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

[Richard Hayden]

I haven't heard anything about hearing the radiator fan coming on during the
hill climbs? The fan not working would spell disaster out here.

Dick Hayden - '87 PT 38 - Lake Stevens, WA

----- Original Message -----
From: Andy Coleman
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2007 1:40 AM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: In Reno Nevada - and in Big Trouble. Need
Help!


I'm scared to hear that Bob.

Well, I'm hoping that my problem is a bad head gasket and not a
broken block. I'll know more tomorrow.

Andy

--- In
WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Bob
Lawrence"
wrote:
>
> Sorry to hear of your problems...sorry I can't help on a location
> either.
> Just wanted to let you know, the previous owner of my bird fried
the
> engine.
> He ended up paying 15 grand for the engine and 5k labor. This was 4
> years ago...seems the price is in the ballpark.
> Sorry again about your problem
> Bob Lawrence
> 84 PT36 (with a 6v92 Detroit)
>
>
> > 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!
> >
> > 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
> >
>





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[maxmlkman@...]

Is that the infamous Burning Man festival???

Max
SOB and pondering



************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at
http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Harold Prescott]

Here's a link to an engine shop in Fontana, Ca. *A&R Diesel*
They have been around forever. $6395 + core + $250 shipping to Reno.
http://allvisualsigns.com/ardiesel/imgsr...&size=full

There is a school bus repair in the Reno area but I haven't been able
to find it. I have heard of one in Sacramento, but can't find it this
morning.

Harold Prescott
'85 FC35
Northern California


--- 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
>

[dshetron1]

You could always try Adlelman's for a new/used engine -
http://www.rockanddirt.com/dispads/0000667874.pdf
David Shetron

[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
>

[mbulriss]

Some pretty attractive prices on the used engines. Wonder what the
warranty is? I didn't see that stated. I added them to the Diesel
Engine Links for future reference.

Mike Bulriss
1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dshetron1" wrote:
>
> You could always try Adlelman's for a new/used engine -
> http://www.rockanddirt.com/dispads/0000667874.pdf
> David Shetron
>

[Bob Lawrence]

Well, I wish only the best for you...good luck.
Bob

> I'm scared to hear that Bob.
>
> Well, I'm hoping that my problem is a bad head gasket and not a
> broken block. I'll know more tomorrow.
>
> Andy
>
> >
> > Sorry to hear of your problems...sorry I can't help on a location
> > either.
> > Just wanted to let you know, the previous owner of my bird fried
> the
> > engine.
> > He ended up paying 15 grand for the engine and 5k labor. This was
4
> > years ago...seems the price is in the ballpark.
> > Sorry again about your problem
> > Bob Lawrence
> > 84 PT36 (with a 6v92 Detroit)
> >
> >
> > > 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!
> > >
> > > 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
> > >
> >
>

[Terry Neal]

Andy, I'm thinking that you filled the 2 cylinders with coolant & that
prevented the engine from turning over or starting. My money is on a
blown head gasket as the source of your problem. Much less
expensive/painful issue to correct. Facing a $20,000 repair bill would
not be easy for any of us so we feel your pain.

Terry Neal
Bozeman, MT
82PT40 6V92TA
74FC34 6V53T



Andy Coleman wrote:

> 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
> >
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Bob Lawrence]

Bet your going to Burning Man..saw on the news today that
some "artist" burned down the man 4 days before it was to be done.
Bob Lawrence
84 PT36
Tacoma, Wa.
> 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
> >
>

[JK]

Hey Andy

We're in the middle of the very same thing with our 1985PT36..
(Detroit)..It was exactly the same thing you described and it was
indeed cracked heads but before we could get it shut down-the engine
overheated so badly it cracked the block and ruined the crank. The
going rate on rebuilt engines for us has been around 20K..(this is
our second experience with one). Also since yours is a forward
control the labor might be more if you don't have a swing radiator.

We're in Milpitas-just south of San Francisco right now and the guys
here at Bay City Diesel are just finishing up the rebuild-they're
great and have really done a good job for us. We'll talk to them
tomorrow about the possibility of someone in the area you're in who
might give you a better rate. They do a lot of the rebuilds for the
shops in the area and they might know someone.

Hope we can find something out and we sure know how bad you feel-
it's been a month in a motel and has totally wrecked our finances.
However, on the practice run today that engine sure sounded
fantastic and these guys know their stuff!!

Judy K
PT36
Babe the Blue Ox

WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Andy Coleman"
wrote:
>
> I'm scared to hear that Bob.
>
> Well, I'm hoping that my problem is a bad head gasket and not a
> broken block. I'll know more tomorrow.
>
> Andy
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Lawrence"
> wrote:
> >
> > Sorry to hear of your problems...sorry I can't help on a
location
> > either.
> > Just wanted to let you know, the previous owner of my bird fried
> the
> > engine.
> > He ended up paying 15 grand for the engine and 5k labor. This
was 4
> > years ago...seems the price is in the ballpark.
> > Sorry again about your problem
> > Bob Lawrence
> > 84 PT36 (with a 6v92 Detroit)
> >
> >
> > > 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!
> > >
> > > 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
> > >
> >
>