Memories for us old truckers

Something that has been said over & over and repeated on here---{If you can work on a
Briggs & Stratton--you can work on a Cummins.} Just probably the dumbest statement I've
ever heard. By some of the work I've seen performed on 855's through the years there must
be allot of Briggs & Stratton's that run like sh!t. Cat's 3406's are not forgiving but because it's
not a fixed time engine it has less moving parts-minus the Injection Pump, & water pump is
gear driven. Less gear train on the 855 because of the accessory drive-driving both compressor
and IP. The 855 is just as complicated what scares people about the 3406-A-B is the advance
& injector pump.

Early day RSH.
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Allot of chatter these days about aftermarket engine parts--[like]- {I read on a couple forums
there were some guys not happy with the McBee parts, or PAI is just junk IPD is the worst
stuff---I know of a guy that had the crank go out in 25,000 miles--said it was bad bearings}.
*Hearsay.
Unless there is actual proof with photos, documented miles, work performed----it's internet
rubbish. Just because someone changed head gaskets on a 350 chevy----doesn't make him
a mechanic. Most don't even understand what a clean work environment is--85% of engine
failure is because of contaminates combined with incorrect procedures, 5% bad machine
work, 6% lack of lube & 4% inferior parts & that includes oem. If the aftermarket were that
bad there would be class action lawsuits up the kazoo, but there isn't is there. Too many
people think they are a mechanic---if you don't own a shop, or punch a time clock working
as a mechanic with a verifiable reputation---you ain't a mechanic, your pseudo. If you think
otherwise remember that when you need a heart specialist--in your case a urologist will do,
he works with plumbing too so it will be ok.
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And now back to old trucks.

But but but, they slept over at a Holiday Inn Express!!

From two years ago, this one had a head on with a pickup at Wallula Junction, icy conditions
pickup lost control and took it head on with 490. At the time with insurance co. involved I
made my opinion clear--Total it. That was 2.5 years ago, my reason-damage to engine block
at front and rear mounts was a high probability even though I couldn't see a issue. Today I
towed it from Pasco to La Grande--the right rear area of the rear structure/block meet-------
a chunk is missing--you can see the ring gear, leaking oil & coolant. Now trying to come back
at insurance---is a laugh, never happen. Old employer--You were right, now we get to eat this
one. DD15--new complete $51,000. It just took awhile for the crack to travel.
*

Just what isn't needed, a quad cab cabover.
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Truck Shop said:

Something that has been said over & over and repeated on here---{If you can work on a
Briggs & Stratton--you can work on a Cummins.} Just probably the dumbest statement I've
ever heard. By some of the work I've seen performed on 855's through the years there must
be allot of Briggs & Stratton's that run like sh!t. Cat's 3406's are not forgiving but because it's
not a fixed time engine it has less moving parts-minus the Injection Pump, & water pump is
gear driven. Less gear train on the 855 because of the accessory drive-driving both compressor
and IP. The 855 is just as complicated what scares people about the 3406-A-B is the advance
& injector pump.

Click to expand...

This sounds like alot of guys telling me a pre emissions truck/machine is better then a newer one because anyone can work on it. Then I just say then why are you here asking me to repair it for you.

^suicide doors to boot!

skyking1 said:

^suicide doors to boot!

Click to expand...

Pete actually built those 4 door 362's, not many just a few.

Tyler d4c said:

This sounds like alot of guys telling me a pre emissions truck/machine is better then a newer one because anyone can work on it. Then I just say then why are you here asking me to repair it for you.

Click to expand...

Correct--Stand there and expound how it's mere child's play, while dialing the lawn mower shop

Truck Shop said:

Just what isn't needed, a quad cab cabover.
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Click to expand...

A dump body and a couple of drop axles and then I can bring the kids . . .

Acoals said:

A dump body and a couple of drop axles and then I can bring the kids . . .

Click to expand...

I've always said if it's labeled a truck and has four doors---it's diaper wagon.

Truck Shop said:

I've always said if it's labeled a truck and has four doors---it's diaper wagon.

Click to expand...

10-4 on the diaper wagon ~

View attachment KIMG0920.JPG

Pushes snow and hauls machines, parts, materials and, in the interest of not repeating my father's mistakes, kids.

The cab is a nuisance for visibility and maneuverability, but . . .

Acoals said:

The cab is a nuisance for visibility and maneuverability, but .

Click to expand...

By the time one has hauled their biscuits & gravy {lots of gravy} in and out of a cabover
X amount of times in one day, they start to question why they bought it or drive it.
There have been countless accidents from entering and exiting cabovers. L&I just loved
those piles years ago. Allot of knee, ankle and shoulder injuries.

1949 Sterling, only few built.
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My, my, my, I read about another dissatisfied business person, unhappy about a repair, followed
with the proverbial {If I do it then I know it's done right} --really, based on what? If that
was/is the case--then why oh why did they pay someone else to do it?

T-N-T Terry Nelson Trucking, been around awhile. Only run big guns. 20,000 lb steerable drops,
twin steering boxes on the Western Stars with air disc brakes-DD16's. The Pete's 16L Cats with
drum brakes, 20,000 lb steerable drops. T-N-T always runs nice equipment, I passed one of the
Stars on Nine Mile grade on Hyw 12 headed to La Grande yesterday, they are moving 100'
plus pre-stressed beams just east of here. I photo'd these today parked at a motel.
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The low mounted horns on the #15 Pete; that will wake somebody up . . .

Acoals said:

The low mounted horns on the #15 Pete; that will wake somebody up . . .

Click to expand...

Those were pretty dinged up from rocks/road debris. Funny how each manufacture spec's,
the Stars have 7/16 rail with a 5/16 inner rail, the Pete's are 3/8 with a 5/16 inner rail.

This Tate 450 was a factory f@ck-up.. left the assembly line with 7/16 rail and 5/16 inner.
It just needed a few more changes to make it a 200,000 lb mover. It was tough to load,
making axle weights the way it is. All of the trucks have 7/16 rail as standard.
*