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

[davidkerryedwards]

Andy:
I'm very sorry to hear of your predicament. It's always unpleasant to run into
serious
mechanical problems on a road trip. When you say it doesn't start, what exactly
happens?
Does the engine turn over but not fire? Or, does it not turn over? It seems
very unlikely to
me that you have damaged the block. White smoke (after warm up) is typically a
sign of
coolant burning which usually occurs because of a failed head gasket. I'd say
that is the
most likely scenario. Checking for coolant in the oil or vice versa could
confirm this.
I've seen numbers around $15k for engine replacement. 20 seems high. Cheapest
route
would be a used engine and an independent shop to install it (if you have to
replace the
engine). There's typically a number of 3208's for sale on Ebay at any given
time. I seem
to recall reading numbers of 40-60 hrs to replace the engine. It isn't a
complex job and
access is pretty good on the bird, so it could be lower.
In a pinch, you could jump on Amtrak there in Reno and get yourself home with
another
adventure and give the mechanic some time to get it fixed. Keep us posted.

Kerry
82 FC 35
Denver

--- 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
>