More truck engine problems

[Skwerl]

I just need to blow off and vent some frustration here. My truck has been down for 3 of the last 4 weeks and I've deposited $1100 in my bank account in the last 30 days. I have 3 guys who still owe me money from a week and a half ago. I've spent over $2600 with 2 mechanics and a towing company in the last month and it still runs like shit. I'm hoping it will keep running well enough to get through the next 3 days because I have a 3 day job and I need the funds before I can put the truck back in the shop again.

So far I've had all the fuel lines changed, primary and secondary fuel filters have been changed 3x, the aftermarket Raycor water separator was deemed redundant and too small for that motor and bypassed, the auxiliary fuel heater was bypassed, all 8 fuel injectors were replaced (at $110 each plus overnight freight). I've also added a couple bottles of fuel conditioner/ cetane booster and one bottle of sludge dissolver in the last few weeks.

Today I brought the truck home and drained the main fuel tank, strained the fuel and put it back in the truck. I got a little bit of crud out of the bottom of the tank but not much, considering the tank is 18+ years old. The fuel was a bit darker than I expected it to be but no signs of water or sludge. It's still missing and sputtering under load, although there's no big clouds of blue (fuel) smoke any more since the injectors were changed.

[MasterBlaster]

Good luck, Brian! Maybe this will be the last you have to fark with it for a long, long time! :thumbup:

[squisher]

Damn Brian that sucks.:( Hope it get's sorted out for ya.

[Jamin Mayer]

My old roomy used to say, "If it's mechanical, it's gonna break." :X

Sorry to hear you are going through that.

[squisher]

Everything's good on the air side? No animals living in there or nothing? Filter's serviced/new?

[sawinredneck]

What Suishy said, plus have they done a compression test and a fuel pressure test?
Deisel is pretty simple, air, fuel under pressure, and compression.
Short of a valvetrain problem, sounds like they have checked all the simple stuff!!
Sorry Brian, been there, it SUCKS!!!!!

[stehansen]

That sucks Skwerl. Those Raycor water separators are made about 5 miles from me. I'm doing a job next week for a machinist that works there, I"ll tell him "you suck"! JK, I don't know what else you can do except that was the motor warmed up when they adjusted the injectors? I understand that this is necessary as the adjustment changes when the motor warms up. Going on with what Squishy said I'm also assuming that they adjusted the valves when they did the injectors. Also just because the injectors are reconditioned doesn't mean that something isn't wrong with one or more of them. I'm gathering from what you said that the motor idles OK but when put under load it starts missing. Mine does the opposite, at idle I can detect a miss but it disappears when you rev it up. I'm also thinking that something could be wrong with the linkage that steps up the injectors and/or something wrong with the transfer pump. The mechanic was probably thihking of all of these things in his dreams last night. Good luck.

[Skwerl]

Andy, I will take your advice and insist on fuel pressure and compression tests when I bring it back in. Silly me, I just assumed that a diesel specialist with over 30 years experience would do that without being told. It sucks that I have to instruct them on how to diagnose the problem.

And unfortunately the old guy is kind of sloppy as well. There's at least 2-3 hose clamps missing (I just finished paying for all new fuel lines and clamps 2 weeks ago) and he put the fan belts on the wrong pulleys so they weren't running true. I have no idea what else he may have forgotten or screwed up but unfortunately I don't have a lot of choices for Detriot diesel mechanics around here. :cry:

[squisher]

Damn man that sounds like a lousy place to be with those mechanics. I'd be flipping if clamps and stuff like belts on the wrong pulleys and what not. That's like paying to create future problems. Make a list of everything you've found/thought of and take it back in with the truck. If they get offended oh well, you need to make a living with this rig things need to be done properly. Man I hope it all works out for ya.

I'll send some of my positive vibes and good luck out towards your truck, that will surely work ;)

[Stumper]

Brian, Does that engine by chance have a governor on it?

[Skwerl]

Brian, Does that engine by chance have a governor on it?

Yes. It's an electronic governor and not adjustable or servicable. It was only used on the last year or two of production for the 8.2, prior to that they had a mechanical governor.

[Ax-Man]

Brian, just a guess here but does the truck have a turbo on it??? If it is there is a good chance it has what is called an aftercooler or some dumb thing like that. This after cooler is tied into your air intake system through the turbo, diesels run better with cold air being pumped into the intake. The aftercooler gets clogged with crap inside of it and will cut down the amount air that the engine can take in.

If you have one and if is similar to the one on my Cummings diesel chipper it sits on top the engine looks like a box with a petcock valve on it and some hoses going over to your turbo. It also has coolant in it which is how it is able to make air intake cooler or colder than the outside air as it is recirculated through the turbo back through the intake system.

Hopes this makes a little sense?? Just giving you a different place to look for a problem. I had this aftercooler problem before with the same chipper and have to change or clean it again soon as my chipper is running, but not as good as it could. Sounds similar to your problem. It is very easy for this problem to be confused with a fuel delivery problem it can get so bad the machine will quit and not restart. I found this out the hard way and to the tune of $600 to have a new one installed plus the mechanic's time.

