In Reno Nevada - and in Big Trouble. Need Help!

[Andy Coleman]

Fellow Wanderlodgers:

One month into my 40th birthday roadtrip. Drove my 83' FC-35 from my
home in NJ to Glacier National Park, Seattle, Vancouver BC and
Portland. Ran very good with only minor problems. My first real
Wanderlodge road trip - and it was a blast!

Until two days ago. Somewhere between Portland and Reno I must have
overheated my engine. About half way, I noted a small antifreeze leak
from the water pump (that I had just replaced before I left). Added
anti-freeze along the way. Did some long stretches of road with
serious uphill on Highway 5. The temperature on my gauge rose to 200
degrees a few brief times at the top of long hills. Never reached the
red area on the gauge. When I pulled into Reno and turned the bus off,
I observed anti-freeze almost pouring out of the water pump weep hole.
Pulled into an RV park that night and installed a new water pump.

Started it up yesterday morning and drove it a few miles. Noted white
smoke pouring from my exhaust pipe. Pulled over and noted anti-freeze
leaking from multiple locations under my engine. The engine no longer
starts. Not good.

Had it towed to Sierra Freightliner in nearby Sparks last night. They
are a certified CAT facility They are currently pressure checking the
3208 to determine if just the head gasket blew, or if my engine is
toast.

They quoted me $8,300 labor to install a new engine. Including the
engine, the mechanic estimated around $20K for everything!!! I only
paid $27K for the coach!

Can any Nevada Wanderlodgers recommend to me a good local mechanic with
reasonable labor rates?

Also, can anybody let me know what the average cost of a new or re-
built 3208 is and how many labor hours it usually takes? I simply
can't afford 20K!

Oh what a fun 48 hours I'm having!

Thanks everyone - I appreciate any advice you might be able to offer.

Andy Coleman
83 FC-35, 250 HP 3208
Spring Lake Hts., NJ