Ouch: Truck Repairs

I just got Big Green back from the repair shop, where some needed repairs were made.

Let's see:

• Leak in the left front axle seal
• Replace left front wheel bearing hub
• Leaks in both rear axle seals
• Replace both rear wheel bearings
• Leak in the transmission pan gasket
• Leak in the oil cooler line
• Flush the cooling system
• Replace the thermostat
• Replace all the light bulbs behind the dashboard
• Replace all the fluids associated with the above
• Locate & fix a rattle in a heat shield, which required minor welding

The damage was a bit over $2,300.

Good thing we've had a moderate winter so far. Just about any one of those things, had it gone completely south, would have immobilized us.

Happier truck

Did I mention "ouch"?

Saturday: New Alternator & Other Stuff

I got the alternator belt on, reassembled the remaining pieces, & had the truck running in five minutes' time this morning. This, only driving to Sears, where I purchased the Serpentine Belt Tool which is specifically designed for the problem I encountered at mid-week, and should have had in the first place (d'oh!).

It's astounding how quickly a problem evaporates once you have the proper tool for the job, like most things in life. At any rate, my thanks go out to my older daughter for helping me with the project, and to Uppy, who provided moral support & much encouragement!

* * * * *

The two moose calves about which I wrote yesterday are being housed temporarily at the Alaska Zoo here in Anchorage ... while their fate is being decided. Apparently it's standard procedure to kill orphaned calves, to keep them from either starving to death or being eaten alive by bears. This time, however, it seems Governor Palin got involved and issued a 'stay of execution'.

* * * * *

It's 46 and cloudy this morning. AccuHunch Weather issued a guess that we'd have sun & 66 today. It could still happen, but right now it looks more like it could rain.

I've spent the last two days agitating because of the unfinished repairs on the truck, and now I'm going to go put my feet up & relax for the rest of the day. Tomorrow? Well, now ... that's another story.

Cool and Rainy in Anchorage

Just a little note, at the end of the workday.

It's been in the 40s all day, and has been raining lightly since early yesterday. There's fresh snow on the mountains, down to about 1800 feet. That's when the clouds lift long enough to see the mountains, three miles away.

Two days ago, it was sunny and 68. Today's temp is the norm, though.

On a bright note, my truck is all fixed & back in my possession (yay!). The battery had shorted out (no more Wal-Mart batteries for me), and the resulting low-voltage situation convinced the computer that the EGR pressure valve needed replacing.

Those things have been addressed, the "check engine" light is off, and all's right in my little corner of the world.

TEST: Come up with a concept that's less useful than "check engine" for vehicle maintenance. (Hint: this may not be possible.)