Community Forums

Tony49 · 09-08-2017, 10:26 PM

Does anyone know where I can find how many hours the flat rate manual allows to change a head gasket? Engine is a Cummins isl 400 hp. Motorhome is a 2006 Monaco Diplomat. US Warranty Company is only wanting to pay for 31 hours. The Freightliner truck center has estimated 50 hours. Quite a difference.

vsheetz · 09-08-2017, 11:53 PM

Ask them both for written reference for their number. And get estimates from two other repair shops.

oldguy70 · 09-09-2017, 04:31 AM

A lot depends on how hard it is to get at the engine.

Tony49 · 09-09-2017, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldguy70

A lot depends on how hard it is to get at the engine.

The engine had to be removed. I have a rear radiator. They did not remove the radiator.

RobRoy · 09-09-2017, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony49

Does anyone know where I can find how many hours the flat rate manual allows to change a head gasket? Engine is a Cummins isl 400 hp. Motorhome is a 2006 Monaco Diplomat. US Warranty Company is only wanting to pay for 31 hours. The Freightliner truck center has estimated 50 hours. Quite a difference.

The first thing you need to know is what the extended warranty that you purchased is using for a labor time reference and that " should " be stated in the warranty?....and if not? ..ask what they are using as a guide. Then go from there.

I would get everything in writing if at all possible via e-mails

With years as a service provider to extended warranty companies, I have found it very difficult to deal with extended warranty companies and that is even with my years of experience processing claims.

Most extended warranties are purchased from an underwriter and that can even make it more confusing if the going gets rough with them.

Extended warranty companies make money by taking money in ....not paying it out !....and they will wear you down by any means possible.

There are probably more complaint cases filed against extended warranty companies with the attorney generals office a than any other type business.

Again find out what labor guide the EW is referencing and then go from there.

Im most labor operations you will find that there are many additionals that are supposed to be added to the job.

Example: Additional 1.5 hours to recover and recharge your air conditioner and on and on.

The extended warranty companies job is to pay as little as possible and if need be to wear you down by means possible ...and that is why so many complaints are filed at the AG' office.

You need the extended warranty companies copy of the estimate break down both labor operations and parts ( and in writing), then compare that to the estimate of the Cummins dealer breakdown, then you are going to see where in-lies the problem.

Again you need to get a copy of the extended warranty companies estimate of repairs break down and get it IN WRITING.

Happy Hunting

RobRoy · 09-09-2017, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony49

The engine had to be removed. I have a rear radiator. They did not remove the radiator.

Is this job finalized? ...or is it still in progress.

FYI ....I have never a EW company pay diagnosis time.

BobGed · 09-09-2017, 09:57 AM

I had a head gasket replaced on my 2009 Phaeton on a Freightliner chassis with a rear radiator.

Repair shop did pull the radiator and also had top access through my bedroom floor.

Attached is the estimate that the repair shop stuck with....no added charges when the job was completed. My service contract holder was originally going to pay around $2,700, but after a few phone conversations with the adjuster, they finally paid $3,300.

The radiator was the big issue as they use a truck repair guide to figure their amount of coverage, and the R&R of a OTR truck is nowhere near as involved as a motor home.

Tony49 · 09-09-2017, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobRoy

Is this job finalized? ...or is it still in progress.

FYI ....I have never a EW company pay diagnosis time.

Engine is out, head is off. Cummins said it needs a new head. The EW Co. wants to have the existing head re-surfaced. It has been a week waiting for the EW Co. to give the go ahead. Cummins engineering has sent me an email stating that a new head is required. Re-surfacing is not acceptable. I have forwarded the email to the EW Co. and the repair facility.

jturbo10 · 09-09-2017, 10:39 PM

Tony: Would you share what your first indications were that you needed to have a mechanic look at your engine. Did you have any water get into the oil or did you have overheating/loss of power? Just curious, as I have a 2007 Dynasty with the 400 ISL. Just got back from a 4000 mile trip and the Cummins worked great and didn't use a drop of oil or have any issues. Thanks...Joe

Tony49 · 09-10-2017, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jturbo10

Tony: Would you share what your first indications were that you needed to have a mechanic look at your engine. Did you have any water get into the oil or did you have overheating/loss of power? Just curious, as I have a 2007 Dynasty with the 400 ISL. Just got back from a 4000 mile trip and the Cummins worked great and didn't use a drop of oil or have any issues. Thanks...Joe

The engine started to make a ticking sound, kind of sounded like a noisy lifter. Then it got very loud. It sounded like a very bad exhaust leak. I pulled over and shut the engine off immediately. There was no loss of coolant or oil. All temperatures and pressures were normal. The engine only has 39k miles on it.

RobRoy · 09-10-2017, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony49

The engine started to make a ticking sound, kind of sounded like a noisy lifter. Then it got very loud. It sounded like a very bad exhaust leak. I pulled over and shut the engine off immediately. There was no loss of coolant or oil. All temperatures and pressures were normal. The engine only has 39k miles on it.

My guess is that the EW will probably not pay for a brand " NEW" cylinder head, but may pay for a good used cylinder head and you will have to pay the cost difference out of pocket for a new versus the used cylinder head ..so be prepared.

While I don't speak compression ignition engines fluently ... your statement and description of the diagnosed issue that led to a failed head / head gasket issue sure raises lots of questions on my diagnosis radar screen.

Others here with lots more experience than me Im sure will chime in shortly.

Lots of failed/broken exhaust manifolds on certain engines have been reported here at IRV2.

You state that all engine vitals were in the normal range?

No reported fluid losses of any kind?

and the engine was running smooth and with no loss of power?

Tony49 · 09-10-2017, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobRoy

My guess is that the EW will probably not pay for a brand " NEW" cylinder head, but may pay for a good used cylinder head and you will have to pay the cost difference out of pocket for a new versus the used cylinder head ..so be prepared.

While I don't speak compression ignition engines fluently ... your statement and description of the diagnosed issue that led to a failed head / head gasket issue sure raises lots of questions on my diagnosis radar screen.

Others here with lots more experience than me Im sure will chime in shortly.

Lots of failed/broken exhaust manifolds on certain engines have been reported here at IRV2.

You state that all engine vitals were in the normal range?

No reported fluid losses of any kind?

and the engine was running smooth and with no loss of power?

One photo shows the gasket protruding out from the head. The other photo shows the fire ring in the gasket blown out.