Community Forums

pvmsteve · 01-09-2014, 10:10 PM

I am having the bottom, top, bypass and heater hoses replaced on the 8.1 gas engine. A engine and radiator flush and new dexcool antifreeze. Also a new serpentine belt installed. I have been given an estimate of $745.00. This is from an authorized Workhorse service repair shop, if there is such a thing anymore. Please give me some feedback if you think this is a fair price or not to do this work. The couch is a 2004 Airstream LandYacht with 35K on it. Thanks for your thoughts.

Brazel's RV Performance · 01-10-2014, 12:35 AM

I won't comment on cost but I would recommend if you are having them flush the cooling system to replace the thermostat and NOT use DexCool. I like the Fleetguard ES Compleat.

Heating man · 01-10-2014, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonBrazel

I won't comment on cost but I would recommend if you are having them flush the cooling system to replace the thermostat and NOT use DexCool. I like the Fleetguard ES Compleat.

Why not use Dexcool is there a problem with it?

Brazel's RV Performance · 01-10-2014, 08:14 PM

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Just snapped this from a coolant flush we did today. 2005 W22 with 50k miles, this is the lower radiator tube and it had a bunch more crud in it before we removed it. Also cap and fill tube looked about the same. Dexcool has a reputation of clogging up cooling systems, just do a google search...

pvmsteve · 01-11-2014, 09:17 PM

Jon,
Thanks for the pic. It's worth a thousands words.

DGBPokes · 01-11-2014, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonBrazel

Just snapped this from a coolant flush we did today. 2005 W22 with 50k miles, this is the lower radiator tube and it had a bunch more crud in it before we removed it. Also cap and fill tube looked about the same. Dexcool has a reputation of clogging up cooling systems, just do a google search...

I own a W22,,04. Have no idea what is in the cooling system. Have no idea if it needs flushing. Any recommendations ? Rather prevent a problem before it becomes an issue, than after.
Is flush something easy to accomplish at home?

Brazel's RV Performance · 01-11-2014, 10:52 PM

You would have DexCool if it has never been flushed since that is what they used from the factory. You can do it at home if you are mechanically inclined and have a nice big catch basin for the coolant. I would recommend getting some power flush chemical from Napa and replace the hoses and thermostat at the same time. If you google coolant flush how-to's you'll find YouTube videos and write ups that will help with the process. Sometimes it can take up to 4 flushes to get all the crud out.

jimbo2013 · 01-12-2014, 03:53 AM

$750, keep shopping, should be more like half that

wa8yxm · 01-13-2014, 07:13 AM

750 Seems a bit high to me as well... BUT.. That said.. I am currently parked in the land of low cost manpower.. I have seen delaers charge as much as 150/hr for routine service work.. And I've paid less than 75/hr. Most dealers have a one hour minimum, Last time I had engine work (other than a flat rate oil change) done on my 8.1 they billed me for 30 minutes. (Replaced the serp belt, They did it that fast too).

So it all depends on the shop.. NOTE: That was not an authorized Workhorse place... There are none around here.

DGBPokes · 01-13-2014, 08:26 AM

Does anyone know the capacity in qts. of the cooling system?

pvmsteve · 01-14-2014, 08:18 AM

Around 6 gallons

pvmsteve · 01-14-2014, 08:28 AM

Jim,
In regard to your response that the cost should be around half of the estimate of 725.00.
That would be 362.50. The hoses and belt, clamps are close to 200.00. The antifreeze is approx. 50.00. If you know a certified mechanic to do this job in the St. Louis area for 112 bucks please give me the contact info. Thanks