Update On My Status In Reno....

[Andy Coleman]

Hello Fellow Wanderlodgers:

Luckily for me, I brought along a free round trip plane ticket when I
departed for my first cross country road trip in my 83' FC-35.

I flew home to NJ a few days ago.

My Wanderlodge is still in the Sierra Freightliner (certified by
Caterpillar) shop in Reno, Nevada. I just heard from the mechanic who
told me, to my relief, that my 3208 engine failure was due to a blown
head gasket. Unfortunately, they had to pull the engine completely
out of the bus to remove the heads and determine the problem.

The labor has already cost me over $3,000.

They are going to call me back tomorrow with estimates on how much a
new head gasket will cost. The mechanic recommended that I consider
replacing the gasket on the other side of the engine as well, now that
the entire motor is sitting on a stand.

Do you folks recommend I replace the other gasket? Are there any
other jobs I should have them do while the engine is out?

Special thanks to everyone who responded to my panic e-mails a few
weeks ago when the bus first broke down. I do appreciate all the
advice and well wishes you sent me.

I'll be flying back to Reno once the bus is fixed to resume the long
ride home to NJ.

Thanks again! I'll keep you all updated.

Andy Coleman
83' FC-35
Spring Lake Hts., NJ

[Ralph L. Fullenwider]

Yes!!!

Also have the valve lash checked and set, change the thermostats perhaps
and check the tightness of the bolts holding the fuel injection pump. Also
check the condition of the oil dip stick tube for holes and so forth.

While engine is out of the way, just a general check of air valves might be
a good idea as well.

Safe travels,

Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
84FC35
Duncan, Oklahoma


>Do you folks recommend I replace the other gasket? Are there any
>other jobs I should have them do while the engine is out?
>
>Andy Coleman
>83' FC-35
>Spring Lake Hts., NJ
>
>
>
>

[Howard O. Truitt]

Andy,
Hopefully R.E. Brake, The Putney Flash will give you his thoughts. Come on R.E.
what do you say.
Howard T.,

----- Original Message -----
From: Andy Coleman
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 11:55 AM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Update On My Status In Reno....


Hello Fellow Wanderlodgers:

Luckily for me, I brought along a free round trip plane ticket when I
departed for my first cross country road trip in my 83' FC-35.

I flew home to NJ a few days ago.

My Wanderlodge is still in the Sierra Freightliner (certified by
Caterpillar) shop in Reno, Nevada. I just heard from the mechanic who
told me, to my relief, that my 3208 engine failure was due to a blown
head gasket. Unfortunately, they had to pull the engine completely
out of the bus to remove the heads and determine the problem.

The labor has already cost me over $3,000.

They are going to call me back tomorrow with estimates on how much a
new head gasket will cost. The mechanic recommended that I consider
replacing the gasket on the other side of the engine as well, now that
the entire motor is sitting on a stand.

Do you folks recommend I replace the other gasket? Are there any
other jobs I should have them do while the engine is out?

Special thanks to everyone who responded to my panic e-mails a few
weeks ago when the bus first broke down. I do appreciate all the
advice and well wishes you sent me.

I'll be flying back to Reno once the bus is fixed to resume the long
ride home to NJ.

Thanks again! I'll keep you all updated.

Andy Coleman
83' FC-35
Spring Lake Hts., NJ






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


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.485 / Virus Database: 269.13.10/995 - Release Date: 9/8/2007 1:24
PM


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

[David Heibult]

Andy, I would have them repace the water hoses on the front of the engine
,the two small heater hose are very hard to repalce with the engine in the
BB. Dave 91 WBWL 40


