shortstack

Just getting around to getting some pics on here. I took more than one picture but the computer took so long to download I just put one on. Have to figure that out later. Anyway you can see the broken stud in the bottom of the pic, the two nuts that didn't stick the first time are on the left and the ones that worked are on the right. Hope everyone had a happy Father's Day! Trey

Yeah Mike I'll take some pics. Just have to wait for my wife to get home as I am pretty computer illiterate.

Yeah I was stressing over the idea of pulling the heads! I thought that's my luck, just simple exhaust gaskets and end up with the heads off!

Well, got the studs out yesterday! Finally figured there wasn't anything to lose by trying to weld a nut to it. First try they didn't stick so I turned up the heat and tried again and both came right out. My wire welder isn't set up for stainless and wasn't sure it would stick but if anyone else has this problem down the road, this worked out for me.

Dennis, a couple years back I was hauling cotton modules for a local gin and we had a big snow and couldn't get the modules out of the fields. The gin bought a set of tires for one of the module trucks that is probably like what you're talking about but I don't remember the size. They looked similar to what you see on tractor pullers. We took off the 11R22.5 wheels and tires and put these singles on. The truck we put them on was a Western Star with an Allison automatic. It worked great. It sure tore up the fields but it got the job done. The ruts were so deep it was dragging the axles but never got stuck. I do believe the reason it worked so good was the transmission. I don't know that it would've worked with a manual transmission though. Maybe this helps some, Trey.

Thanks Rhasler, I'll give them a call tomorrow and see what they recommend. I appreciate all the help!

The belts would be my first suggestion too. Check for a rough bearing. Fan, alternator? Good luck.

Thanks Steve. I started out doing what you suggested and got about 1/2" into the first one before the progress stopped. I was going slow and quite a bit of pressure and plenty of oil but evidently not good enough. I probably should've got some cutting oil as I was just using motor oil. I googled drilling through stainless steel and found out if you get just a little too much heat the stainless hardens and you get nowhere which I guess is my problem. Just not sure where to turn now. Maybe try drilling some more but I thought about welding a nut to it but my problem is I only have a wire welder set up to weld steel and wasn't sure if I could get it to stick to the stainless. I was wondering if someone else has tried this or if I'm going to have to get set up for the stainless.

Hey all, I developed an exhaust leak yesterday so I got to come home early and start working on the truck, not what I wanted to do. Anyway got it apart, manifold off to find 2 broken studs in the heads. They are broke just below the surface and I have fought them nearly all day trying to drill through stainless steel with no luck. I am tempted to try welding a nut with my wire welder but wasn't sure if it would stick to the stainless. I've read on here that this is a problem with the aset engines and I was wondering if anyone had any miracles or am I s#*t out of luck! There is tons of expertise on this site so maybe someone can give me some advice. Thanks, Trey.

So sorry to hear that. I lost my dad 2 years ago at the age of 55 unexpectedly. Not a day goes by I don't think about him and still can't believe he's gone. That was without a doubt the hardest time of my life but like everyone says it gets easier with time. Again, so sorry for your loss.

I had the same problem with my truck. The A/C worked but not the greatest. I had to do some work to the blend doors-they wouldn't change from floor to vent and defrost so while it was apart I cleaned the evaporator real good. I had tried to clean it in the dash and it is about impossible to do (in a CH). After that it will blow 40 degree air out and this will be the second summer, still works great as long as I can keep it from getting stopped up again.

Yeah, I'm jealous...would love to find one like that.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I went with the Holland. Got it last week and have used it about a week now. So far I'm really pleased with it.

I've driven a few in straight trucks grossing around 60,000lbs. In soft ground and mud they are great--don't have to worry about missing a gear, they just go on. I really liked them in that work. Don't know how they would hold up with a lot more weight but taken care of they would probably do fine.

You're a lot braver than me! Didn't bother my Dad. He'd just pile on more clothes but it's gotta be pretty warm for me.

Awesome! Wonder what the freight cost on that load?

I love warm weather! Just fired the old Harley after sitting all winter and went for a cruise. Sure feels good to ride on 2 wheels after riding on 18 all week.

One thing I don't like about the Fontaine is it has slack side to side. I put a kit in it trying to fix this and it was the same way after. There's no slack front to back but the Holland does look like it would have less slack when adjusted right.

Thanks Steve. I do like the lock on the Fontaine. I've rebuilt mine before and it is easy. Mine is stamped steel and I don't like that as much but didn't know new ones were cast. Thanks for the info.

I am in the market for a new fifth wheel for my CH. I am looking at a Holland air slide with no-tilt and was curious what some of your opinions were as far as the best kind of fifth wheel. I have a frameless end-dump trailer and usually haul between 25 and 30 tons. I currently have a Fontaine but most people I've talked to around here recommend the Holland but I wanted to know what you guys think. Thanks! Trey

Go get 'em Spot!!!

Could be wrong here but I'm pretty sure you would have to change the hubs too. Trey

Wish I had the 1.Money 2.Time....and....oh yeah, 3.Talent to do that to a E9 Mack.

Happy Thanksgiving all! I plan to gorge myself and wait for the trepto--whatever you call it to kick in.

I'm jealous of you guys out east. There aren't many nice old macks where I'm at. Most were not taken care of and there aren't many superliners and no MH. Hopefully someday I'll have a superliner to go with my CH.