staining on the inside of all four cylinders. He said he
could probably removed the staining with a very fine emory cloth. He
inspected the head gasket, and noted that it had probably been going
bad for some time. It didn't just blow from my trip. The head was
etched from antifreeze going places it should not have. He
recommended that I have the head rebuilt. He said it was also
possible that I had some antifreeze leakage without knowing it. I
changed the oil before leaving for my trip - and noticed nothing unusual.

The head on the other side appeared fine, so did the cylinders and
gasket. He recommended that since I have the engine out, I might want
to go ahead and rebuild that head too, and of course replace the
gasket on that side.

He also told me to consider installing a new re-man 3208. With the
engine already out and all the parts and labor required to re-build my
old one, he said it was something to consider. When I told him that I
plan to keep my FC for another 10+ years, he seemed to recommend this
option more.

The service supervisor ran some numbers and boiled it down to three
options for me. Brace yourself!

1. Install 2 new head gaskets & put the engine back together - total
cost $8,100.00.

2. Install 2 reman heads and gaskets. Put the engine back together.
Total cost $9,700.00.

3. Install a cat re-man (and warrented) engine and put everything
back together. Total cost $20,400. The engine itself - $11,750.00.

I did some engine research weeks ago when I first had my problem. I
found that the Rhino engines
http://www.rhinoengines.com/caterpillar3208engines.htm re-mans a 3208
for under $7,000.00. 24-month unlimited nationwide warrentee. The
service guy told me they had two bad experiences with Rhino engines in
the past, and would not install them. They have a manufacturer in
California called Ariva (Sp?) that they buy re-man engines from. It
would cost me around $9,700.00, but not have the full nationwide
warrentee a Cat re-man does. They don't purchase engines from any
other re-man firms.

I asked the service guy if he could send my existing heads to a
machine shop to be re-built, over buying two new re-man ones. He said
they could, but of course had no idea what that would cost.

Well, there you have it... The decision that I must make in the next
few days... I am leaning towards #2, and sending my two heads off to
be re-built at a machine shop. If they are not in too bad shape, it
might cost me less than buying two re-man ones.

I'm also basing my decision on the performance of the engine so far -
it did not even burn a quart of oil on the first 5,000 miles of my
trip! It ran smooth, sounded really good, had plenty of power (for a
250 HP turbo 3208), and did not smoke.

I'm sharing all the ugly details of my experience with all of you in
the hopes it might benefit somebody in the future. I also would like
to hear if you guys agree with my choice of #2. And of course, I'm
bracing myself to hear "you are being ripped off" responses.

Thank you all for the many offers of advice and sympathy. If I didn't
have this list to consult and vent, I don't know what I would do!

Andy Coleman
83' FC-35 250 HP Turbo 3208
Spring Lake, NJ

[Rob Robinson]

Standby Andy you'll get some good advice I'm sure. There are people out
there in the forums who have actually rebuilt these engines and I would
trust their advice. Mike H comes to mind.

