Overhead and Oil Change Questions?

[Papa Rick]

I just got back from getting the oil changed at the Freightliner Dealership in Chattanooga. They quoted me a price of $195.91, but forgot to mention that it only included 1 oil filter. (Mine has two)

Question number one is this: What all do they do when you get the Oil Change Service. The reason I am asking this is because when I asked the person who took my money, they replied, the usual, oil change and lube.

Heck if that is all there is to an oil change I could do this. Could someone tell me if there is more to the oil change and lube.

The second question is the mechanic who did the service told me there was nothing in the oil as far as metal etc...

He said that it wouldn't be a bad suggestion to get an overhead run on the truck, but he wouldn't get a dyno test on the Truck.

I asked him what that would cost, and he told me he had no idea of the cost.

So my second question is this, what happens when they do an overhead and would you recommend it?

I have a 350BC Cummings Engine, mileage unknown.

[GMAN]

When I get an oil change I not only change the oil filters, but also replace the 2 fuel filters. I replace the water filter about every 3rd change. I lube everything including the fifth wheel and trailer. When the trailer is serviced I always make sure the landing gear gets plenty of grease. An overhead is basically a tune up for a diesel engine. They check and adjust everything on top, such as the jake brake and replace anything which is well worn. I know some who have it done annually. I believe most manufacturers suggest having it done every 250M miles. You can check your owners manual. I believe CAT charges about $250 to run the overhead. I would think that Freightliner would be comparable.

[stranger]

An NTC 350 cummings should have the overhead ran about every 100K miles or so. They are easy to do. Get someone who has done this, as well as driven one to do the work. That way the mechanic should know the difference between an average and a great overhead setting.

A good mechanic can make a 350 walk the dog, a bad one will make it run like a sick dog.

The engine should be warm, and leave all valve settings a little on the loose side. Make sure the injector tension is on the money.

I have done quite a few with good results. The man who taught me could make a 290 leave a stock 350 looking at tail lights.

[Papa Rick]

The oil change and lube, I can handle, heck I thought there were many different things they do on this, but as for finding someone to do the overhead this is another story.

I have had this Truck looked at by 6 different mechanics, and only one seemed to know more than I did about it. (This would not take much to know more than I do about them)

They don't seem to mind charging you for not doing what you requested to get done.

I would love to get the overhead run on it as it doesn't seem to have the power it should for a 350, but I am afraid I would find someone who would make it worse off.

I am very disgusted with people telling you they can fix something, working on it, charging you, and when you try it out and bring it back to tell them that didn't fix the problem, they look like a deer caught in the headlight freeze.

[GMAN]

Since you live near Chattanooga, you may want to check with Southeastern Diesel. They have a pretty good reputation and should be able to handle the overhead with no problem. There is a Cummins dealer in Chattanooga. I don't know much about them. Most of the truck dealers are certified to work on most of the major engines. I have used the KW dealer in Chattanooga. They do fairly good work, but I always seem to pay more than the original estimate when I take something by to be repaired. There is another garage in town who is supposed to be pretty good. I don't know anything about them. I believe the name is Truck and Trailer. They are close to Southeastern. If it were me, I would probably go to Southeastern to have it done. They should charge a little less than one of the big truck dealers.

[Papa Rick]

I appreciate the information and advice. I had to get a wheel seal and bearings replaced today. I found a garage that is only 10 miles from my house to do the work, and was I really pleased.

I talked to a man who started out working on 350 BC Cummins in 92, and does the overhead on the two tow trucks that both have 350 BCC in them.

I spent 2 hours talking to him while he did work on my truck, and really learned a good bit.

GMAN, I appreciate the info on the Chattanooga Area, and will keep it in mind.

This is such a great web site to check out and get questions answered.

[Rev.Vassago]

An overhead is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to do on scheduled intervals. Without it, the pistons may eventually start getting too close to the heads, which will cause your camshaft to wear out prematurely. I worked for a guy who once refused to do it, and when the truck broke down once, they took the bottom end off, and the camshaft was worn really bad. The truck had about 600,000 miles on it without ever having an overhead done.

[Teal 95 KW]

Local KW dealership quoted me $350.00 to do my E-Model, and they said it'd take about 4 hours to do. Not much money or downtime at all for a BIG improvement in performance and fuel economy, IMO.

[allan5oh]

When the trailer is serviced I always make sure the landing gear gets plenty of grease.

YES YES YES!

I hate landing gears that are shot! Mostly other companies trailers.

Be sure to use a high quality LITHIUM based grease!

[Papa Rick]

Just got my Truck back from getting the overhead run on it, and boy does it make a big difference!

So far since buying this truck (1985 FLC, with 350 BCC) I have had:

1. Oil Changed & Serviced
2. New Brakes
3. New Steer and Drive Tires
4. 2 Wheel Seals and 2 Wheel Bearings replaced.
5. Overhead run, with no problems found.

