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

[bubblerboy64]

OK I see that I misunderstood. The labor for the install was quoted
at $8300. That means the engine and parts would be in the 12K area.
Again best wishes for a better resolution. John
>
> 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
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- 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
> >
>