On 14/09/2007, Andy Coleman wrote:
>
> Fellow Wanderlodgers:
>
> Just got off the phone with my mechanic in Reno today. As he had
> promised me, he removed the heads on both sides of my 3208 motor and
> inspected the top end. Being on a stand, it is now much easier to do.
>
> On the side of the engine that blew the head gasket, he said there was
> anti-freeze staining on the inside of all four cylinders. He said he
> could probably removed the staining with a very fine emory cloth. He
> inspected the head gasket, and noted that it had probably been going
> bad for some time. It didn't just blow from my trip. The head was
> etched from antifreeze going places it should not have. He
> recommended that I have the head rebuilt. He said it was also
> possible that I had some antifreeze leakage without knowing it. I
> changed the oil before leaving for my trip - and noticed nothing unusual.
>
> The head on the other side appeared fine, so did the cylinders and
> gasket. He recommended that since I have the engine out, I might want
> to go ahead and rebuild that head too, and of course replace the
> gasket on that side.
>
> He also told me to consider installing a new re-man 3208. With the
> engine already out and all the parts and labor required to re-build my
> old one, he said it was something to consider. When I told him that I
> plan to keep my FC for another 10+ years, he seemed to recommend this
> option more.
>
> The service supervisor ran some numbers and boiled it down to three
> options for me. Brace yourself!
>
> 1. Install 2 new head gaskets & put the engine back together - total
> cost $8,100.00.
>
> 2. Install 2 reman heads and gaskets. Put the engine back together.
> Total cost $9,700.00.
>
> 3. Install a cat re-man (and warrented) engine and put everything
> back together. Total cost $20,400. The engine itself - $11,750.00.
>
> I did some engine research weeks ago when I first had my problem. I
> found that the Rhino engines
> http://www.rhinoengines.com/caterpillar3208engines.htm re-mans a 3208
> for under $7,000.00. 24-month unlimited nationwide warrentee. The
> service guy told me they had two bad experiences with Rhino engines in
> the past, and would not install them. They have a manufacturer in
> California called Ariva (Sp?) that they buy re-man engines from. It
> would cost me around $9,700.00, but not have the full nationwide
> warrentee a Cat re-man does. They don't purchase engines from any
> other re-man firms.
>
> I asked the service guy if he could send my existing heads to a
> machine shop to be re-built, over buying two new re-man ones. He said
> they could, but of course had no idea what that would cost.
>
> Well, there you have it... The decision that I must make in the next
> few days... I am leaning towards #2, and sending my two heads off to
> be re-built at a machine shop. If they are not in too bad shape, it
> might cost me less than buying two re-man ones.
>
> I'm also basing my decision on the performance of the engine so far -
> it did not even burn a quart of oil on the first 5,000 miles of my
> trip! It ran smooth, sounded really good, had plenty of power (for a
> 250 HP turbo 3208), and did not smoke.
>
> I'm sharing all the ugly details of my experience with all of you in
> the hopes it might benefit somebody in the future. I also would like
> to hear if you guys agree with my choice of #2. And of course, I'm
> bracing myself to hear "you are being ripped off" responses.
>
> Thank you all for the many offers of advice and sympathy. If I didn't
> have this list to consult and vent, I don't know what I would do!
>
> Andy Coleman
> 83' FC-35 250 HP Turbo 3208
> Spring Lake, NJ
>
>
>



--
Rob, Sue & Merlin Robinson
94 WLWB


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Howard O. Truitt]

Andy,
I know you are in a tough situation no matter what you do.
Unless someone with a lot more knowledge than I says differently I would put the
second head with a new gasket back on since they did not find a problem.
Buy one reman head to replace the blown side, let him clean up the staining and
close it up, change the oil and filter and head home. I love to play poker so I
would gamble on it being ok. I also consider what the average independent
trucker would do.
I would also consider RE's advise,
If the engine has over 100,000 miles you may want to roll in rod and main
bearing. re in georgia" [The Putney Flash]
Tom Warner in Vernon Center, New York told me he had a shop that did work for
him around $60.00 a hour. My local shop $70.00 hr. But what ever you decide I
feel sure it will be the right decision.
Andy we are a family of BB'ers we may fuss amoung ourselves but we are still
family and we do feel your pain. Every time I leave out in the coach I can't
help but wonder if I might have a problem or if I failed to do some little thing
that may cause a big problem.
Howard Truitt, Camilla, Ga., 86 PT40




----- Original Message -----
From: Andy Coleman
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2007 2:56 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Update on My Reno Status - My 3 Choices....


Fellow Wanderlodgers:

Just got off the phone with my mechanic in Reno today. As he had
promised me, he removed the heads on both sides of my 3208 motor and
inspected the top end. Being on a stand, it is now much easier to do.

On the side of the engine that blew the head gasket, he said there was
anti-freeze staining on the inside of all four cylinders. He said he
could probably removed the staining with a very fine emory cloth. He
inspected the head gasket, and noted that it had probably been going
bad for some time. It didn't just blow from my trip. The head was
etched from antifreeze going places it should not have. He
recommended that I have the head rebuilt. He said it was also
possible that I had some antifreeze leakage without knowing it. I
changed the oil before leaving for my trip - and noticed nothing unusual.