I was really concerned about this as I do not know how many miles this engine has on it, and was afraid that I would get a bad report. You know like the oil is gunk-ed up in the valve covers, metal shavings etc.... , so was I really surprised when I picked it up the mechanic told me your engine is clean enough to eat off of.

I asked him what he was talking about, he replied that he thought it would be a mess, but was shocked it was so clean on the inside. The other mechanics said he got them to look at it because they wouldn't believe him! That was great!

My question is this:

I am still new to this O/O, drove 8 years as a company driver, and would like advice and pointers on other items that I may need to get checked or check myself.

I really appreciate the information and advice that all of you have given me, it has really made a difference.

GMAN and REV, I understand now what you meant about finding a mechanic who knows and is willing to talk to you about your truck is a diamond in the rough. Thank You.

[9200IH]

Hi Papa Rick I started out similar to you, getting my used truck in order. Once everything was going good I realized that tires were a pain in the butt because you are always at the mercy of the tire shop for repairs, price, labor, wheel damage etc.

I bought the bars needed, repair parts ( valve stems, patches, plugs, lube etc.) built a cheater tank. And learned how to do my own tire work. It is not fun but it has got me out of some binds and I am 50 miles from the nearest truck tire shop so it has saved me time and money too.

And to keep my steers in good shape I rotate the steers on there rim and switch sides about every 20,000. This has really help the life of my steer tires

I like to use Lucas 5th Wheel Plate Lube, it lasts longer than regular grease and it makes less of a mess.

When you start doing your own oil changes and grease don't forget the two grease zerks on the clutch cross shaft. They are hard to see and get to but the need a couple pumps each.

Air dryer element and heater unit at least every other year is important too. This is something you can do. There is a core on each so take them with you to the parts store when you change them.

Hope this helps

Mike

[special k]

Thats funny vassago I always thought an overhead was a valve lash adjustment. Next time I get mine done I'll see if they can adjust the pistons so they don't get too close to the head and wear out my camshaft DOHH!

[LOAD IT]

Thats funny vassago I always thought an overhead was a valve lash adjustment. Next time I get mine done I'll see if they can adjust the pistons so they don't get too close to the head and wear out my camshaft DOHH!

Glad you responded

[GMAN]

I worked for a guy who once refused to do it, and when the truck broke down once, they took the bottom end off, and the camshaft was worn really bad. The truck had about 600,000 miles on it without ever having an overhead done.

You must have had one of those new fangled foreign engines with the camshaft on the bottom of the engine. Mine have always been on the top. :wink:

[Papa Rick]

Thanks, I will remember the Lucas 5th Wheel Lube, I have saw it in the stores but did not know if it was worth the money.

The Oil Stabilizer is not cheap, but well worth the money for an older engine.

As far as the two grease fittings to look for, I am trying to find a place where I can get a diagram or picture of where all of the grease fittings are on my Truck.

Any suggestions?

[Rev.Vassago]

I worked for a guy who once refused to do it, and when the truck broke down once, they took the bottom end off, and the camshaft was worn really bad. The truck had about 600,000 miles on it without ever having an overhead done.

You must have had one of those new fangled foreign engines with the camshaft on the bottom of the engine. Mine have always been on the top. :wink:

The camshaft is on the bottom when you roll the truck over. :wink:


I meant the crankshaft.

[Teal 95 KW]

Good save!

[person]

As far as the two grease fittings to look for, I am trying to find a place where I can get a diagram or picture of where all of the grease fittings are on my Truck.

Any suggestions?

https://secure.freightliner.com/newb...=Freightliner#
Then click on maintenance manuals.

[GMAN]

I worked for a guy who once refused to do it, and when the truck broke down once, they took the bottom end off, and the camshaft was worn really bad. The truck had about 600,000 miles on it without ever having an overhead done.

You must have had one of those new fangled foreign engines with the camshaft on the bottom of the engine. Mine have always been on the top. :wink:

The camshaft is on the bottom when you roll the truck over. :wink:


I meant the crankshaft.

I am still confused as to how the pistons and head can move closer together. There isn't an adjustment on pistons or the head to allow for changing the distance between them, as far as I know. An overhead involves checking and adjusting the jake, valves, etc., which are on top of the engine and have nothing to do with additional wear of the camshaft, unless you know something that I don't about how the engine functions. :? Most likely the problem with the crankshaft is due to poor maintenance or failing to do the lower end which involves replacing the bearings located on the lower side of the engine.

[Rev.Vassago]

I am still confused as to how the pistons and head can move closer together. There isn't an adjustment on pistons or the head to allow for changing the distance between them, as far as I know. An overhead involves checking and adjusting the jake, valves, etc., which are on top of the engine and have nothing to do with additional wear of the camshaft, unless you know something that I don't about how the engine functions. :? Most likely the problem with the crankshaft is due to poor maintenance or failing to do the lower end which involves replacing the bearings located on the lower side of the engine.

What I was told is that failing to perform the overhead caused the piston clearance to become too tight, causing something called "piston slap". This caused the bottom end to prematurely wear. Whether or not that is the case is beyond me - that is just what the KW dealership that was putting the thing together called it.