Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Rodger on October 10, 2020, 05:04:32 pm

Title: Cummins engine repair in Houston area
Post by: Rodger on October 10, 2020, 05:04:32 pm
Hi, I am looking for recommendations for a good Cummings engine repair shop for my 1996 U270.
Anywhere in the greater Houston area would work. 
Current need is to fix leaking exhaust manifold, but I am sure there will be future needs.
Any input will be greatly appreciated.
Also, any recommendations for a mobile mechanic would be great.
Thanks,
Rodger
Title: Re: Cummins engine repair in Houston area
Post by: Rudy on October 10, 2020, 05:51:54 pm
Roger, sent you a PM
Title: Re: Cummins engine repair in Houston area
Post by: John S on October 11, 2020, 10:28:37 am
I would spray the bolts a couple times before you bring it in. That is a know issue on those engines and your year. It may save the tech a bit of time and not have any brea off.
Title: Re: Cummins engine repair in Houston area
Post by: Rodger on October 11, 2020, 01:40:06 pm
Thanks, John,
Good idea, Will do. Maybe I should try to loosen them also.
Title: Re: Cummins engine repair in Houston area
Post by: master2301 on October 11, 2020, 02:30:43 pm
I wouldn't try to loosen them until you are in a position to take them out. Always a chance to break it and your not ready to repair.
Title: Re: Cummins engine repair in Houston area
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on October 11, 2020, 03:56:14 pm
Breaking a stud off really ad to the cost of repair. Try Brett's magic mix of acetone and ATF. Not just once but apply as often as you think about it. If you need a new manifold, research ahead of time for your best option. The exhaust manifold looks as if it were made in the 1800s.

Pierce
Title: Re: Cummins engine repair in Houston area
Post by: Chris m lang on October 11, 2020, 04:05:11 pm
Roger, I had 2 exhaust manifold bolts break on a SOB coach before Foretravel we were lucky that a shop near Custer SD, where we were, had some very good welders.  They set a nut on the surface of the head and welded it to the manifold bolt through the hole in the nut.  Then took a wrench and turned the bolt out of the hole.  Bolt was broken below surface of the head.  I can weld but that was a couple of pay grades above me!!
Chris
Title: Re: Cummins engine repair in Houston area
Post by: craneman on October 11, 2020, 05:15:24 pm
I had to get this broken 1 1/4" bolt out of a loader track frame.

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=38953.0;attach=91717

Title: Re: Cummins engine repair in Houston area
Post by: Rodger on October 11, 2020, 05:32:11 pm
Thanks for all the input...

Larry, Good advice.  I don't want to disable the coach so I can't drive it to a shop for repair.
          I'll just soak it down good.

Pierce, Thanks for the info, I will mix up a batch and apply often. 
          Will also try some Corrosion X as I have had good luck with it in the past.
          Thinking that an aftermarket manifold may be a good choice, but need to do some research.
          The old manifold does look sort of old school...

Chris,  Glad you got the broken bolts out OK.  I hope that have the same luck.
          Sounds like precision welding.  Access might be a problem in my case. 
          Thanks for sharing your experience.

Rodger
Title: Re: Cummins engine repair in Houston area
Post by: Rodger on October 11, 2020, 05:35:59 pm
Craneman,

That's a big bolt!
Couldn't get your link to work for some reason.
I'll try later...Thanks
Title: Re: Cummins engine repair in Houston area
Post by: kepeters on October 11, 2020, 06:19:58 pm
What is the mix percentage of Brett's Magic Mix?
Title: Re: Cummins engine repair in Houston area
Post by: craneman on October 11, 2020, 06:21:07 pm
50/50
Title: Re: Cummins engine repair in Houston area
Post by: wolfe10 on October 11, 2020, 06:22:51 pm
Yup, 50% acetone/50% ATF.