[stehansen]

I think his engine is naturally aspirated.

[squisher]

And I think Brian is becoming unnaturally exaspirated.:D

[stehansen]

Had no idea you Canadians were so clever.:D

[Skwerl]

No, Steve, mine's a turbo. I've never noticed any cool air intake for the turbo though, unless it's cast into the intake manifold. Huge air filter cannister sits on top of the intake and the turbo sits back behind it, wedged under the firewall.

[Skwerl]

Only $59K (asking price) and I can buy this and not worry about the old blue tank any more. Anybody wanna loan me $15K until I can sell my old truck?

[stehansen]

Excuse me. Did the air filter cost a fortune? The engine that my buddy gave me is a turbocharged version and it doesn't have an intercooler. The air goes from the turbo right up and around into the manifold.

[Skwerl]

Yup, about $40 if I remember correctly. I'd have to look it up to confirm.

[stehansen]

I'm becoming more afraid of my truck ending up like yours and purchased a Cat 3208 with 120 hours on it a couple of days ago.

[Koa Man]

What year is your current truck? Did you try to get codes out of it? Turning the key on and off 3 times will display a series of numbers. When my International with a Detroit Diesel was getting hard to start, I got some codes and called the dealer. The lead mechanic there told me I had a bad cam sensor. I changed it and no problems for over a year. That is probably NOT your problem, but the truck codes may help you to pin point your problem.

[Skwerl]

It's an '89 with mechanical gauges, Wesley.

I might have to make a road trip later this month and go look at that other truck. I'll beg, borrow and whore myself out in order to scrape together the funds if it's in top shape.

[Al Smith]

If I'm not mistaken Brians truck has a GMC engine?? If that is true it must have a scavenging air blower to run at all.In addition all that prior being true,those Jimmy engine even though they have a blower are classified as natural aspirated.

Generally speaking if the engine is blowing white smoke one of several things might be awry.Low fuel pressure ,could be caused by a screwed up fuel transfer pump.Low injecter pressure which is the main injecter pump or low engine compression.

Then too if this truck had been wrenched on by a good mechanic all these things should have been checked already I would have thought.

[vharrison]

Brian, good luck with it. Surely in the Orlando metro area, there has got to be a good mechanic. Where is the one for sale?

[Skwerl]

Sorry Al, it's an 8.2 Detroit turbo. I've never heard of a 'GMC' diesel, they have used motors from external sources for as long as I've been around. GMC, Ford and International have all used motors from Detroit Diesel at one point or another. I've heard GMC went to the Detroit 8.2 in the 80's when Caterpillar went on strike. In 1990 GMC went back to using the Cat 3208 which they are still using to this day.

Gigi, the one I'm looking at is in Alabama. I suspect it might be a Katrina flood victim, it's too new and too low mileage for it to be sold otherwise.

[sawinredneck]

Dang Brian!!! I am a pessimist, I look for and expect the worst, if I am wrong, it's wonderful, but if I am right I don't feel let down.
When it comes to other people, I HATE being right!!! Sounds like things might be taking a turn for the worst on this deal!!
I am leaning more and more towards the injector pump being the problem, I really hope I am wrong!!!

[Al Smith]

[QUOTE=Skwerl;197625]Sorry Al, it's an 8.2 Detroit turbo. [QUOTE] GMC is another term for Detroit,the same basic design. This is a 2 cycle diesel I presume?? If that is true that design or it's off shoots were sold as Detroit GMC or Electromotive depending on the size,age and usage.

If my presumtion of the origin is correct the older versions such as the 71 series meant 71 cubic inch per cylinder,very common but old.The larger versions used as locomotive or marine engines could be several hundred cubic inchs per cylinder.


Mind you this is an assumption on my part because I have no idea if General motors Corp. ,the makers of this engine now has a 4 cycle or not.Their claim to fame was two cycle ,blower driven scavanging air engines.

[Jonseredbred]

Al, this is not a 2 stroke like your thinkin about. It is a V8 4 cycle mid 80's era. Was devoloped by GM to compete with the 3208's.

[stehansen]

It doesn't have an injector pump like a regular motor either. It has a common rail fuel system. The plunger and the injector are one unit actived by a rocker arm off of the camshaft like a valve with some linkage that adjusts the fuel amount from the throttle control. I have one in my bucket truck also and mine is a POS. It is about 500 cid and has about 165 hp as mine is configured and about 230 with a turbo like Skwerls is setup.

[sawinredneck]

NICE!!!!!!!
Thanks for the clarification Steve!!
Makes me want one all the more!!
(Sorry Brian:cry: )

[stehansen]

They sound pretty cool when they are running smoothly.

[sawinredneck]

They sound pretty cool when they are running smoothly.

A guy I used to work for had one in his dump truck. Very smooth and powerful engine. But he always puckered whenever it acted the least bit funny. I am starting to understand why now.