>From: "Howard O. Truitt" >Reply-To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>To:
>Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Update On My Status In Reno....
>Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2007 12:41:07 -0400
>
>Andy,
>Hopefully R.E. Brake, The Putney Flash will give you his thoughts. Come on
>R.E.
>what do you say.
>Howard T.,
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Andy Coleman
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 11:55 AM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Update On My Status In Reno....
>
>
> Hello Fellow Wanderlodgers:
>
> Luckily for me, I brought along a free round trip plane ticket when I
> departed for my first cross country road trip in my 83' FC-35.
>
> I flew home to NJ a few days ago.
>
> My Wanderlodge is still in the Sierra Freightliner (certified by
> Caterpillar) shop in Reno, Nevada. I just heard from the mechanic who
> told me, to my relief, that my 3208 engine failure was due to a blown
> head gasket. Unfortunately, they had to pull the engine completely
> out of the bus to remove the heads and determine the problem.
>
> The labor has already cost me over $3,000.
>
> They are going to call me back tomorrow with estimates on how much a
> new head gasket will cost. The mechanic recommended that I consider
> replacing the gasket on the other side of the engine as well, now that
> the entire motor is sitting on a stand.
>
> Do you folks recommend I replace the other gasket? Are there any
> other jobs I should have them do while the engine is out?
>
> Special thanks to everyone who responded to my panic e-mails a few
> weeks ago when the bus first broke down. I do appreciate all the
> advice and well wishes you sent me.
>
> I'll be flying back to Reno once the bus is fixed to resume the long
> ride home to NJ.
>
> Thanks again! I'll keep you all updated.
>
> Andy Coleman
> 83' FC-35
> Spring Lake Hts., NJ
>
>
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.485 / Virus Database: 269.13.10/995 - Release Date:
>9/8/2007 1:24 PM
>
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[bubblerboy64]

Glad to learn that you are not looking at a total rebuild or
replacement. I am just curious what type of hourly rate is typical
for this type of work? I am just thinking out loud. $3000 to get the
engine out and I would assume as much to put it back. Ouch!!! Does
it take that long or are the hourly rates just that high? The guy
turning the wrenches likely sees very little of that as well. Just
wondering.

John Heckman
central Pa
1973 FC



>
> Andy, I would have them repace the water hoses on the front of the
engine
> ,the two small heater hose are very hard to repalce with the engine
in the
> BB. Dave 91 WBWL 40
>
>
> >From: "Howard O. Truitt" > >Reply-To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> >To:
> >Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Update On My Status In Reno....
> >Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2007 12:41:07 -0400
> >
> >Andy,
> >Hopefully R.E. Brake, The Putney Flash will give you his thoughts.
Come on
> >R.E.
> >what do you say.
> >Howard T.,
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Andy Coleman
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 11:55 AM
> > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Update On My Status In Reno....
> >
> >
> > Hello Fellow Wanderlodgers:
> >
> > Luckily for me, I brought along a free round trip plane ticket
when I
> > departed for my first cross country road trip in my 83' FC-35.
> >
> > I flew home to NJ a few days ago.
> >
> > My Wanderlodge is still in the Sierra Freightliner (certified by
> > Caterpillar) shop in Reno, Nevada. I just heard from the
mechanic who
> > told me, to my relief, that my 3208 engine failure was due to a
blown
> > head gasket. Unfortunately, they had to pull the engine
completely
> > out of the bus to remove the heads and determine the problem.
> >
> > The labor has already cost me over $3,000.
> >
> > They are going to call me back tomorrow with estimates on how
much a
> > new head gasket will cost. The mechanic recommended that I
consider
> > replacing the gasket on the other side of the engine as well,
now that
> > the entire motor is sitting on a stand.
> >
> > Do you folks recommend I replace the other gasket? Are there any
> > other jobs I should have them do while the engine is out?
> >
> > Special thanks to everyone who responded to my panic e-mails a
few
> > weeks ago when the bus first broke down. I do appreciate all the
> > advice and well wishes you sent me.
> >
> > I'll be flying back to Reno once the bus is fixed to resume the
long
> > ride home to NJ.
> >
> > Thanks again! I'll keep you all updated.
> >
> > Andy Coleman
> > 83' FC-35
> > Spring Lake Hts., NJ
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >-------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------
> >
> >
> > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > Version: 7.5.485 / Virus Database: 269.13.10/995 - Release
Date:
> >9/8/2007 1:24 PM
> >
> >
> >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

[davidkerryedwards]

Andy:
That news is better than a problem with a block. Others have given good advice.
I'm just
curious as to why the engine had to be removed. I was under the impression that
with the
doghouse removed, the heads could have been pulled with the engine in place.
Anyone
have experience with this that can elaborate on why the engine needs to come out
for
head gasket replacement?

