Pulling the engine on a 83 FC

[Mike Hohnstein]

I've got a 83FCRB I found in Texas, blown engine. Had it hauled to Milwaukee
and spent 18 months getting it ready for use. I have a lot of experience with
the 3208, enough to know I would consider an alternative. There is none that
will fit in the confines of the FC with out major modifications that are ill
advised to undertake. Got my start with 3208s due to my L8000 Phord toter home
that is so powered. I have spent way too much time and money making a hot rod
out of the truck and I have succeeded. It's turned up to 375 hp marine specs
and has a 13 speed Roadranger and 4:11 rear ratio. Loafs at 80 mph @ 2150 rpm.
The problem with the bird is the small engine bay, nothing else comes close to
fitting. Being familiar with the western topography, an FC is going to be a
slow ride. My bird has a very well tuned 250 hp and it's a turd back here with
no grades. Rolling hills give it a hard time, it won't keep up with the trucks,
that's for sure. I plan on hanging a charge air cooler in front of the radiator
and move the bumper ahead to accommodate. Will have to craft a radiator shell
over the cooler to make it look good, this will enable the tune up to 300hp
specs. I might have a chance of staying with most of the traffic after this
work.
My recommendation is install a fresh engine if you need to pull the heads. It's
doubtful there is enough short block life remaining to justify cutting corners.
Real hard to beat a reman Cat deal. There is no way I would consider tying to
do a cylinder head service in chassis, but that's me.
I used a reman engine from another source, engine is good but the injector pump
went out at 4000 miles and the bastards didn't stand behind it. I'm lucky the
engine is a good runner, no leaks and no oil consumption. Cat has a nation wide
warrantee and tons of facilities. I don't love Cat or the 3208 however there
are few choices with a FC.
Mike Hohnstein
Germantown, WI
83FC35

----- Original Message -----
From: bluebird3208
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, January 07, 2006 5:28 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Pulling the engine on a 83 FC


I have finally decided to fix the head leak on my otherwise cherry 83
FC . Pulling the heads on one of these does not look like any fun at
all. I am considering pulling the whole engine so that if I find that
the problem on the rebuilt engine is more than a simple gasket, I will
have the option of changing out the engine. Has anyone pulled the
engine before, if so how did you go about it, and what all had to be
removed to get it out. I have tryed to find an acceptable engine to
replace the 3208, but have not found anything that will reasonably fit
and give me more horsepower. If there is an option I am willing to
give it a go, but I do not want to reinvent the wheel.

Jim Hutchings
83 FCRB
Yorba Linda, CA





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