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