Kerry
82 Fc 35
Denver

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Andy Coleman" wrote:
>
> Hello Fellow Wanderlodgers:
>
> Luckily for me, I brought along a free round trip plane ticket when I
> departed for my first cross country road trip in my 83' FC-35.
>
> I flew home to NJ a few days ago.
>
> My Wanderlodge is still in the Sierra Freightliner (certified by
> Caterpillar) shop in Reno, Nevada. I just heard from the mechanic who
> told me, to my relief, that my 3208 engine failure was due to a blown
> head gasket. Unfortunately, they had to pull the engine completely
> out of the bus to remove the heads and determine the problem.
>
> The labor has already cost me over $3,000.
>
> They are going to call me back tomorrow with estimates on how much a
> new head gasket will cost. The mechanic recommended that I consider
> replacing the gasket on the other side of the engine as well, now that
> the entire motor is sitting on a stand.
>
> Do you folks recommend I replace the other gasket? Are there any
> other jobs I should have them do while the engine is out?
>
> Special thanks to everyone who responded to my panic e-mails a few
> weeks ago when the bus first broke down. I do appreciate all the
> advice and well wishes you sent me.
>
> I'll be flying back to Reno once the bus is fixed to resume the long
> ride home to NJ.
>
> Thanks again! I'll keep you all updated.
>
> Andy Coleman
> 83' FC-35
> Spring Lake Hts., NJ
>

[crissrace]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "davidkerryedwards"
wrote:
>
> Andy:
> That news is better than a problem with a block. Others have given
good advice. I'm just
> curious as to why the engine had to be removed. I was under the
impression that with the
> doghouse removed, the heads could have been pulled with the engine
in place. Anyone
> have experience with this that can elaborate on why the engine
needs to come out for
> head gasket replacement?
>
> Kerry
> 82 Fc 35
> Denver
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Andy Coleman"
wrote:
> >
> > Hello Fellow Wanderlodgers:
> >
> > Luckily for me, I brought along a free round trip plane ticket
when I
> > departed for my first cross country road trip in my 83' FC-35.
> >
> > I flew home to NJ a few days ago.
> >
> > My Wanderlodge is still in the Sierra Freightliner (certified by
> > Caterpillar) shop in Reno, Nevada. I just heard from the
mechanic who
> > told me, to my relief, that my 3208 engine failure was due to a
blown
> > head gasket. Unfortunately, they had to pull the engine
completely
> > out of the bus to remove the heads and determine the problem.
> >
> > The labor has already cost me over $3,000.
> >
> > They are going to call me back tomorrow with estimates on how
much a
> > new head gasket will cost. The mechanic recommended that I
consider
> > replacing the gasket on the other side of the engine as well, now
that
> > the entire motor is sitting on a stand.
> >
> > Do you folks recommend I replace the other gasket? Are there any
> > other jobs I should have them do while the engine is out?
> >
> > Special thanks to everyone who responded to my panic e-mails a few
> > weeks ago when the bus first broke down. I do appreciate all the
> > advice and well wishes you sent me.
> >
> > I'll be flying back to Reno once the bus is fixed to resume the
long
> > ride home to NJ.
> >
> > Thanks again! I'll keep you all updated.
> >
> > Andy Coleman
> > 83' FC-35
> > Spring Lake Hts., NJ
> >
>
Andy
Without question you should replace the other head gasket. Ask for a
garentee for a certain number of miles/months too so that if it fails
again right away you will not have to pay. Also I would replace the
thermostat (they call it something else) and the fan switch ( the
thermostatic switch that turns on the fan). It is in the top of the
block I think and should/could have been damaged by overheating.
Good luck
Bob Criss
90SP36

[Andy Coleman]

Hello John,

Sorry for my delay reponding to you...

The Reno Sierra Freighliner has two hourly rates. They charge
$135/hour for "RVs and Buses" and $95/hour for "trucks".

They agreed, given the size of my job, to charge me the $95 per hour rate.

