Cost of coolant and radiator flush--Help!

Eric Hennen · 06-23-2011, 01:44 PM

I recently took my 2005 Itasca, 350 CAT, to the Freightliner dealer for a thermostat replacement, coolant flush, and radiator flush. The shop said they couldn't give me an estimate, so I signed to allow the work. The bill is $900. Is that about right, or did I get gouged bad? Thanks for your help!

slick60 · 06-23-2011, 04:30 PM

Did they ask you to bend over?

deandec · 06-23-2011, 04:59 PM

Call another repair shop and get an estimate to get an idea for your market.

Seems strange they could not give you an estimate, even if it was a range.

However, I would think the parts and supplies were no more than $250. That leaves 6 hours for labor at $110 per hour.

I did the same job on my Cummins in about 4 hours, the first and only time I ever did the thermostat and coolant thing.

My previous life was as a desk jockey. I have little mechanical experience and own no race cars.

Bigbluedog55 · 06-23-2011, 09:52 PM

I don't know if it's that bad.
I had my Affinity drained, flushed and filled, with 2 thermostats replaced, and it came out at about $800.
Took about 20 gallons of CAT ELC, flushed system with cleaner, then twice with clean water, then filled it up.
Takes a while to get it done correctly. Had it done down at the local CAT dealer

doc · 06-24-2011, 09:30 AM

It is a bit time consuming. They have to make sure all the air is out of the system. That does sound a bit steep.

Triker56 · 06-24-2011, 09:57 AM

Anyone know what the Gaffney Freightliner Factory shop charges for that?
And will they change a thermostat there?

OneRVer · 06-29-2011, 06:10 PM

I am looking at my statement for work performed April 26, 2011.

Repace Thermostate and Gasket, $17.85, labor $95.00
Flushed and filled with CAT Extended Antifreeze, $165.72, labor $270.00
Total = $548.57

Wester States CAT did the work.

Bug512 · 06-30-2011, 05:26 AM

I can't comprehend why they could not give you a estimate. This type of work is done on a flat rate service, not "however long it takes us".

Is the bill detailed on how the $900 charge is broken down?

Like above posters have said, call other shops in the area. Heck, call the shop you went to.