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Denver area Cummins repair shops recommendations?

July 24, 2015, 12:00:24 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 101947

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We've determined we have a, currently small, exhaust manifold gasket leak at #3. No luck trying to snug up the exhaust bolts. No loss of power, and turbo boost levels remain good.

I check to shops in the Grand Junction, CO area. One could not get us in until late next week. The other may have had good mechanics, but I was not comfortable with the Service Writer. So, I've decided to move on into the Denver area next week, and find a shop to do the repairs.

Pretty sure I'm going to decide to call the shop in advance with our Engine SN, and have them order a replacement exhaust manifold to be sure one is available. Chance that the existing exhaust manifold is not warped, and I detect no signs of cracks. Pretty sure we heard it blow while claiming a grade on 395 going towards Reno/Sparks area. I looked everything over well as I could then, looking mostly for loose belts, bad tensioner, clamps, turbo hose cracked, etc. And, I did check the exhaust manifold for cracks and signs of dark gray marking from a leaking manifold. But, it had probably been less then 70-90 miles from where we first heard a noise, and where we stopped in Sparks. So, not enough time to build up residue to see. We found it two days ago, and for sure it's #3 gasket leaking.

Would appreciate recommendations for shops in the Denver area/region that anyone has had good experience with.

TIA,

Smitty

04 Allure 31017 ISL370

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Re: Denver area Cummins repair shops recommendations?

Reply #1 – July 25, 2015, 12:13:57 am

Yahoo Message Number: 101972

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After some other networking and a few phone calls, we'll be remaining in Grand Junction and working with Rocky Mountain Cummins early next week.

Service Manger confirmed they had all but one part, and the missing part was averrable in their Denver site and he was having that sent to them. We'll remove the existing manifold, check to see if it's in tolerance. If not too far out, we'll have it machined and retain it. If it has any cracks, or is badly warped, we'll have a new one put on. And, we'll also use all new bolts with the work.

Fingers crossed this does not snowball:)!

Be good, have fun, be safe,

Smitty

31017 04 Allure

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Re: Denver area Cummins repair shops recommendations?

Reply #2 – July 25, 2015, 12:15:48 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 101977

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Smitty, your Exhaust Manifold is a Two Piece design, mine was cracked and was told by the experts to not try to say money by only purchasing the piece that was cracked. My replacement including new gaskets, bolts and labor was $500.

Also wanted you to know that that Cummins in Denver is a Coach Net facility and their Tech's are great to work with if you have to go there.

Thanks, Mike 03 allure 1st Ave. #30898 ISL 370 chipped to 400

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Re: Denver area Cummins repair shops recommendations?

Reply #3 – July 25, 2015, 08:29:30 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 101980

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Thanks Mike - And yes, if either piece of the manifold is not reusable, we'll replace both.

The luck of the draw when going into any shop, as they usually have a mix of seasoned highly experienced mechanics - along with those that while trained, are learning the school of hard knocks. It's always a crap shoot on who will be assigned to your job:)! And IMO, a properly trained rookie, along with good supervision - can still yield a good job. The key of those learning the 'hand's on' experience, is proper supervision - and networking within the shop.

I'm always expecting this good synergy within a shop, and if I see it's missing - I'll ask questions until I feel I'm hearing the right thing...

And as I expect that if the the existing manifold is OK, this should be a 4-5 hour job, so I'll be remaining at the shop to see how this flows:)!. Plus, if the exhaust manifold is good, but a bit out of tolerance, I'll offer to be the gopher to go to a machine shop and have it machined into tolerance - it's a seasoned casting after almost 11 years now:).

Expecting, and hoping, for a smooth and one day shop visit. And sure, a check to go with it...

Best to you, and all,

Smitty

04 Allure 31017

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