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

[Andy Coleman]

Hello Harold,

I spoke with them today. They agreed to work on my bird at the $95
truck rate.

They pressure checked the motor and found antifreeze in two
cylinders. The mechanic gives me a greater than 50% chance it is a
head gasket failure and not a cracked block.

I'm heading out to a festival in the desert for a few days (was
supposed to be there last Sunday). When I arrive back on Monday,
I'll know the fate of my motor. And I'll be able to get back on-line
again.

Thanks for writing Harold!

Andy

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Harold Prescott"
wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> --- 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
>