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

[Dan]

I don't know a whole lot about the 3208 but I can't follow the cause and effect
line to get to the white smoke. It sounds like the coolant leak has always been
external. Do you have coolant in the crankcase oil? Perhaps you are at a high
altitude that is causing some smoke. But you had no loss of power before you
changed the water pump. Also white smoke is most common when the engine is cold
and first started. And now it won't start at all? That is strange. Hope it is
something simple. Keep us posted.
Dan
----- Original Message -----
From: Andy Coleman
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:40 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] In Reno Nevada - and in Big Trouble. Need Help!


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






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