Expecting the unexpected

[wed]

Good luck I’m sure it will work out

[GregN]

When I got my truck, I was wiring it up for the RV camera system. I was having issues finding a entrance into the cab. I talked to the service manager at the dealer. He told me where I could get the wiring into the cab. He also told me, that if there was ever a major engine problem, they lift the whole cab off the truck frame. So, I made up a harness for the cameras with quick connects, just in case.

[mlh]

Originally Posted by VagabondLove

WOW that is an eye-opener. I wonder if that is the new way to fix the innards of a truck? Genius, IMHO.

Yes that is the way they fix diesel trucks. I think they can fix almost anything without removing the cab but it’s easier and quicker to remove the cab.
Lynwood

[jimcol]

Originally Posted by mlh

Yes that is the way they fix diesel trucks. I think they can fix almost anything without removing the cab but it’s easier and quicker to remove the cab.
Lynwood

Lynwood, Someone told me it is 8 hours of shop time to remove and reinstall the cab. Do you know if that is true? With shop rates in my area you are $1600 in before you get to work on the problem.

[Carl n Susan]

I was told the flat rate manual for cab repair is 2 hours. And my diesel mechanic said a competent person can do it in 30 minutes. It makes engine repairs much easier as there isn't much room under the hood to get your arm in there.

I do remember when the Bow Tie Bunch made fun of Ford removing the cab to service the engine. They also laughed at the step tailgate. Both have since been adopted by them.

[mlh]

Thanks Carl. I didn’t know how long it took. Ford started removing the cab back in 2008, I think. I’ve been thinking about buying a new F150 and can’t find the tailgate step. It’s a lifesaver for old legs. People ask why I trade trucks so often. I tell them “them Ford trucks don’t last very long”. The Chevy boys believe it.
Lynwood

[BB_TX]

Remember the “old days” when you could sit on a fender and put your feet down inside the engine compartment to work in it? Yeah, you have to have been around a while to remember that.

[jsb5717]

Well, I think we’re past the worst of it. Still some lingering issues.

Got our TV back last Thursday with the “all clear” from the shop. Took off that day. Stopped for fuel after a couple hours and noticed we were leaking fuel. Was running OK but decided to press on to get to our next site (still 3 hours a way with some mountain climbing in the mix). Truck eventually threw a check engine code. It was Fuel Rail Pressure. Messed around for about 45 minutes with that and was able to get a very small turn on a couple of fittings on top of the fuel rail. Seems to have stopped the leaking. But still getting the code. Tried to change the fuel filter but can’t get the cover off…sigh.

Anyway, as we were pulling into our next site we starting hearing a popping sound. We thought it was an exhaust leak. Next morning I was able to connect with a mobile tech who worked on diesels who was there in a hour. Not an exhaust leak. It was a broken push rod. Sigh…again. I called the shop who did the head gasket work. The owner decided to make the 5 1/2 hour drive down to us to fix it himself. He did and seems to have solved the problem. However, still throwing the Fuel code. Plus, now throwing a low tranny fluid code.

I had the tranny serviced a year ago and haven’t seen any signs of leaking but it was low. I’ve been managing that issue by topping it off at every stop. Fortunately it’s a slow leak so causing no damage. But still…when it rains it pours.

But we made it safely to AZ and enjoying warmer weather and plan to continue our trip back toward home in the next couple weeks. Either time for more truck time in the shop or a new truck. We’ll see…

[Lee-CI]

Jeff sorry to hear about your TV issues. Hopefully shop techs get you fixed up toot sweet.
Following

[Foldbak]

Sorry to hear...glad you made it though.