inframe/overhaul

the truck im driving now (3406e, 5ek) was overhauled two years ago and cost $22500 at a CAT dealer. and I would say going straight to CAT was the only way to go. as far as the 'bolt-ons' if you are dropping 20k already, whats an extra $3000 for the rest?

 

I guess since I can and do my own work I see it as a waste of money, but if you aren't mechanically inclined or don't like getting your fingers dirty I can see why you're so willing to throw money away.

 

buying parts while the engine is apart. that's one thing.

replacing the alternator that still works. or even the clutch for that matter, cuz the engine doesn't get pulled away from the trans you know.

it's an inframe. the block stays in the truck. bolted to the transmission.

 

In that case I can see you're point. I can handle minor issues like replacing alternators, pullys tensioners things of that nature, but wouldn't want to go messing with an air compressor.

 

Les, do you carry an air compressor, or air to air in the truck with you? You may be able to replace parts as they break but you will still have down time. WHY? Why would you roll your truck out the door at Cat, hand them $22,000, then wonder if your tensioner pulley will be good for ANOTHER million miles?

We have all seen the guy who works on his own truck everyday at the Flyin'J... I would rather have my parts replaced at regular (manufacturers recommended) intervals while Im sitting on my couch at home.

Im always amazed when I hear truck owners say they dont replace parts if they're not broken. Believe it or not you can find a life expectancy on nearly every part on your engine, most manufacturers will tell you how many hours you can expect on certain parts. No, they dont want you to replace them more often than you need to just so they can sell more parts... If you rebuilt your engine because it wore out at a million miles, what makes you think the fuel pump isnt about to wear out too?

 

No but its apparent your under the assumption that if its new it won't break....good luck with that!LOL

Besides if you know what to look for, you can tell when soemething needs replaced. Its called preventive maintenance. You also need to take into consideration the $100.00 dollars an hour you are paying a Cat shop to do general stuff, that you should be doing yourself. Now I will agree some thing you might as well have them do, since they already have it off the truck or can easily get to, water lines is one of them since they already have the system empty.

I'm not gonna bother going on and on since I can see you are just a driver. I also just remembered I have my pickup running...LOL. gotta go!

 

Les is too manly, you wouldnt understand.




i would rather run a good facotry origional part then a replacement. new part failure rates are through the roof. in MOST cases people getstuck on the side of the road because they dont pay attention to their truck or they know a part is failing and are trying to push it.20 yrs trucking and i have never once been dead on the side of the road. sure i have replaced many parts in a trk stop parking lot or rest area but ive never been dead in the water.

 

Scab shop???? Really? There are some really good private shops that know their business and stand behind their work. They normally charge 20-40 per hour less then a Cat dealer too. They will also probably have your truck done alot quicker.

 

I miss the old days , grab a big cam over haul kit , 3 reman heads 6 new injectors . Pull in the shop and start ripping in and 24 hours later be backing her out , done. If you wanted a new starter, alt, fuel pump,And acc drive. Add a few hours. And a extra grand . Could do it in house for less than 3 grand !