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

[ronmarabito2002]

Really sorry to hear of your circumstances. I suggest you contact the
guys at a local school bus operation. They should be able to steer
you in the right direction.

R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, tX 92WB40


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Andy Coleman"
wrote:
>
> 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
>