Flatbed tractor questions

I've got a Volvo with a D16. They discontinued the motor a few years ago, and it was already uncommon to begin with. When I take it to the dealers to get an oil change, it almost never gets filled to the max line, probably due to them just filling it as if it were a smaller D13. When I wanted to get a diesel force cleaning performed, the company HQ couldn't figure out if the software would communicate properly with the turbo actuator and EGR valve of a D16, so they didn't recommend performing the service. If it were a D13, they would have no problem.

When I go to get parts, I usually end up having to wait a few days or driving out of state to pick the part up. This is for basic things like a starter, an idler pulley, etc. I was quoted like $700 and two week wait on a venturi tube for it. I ended up just cleaning it out and reusing it. They had like 7 in stock for the D13 at $300 or something. Everything seems to be marked up by at least 25% and hardly ever in stock.

This is a relatively modern engine, mine is a 2012, and it's already a problem finding people familiar with working on it while over the road. So regardless of what motor you choose, make sure you know who can work on it competently. It's not so much the age of the engine as much as it's about finding one that still has support. There seems to be plenty of aftermarket parts and people who work on series 60 engines, N14s, 3406, etc. There is enough demand that companies can justify manufacturing parts for them, even though the OEMs have moved on to newer platforms. That also makes literature and experienced shops working on them more available.

While there are plenty of Volvo dealers around the country who will work on my truck, I haven't found many that I trust to do it properly the first time.

 

Eaay way to test that:
on truckpaper theres 20,500+ sleeper equipped conventional tractors at this moment

put in the words big cam and see how many it lists

 

I do think the BC motors are rare. Not often you need the motor overhauled.
Probably more rare for parts would be the interior body and dash control parts.

I did have a few trucks with the bc3 and bc4. Most were international coe. It was cheaper to buy another used truck than repair, 10-18 years ago.
The current truck I've been driving for 10 years is a 99 fld120. N14.
I can do most of the wrenching myself. Interior motor I hire out.
Last couple years I hire most repairs. Mechanic charges $89 an hour. He worked in a private trucking shop. They ran only freightliners like mine, and Detroits.

Most work he can do cheaper than I can. When including the cost of down time as potential income.

 

Get a Mack with a small sleeper ..... and a triaxle or quad dump trailer .......

 

Out of curiosity, OP what kind of truck do you currently run?

 

Yes..that one without springs will shake ya teeth out ...

 

construction hauling with old macks is all I’ve ever done . Until I bought my own truck.....So just sharing my experiences.

I have dabbled in short haul flatbed work but I’m no expert at that........

What repair shops are closest to your house and what brands to they specialize in ? Makes a big difference chasing parts and service when you need it....?