The head on the other side appeared fine, so did the cylinders and
gasket. He recommended that since I have the engine out, I might want
to go ahead and rebuild that head too, and of course replace the
gasket on that side.

He also told me to consider installing a new re-man 3208. With the
engine already out and all the parts and labor required to re-build my
old one, he said it was something to consider. When I told him that I
plan to keep my FC for another 10+ years, he seemed to recommend this
option more.

The service supervisor ran some numbers and boiled it down to three
options for me. Brace yourself!

1. Install 2 new head gaskets & put the engine back together - total
cost $8,100.00.

2. Install 2 reman heads and gaskets. Put the engine back together.
Total cost $9,700.00.

3. Install a cat re-man (and warrented) engine and put everything
back together. Total cost $20,400. The engine itself - $11,750.00.

I did some engine research weeks ago when I first had my problem. I
found that the Rhino engines
http://www.rhinoengines.com/caterpillar3208engines.htm re-mans a 3208
for under $7,000.00. 24-month unlimited nationwide warrentee. The
service guy told me they had two bad experiences with Rhino engines in
the past, and would not install them. They have a manufacturer in
California called Ariva (Sp?) that they buy re-man engines from. It
would cost me around $9,700.00, but not have the full nationwide
warrentee a Cat re-man does. They don't purchase engines from any
other re-man firms.

I asked the service guy if he could send my existing heads to a
machine shop to be re-built, over buying two new re-man ones. He said
they could, but of course had no idea what that would cost.

Well, there you have it... The decision that I must make in the next
few days... I am leaning towards #2, and sending my two heads off to
be re-built at a machine shop. If they are not in too bad shape, it
might cost me less than buying two re-man ones.

I'm also basing my decision on the performance of the engine so far -
it did not even burn a quart of oil on the first 5,000 miles of my
trip! It ran smooth, sounded really good, had plenty of power (for a
250 HP turbo 3208), and did not smoke.

I'm sharing all the ugly details of my experience with all of you in
the hopes it might benefit somebody in the future. I also would like
to hear if you guys agree with my choice of #2. And of course, I'm
bracing myself to hear "you are being ripped off" responses.

Thank you all for the many offers of advice and sympathy. If I didn't
have this list to consult and vent, I don't know what I would do!

Andy Coleman
83' FC-35 250 HP Turbo 3208
Spring Lake, NJ






------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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Checked by AVG Free Edition.
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PM


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Dan]

Andy, a third choice would be sell the coach to someone who wants to repair it
and buy another wanderlodge.
Dan
88WB38
Jackson, MS
----- Original Message -----
From: Andy Coleman
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2007 1:56 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Update on My Reno Status - My 3 Choices....


Fellow Wanderlodgers:

Just got off the phone with my mechanic in Reno today. As he had
promised me, he removed the heads on both sides of my 3208 motor and
inspected the top end. Being on a stand, it is now much easier to do.

On the side of the engine that blew the head gasket, he said there was
anti-freeze staining on the inside of all four cylinders. He said he
could probably removed the staining with a very fine emory cloth. He
inspected the head gasket, and noted that it had probably been going
bad for some time. It didn't just blow from my trip. The head was
etched from antifreeze going places it should not have. He
recommended that I have the head rebuilt. He said it was also
possible that I had some antifreeze leakage without knowing it. I
changed the oil before leaving for my trip - and noticed nothing unusual.

The head on the other side appeared fine, so did the cylinders and
gasket. He recommended that since I have the engine out, I might want
to go ahead and rebuild that head too, and of course replace the
gasket on that side.

He also told me to consider installing a new re-man 3208. With the
engine already out and all the parts and labor required to re-build my
old one, he said it was something to consider. When I told him that I
plan to keep my FC for another 10+ years, he seemed to recommend this
option more.

The service supervisor ran some numbers and boiled it down to three
options for me. Brace yourself!

