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kketterling · 04-06-2016, 11:10 AM

I'm thinking it's time to take the coach in and have the valves checked before we head out on our next trip to the Dakotas of 4,200 miles. This will be the first time they've been checked and have just a tad under 40,000 miles on the coach. Cat quoted me between $475 to $575 for the job. Is this the going price?

While they're doing the valve check I'm going to have them replace the Engine Crankcase Breather (on my old coach it was just a slobber tube). Suppose to be changed every 15,000 miles so guess it's due. Would do it myself but not sure were it is or what it looks like. Will have them give me the old one so I know what to look for in the future.

Captjake1 · 04-06-2016, 11:22 AM

That is about the price I was quoted. I opted to not do it for a few thousand more miles. I only have 29k now.

kketterling · 04-06-2016, 11:28 AM

Sounds like you need to go somewhere with that coach and take a break on the modifications.

Or as our retired friends use to say when we still worked, time to come over to the other side.

Captjake1 · 04-06-2016, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kketterling

Sounds like you need to go somewhere with that coach and take a break on the modifications.

Or as our retired friends use to say when we still worked, time to come over to the other side.

19 months...but who's counting? Lol

kketterling · 04-06-2016, 11:47 AM

I was so bad that towards the end of my retirement I was down to crossing off the days. It was the first thing I did everyday when I got to work.

Captjake1 · 04-06-2016, 11:52 AM

?...is it bad that I already have a date posted on my personal calendar? I have all of my leave balances worked out? Already giving away items in the house (we are selling and going FT)?

kketterling · 04-06-2016, 12:28 PM

Don't think we could go full time but do travel 4-6 months a year. Need to have a home base, but we do want to move out of California.

Captjake1 · 04-06-2016, 12:40 PM

That was our pan initially, but the thought life is just too short. More meaningful visits with the kids when we come back in the summers...
But I took this way off topic.
Back to our normally scheduled program!

Old Scout · 04-06-2016, 12:45 PM

Realize there are differences between engine brands but first scheduled valve adj on a Cummins ISL400 is 150K miles. As with the Cummins in my coach--the adjustment work isnt that big a deal. Gaining access to the top of the engine is where the labor is--at $100-125 an hour, it doesnt take long to run up the bill.....

gemert · 04-06-2016, 01:21 PM

A retired CAT Tech told me that if it's running right there is no reason to get that 30K mile valve job done. I believe him.

kketterling · 04-06-2016, 01:47 PM

My neighbor, a retired Cat mechanic says the same thing but according to the manual they recommend the first on at 15,000 mi and then good for a long time thereafter.

Captjake1 · 04-06-2016, 02:32 PM

That is pretty much what I got from the 3 different shops I talked to as well.

oldguy70 · 04-06-2016, 09:36 PM

I just finished doing my valves and the coach has 34,000 miles on it. I have a 98 Dynasty
and it was fairly easy to get at. Should be able to do it in 2 to 3 hrs. Next job is to service
the air dryer

10Boomer · 04-06-2016, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kketterling

Don't think we could go full time but do travel 4-6 months a year. Need to have a home base, but we do want to move out of California.

Right behind you, retire this year, starry building in WA a retirement little home base then wife retires, good bye California.

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