[Al Smith]

Al, this is not a 2 stroke like your thinkin about. It is a V8 4 cycle mid 80's era. Thank you for the enlightenment on this.I had naturaly assumed the GMC was still into 2 cycle diesels. Old habits or mind sets ya know.;)

[Dave Shepard]

Does the truck run at all? Does it run good, and then suddenly quit? I had a go-round with an 8.2 last fall in one of the farm trucks. There is a cut off solenoid that shuts the fuel off. It was having a number of problems, and then finally quit for good. Apparently this is quite common with this engine. Don't know if this helps, but couldn't resist the opportunity to be an armchair mechanic.:roll: Hope you get through it without a lot more dough spent. The 8.2s I have seen have all been rather reliable.


Dave

[Skwerl]

The truck runs fairly good when sitting still but will spit and sputter sometimes when under load. Low power and when it starts missing it can stumble until you take your foot off the accellerator and allow it to 'catch up' with the fuel it has. Put it in neutral and rev it up and it seems to clear out.

I've tossed and turned over it all night (as well as the thought of $1200 truck payments for another truck) and decided that I'm not bringing my truck back to the last mechanic. If I cannot trust him to replace a hose clamp or put a fan belt on properly then he has no business tearing my motor apart and playing with the fuel injectors at $80 per hour.

The shop that put in the Jasper motor a year ago ended up calling in a guy from Daytona or somewhere to set up the fuel injectors. He had the tools and gauges to set them up. I'm going to call that shop this morning and get the name and phone number of that guy. Maybe I can get my truck up to Daytona and see if he can fix it. That's only 45 miles away.

[vharrison]

decided that I'm not bringing my truck back to the last mechanic.

Yeah, you might need a fresh look at it. Everyone here seems to be thinking it through. Are any lightbulbs going off for you? Dave mentioned solenoids, I hate soleniods, seems like that part gets replaced with three others to fix a problem.

[Skwerl]

I got hold of the guy from Daytona. He's a mobile service so he will come down here to work on it. He said he may be able to get down this afternoon or tomorrow and take a look. He's been to technical school on the Detroit 8.2 and has all the shop manuals and tools to work on it.

He also said that I wasted my money getting new injectors. :(

[vharrison]

I got hold of the guy from Daytona. He's a mobile service so he will come down here to work on it. He said he may be able to get down this afternoon or tomorrow and take a look. He's been to technical school on the Detroit 8.2 and has all the shop manuals and tools to work on it.

He also said that I wasted my money getting new injectors. :(

Cool, glad he can come to you!

[lumberjack]

He also said that I wasted my money getting new injectors. :(

Possiblity of putting the old ones back in and selling the "new" ones on ebay?

[squisher]

He also said that I wasted my money getting new injectors. :(

Frig man I hate it when people don't actually know what they're doing, but they'll learn on your dime. That sucks.

Sure hope this mobile guy works out for ya, if so don't lose his number.;)

[squisher]

Possiblity of putting the old ones back in and selling the "new" ones on ebay?

Leave the new one's in, and sell the old ones on E-bay?:)

[GASoline71]

Frig man I hate it when people don't actually know what they're doing, but they'll learn on your dime. That sucks.

Sure hope this mobile guy works out for ya, if so don't lose his number.;)

That is a shoddy way a lot of shops nowadays do business unfortunately. They go in with the mindset of... "Hopefully if I replace XXXX I will get lucky and the truck will run better. If it doesn't, at least the customer gets new XXXX, and I can get them to believe that I did them a favor." What a shitty way to do business...:X

Like said earlier... if a shop doesn't do the basic engine trouble shooting things like compression checks, and the like.... and can't even put belts on correctly, or misses putting on hose clamps... they are crooks.

Sorry to hear all the troubles Brian... hopefully the guy from Daytona will be able to get that monster runnin' right. :)

Gary

[sotc]

that does sound like an air restriction, hopefully the guy didnt leave a rag in the intake!
jasper does a 3 year warrenty, have you looked into that?

[Skwerl]

I'll look into the warranty as soon as I can find a mechanic to diagnose the problem and see if it's covered or not. Jasper won't come out and fix it, I still need somebody to do the work.

No word from this latest guy yet. Hopefully he can come out this afternoon to at least get an idea what he's dealing with.

My big 3 day job has been postponed again, now it's supposed to start Wednesday. I made $60 this morning helping a buddy with a little $225 job. :roll:

[Al Smith]

I made $60 this morning helping a buddy with a little $225 job. :roll:
Ya gotta do what you gotta do. A little bit is better than nothing.

That danged tree business seems to be feast and famine or so it seems to me.You have to make hay while the sun shines then stow it away for the rainy day.

[squisher]

Humor me Brian and check your intake side. If Willie agrees then it must be right :D .

[Frans]

Having spent thousands of dollars on replacing parts, I have come to the conclusion that it is better to diaqnose correctly, then fix the problem.


Their was a recent court case where the 'factory authorized' shops were not getting the correct or complete diagnosis information from the manufacturer.