1. Install 2 new head gaskets & put the engine back together - total
cost $8,100.00.

2. Install 2 reman heads and gaskets. Put the engine back together.
Total cost $9,700.00.

3. Install a cat re-man (and warrented) engine and put everything
back together. Total cost $20,400. The engine itself - $11,750.00.

I did some engine research weeks ago when I first had my problem. I
found that the Rhino engines
http://www.rhinoengines.com/caterpillar3208engines.htm re-mans a 3208
for under $7,000.00. 24-month unlimited nationwide warrentee. The
service guy told me they had two bad experiences with Rhino engines in
the past, and would not install them. They have a manufacturer in
California called Ariva (Sp?) that they buy re-man engines from. It
would cost me around $9,700.00, but not have the full nationwide
warrentee a Cat re-man does. They don't purchase engines from any
other re-man firms.

I asked the service guy if he could send my existing heads to a
machine shop to be re-built, over buying two new re-man ones. He said
they could, but of course had no idea what that would cost.

Well, there you have it... The decision that I must make in the next
few days... I am leaning towards #2, and sending my two heads off to
be re-built at a machine shop. If they are not in too bad shape, it
might cost me less than buying two re-man ones.

I'm also basing my decision on the performance of the engine so far -
it did not even burn a quart of oil on the first 5,000 miles of my
trip! It ran smooth, sounded really good, had plenty of power (for a
250 HP turbo 3208), and did not smoke.

I'm sharing all the ugly details of my experience with all of you in
the hopes it might benefit somebody in the future. I also would like
to hear if you guys agree with my choice of #2. And of course, I'm
bracing myself to hear "you are being ripped off" responses.

Thank you all for the many offers of advice and sympathy. If I didn't
have this list to consult and vent, I don't know what I would do!

Andy Coleman
83' FC-35 250 HP Turbo 3208
Spring Lake, NJ






------------------------------------------------------------------------------


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.487 / Virus Database: 269.13.19/1008 - Release Date: 9/14/2007
8:59 AM


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[davidkerryedwards]

Ditto.

Kerry
82 Fc 35
Denver

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Howard O. Truitt" wrote:
>
> Andy,
> I know you are in a tough situation no matter what you do.
> Unless someone with a lot more knowledge than I says differently I would put
the
second head with a new gasket back on since they did not find a problem.
> Buy one reman head to replace the blown side, let him clean up the staining
and close it
up, change the oil and filter and head home. I love to play poker so I would
gamble on it
being ok. I also consider what the average independent trucker would do.
> I would also consider RE's advise,
> If the engine has over 100,000 miles you may want to roll in rod and main
bearing. re in
georgia" [The Putney Flash]
> Tom Warner in Vernon Center, New York told me he had a shop that did work for
him
around $60.00 a hour. My local shop $70.00 hr. But what ever you decide I feel
sure it will
be the right decision.
> Andy we are a family of BB'ers we may fuss amoung ourselves but we are still
family and
we do feel your pain. Every time I leave out in the coach I can't help but
wonder if I might
have a problem or if I failed to do some little thing that may cause a big
problem.
> Howard Truitt, Camilla, Ga., 86 PT40

[hsaddock]

Andy:
I did a little checking on Rhino's Warranty and determined that they
specifically exclude Class A, B and C motor homes from their coverage
(see the PDF section of their website). In addition, I have not had
good experience with replacement engines from these mass production
engine overhaul shops. It took me three tries to get a good engine
in my Ford Bronco a few years ago and they never ended up giving me
one $ for the labor to replace the engine twice (it was not Rhino, it
was Recon).

