Big price found for engine repair

Grand Coulee had a bit of sticker shock when officials learned that it would cost about $20,000 to make repairs on its brush fire truck.

Fire chief Rick Paris told the council last Tuesday night that the fire truck had blown a head-gasket and when mechanics looked it over, they discovered that there was a factory error on the diesel engine that would have to be fixed -- with a hefty price attached to it.

Paris explained to the council that one of the head bolt holes had been drilled crooked and it had caused major damage to the engine.

It was further explained to the council that fire officials had been in touch with the Cummins diesel company about the problem and the city would likely get some relief on the cost of correcting the problem.

Paris stated that the city could pay for the repair from the department reserve fund so the truck could be back in operation and when the city was reimbursed for the repair, the funds could go back into the reserve fund.

The truck, a 2006 Ford with a Cummins diesel engine, has 13,900 miles on it and was purchased for $265,000. Paris said the value of the truck now is about $150,000.

The council approved repairing the truck.