The factory wanted to retain this info. so as to keep the general public in the dark as to how to properly fix their cars on their own.

They won the court case, and now the factory must supply the correct info. to the 'factory authorized' repair shops....

[sotc]

Humor me Brian and check your intake side. If Willie agrees then it must be right :D .

i need more friends that think like you:D

[stehansen]

I'm starting to wonder about the transfer pump. This is like armchair quarterbacking.

[stehansen]

Possiblity of putting the old ones back in and selling the "new" ones on ebay?

Once you do anything to an injector then it must be adjusted again.

[Rotax Robert]

I'm starting to wonder about the transfer pump. This is like armchair quarterbacking.


I have not reread the whole thread here, did they do a pressure test on the lift pump? this pump is what delivers fuel to the primary high pressure pump.

[Al Smith]

I have not reread the whole thread here, did they do a pressure test on the lift pump? this pump is what delivers fuel to the primary high pressure pump. Lift,transfer,same same.If it is a common rail system ,this is the pump that gets the fuel to the injecters as has already been said.


Again attempting to diagnose things over the net, hundreds or thousands of miles away is just a dice roll.I could however possibley see a faulty injecter,maybe several but not all of them.I'll cast my ballot for some thing in the low pressure delivery portion of the fuel system.

[vharrison]

Brian, any news?

[lumberjack]

Once you do anything to an injector then it must be adjusted again.

I figured his orginal ones were adjusted by ole boy that's coming to readjust the new ones?

[Skwerl]

That's correct, Carl. I still haven't heard from him this morning so I'm going to try calling him again. He quoted me a $150 trip charge over the phone plus whatever time he has working on the truck. Not a problem since he's coming from over 50 miles away.

[lumberjack]

I'd also immagine he's in a 3/4 ton or bigger pick up, gas aint free and all.

Good to hear some some people practice what they preach (get what you pay for professional wise).

:)

Good vibes amigo.

[olyman]

too bad you dont live here in iowa---guy is a nut not 8 miles from me on detroits---hes good--says there is no other brand!!!

[Dave Shepard]

olyman, you can tell him there are at least one of two others out there.;) Tunnel vision is bad.


Dave

[stehansen]

Good luck Brian.

[Top Tree Feller]

good luck

[Skwerl]

Well, still no word from anybody. I talked to Mechanic #4 (the guy from Daytona) Monday morning and he promised to try and come look at it Monday afternoon or Tuesday. Today is Wednesday and he has not called and my calls to him go straight to voice mail.

This morning I called back the shop which put in the new injectors and talked with the manager about the misaligned belts, missing clamps and the oil filler cap which was cross threaded and about to fall off. He kept trying to get me to bring the truck back in (even though the mechanic isn't even in the shop today) but he understood why I was reluctant to do so.

The Good News!!!

I looked at pictures of a few more trucks from National Utility Co in Alabama and the trucks and prices look fantastic. 2001-2002 model AM855's with automatic, air brakes and AC priced in the $50's. I spoke with the finance department and they said with my credit rating I could expect easy qualifying at about 7.5-8.5% rates for a 60 month term. I printed, filled out and mailed the application this morning. I'm hoping to drive up there later this week to look over some trucks and see if I can make a deal. Once I'm in another truck then I can let that shop take as long as they need to get the old truck running right. Then I'll put it up for sale.

[squisher]

Hot damn! A shiny new truck! :D

[Skwerl]

Here's the one that would be my first choice based on the info emailed to me:

Year: 2001
Make: Chevrolet
Model: C7H042 Chevy
VIN: 1GBP7H1C31J508383
Engine: 3126
Transmission: Md-3560P
GVWR: 035220
Mileage: 48043
Brakes: AIR
Body Type: Utility
Price: $59,000.00


|Prices include an Operator's Manual, current dielectric test (if |
|applicable), two (2) wheel chocks, harness and lanyard(s), fire |
|extinguisher, reflector kit and a Free In Service at your location (upon |
|request). Full payment due at time of, or prior to, customer possession of |
|unit. Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information|
|contained herein; however, please contact an Altec representative to verify |
|current conditions.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/DSCN0804.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/DSCN0803.jpg

[vharrison]

Sweet!

[squisher]

Is it just me or does that bucket look kind of crooked in the first pic? What's the specs on that boom, material handler I assume?

[Skwerl]

Yeah, it looks like the pillow block that the bucket is sitting on is misaligned. No biggie.

As far as specs, it's 5' taller than my old one. 60' working height and the same 2000 lb material handler. It's an Altec AM855 (http://www.altec.com/ealtec/SilverStream/Pages/equip_profile.html?MODEL=AM855&from=search).

[Al Smith]

Stop the presses just a second. My buddy Tom the tree guy had one of those damned Altecs that had a fiber optic control system on the boom.

The truck was fine,in good shape etc but the danged control system gave him fits.

That truck looks good ,I'm just giving a heads up on the situation as experianced by him.Not everybody has the equipment,knowledge or repair parts to service those booms. The closest repair center from here is Baltimore Md.

