Update On My Status In Reno....

[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