FC vs PT re; Repairs and Complexities

[Ralph L. Fullenwider]

Hi Tom:

The systems in the Pt's and Fc's are much the same, save for locations and
a couple of extra systems such as tag dump and air throttle, high idle
systems. Some things are easier to maintain on the Pt's, but then there are
some on the Fc's that are easier, again, location of components. Roominess
is the key here really. There is more storage in the Pt vs the FC, so
really we are talking apples and oranges in a way. One advantage of a Pt
would be the engine. The piston cylinders are sleeved where the FC is not
as a rule, so an in frame rebuild, if needed, is better. There are so many
differences, yet similarities that answering your question is a hard one.

Like Mike said, things are going to happen no matter what you have. I saw a
guy with a pop up trailer with wheel bearings on fire and the small A/C
unit on top was torn 1/2 off, so go figure. Thing is, once you become
accustomed to what ever you end up with, you learn it's idiosyncrasies and
go from there.

Safe travels,

Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
Ralph's RV Solutions, Duncan, Oklahoma
http://home.swbell.net/rlf47/index.htm

At 10:41 PM 9/16/2005 +0000, you wrote:
>As a relatively mechanically
>challenged "wanabee" (maybe can handle a spin on oil filter!)...are the
>FC's less or maybe more difficult to keep running than say a mid 80's
>PT? Also, along the same theme...is a mid 90's PTs less likely to have
>repair "issues"? Other than the fact it is newer?
>
>Seems to me the BB's are substantially more mechanically complex...ie
>multiple of everything? Should I maybe look for a pop-up trailer? Or
>should I get a diesel mechanic on retainer?
>
>What say you??? Tom Rootness in Northern Minnesota
>
>P.S. I also posted on the other BB site...hope that is not against the
>Law!
>
>