btd35
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Re: Questions about Diesel Maintenance
ib516 wrote: Depends on the diesel. I would argue that a Cummins diesel 2006 or older isn't any more expensive to maintain than a gas powered truck of the same era. Oil cost is double, but it goes 2x as far between changes. Oil filters are $20 and fuel filters are about the same ($15 - $20). They both need brakes and tires, belts etc, and the gasser need spark plugs and PCV valve that the diesel (2006 or older Cummins) doesn't. I will agree that if a diesel breaks down (engine related), it can be very much more to repair than a comparable gas engine truck, and that the newest crop of diesels might be more expensive to maintain than the older ones, so they might be more than a new gasser -- but I'm not as familiar with them as I've never owned one. I wouldn't let maintenance costs influence your buying as I think they are pretty close. Resale, initial cost, what you plan to use the truck for, and in what conditions would be better metrics to decide which one to buy IMO. Completely agree. It also depends a lot on who's doing the maintenance. My Diesel costs the same to change the oil except for a little more oil, but the oil costs less. Changing the fuel filter every other oil change is recommended, but they are not expensive. With the right fittings changing it isn't messy, but does require priming the system. The actual oil changing is way easier than my cars. The MPG for the diesel is way higher than the gasser pulling or not. It's not struggling to do it either, and wearing the engine out. The MPG doesn't cover the difference in price of the fuel though.397Views0likes0CommentsRe: Frozen Axle Bearing
Ron3rd wrote: smkettner wrote: No picture but it is probably fine. I have removed plenty with an air chisel and just slapped on a new bearing. Smooth it off a bit with a hand file if needed. X2, and a bigger issue is where the inner seal rides. If the new bearing will go on OK and the seal is sitting on a smooth (undamaged) surface, you're probably OK. I agree with both. I the bigger question is how the seal rides. I imagine the spindle is find for the bearing. Have had a boat trailer bearing have the same problem.489Views0likes0CommentsRe: Are we alone?
We live in Spokane now 8 years after moving from Seattle. Seattle is different than most other northern cities. Not so cold and easy to spend the year home. Also easy to keep RV'ing all year around. We aren't retired yet, but it if we did still live there, we probably wouldn't base our traveling on the weather or time of the year in Seattle. Seattle became too crowded, and as I'm a home appliance service technician, I asked for a transfer to Spokane where I'm not sitting in traffic all day. We love it here, but I do miss Puget Sound, boating, scuba diving, the San Juans, etc. Nice lake Cour D'alene though!!152Views0likes0CommentsRe: Replace front air bags
On my motor home when I had it. Same chassis you have, I got rid of the airbags and had the springs changed. There wasn't any difference in the way it rode at all. I never changed them again. I would highly recommend it. Had a frame alignment shop do it. $200339Views0likes0Comments
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