[Skwerl]

Thanks Al. I have an Altec authorized regional service center about 7-8 miles from me but they are not allowed to work on anything more than 15 years old. They won't look at my old truck but will be easily available if needed for a newer truck.

[Stumper]

Brian, I'm glad thge guy with some rep is coming to you but I was looking forward to the headline "Squirrel Takes Bucket Truck To Daytona"

[Thor's Hammer]

Hot Damn Brian, thats a nice truck. I particularly like the little crane bit. do you use your existing little crane much?

[Skwerl]

Hot Damn Brian, thats a nice truck. I particularly like the little crane bit. do you use your existing little crane much?

:lol: :lol: :lol: naaahhhhh, never use it at all. :lol: :lol:

[Jonseredbred]

Would you consider anything other than the material handler??

[Thor's Hammer]

:lol: :lol: :lol: naaahhhhh, never use it at all. :lol: :lol:

:?

[Skwerl]

Absolutely not, Andrew. That winch on the boom has saved my bacon on a lot of jobs. Most of the small companies I work for have minimal equipment and being able to lift loads with the boom is a huge money maker for me.

Ed, I was attempting to be funny. ;)

[TheTreeWiseMen]

Looking good Mr. Skwerl, pleased for you, especially after all the aggro your present truck has been giving you.

[Thor's Hammer]

Absolutely not, Andrew. That winch on the boom has saved my bacon on a lot of jobs. Most of the small companies I work for have minimal equipment and being able to lift loads with the boom is a huge money maker for me.

Ed, I was attempting to be funny. ;)
I guess what your saying is that you use it a lot. Will it lift full capacity at full extension?

[Skwerl]

Yes, but I've lifted the outriggers on the far side. I also don't like pushing it with that much weight since the winch is loaded with just 7/16" (11mm?) double braid polyester rope. 1200 lb logs are a good, comfortable limit for me.

[Thor's Hammer]

1200lbs is a damn big log. what about lifting tops and limbs off the tree?

[Skwerl]

All the time. My normal rigging routine is to use some 5/8" rope slings to rig a limb or top off itself, then use a smaller sling to hook on and pick up the limb with the boom winch after it's been cut. I will not rig directly off the boom due to shock loading, I use the boom winch for lifting only. I can also use it for loading logs on a truck or trailer. I can operate the boom and winch from the bucket or from the lower controls.

[Thor's Hammer]

that seems incredibly usefull. How much for your old truck? :D

[Skwerl]

that seems incredibly usefull. How much for your old truck? :D

I'll update this thread soon. http://www.gypoclimber.com/showthread.php?t=8241 At this point I will consider all reasonable offers.

Hey Andrew! You mentioned that you were heading down this way soon. Wanna buy my truck and take it far away from here? :lol:

[Jonseredbred]

I'll update this thread soon. http://www.gypoclimber.com/showthread.php?t=8241 At this point I will consider all reasonable offers.

Hey Andrew! You mentioned that you were heading down this way soon. Wanna buy my truck and take it far away from here? :lol:

It looks like we might be in Clermont in late March, I will let you know as the time gets near.

I dont want to bring that truck home,those booms are too big for me. Besides I have 2 trucks that go 70':P And it sound like I will have a new bucket waiting for me to use when I get down there.:O

[Skwerl]

Just got back from Birmingham where I test drove the truck and got a few pictures. This is as good of a place as any to test the picture attachment process. The truck I'm looking at is a 2001 Chevy C8500 with an Altec AM855 bucket. And it did come from Louisiana (Entergy Corp.), I hope it wasn't flooded. :/: :lol:

Still having some problems uploading, gonna post this before I lose them and add more in another post.

[MasterBlaster]

Side bin city, sweet!

[Skwerl]

more pics of the truck.

[Skwerl]

You guys that drive Chevies, can anyone tell me what the little switch is that's at the top right of the dash, just above the radio???
:?

[JohnB]

That little switch is the defroster for the side view mirrors. I think?

[stehansen]

Looks pretty sweet Brian. I'm offically jealous. Do you need a commercial license for it?

[Skwerl]

What do you mean by a commercial license, a CDL? I have a Class B CDL with air brakes which covers me for driving anything except a semi tractor-trailer. The truck GVWR is 35,220 lbs.

[stehansen]

Yeah, that's what I meant.

[Skwerl]

Oh good! I thought maybe there was some other requirement I wasn't aware of. :\:

Getting back to the old truck, I need to start getting serious about selling it once I get this nagging fuel issue fixed. And I'll toss out another piece of bacon-wrapped bait, I may even be able to carry back some paper on the purchase, depending on the credit worthiness of the buyer. Since my other thread was lost I guess i'll just have to start a new one and include the info there.

[sotc]

i think its mirror defrost to.
whats the little bag by the upper controls?

[Al Smith]

I think the mirror defrosters would be a moot point in Orlando.

If that is a power company truck most of them are fairly well maintained although that one will need a set of steering tires before too long.