Now the what to do's…. Dan's suggestion is a good one if you can
leave it where it is long enough (it will take a while to find the
right buyer), I know of several gents who have bought BB's with dead
engines and are running them today, or if you really would like a
different style/year coach. You will take a hit on price for a dead
bird vs a live one. Also, I'm sure you have run up some significant
labor/towing costs at the current shop that would most likely be lost
by a sale to another. With the price difference between option 1 and
2, option 2 wins hands down and as a minimum extra (also recommended
by Howard), install new main and rod bearings, oil pump, maybe some
injector/pump work if needed and replace the rear main seal. This
should put you in the 11-13K range (I'm guessing, get a quote!) and
provide you with a decent shot of some long term running and
enjoyment of the machine. However, this is not a sure bet that your
engine problems are behind you, especially if the engine was
seriously overheated and will not significantly increase the sale
ability or value of your coach – it's an expensive albeit "thorough"
repair job.

In MY opinion, the best option for the coach long term is to have a
CAT re-manufactured engine installed for the you – It will increase
the coaches re–sell ability, reliability (of the engine that is ),
and a true nationwide warranty that will truly work if/when you need
it.

Now comes the economics – big difference between $11-13K and $20.4K,
since you're not going to be selling in the next 10 years or so, it's
really about what you can afford to do and still put diesel in the
beast vs your piece of mind – the repair approach is not bad, should
be much better and more reliable that when you bought the coach
(unless there is hidden damage). If you were to sell within the next
year or so, a CAT remanufactured engine still under warranty is a big
plus. Is it a $7-9K plus? Only time would tell but I would pay the
extra.

Good Luck – let us know how you make out!
Harry Saddock
83FC35
South Windsor, CT


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Dan" wrote:
>
> Andy, a third choice would be sell the coach to someone who wants
to repair it and buy another wanderlodge.
> Dan
> 88WB38
> Jackson, MS
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Andy Coleman
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Friday, September 14, 2007 1:56 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Update on My Reno Status - My 3
Choices....
>
>
> Fellow Wanderlodgers:
>
> Just got off the phone with my mechanic in Reno today. As he had
> promised me, he removed the heads on both sides of my 3208 motor
and
> inspected the top end. Being on a stand, it is now much easier to
do.
>
> On the side of the engine that blew the head gasket, he said
there was
> anti-freeze staining on the inside of all four cylinders. He said
he
> could probably removed the staining with a very fine emory cloth.
He
> inspected the head gasket, and noted that it had probably been
going
> bad for some time. It didn't just blow from my trip. The head was
> etched from antifreeze going places it should not have. He
> recommended that I have the head rebuilt. He said it was also
> possible that I had some antifreeze leakage without knowing it. I
> changed the oil before leaving for my trip - and noticed nothing
unusual.
>
> The head on the other side appeared fine, so did the cylinders and
> gasket. He recommended that since I have the engine out, I might
want
> to go ahead and rebuild that head too, and of course replace the
> gasket on that side.
>
> He also told me to consider installing a new re-man 3208. With the
> engine already out and all the parts and labor required to re-
build my
> old one, he said it was something to consider. When I told him
that I
> plan to keep my FC for another 10+ years, he seemed to recommend
this
> option more.
>
> The service supervisor ran some numbers and boiled it down to
three
> options for me. Brace yourself!
>
> 1. Install 2 new head gaskets & put the engine back together -
total
> cost $8,100.00.
>
> 2. Install 2 reman heads and gaskets. Put the engine back
together.
> Total cost $9,700.00.
>
> 3. Install a cat re-man (and warrented) engine and put everything
> back together. Total cost $20,400. The engine itself - $11,750.00.
>
> I did some engine research weeks ago when I first had my problem.
I
> found that the Rhino engines
> http://www.rhinoengines.com/caterpillar3208engines.htm re-mans a
3208
> for under $7,000.00. 24-month unlimited nationwide warrentee. The
> service guy told me they had two bad experiences with Rhino
engines in
> the past, and would not install them. They have a manufacturer in
> California called Ariva (Sp?) that they buy re-man engines from.
It
> would cost me around $9,700.00, but not have the full nationwide
> warrentee a Cat re-man does. They don't purchase engines from any
> other re-man firms.
>
> I asked the service guy if he could send my existing heads to a
> machine shop to be re-built, over buying two new re-man ones. He
said
> they could, but of course had no idea what that would cost.
>
> Well, there you have it... The decision that I must make in the
next
> few days... I am leaning towards #2, and sending my two heads off
to
> be re-built at a machine shop. If they are not in too bad shape,
it
> might cost me less than buying two re-man ones.
>
> I'm also basing my decision on the performance of the engine so
far -
> it did not even burn a quart of oil on the first 5,000 miles of my
> trip! It ran smooth, sounded really good, had plenty of power
(for a
> 250 HP turbo 3208), and did not smoke.
>
> I'm sharing all the ugly details of my experience with all of you
in
> the hopes it might benefit somebody in the future. I also would
like
> to hear if you guys agree with my choice of #2. And of course, I'm
> bracing myself to hear "you are being ripped off" responses.
>
> Thank you all for the many offers of advice and sympathy. If I
didn't
> have this list to consult and vent, I don't know what I would do!
>
> Andy Coleman
> 83' FC-35 250 HP Turbo 3208
> Spring Lake, NJ
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
----------
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.487 / Virus Database: 269.13.19/1008 - Release Date:
9/14/2007 8:59 AM
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[M Thomas Eastham]

