Why not doing your own repairs will make you go bankrupt.

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by kay_ray, Apr 1, 2023.

  1. Siinman

    Siinman Road Train Member

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    Yes if spec’s correctly.
     
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  3. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    Wasn’t uncommon for mechanicals to get a million miles before overhaul after oil quality got better in the late 70’s early 80’s. I know of plenty of them that are getting close to that and more nowadays with todays oils. Oil quality is what killed engines back then. Oil couldn’t stand to live with itself longer then 3000 miles. Mix a little water, coolant, and fuel into it and it was instant death for any engine.
     
  4. mtoo

    mtoo Road Train Member

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    I agree with @SmallPackage I walked into my Cat House one day and the shop boss say's hey Steve, I got something for you. He pulls out a coat and hat with "million mile club" embroidered on it. He said Cat was running a campaign for documented engines going a million miles without an overhaul.

    It was simple maintenance, run the overhead, roll in a set of bearings, change oil, change filters with OEM, and keep the coolant chemical balance in check and always looking things over. Find little things and nip them in the bud
     
    Last edited: Apr 3, 2023
  5. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    And the interesting part was they were getting that while running 1800-2100 rpm all day long. Lol!
     
  6. Jubal Early Times

    Jubal Early Times Road Train Member

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    Rolling a set of bearings in the bottom end at 500,000 was common too. Rebuilding a timing advance every 250-300,000 miles. They weren’t exactly maintenance free.
     
  7. Jubal Early Times

    Jubal Early Times Road Train Member

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    It was so common they were giving away embroidered jackets.
     
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  8. Jubal Early Times

    Jubal Early Times Road Train Member

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    But nothing sounds better than a properly tuned mechanical. And they are a blast to drive and I ain’t mad at a fella for keeping one.
     
  9. mtoo

    mtoo Road Train Member

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    Yup, you scheduled your major maintenance items at your convenience. No computers or emissions systems derating your rig when you least expect it
     
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  10. Jubal Early Times

    Jubal Early Times Road Train Member

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    How many late model trucks have you driven?
     
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  11. mtoo

    mtoo Road Train Member

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    Agree 100%, It's only my opinion but I think newer trucks sound like a vacuum cleaner, but they are nice and quite. But a properly tuned mechanical cat..... watch the water temp, watch the pyrometer watch the boost. Maintain it, don't abuse it and work it hard. 1 million miles
     
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