Birmingham is kind of neat in a way.I was disallusioned and thought Alabama was flat as a pancake,not so.I don't think there is a flat spot in Birmingham.

[Skwerl]

I just got another piece of promising news this morning. I went over to a lot that is located at the corner of a major road and the side road where a tree and concrete recycling place is located. Half the tree companies in town dump there, so the lot has excellent exposure to my target audience. The owner of the lot charges people to park vehicles for sale. The rates are very cheap, $30 per week or $100 per month. Once I get the new truck then I think it will be fairly easy to sell the old truck (I hope).

[MasterBlaster]

Park and sell, what an original concept! And low overhead, too.

What's the deal there? Is it locked at night? Is there a guard, or what?

[Frans]

The only bad part about selling your truck locally is then you might have to see it on the road

[Ax-Man]

The only bad part about selling your truck locally is then you might have to see it on the road

Or could be bought up by someone who could become a competitor. I try not to sell big pieces of equipment locally for this reason. I prefer to trade it or sell it out of our local area. Besides no one here would give you the asking price you need to have anyway. An add in our local paper would only draw cheapskates and bargain seeking hunters.

Where Brian is at in Orlando is a much bigger market than where I am at. This might not be a big concern.

[Skwerl]

Any of you guys further north along the East coast, I was just browsing and found this truck. It's a twin of the one I am looking to buy.
http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/big-trucks/find/listing/1997-GMC-8500-91529445#
It's 4 years older than the one I'm looking at but it's half the price! It could be a heck of a deal.

http://images.traderonline.com//img/4/dealer/791919/91529445_1thumb_550x410.jpg

[RIVERRAT]

Dang it's 4 wheel drive. Appears to be any ways.

[lumberjack]

I agree about it's four wheel driveness. Looks heavy as hell. It appears they list the weight as 36klbs, a big boy for sure.

[arborworks1]

Four wheel drive would be a plus. But that is sure a heavy truck to be running over someone lawn.

The switch on the dash might be for jake brake.

[Skwerl]

I must sound like a fugging idiot or a complete nutcase on the phone, because I seem to be scaring off every mechanic I talk to. I guess I've exaggerated how many people have actually worked on the truck as well.

Only 2 guys have turned wrenches on it, the first mobile guy had it in his shop and took 2 weeks to change out a few fuel lines. I had it towed to the second shop where they got it running good for a day, then I brought it back in a week later and they changed the fuel injectors. Everybody else I've called either didn't call me back or never showed up.

I called yet another guy on Friday. I'll wait until lunchtime for him to call back or else I'll just take the truck back to the shop that replaced the fuel injectors. At this point I don't care if he does sloppy work and loses half the bolts as long as it gets running well enough for me to sell the truck. I'm fugging over it at this point.

6 weeks without working is enough. I pulled another $2500 from my home equity line this morning to cover bills for another month. I'm ready to have a working truck and get back to work.

[Paul B]

6 weeks without work is painful! especially when its not planned or wanted. Hope it irons out for you soon Squirl!

[vharrison]

I'll wait until lunchtime for him to call back

Any news? :?

[Skwerl]

The latest mechanic refused to work on that motor. Yesterday afternoon I took the truck back to the place that put in the injectors. At this point I no longer care if he loses half the bolts holding the truck together, as long as he gets it running well enough to sell.

[vharrison]

Did you tell him the injector guy told him you did not need them? :whine:

[Skwerl]

Good News!!! I just got a phone call from Altec Capital and I'm approved for $60K!! I just need to sign a couple items to close the loan when I go back up to buy the truck. And with the Fed dropping rates by .75% this morning, it looks like my rate will be quite good.
:blob6: :blob6: :blob6: :blob6: :blob6:

[Paul B]

good stuff RJS, get you some work and pay that down whence you spend it!!

[Chisel Tooth]

It's about time something went your way. Good deal Brian, I'm happy for you.

[stehansen]

Regarding your old truck motor, I feel your pain brother. Good luck with your new rig, sounds awesome.

[squisher]

Sweet man, now grind that salesman down. Ball's in your court now.;)

[sawinredneck]

Good deal Brian!!! It's about time something came from this!!!

[Skwerl]

Everything is falling into place. The old truck is fixed and back home, the new truck is getting serviced and prepped for pickup, I've closed 2 decent jobs this week and I'm about halfway through finalizing arrangements for my trip back to Birmingham to pick up the new truck. Looks like it will be ready by Monday or Tuesday. I'll know by Thursday, but I'm guessing I'll drive up Monday and then buy the truck Tuesday morning, then get home Tuesday night. Once I have a firm delivery date I'll make the motel reservations and firm up the appointment with the finance company.

[stehansen]

Sweet!

[Chisel Tooth]

Sweet! Keep us up to date.

