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

[erniecarpet@...]

Andy, i just checked our Database looking for a facility that was member
recommended. Unfortunately, the closest ones are not in Nevada. Maybe someone
else who has experience in Nevada can help.

Ernie Ekberg
83PT40
Livingston, Mt




************************************** 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]

[Andy Coleman]

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

[ronmarabito2002]

Really sorry to hear of your circumstances. I suggest you contact the
guys at a local school bus operation. They should be able to steer
you in the right direction.

R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, tX 92WB40


--- 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
>

[Dan]

I don't know a whole lot about the 3208 but I can't follow the cause and effect
line to get to the white smoke. It sounds like the coolant leak has always been
external. Do you have coolant in the crankcase oil? Perhaps you are at a high
altitude that is causing some smoke. But you had no loss of power before you
changed the water pump. Also white smoke is most common when the engine is cold
and first started. And now it won't start at all? That is strange. Hope it is
something simple. Keep us posted.
Dan
----- Original Message -----
From: Andy Coleman
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:40 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] In Reno Nevada - and in Big Trouble. Need Help!


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






------------------------------------------------------------------------------


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.484 / Virus Database: 269.12.10/976 - Release Date: 8/27/2007
6:20 PM


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

[Bob Lawrence]

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
>

[Andy Coleman]

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
> >
>

[Harold Prescott]

--- 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

[bubblerboy64]

I understand the 8K for the engine but how much shop time or other
expenses would result in a total in the 20K range? Just curious as
to what type of time and parts are required. Hope that you can find
a "better" resolution. I can understand how difficult this would be
to invest that type of money in repairs and then again what choice is
there when you are in that situation? I extend my true sympathetic
concerns for you and hope that others on the list here can help you
in this time of what we would all agree is true need.

John Heckman
central Pa
1973 FC
>
>
>
>
>
> --- 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
>

[bubblerboy64]

OK I see that I misunderstood. The labor for the install was quoted
at $8300. That means the engine and parts would be in the 12K area.
Again best wishes for a better resolution. John
>
> I understand the 8K for the engine but how much shop time or other
> expenses would result in a total in the 20K range? Just curious as
> to what type of time and parts are required. Hope that you can
find
> a "better" resolution. I can understand how difficult this would
be
> to invest that type of money in repairs and then again what choice
is
> there when you are in that situation? I extend my true sympathetic
> concerns for you and hope that others on the list here can help you
> in this time of what we would all agree is true need.
>
> John Heckman
> central Pa
> 1973 FC
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- 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
> >
>

[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
>