Running the Rack....cost?

LarryN 4106 · March 18, 2009, 06:05:55 PM

I was quoted $1,500 to run the rack on my 8v71 with jake. They are experienced with these engines and say it is a 2 day plus process. This shop was recommended by Diesel Exchange, the folks that built my engine about 50,000 miles ago.

What say you all about this cost?

luvrbus · March 18, 2009, 06:33:43 PM

No way Larry that is a 5 hr job tops good luck

NJT 5573 · March 18, 2009, 06:51:00 PM

I think they are trying to tell you they don't want to do it. Thats not alot of miles. Is there a reason that you want to open it up? They are not a problem in most uses.

Utahclaimjumper · March 18, 2009, 07:32:22 PM

I had my 8V71 ran last year at So. Oregon Diesel, included re-building my jake units with new springs and pistons, total $380.00. Needless to say I was very happy.>>>Dan

JohnEd · March 18, 2009, 07:32:39 PM

Do not make the mistake of ever doing business with that shop. You are now a target there.

Good luck with the rack. But what NJT said interests me....what is the interval for adjusting valves?

John

Utahclaimjumper · March 18, 2009, 07:33:20 PM

Forgot to say job took three hours.>>>Dan

LarryN 4106 · March 20, 2009, 08:48:53 AM

I called another shop and got a better price. He said it is about 4-6 hours with the Jake. He said the first shop was probably going to use my engine as a "school" for his inexperienced mechanics.

As for why I would want to have this done, I present this to you all. I have a reman engine (Diesel Exchange) that was installed June 2002, so I have 7 years almost, on that engine, but just figured the miles on the engine and it is only 20,000. I have no symptoms. Maybe I do NOT need to do this, but I have a pretty good investment in this engine and I thought that an "adjustment" of an engine after a few miles might be in order. Contrary opinions are welcome.

Utahclaimjumper · March 20, 2009, 09:29:07 AM

Larry, you are right, an adjustment at this point is in order.>>>Dan

NJT 5573 · March 20, 2009, 10:29:20 AM

I disagree, respectfully. 20,000 miles is nothing for your engine. Its running well and you will possibly create many more problems by opening it up than by running it. Everything is tight and performing well. Most overhead problems happen right after they are worked on, and if a mechanic leaves something loose, then you may drop a valve or who knows what.

The first rule in diesel mechanics is if it ain't broke, don't fix it. If you have money to burn, I will send you my address.

JohnEd,

I know Dave at SOD. He comes to our rallys and for the most part has been helpful and square with all of us. I have not been in his shop, because I have my own, but if I needed his help on I5 in Roseburg, I would not hesitate to stop there. He makes most of his living from the trucking industry and is very realistic cost wise when it comes to buses, as buses are a real pain to work on. Many mechanics throw a fit if a shop foreman asks them to work on a bus and cry the whole time. Heavy equiptment general shop mechanics see buses as punishment, the other mechanics laugh because you got the bus job. Not everyone likes to work on their back and bang their head all the time.

Dave has done some awesome engine conversions. They are very hard to bid because there are so many variables and its always real expensive when you start fabricating in, "make it fit situations" on buses. I know Dave well enough to know if you "need" to get running, you got help. If you have a 20,000 mile rebuild and you are talking repair with no symptoms, sort of "nonsense" issues to a pro, then he won't give you much time and may even insult you, that's his personality. Dave stays real "busy" with a back up of honest things that "have" to be fixed kind of work, and may not be looking for some kinds of work. Normally, its broke, you fix it, you get paid. Every bus is someones baby. They want you or your mechanic to coddle, (teach) them through the entire repair and take up your time as long as they are in the shop and then "sell" (justify) them the bill. Its OK if they have large breasts and nice legs, but it comes down to how many bus nuts you can afford to tutor and the longer you do this the more you just want to not see the next bus roll in the yard.

I think thats about where Dave is... I bet if you brake down and need help at SOD, Dave will get you rolling and you will be satisfied with both the repair and the fairness of the price.

luvrbus · March 20, 2009, 10:42:36 AM

I have to disagree with NJT on this, 50,000 miles on a rebuild it is time for tune up. A rebuilt engine will have some wear new parts vs old parts one is going to wear to match the other. On the overhead DD recommends you do check the overhead every 50,000 miles but they do not have a scheduled interval for tune ups good luck

Van · March 20, 2009, 11:03:00 AM

Da book says only if you notice a significant decrease in power have it checked ,of course after checking air filter fuel filter(s)and don't forget the Prez says check dem dar tire pressures as well,should be like LUVRBUS says 5 Hrs on the rack unless ya run out of Heineken before the job is done LOL

Utahclaimjumper · March 20, 2009, 12:51:19 PM

The one thing I would want checked after a rebuild would be valve adjustments, they DO "SEAT IN" in the initial miles, then they will go for a very long time with no bother. Your money, your call.>>>Dan

Lin · March 20, 2009, 01:55:02 PM

A while back, I got the idea that I should run the rack just to know all was right. I brought it to a guy who took off the valve covers, checked the valve adjustments and whatever, He then told me everything was just as it should be and nothing needed adjustment. I think he charged me for a half hour. On the one hand, I could say I wasted a little money. But on the other, I now feel comfortable that I am not leaving something important undone.

JohnEd · March 20, 2009, 05:47:03 PM

NJT,

Enjoyed your post. I agree with your first rule, for sure. If I am paying a shop....no doubt.

It was claimjumper that brought up SOD but I know Dave also. My experience with him has been very good but limited. He has a sense of humor and likes subtle humor and sarcasm, as do I. I had the feeling that he could be a little harsh but it was only a feeling. Another Knut told me that the reviews about Dave were just a little mixed but that he never heard the guy didn't do excellent work or charge fairly. I guess it must be that he doesn't suffer fools lightly....but then neither do I. Thanks for your opinion.

Dave once showed me a bus with an engine that had sheared the cam drive gear. He said "probably a couple valves in there that need replaced" with a dead pan expression. See what I mean?

John

luvrbus · March 20, 2009, 07:00:06 PM

JohnEd, you right about David Gregory he can be a little harsh with people sometimes I seen it before.I have used him for repairs for 15 years when he was in the old building with no customers he would cater to the bus crowd but it is not that way any longer now he is just rude to people with buses.I still stop and visit with him,Dennis and Jerry but I do not ask them to do any repairs for me any longer good luck