Tuesday, October 21, 2014

I got the dually back and what a difference!! It's starting, running smoother, and has MUCH more power. I have not got the bill yet......but I think it will be worth it!


Saturday, October 11, 2014

Those hard lessons.......

The new dually I bought seems to run fine, that is, as long as its warm out. I started noticing it starting harder as it began to cool off outside. Now that we have seen some temps in the 30's F it would not start.

I expected it needed glow plugs and probably a relay as those 7.3 litre diesels were kinda known for having issues. So I scheduled an appointment with my mechanic to change them out. He picked it up Thur eve and stopped by to see me at work yesterday. When he comes to see me, it's never good.

At some point in the past the area behind the turbo on the back of the engine has been on fire and several wires and various parts are burned or missing. Apparently, a squirrel or something built a nest back there and it caught on fire. The previous owner had to know this because the truck had been fixed just enough so it was impossible to tell it happened without removing several covers off the engine.  It can be fixed correctly, but when it's all said and done, it will cost about 8 times as much as the original fix.

Luckily, I paid far below actual value so I've got some room, just not expecting the expense. The good news is that once fixed it should start even in the coldest weather, run like a top, and see improved fuel mileage.

So all in all, I'm glad to find it now while I'm still working steady rather than after I get on the road.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Fiddler on the roof.

Actually,  I don't play the fiddle, the only musical instrument I ever learned to play is the radio. But I have definitely been on the roof a lot.
Solar panels installed and making FREE power.
SWEET!

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

The "right" tool box.

The first pic is the box that came in the truck. Problem is it would pinch on tight turns, and I couldn't see the hitch when backing. The second pic is the box I found on my way home from work. $100 and I can see the hitch. Plus, holds quite a bit more tools!  SWEET.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Batteries and banks

Now I know why they call them "battery banks".  About the cost of Fort Knox.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Today's tasks

New 22 inch LED TV I got at the RV salvage yard.  I had to design the hinged mount.  
Also, new converter switch so I can disable the converter when I'm running on Solar power. 

Monday, September 8, 2014

Gotta have TV!

It required a new coax cable from end to end of the trailer, but now I have Dish Network in the rig.  :)

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Sunday's projects

New 12 volt outlet in bedroom and new junction box next to old battery location.

Saturday, September 6, 2014

My Saturday afternoon projects.

New courtesy light and switch at the door and new 12 volt outlet in the kitchen. All wired, tested and working.