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

[bubblerboy64]

I understand the 8K for the engine but how much shop time or other
expenses would result in a total in the 20K range? Just curious as
to what type of time and parts are required. Hope that you can find
a "better" resolution. I can understand how difficult this would be
to invest that type of money in repairs and then again what choice is
there when you are in that situation? I extend my true sympathetic
concerns for you and hope that others on the list here can help you
in this time of what we would all agree is true need.

John Heckman
central Pa
1973 FC
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> --- 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
> >
>
> Andy,
> The prices in the Reno area are unusually high.
> I'll make some calls for you today for you.
> Sometimes it pays to have the rig towed to save in the long term.
> I don't know anything about the Frieghtliner house in Reno. I've
> had work done in the Peterbilt shop. Good workmanship, high prices.
> Cost of living is high in Reno.
>
>
> Harold Prescott
> '85 FC35
> Northern California
>