[lumberjack]

Everything is falling into place. The old truck is fixed and back home, the new truck is getting serviced and prepped for pickup, I've closed 2 decent jobs this week and I'm about halfway through finalizing arrangements for my trip back to Birmingham to pick up the new truck. Looks like it will be ready by Monday or Tuesday. I'll know by Thursday, but I'm guessing I'll drive up Monday and then buy the truck Tuesday morning, then get home Tuesday night. Once I have a firm delivery date I'll make the motel reservations and firm up the appointment with the finance company.

We're 2 hours west of B-ham on I-20 (to T town, then fairly straight shot to our house).

:/:

[Skwerl]

I'll give you a holler when I get a firm day. Perhaps I might be able to talk you into driving over and joining us for dinner or something. I don't think I have your phone number around here any more though.
:thumbup:

[lumberjack]

That'll work, Tuesday is Golden, Monday and Wed are school days though.

I'll wait till I read your response that you're typing before I reply with my cell number.

[Skwerl]

HAH! I was posting an ad for my truck over on Tree Trader and started browsing the 300 bucket truck ads. Guess what I found? I found an ad for the truck I just bought except he was asking $73,000! The ad was placed in December.
http://www.treetrader.com/cl/default.asp?action=addetail&adid=13083
:P

[squisher]

Yup that's the truck, crooked bucket and all.:P

Damn man I'm excited for ya.

[sotc]

what did you get it for again?

[Skwerl]

I'm getting it for $57K. Still a lot more than I ever expected to pay for a truck.

[sotc]

wow big difference! someday ill drop that on some nice equipment!

[Skwerl]

Today's the big day! I'll be leaving in a couple hours and will be back home late tomorrow night. I know some of you guys are sick of hearing me blab about it but this is the second biggest purchase of my life, and only $10K less than I paid for my house 10 years ago! But everything I've learned is telling me that this is the right decision for me. And if I'm wrong, then no big deal. It's only money, right?
:\:

[MasterBlaster]

Man, I envy you brother! And blab all you want, I know I would! Be careful on that drive and get that fine piece of equipment home in one piece. Have fun!

[sotc]

its really exciting, i blabbed before i went to get mine to:D and it was only half what yours cost!

[lumberjack]

Travel expenses should push the cost to at least even with your house after you buy my dinner tonight:P

[sotc]

sounds like carls gonna eat 4-5 holsteins:D

[Al Smith]

sounds like carls gonna eat 4-5 holsteins:D

Carl is a big guy,takes a lot of fuel,so to speak.:)

[squisher]

Hell yah! Blab away but with lots of pictures too.:D

[lumberjack]

Good point, need to take a camera of course!

[Paul B]

rock and roll Skwerl !

[sawinredneck]

Brag away!!! It's a fine looking rig, you have every reason in the world to be proud of it!

[stehansen]

Good luck, have a safe trip. The new truck sounds awesome, and give LJ a noogie from all of us.

[Burnham]

Melon the size of Carl's, gonna take three or four noogies :lol: .

Hope you're having a safe trip, Brian. Look forward to the report when you return.

[lumberjack]

I'm back, they should be getting done with his truck soon. Not the most speedy of mechanics, but it's a fine truck indeed :)

[MasterBlaster]

Sweet!

[rumination]

Pics!

[Skwerl]

I'm home safe and sound. Er,,, I mean I'm home safe anyway. :P

I'm a space cadet, I didn't take a single picture of the new truck today. In fact I only took one picture the whole trip, and that was a picture of a headache rack on a different truck. I'll post more details tomorrow. For now I just need to unwind for a few after driving 9 hours straight in a 27K lb truck (the air ride seat and cruise control helped, but not a lot).

I almost got an $1100 fine at one of the DOT weigh stations because I was not given a temporary tag to get the truck home, but they let me go with a warning. First stop tomorrow is the tag office.

[Paul B]

what about Carls noogie? didja get him? :D

[Chisel Tooth]

Glad your home safe and in one piece, looking forward to some pix of the new rig.

[stehansen]

Glad to hear the DOT guy gave you a break.

[MasterBlaster]

No shit, they don't usually do that!

[squisher]

Unwind on your own time, no pics?:what:




:P:D You are killing me man.

[Skwerl]

Earlier there was some discussion of headache racks and while in Alabama I saw a truck with the type of headache rack I'd like for my new truck. Since I often have to squeeze my truck in beside houses, under eaves or around corners, I think the standard headache rack with front supports sticking out from the front bumper would end up getting in the way and prevent me from accessing some jobs. Something like this would offer some additional protection and not add to the width or length of the truck.

[MasterBlaster]

Not me. I'd want the hood covered, too.

[Skwerl]

I noticed a couple guys reading this thread again, so I went back through it. Figured I'd answer a couple unanswered questions. First of all, the problem with the old truck ended up being a blocked checkvalve in the fuel pickup, designed to hold the fuel prime. There was crud in it restricting fuel flow. I think this would have been obvious if any of the mechanics had done a fuel flow/ pressure test, but I guess it was more profitable to install new injectors instead. Oh well, it's only money.

On the new truck, I've identified a couple things. The switch on the dash above the radio is the light switch for the 5 marker lights on top of the cab. They do not come on with the headlight switch, they have their own switch.