I think $95 is an average cost around the country. Unfortunately, I
was not lucky enough to find a shop with below average cost.

At this point, I'm just hoping the job is done right.

Andy Coleman
83' FC-35
Spring Lake, NJ

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64"
wrote:
>
>
> Glad to learn that you are not looking at a total rebuild or
> replacement. I am just curious what type of hourly rate is typical
> for this type of work? I am just thinking out loud. $3000 to get the
> engine out and I would assume as much to put it back. Ouch!!! Does
> it take that long or are the hourly rates just that high? The guy
> turning the wrenches likely sees very little of that as well. Just
> wondering.
>
> John Heckman
> central Pa
> 1973 FC
>
>
>
> >
> > Andy, I would have them repace the water hoses on the front of the
> engine
> > ,the two small heater hose are very hard to repalce with the engine
> in the
> > BB. Dave 91 WBWL 40
> >
> >
> > >From: "Howard O. Truitt" > > >Reply-To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > >To:
> > >Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Update On My Status In Reno....
> > >Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2007 12:41:07 -0400
> > >
> > >Andy,
> > >Hopefully R.E. Brake, The Putney Flash will give you his thoughts.
> Come on
> > >R.E.
> > >what do you say.
> > >Howard T.,
> > >
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: Andy Coleman
> > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > > Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 11:55 AM
> > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Update On My Status In Reno....
> > >
> > >
> > > Hello Fellow Wanderlodgers:
> > >
> > > Luckily for me, I brought along a free round trip plane ticket
> when I
> > > departed for my first cross country road trip in my 83' FC-35.
> > >
> > > I flew home to NJ a few days ago.
> > >
> > > My Wanderlodge is still in the Sierra Freightliner (certified by
> > > Caterpillar) shop in Reno, Nevada. I just heard from the
> mechanic who
> > > told me, to my relief, that my 3208 engine failure was due to a
> blown
> > > head gasket. Unfortunately, they had to pull the engine
> completely
> > > out of the bus to remove the heads and determine the problem.
> > >
> > > The labor has already cost me over $3,000.
> > >
> > > They are going to call me back tomorrow with estimates on how
> much a
> > > new head gasket will cost. The mechanic recommended that I
> consider
> > > replacing the gasket on the other side of the engine as well,
> now that
> > > the entire motor is sitting on a stand.
> > >
> > > Do you folks recommend I replace the other gasket? Are there any
> > > other jobs I should have them do while the engine is out?
> > >
> > > Special thanks to everyone who responded to my panic e-mails a
> few
> > > weeks ago when the bus first broke down. I do appreciate all the
> > > advice and well wishes you sent me.
> > >
> > > I'll be flying back to Reno once the bus is fixed to resume the
> long
> > > ride home to NJ.
> > >
> > > Thanks again! I'll keep you all updated.
> > >
> > > Andy Coleman
> > > 83' FC-35
> > > Spring Lake Hts., NJ
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >-------------------------------------------------------------------
> -----------
> > >
> > >
> > > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > > Version: 7.5.485 / Virus Database: 269.13.10/995 - Release
> Date:
> > >9/8/2007 1:24 PM
> > >
> > >
> > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
>

[bumpersbird]

Andy,

$135 AN HOUR!! Ouch! Even your reduced rate is high.
Prevost in Nashville has a rate of $97 an hour. I cringe every time I
go there. The Detroit Deisel shop in Huntsville Al. is under $80. The
guy who ownes the shop just bought a 96 PT-42 so they are kinda
sypathetic to our needs. Good luck and make them give you a warantee.

Kurt Horvath
'95 PT-42

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Andy Coleman"
wrote:
>
> Hello John,
>
> Sorry for my delay reponding to you...
>
> The Reno Sierra Freighliner has two hourly rates. They charge
> $135/hour for "RVs and Buses" and $95/hour for "trucks".
>
> They agreed, given the size of my job, to charge me the $95 per
hour rate.
>
> I think $95 is an average cost around the country. Unfortunately, I
> was not lucky enough to find a shop with below average cost.
>
> At this point, I'm just hoping the job is done right.
>
> Andy Coleman
> 83' FC-35
> Spring Lake, NJ
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64"
> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Glad to learn that you are not looking at a total rebuild or
> > replacement. I am just curious what type of hourly rate is
typical
> > for this type of work? I am just thinking out loud. $3000 to get
the
> > engine out and I would assume as much to put it back. Ouch!!!
Does
> > it take that long or are the hourly rates just that high? The guy
> > turning the wrenches likely sees very little of that as well.
Just
> > wondering.
> >
> > John Heckman
> > central Pa
> > 1973 FC
> >
> >
> >
> > >
> > > Andy, I would have them repace the water hoses on the front of
the
> > engine
> > > ,the two small heater hose are very hard to repalce with the
engine
> > in the
> > > BB. Dave 91 WBWL 40
> > >
> > >
> > > >From: "Howard O. Truitt" > > > >Reply-To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > > >To:
> > > >Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Update On My Status In Reno....
> > > >Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2007 12:41:07 -0400
> > > >
> > > >Andy,
> > > >Hopefully R.E. Brake, The Putney Flash will give you his
thoughts.
> > Come on
> > > >R.E.
> > > >what do you say.
> > > >Howard T.,
> > > >
> > > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > > From: Andy Coleman
> > > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > > > Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 11:55 AM
> > > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Update On My Status In Reno....
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Hello Fellow Wanderlodgers:
> > > >
> > > > Luckily for me, I brought along a free round trip plane
ticket
> > when I
> > > > departed for my first cross country road trip in my 83' FC-
35.
> > > >
> > > > I flew home to NJ a few days ago.
> > > >
> > > > My Wanderlodge is still in the Sierra Freightliner
(certified by
> > > > Caterpillar) shop in Reno, Nevada. I just heard from the
> > mechanic who
> > > > told me, to my relief, that my 3208 engine failure was due
to a
> > blown
> > > > head gasket. Unfortunately, they had to pull the engine
> > completely
> > > > out of the bus to remove the heads and determine the
problem.
> > > >
> > > > The labor has already cost me over $3,000.
> > > >
> > > > They are going to call me back tomorrow with estimates on
how
> > much a
> > > > new head gasket will cost. The mechanic recommended that I
> > consider
> > > > replacing the gasket on the other side of the engine as
well,
> > now that
> > > > the entire motor is sitting on a stand.
> > > >
> > > > Do you folks recommend I replace the other gasket? Are
there any
> > > > other jobs I should have them do while the engine is out?
> > > >
> > > > Special thanks to everyone who responded to my panic e-
mails a
> > few
> > > > weeks ago when the bus first broke down. I do appreciate
all the
> > > > advice and well wishes you sent me.
> > > >
> > > > I'll be flying back to Reno once the bus is fixed to resume
the
> > long
> > > > ride home to NJ.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks again! I'll keep you all updated.
> > > >
> > > > Andy Coleman
> > > > 83' FC-35
> > > > Spring Lake Hts., NJ
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >---------------------------------------------------------------
----
> > -----------
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > > > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > > > Version: 7.5.485 / Virus Database: 269.13.10/995 - Release
> > Date:
> > > >9/8/2007 1:24 PM
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

[Don Bradner]

Expecting shop rates to be similar from state-to-state is like expecting housing
prices to be similar.

$95 is quite common in larger Western cities. I'm not surprised that it might be
lower in Alabama. Apples and Oranges.

Don Bradner
90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
Posting today by satellite from Boise, Idaho, headed towards Salt Lake City
tomorrow.

