Interstate 80 Diesel shops

[DonTX]

I am having some problems with my thermostat, and just spent the last several hours trying to find someone that could get to changing one. Seems all the Dodge and Cummins dealers are all booked up for at least a week, and cannot take the time to change a thermostat. Does anybody know of a shop on I80 in Wy that would do the job?

I really get the idea that they just don't want to do the job, booked up for "at leas three weeks" is the canned answer.

I think it is sticking. First off in the cool morning it climbs to almost full scale, then back rapidly to bottom of the scale (comes unstuck), then back up to three quarters scale like a pendulum, finally settling on 180 after several swings of diminishing scale, about 5-10 miles. I am fearing that it will not "unstick" one of these times.

 

[tolmsted]

Not hard to change, I hope.

Hello Don, I see you have a first generation Dodge, I have a second generation, that said, I have changed my thermostat and it's not hard to do. Easy for me to say. :-laf If you have just a few tools, Socket set for the cap bolts, pliers for the drain on the radiator, bucket to catch the fluid, new thermostat, you could do this in a parking lot in less than an hour. Do you have the TDR Travel Champion? Maybe a member is near you that could help you. Don't think you want to wait for me to drive that distance. Good luck. Tom

 

[DonTX]

I feel capable to do it I think, mine is a second gen, and they bolted the darned alternator on the thermostat housing!

I just hate to wind up with it apart and my tool box not having what I need is all.

 

[tolmsted]

Mine is an 2001. 5 and I just went out to look at it and I see three (3) cap bolts on top of the thermostat cap, with the alternator bolted to the right side of the housing and the lift hook plate between the two. Is yours different? Just where are you tonight on I-80? Which way are you heading in the Morning?
Just had another thought. . How about trying a radiator repair shop? I'm sure they could help you out quickly.

 

[DonTX]

I am in Evanston WY, will head on east in the morning.

 

[TAbbott]

Just east of you, at the top of the 3rd Sister is a T/A truckstop. Ft. Bridger, WY on the north side of the freeway. Exit 31 I think it is, but I could be off a couple on that, one way or the other.



Anyway, they have a shop there and a mechanic on duty. They may be able to help you if you have the parts.

 

[SWiller]

The 12 valves are different you have to remove the alt bracket i believe? I still don't think it is that involved, but i would recommend a cummins t-stat if possible. hope this helps.

 

[WyoJim]

I changed mine myself..... took only a few minutes after I went to town and bought a 6 point socket that fit.



We have two generation II's and they both stuck and had to be changed... . one 300 miles from home... ain't that always the way. Good luck Don... You can do it.

 

[GAmes]

It can be done without removing the serp belt. Remove the long top bolt that goes thru the therm housing. Loosen the bottom bolt just enough for the alt to pivot. Not a tough job.



on edit; Just remembered there is a Cummins place in Rock Springs. They should have the right thermostat. Have you engine serial # with you when you go in.

 

[DonTX]

Made it to Cheyenne today, cool temps and shallow climbs, no problems. Does the initial pendulum trick and then settles down. Stopped at several places, none had a thermostat! I only want a Cummins one.

I am finding the Dodge dealers don't want to work on them, and the Cummins don't like them cause they are not a class 8 truck.

 

[GAmes]

Stopped at several places, none had a thermostat! I only want a Cummins one.

I'm surprised that Cummins in Rock Springs didn't have one. Are you going south next?

Cummins Rocky Mountain, LLC



north



Cummins Rocky Mountain, LLC



or east?



Cummins Central Power, LLC



If east, and you don't want to go all the way to Kearney I have been told that the Dodge dealer in North Platte is very good and will work with travelers. I have never been there, but a transporter who had broken down there gave me the info.



Good luck

 

[DonTX]

Heading east this morning, will sure try the N Platte Dodge dealer. Thanks for the tips. I have to stop in Topeka, got lots of resources there to gitter dun.