In the bucket, that 'bag' with the red knob on top is an emergency hydraulic shutoff. It cuts off all hydraulic pressure to the upper controls and it came in handy last week when I popped a hydraulic line. I'm planning on addressing the line layout and tucking them in a bit tighter under the boom. They stick out way too far under the winch and are constantly in my way and getting smooshed into the trees.

Also, the two black knobs to the right of the emergency shutoff are pretty handy as well. They are air plunger type switches, you push the knob down and one of them will stop and restart the truck engine, the other is your fast idle control to raise or lower the engine speed.

[squisher]

Cool. That is strange having the roof marker lights on their own switch? Can't really figure why someone would bother? Thought maybe with a roof rack on for night driving they might find it distracting but if memory serves your new truck doesn't have a roof rack right?

[Jonseredbred]

Most large commercial trucks have a seperate circuit for the cab clearance lamps.

[squisher]

Never seen that before, for just the cab clearance lights. Any reason for it?

[Jonseredbred]

So if they short out they dont affect the headlights.

[squisher]

What about all of the other running lights on a truck? Most trucks I own/have owned have marker lights on the cab, never caused any problems with the headlights. I'm no electrical genius but I can't follow how they could affect the headlights?

[sotc]

big trucks usually have 2 circuits, if one fails your not running tottaly unmarked

[squisher]

That would make sense to me. But you're telling me that one circuit is the five roof markers and the other circuit would be all the rest of the running lights?

Heh I'm Canadian, difficult by nature.:D

[sotc]

no, by memory (which is bad) the 3 lights that usually run across the rear center of the trailer, and the cab lights are on one and the rest of the trailer markers are on another.

[sotc]

all of my clearence lights and cab lights ran through the head light switch on my bucket when i bought it. i took it to the truck shop and asked them to run a second circuit with second switch, fix a backfeed in the fourways and change the oil for me. they hit me for 500 bucks to change the oil and replace the "bad" headlight switch. :grr: i ended up just putting the box lights on a solinoid that was activated by the headlight switch. works fine now

[squisher]

Ouch, all of my stuff including my biggest truck(f-700) are on one switch for everything. I'm thinking I'm just gonna leave well enough alone.

[Skwerl]

What a blast from the past! I noticed somebody reading this thread and took a look. Hard to believe it's been over three years since I bought the new truck and I am still convinced that it was probably the single best financial decision I have ever made in my entire life. Some of you guys struggling with old, worn out gear might want to read through this again and see if you can relate to the frustration and anger dealing with constant breakdowns. I'm still making the big $1121 monthly payments on the new truck and will for two more years, but my production has doubled and I am much more financially secure than I ever was before.

[sotc]

Cool, i'll be looking for a chip truck in the next couple years, tired of working on this old one

[CurSedVoyce]

Both those threads of your trucks are fun reading Brian...

[Rborist1]

What a blast from the past! I noticed somebody reading this thread and took a look. Hard to believe it's been over three years since I bought the new truck and I am still convinced that it was probably the single best financial decision I have ever made in my entire life. Some of you guys struggling with old, worn out gear might want to read through this again and see if you can relate to the frustration and anger dealing with constant breakdowns. I'm still making the big $1121 monthly payments on the new truck and will for two more years, but my production has doubled and I am much more financially secure than I ever was before.

Sounds like you made a good choice Brian. I will be selling some of our old equipment due to some recent "upgrades". It's nice to have some new horses in the stable!

[cory]

I read the first page, and the last...could you tell me how you squared away the problem?

[Skwerl]

Cory, I took off the gas cap and then drove a new truck under it. :P

Actually I spent a few thousand dollars having lots of unnecessary work done before the mechanic finally found the problem. The fuel pickup in the tank was plugged, but they fixed it for free (after charging me $2600 for fuel injectors I didn't need).

[emr]

This is a timely thread for me. You might remember about a year and a half ago we cracked the head on our GMC Topkick. That was about 7 large to fix. Last weak we had some pretty severe engine problems which would have cost another 7 to 8k to fix. We decided on a putting a remaned engine in instead at a cost of 15k and 3 weeks of down time. In the last 3 years we have stuck so much money into that stinking engine that we could have bought a new truck. Once we get this thing paid off we will be buying a NEW truck. A used one is what we needed to get us started but we will never again buy used. Expensive lesson learned.

[cory]

Wow, Brian, amazing how it is usually simple things that are the problem! Glad the truck has been good to you since. Nothing better than equipment that runs well and makes you money.

[Skwerl]

Actually I sold that truck to Stumper. I bought my current truck due to the frustration of this ordeal. The new truck had a few issues as well but overall it has been an overwhelming improvement.

[CurSedVoyce]

I love both your trucks ... If ever I go bucket truck..... I want a material handler.... PERIOD.

[cory]

Way to go, Skwerl.

[NeTree]

What for Stephen? It's useless as all hell. :/:

[CurSedVoyce]

SO are some groundies :lol: