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

[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]