another option would be:

Put it on a flatbed semi and get it home with the engine still out.
Rebuild the engine yourself and reinstall. Getting it home would
be expensive but rebuilding the engine yourself would be worth it
IMHO. Engine rebuilding is not rocket science and quite an
enjoyable process. You might save some money but more importantly
there would be no question that it was done right.

Just imagine that everytime you started that bird you would have the
satisfaction of knowing that engine is yours.

I've pulled a 3208 out of an FC before and rebuilt other diesels, yes
it is work but the reward is great.

Anyways, this is what I would do. Well, not quite.... actually I
wouldn't rebuild the 3208. I would install a cummins 5.9L and trans
out of a Bird school bus. but that is just my bias for Cummins.

Thomas Eastham
Houston, TX

83' FC35 CAT 3208T
84' FC33 no engine

90 CASE 888 Cummins 6BT
85 CASE 580E Cummins 4B
87 P&H 14T Cummins 4BT
05 Dodge Cummins 5.9L




Thomas Eastham

Anitel Investments, LLC
2305 Lyons Ave.
Houston, TX 77020

email: thomase@...
web: http://www.houstonheavy.com
cell: 713-851-9693
fax: 713-228-3019




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[David Brady]

A Cummins repower, now you're talking. Bet you
could do that for 20K.

David Brady
'02 LXi, NC

M Thomas Eastham wrote:
>
> another option would be:
>
> Put it on a flatbed semi and get it home with the engine still out.
> Rebuild the engine yourself and reinstall. Getting it home would
> be expensive but rebuilding the engine yourself would be worth it
> IMHO. Engine rebuilding is not rocket science and quite an
> enjoyable process. You might save some money but more importantly
> there would be no question that it was done right.
>
> Just imagine that everytime you started that bird you would have the
> satisfaction of knowing that engine is yours.
>
> I've pulled a 3208 out of an FC before and rebuilt other diesels, yes
> it is work but the reward is great.
>
> Anyways, this is what I would do. Well, not quite.... actually I
> wouldn't rebuild the 3208. I would install a cummins 5.9L and trans
> out of a Bird school bus. but that is just my bias for Cummins.
>
> Thomas Eastham
> Houston, TX
>
> 83' FC35 CAT 3208T
> 84' FC33 no engine
>
> 90 CASE 888 Cummins 6BT
> 85 CASE 580E Cummins 4B
> 87 P&H 14T Cummins 4BT
> 05 Dodge Cummins 5.9L
>
> Thomas Eastham
>
> Anitel Investments, LLC
> 2305 Lyons Ave.
> Houston, TX 77020
>
> email: thomase@...
> web: http://www.houstonheavy.com
> cell: 713-851-9693
> fax: 713-228-3019
>
> [
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Harold Prescott]

Thomas,
That's very interesting, a cummins 5.9L and trans
> > out of a Bird school bus.
Have you done this in the past? Please tell us more.

