Fitzgerald 60 series Detroit 12.7

645,000 on my factory reman 60. Still only uses about 2 qt of oil in 22,500 miles. Hates exhaust manifold bolts though.

 

I had that problem with manifold bolts too...both ends broke off...they told me to drill out the holes in the manifold one size....been fine ever since.

 

Thanks for the tip! Will consider that if it happens again.

 

@DeagonKennels and @Roadrunner389 any updates on your troubles? Sure would be interested to hear. Boggles my mind how many different experiences people are having with the Fitzgerald gliders. Work with 7 O/O's who have Fitz gliders all with different issues. 2 W900's and 4 389's and 1 Coronado. First KW in house 12.7 has had only a bad air compressor. Second KW in house 12.7 had bad air compressor, starter, waterpump, alternator, front cover leak and leaking front hubs all before 100k mi. First 389 in house 12.7 has zero mechanical issues but had a hell of a time setting the overhead mechanic says he had a ##### of a time just getting the valve cover off without snapping bolts and from the looks of everything inside wouldn't be surprised if it had 1million mi on it before the rebuild. Says looked like all old used original hardware and parts under their not impressed. Second 389 in house 12.7 was great until it wiped out the camshaft at 110k mi. Fitz didn't cover the repair and said it was his fault for not setting the overhead at 60k mi like Detroit recommends. All in all cost him $3100 for the repair. Third and Fourth 389's have the 6NZ Thompson Cats in them set at 550hp 1850tq. Both are around 40k mi now with zero issues thus far. They are the first I've seen up close and personal but quality of installation and worksmanship looks top notch. They run really really strong power wise they are impressive. Coronado has Clarke/reman 12.7 nothing but problems. Leaking rear cam cover and oil pan. Cracked valve cover and cracked front cover. Both front hubs replaced. Starter, water pump, steering box, and full brake job all before 70k mi. Guy is at the end of his rope. My Harrison built Coronado with reman 12.7 is at 355k mi only issue was rear cam cover leak at 30k mi. Guess I've been lucky so far.

 

Clarke engines are always a problem.

 

Yep I'd be upset with 6.91 mpg at 70+ mph....

 

A few of ours are at 8mpg, doesn't excuse the fact they are unreliable.

 

I would as well as get the rolling glider and put my engine/Tranny in. Or build a truck from pre 2000 frame.

 

I got the truck back after three weeks in the shop (most of that time waiting on Fitzgerald to approve repairs). I ended up having the mechanic put in genuine Detroit parts for the inframe. Fitzgerald said they would mail a check for the difference directly to us instead of paying the mechanic. I paid the whole $11k bill.

1st Fitzgerald said they wouldn't pay us until we paid the bill in full. Once the mechanic notified them we paid the bill, Fitzgerald told the mechanic they couldn't pay until the truck was actually picked up. The mechanic told Fitzgerald we picked the truck up when the bill was paid. Still haven't received a penny from Fitzgerald.

I have been contacted by a lot of people with similar stories (all with the Fitzgerald built reman Detroits). BUYER BEWARE... I know where my next truck won't come from.

 

That's terrible. Out $11k and lost wages for 3 weeks. Is their standard warranty 3yr/300k miles? or do they just make excuses and not stand by it?