On 9/12/2007 at 4:19 AM bumpersbird wrote:

>Andy,
>
>$135 AN HOUR!! Ouch! Even your reduced rate is high.
>Prevost in Nashville has a rate of $97 an hour. I cringe every time I
>go there. The Detroit Deisel shop in Huntsville Al. is under $80. The
>guy who ownes the shop just bought a 96 PT-42 so they are kinda
>sypathetic to our needs. Good luck and make them give you a warantee.
>
>Kurt Horvath
>'95 PT-42
>
>--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Andy Coleman"
> wrote:
>>
>> Hello John,
>>
>> Sorry for my delay reponding to you...
>>
>> The Reno Sierra Freighliner has two hourly rates. They charge
>> $135/hour for "RVs and Buses" and $95/hour for "trucks".
>>
>> They agreed, given the size of my job, to charge me the $95 per
>hour rate.
>>
>> I think $95 is an average cost around the country. Unfortunately, I
>> was not lucky enough to find a shop with below average cost.
>>
>> At this point, I'm just hoping the job is done right.
>>
>> Andy Coleman
>> 83' FC-35
>> Spring Lake, NJ
>>
>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64"
>> wrote:
>> >
>> >
>> > Glad to learn that you are not looking at a total rebuild or
>> > replacement. I am just curious what type of hourly rate is
>typical
>> > for this type of work? I am just thinking out loud. $3000 to get
>the
>> > engine out and I would assume as much to put it back. Ouch!!!
>Does
>> > it take that long or are the hourly rates just that high? The guy
>> > turning the wrenches likely sees very little of that as well.
>Just
>> > wondering.
>> >
>> > John Heckman
>> > central Pa
>> > 1973 FC
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > >
>> > > Andy, I would have them repace the water hoses on the front of
>the
>> > engine
>> > > ,the two small heater hose are very hard to repalce with the
>engine
>> > in the
>> > > BB. Dave 91 WBWL 40
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > >From: "Howard O. Truitt" >> > > >Reply-To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>> > > >To:
>> > > >Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Update On My Status In Reno....
>> > > >Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2007 12:41:07 -0400
>> > > >
>> > > >Andy,
>> > > >Hopefully R.E. Brake, The Putney Flash will give you his
>thoughts.
>> > Come on
>> > > >R.E.
>> > > >what do you say.
>> > > >Howard T.,
>> > > >
>> > > > ----- Original Message -----
>> > > > From: Andy Coleman
>> > > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>> > > > Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2007 11:55 AM
>> > > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Update On My Status In Reno....
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > > Hello Fellow Wanderlodgers:
>> > > >
>> > > > Luckily for me, I brought along a free round trip plane
>ticket
>> > when I
>> > > > departed for my first cross country road trip in my 83' FC-
>35.
>> > > >
>> > > > I flew home to NJ a few days ago.
>> > > >
>> > > > My Wanderlodge is still in the Sierra Freightliner
>(certified by
>> > > > Caterpillar) shop in Reno, Nevada. I just heard from the
>> > mechanic who
>> > > > told me, to my relief, that my 3208 engine failure was due
>to a
>> > blown
>> > > > head gasket. Unfortunately, they had to pull the engine
>> > completely
>> > > > out of the bus to remove the heads and determine the
>problem.
>> > > >
>> > > > The labor has already cost me over $3,000.
>> > > >
>> > > > They are going to call me back tomorrow with estimates on
>how
>> > much a
>> > > > new head gasket will cost. The mechanic recommended that I
>> > consider
>> > > > replacing the gasket on the other side of the engine as
>well,
>> > now that
>> > > > the entire motor is sitting on a stand.
>> > > >
>> > > > Do you folks recommend I replace the other gasket? Are
>there any
>> > > > other jobs I should have them do while the engine is out?
>> > > >
>> > > > Special thanks to everyone who responded to my panic e-
>mails a
>> > few
>> > > > weeks ago when the bus first broke down. I do appreciate
>all the
>> > > > advice and well wishes you sent me.
>> > > >
>> > > > I'll be flying back to Reno once the bus is fixed to resume
>the
>> > long
>> > > > ride home to NJ.
>> > > >
>> > > > Thanks again! I'll keep you all updated.
>> > > >
>> > > > Andy Coleman
>> > > > 83' FC-35
>> > > > Spring Lake Hts., NJ
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >---------------------------------------------------------------
>----
>> > -----------
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > > No virus found in this incoming message.
>> > > > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
>> > > > Version: 7.5.485 / Virus Database: 269.13.10/995 - Release
>> > Date:
>> > > >9/8/2007 1:24 PM
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>> > > >
>> > >
>> >
>>
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