Harold Prescott
'85 FC35
Northern California


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, David Brady wrote:
>
> A Cummins repower, now you're talking. Bet you
> could do that for 20K.
>
> David Brady
> '02 LXi, NC
>
> M Thomas Eastham wrote:
> >
> > another option would be:
> >
> > Put it on a flatbed semi and get it home with the engine still out.
> > Rebuild the engine yourself and reinstall. Getting it home would
> > be expensive but rebuilding the engine yourself would be worth it
> > IMHO. Engine rebuilding is not rocket science and quite an
> > enjoyable process. You might save some money but more importantly
> > there would be no question that it was done right.
> >
> > Just imagine that everytime you started that bird you would have the
> > satisfaction of knowing that engine is yours.
> >
> > I've pulled a 3208 out of an FC before and rebuilt other diesels, yes
> > it is work but the reward is great.
> >
> > Anyways, this is what I would do. Well, not quite.... actually I
> > wouldn't rebuild the 3208. I would install a cummins 5.9L and trans
> > out of a Bird school bus. but that is just my bias for Cummins.
> >
> > Thomas Eastham
> > Houston, TX
> >
> > 83' FC35 CAT 3208T
> > 84' FC33 no engine
> >
> > 90 CASE 888 Cummins 6BT
> > 85 CASE 580E Cummins 4B
> > 87 P&H 14T Cummins 4BT
> > 05 Dodge Cummins 5.9L
> >
> > Thomas Eastham
> >
> > Anitel Investments, LLC
> > 2305 Lyons Ave.
> > Houston, TX 77020
> >
> > email: thomase@...
> > web: http://www.houstonheavy.com
> > cell: 713-851-9693
> > fax: 713-228-3019
> >
> > [
> >
> >
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[Andy Coleman]

Hello All -

Thanks for all the excellent replies. Every one has given me much to
think about.

One certainty is - I'm not selling the coach. Spent $27K for it, and
have already put about that much into it over the past year - not
including what is still to come.

To Thomas -

I did think about repowering my coach one day with a cummins. If it
had died here in NJ, I would be considering that, actually.

Bluebird did build FE All Americans and TC-2000s with an optional 8.3L
250 HP Cummins Turbo Diesel. I would go with the 8.3 over the 5.9
just given the weight of the vehicle.

Unfortunately, my coach is over 3,000 miles away. And I would never
pay somebody $95 per hour to convert engines! That would cost a fortune!

I have to stick with the 3208. I'm hoping to make a decision by the
end of the weekend. Lots to consider - and lots of good ideas from
all of you.

Thanks again!

Andy Coleman
83' FC-35
Spring Lake Hts., NJ


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, M Thomas Eastham
wrote:
>
> another option would be:
>
> Put it on a flatbed semi and get it home with the engine still out.
> Rebuild the engine yourself and reinstall. Getting it home would
> be expensive but rebuilding the engine yourself would be worth it
> IMHO. Engine rebuilding is not rocket science and quite an
> enjoyable process. You might save some money but more importantly
> there would be no question that it was done right.
>
> Just imagine that everytime you started that bird you would have the
> satisfaction of knowing that engine is yours.
>
> I've pulled a 3208 out of an FC before and rebuilt other diesels, yes
> it is work but the reward is great.
>
> Anyways, this is what I would do. Well, not quite.... actually I
> wouldn't rebuild the 3208. I would install a cummins 5.9L and trans
> out of a Bird school bus. but that is just my bias for Cummins.
>
> Thomas Eastham
> Houston, TX
>
> 83' FC35 CAT 3208T
> 84' FC33 no engine
>
> 90 CASE 888 Cummins 6BT
> 85 CASE 580E Cummins 4B
> 87 P&H 14T Cummins 4BT
> 05 Dodge Cummins 5.9L
>
>
>
>
> Thomas Eastham
>
> Anitel Investments, LLC
> 2305 Lyons Ave.
> Houston, TX 77020
>
> email: thomase@...
> web: http://www.houstonheavy.com
> cell: 713-851-9693
> fax: 713-228-3019
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>